With summer nearly upon us
Black Tomato, the travel experience gurus, have finally unveiled their essential summer destinations. The list includes a plethora of hotspots that span 5 continents and include a few rather surprising places. Samoa, The Philippines and the Cook Islands may not be the first places that spring to mind when you think of summer, but the promise of perfect seascapes and seldom-explored interiors should be enough to drive anyone there for an insight into the worlds lesser known cultures.
If venturing into virgin jungles and coming up close and personal with Maoris is not your cup of tea then fear not. Another sizzling recommendation this summer is Central America and in particular Mexico and Panama. In Mexico, Black Tomato suggest you tip toe away from the well-trodden coast in favour of colonial Oaxaca and the UNESCO protected Queretaro. For some essential beach time in Mexico the quieter beaches of southern Baja California or the Panamanian Bocas Del Toro islands are a must.
Talking of beaches, Indonesia has to be one of the most diverse countries on the planet offering a rare combination of turquoise seas, smoking volcanoes and an eclectic array of cuisines. Summer time is a perfect time to visit to catch all the festivities of Independence Day on 17th August.
Finally, a first for Black Tomato is a foray into unexplored Ethiopia, a land of stark contrasts with mountain highlands to the north and sections of the mighty Rift Valley and stunning lakes to the south. The chance to interact with untouched tribes is a great excuse for some time away this summer.
If youre in need of a holiday fix this summer a little closer to the UK, Black Tomato have turned their attention to the little known ancient town of Basilicata on Italys southern (and impossibly aqua) Tyrrhenian coast. Take their advice and you are sure to avoid the madding summer crowd.
Click here for the full list of summer destinations
