Summer holidays mean waking up to the sound of crashing waves. They mean losing track of time, afternoon naps in palm-tree-strung hammocks, coconut drinks and unreal sunsets. Start planning your next getaway to these dream travel destinations. Get great deals on flights and accommodation when you book in advance with Travelstart.

1.   Magical Mauritius

Nowhere else can beat Mauritius in terms of value, proximity (just a  4-hour flight from Joburg) and family-friendliness. Choose from boutique romantic hideaways and great value, family-friendly resorts which will keep the kids outdoors having fun from dawn till bedtime. Mauritius is an all-year-round destination, so any time is a great time to visit. Go snorkelling at the protected coral reef in beautiful Pointe aux Piments, while more experienced divers can dive with turtles and reef tip sharks along the east and west coasts. Most resorts are family friendly so there’ll always be something for the little ones to do.

Find amazing flights to Mauritius!

Also read:

2.   Leaping lemurs in Madagascar

Madagascar is heating up on the travel radar of those in the know. This remote island has an astounding number of rare animals and plants, unique beach-side escapes and an entirely new culture to get to know. Relatively inexpensive, tropical climes and a short flight from South Africa make this an extremely attractive dream travel destination!

Book flights to Madagascar and uncover a whole new world!

Read Travelstart’s Mark Visser’s account of his backpacking adventures in Madagascar:

“Don’t go with a plan. Take your time and you’ll find places and sights that you never expected.”

3.   Intriguing Réunion

Fancy a trip to France for half the price? Réunion Island is a great choice. This exotic department of France has it all from pastries to an active volcano, once-in-a-lifetime helicopter trips, stand-up paddle boarding and pristine beaches. Hike, bike, sun-soak and eat your weight in delicious local cuisine.

Find fabulous flights to St Denis, Réunion!

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4.   Blissful Bali

Bali is a top choice as a dream travel destination for solo travellers, couples and families because the Rand goes a long way here- think amazing accommodation for as little as R300 a day each if you are renting a Bali bungalow on the beach. Temple-hopping, rice terraces, surfing, snorkelling, stunning beaches, eclectic nightlife, and day-trips to idyllic islands – this is an active adventure holiday that accommodates professional sun-loungers just as effortlessly.

You won’t even need a visa if you’re staying for less than 30 days.

Top tip: Break up your flight with a layover. Stop-over in Hong Kong and get 2 destinations for the price of 1!

Find irresistible holiday packages and flights to Bali!

5.   Tempting Thailand

Thailand is always a winner when it comes to value for money, friendly and welcoming hosts, and idyllic beaches you would swear were lifted straight from apostcard. If you have already explored the turquoise beauty of islands like Phuket, Koh Tao, and Koh Phi Phi why not get your culture on in the tranquil northern city of Chang Mai? Architecture-addicts and street-food gourmands will love the fast-paced life in Bangkok, also known as Krungthep – “City of Angels”.

See the best time to visit Thailand to explore its beautiful islands.

You’ll find it difficult to beat our cheap flights to Thailand!

6. Surreal Sri Lanka

One of the recently popular dream travel destinations, Sri Lanka offers wildlife, beautiful beaches, warm waters, temples, cultural cool and the best food you’ll find anywhere. Sri Lanka is still cheap and December to February are the best months to visit when peak beach conditions return post-monsoon season with 30 °C dry and sunny days that aren’t too hot.

Discover amazing flights to Sri Lanka!

Also read: A backpacker’s guide to Sri Lanka

7.   Seafood Fiesta in Mozambique

Our tropical neighbour has the best untouched, palm-lined beaches around, especially if you head north to the more remote islands and UNESCO Heritage sites. Maputo is a vibey cornucopia of excellent seafood restaurants, pastei de nata cafés, jazz clubs and museums, while Inhambane and Pemba are home to some of the best snorkelling and diving off the African coast

Find great deals on flights to Mozambique!

8.   Visa-free Argentina

Matured steak, dancing the tango in the streets of  Buenos Aires, and incredible natural landscapes, Argentina combines cultured cities with wilderness adventures to deserts, mountains and the incredible Iguazu falls- the largest waterfall system in the world. Another perk is that South Africans can visit visa-free for up to 90 days!

Dance your way to fantastic flights to Argentina!

9. Island Paradise in Cape Verde

For a laidback island holiday where your days are filled with golden beach sand, surfing, diving with turtles, and afro-Portuguese rhythms, look no further than the Cape Verde islands. The best time to take advantage of the incredible hiking up Pico de Fogo and scuba diving is between June and December, and nature lovers can see baby turtles hatching between August and December. This Portuguese island is famous for its Vinho Do Fogo and rich, spicy flavours, so you’ll never be high and dry.

If kicking back along the beaches off Africa’s west coast sounds dreamy enough, book your flights to Cape Verde today!

Also read: Cape Verde Islands – the great African experience

10. Colourful Peru

Peru’s low season is between December and March, so you’re bound to find cheap flights and accommodation. Peru’s best features are, of course, the Machu Picchu trail, Sacred Valley, the historical buildings in Lima and Cusco, and the Ausangate rainbow mountain range.

Young travellers will love Peru’s dazzling nightlife. Foodies will appreciate all its exotic flavours, including fresh ceviche, lomo saltado and the famous pisco sours.

Your cheap flights to Peru are waiting!

Are you inspired by these dream travel destinations? Look out for our #DreamWeekSale in March and make your travel dreams come true!

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