May is upon us, summer is just around the corner, and if you are thinking about booking a last-minute holiday, you’ll be pleased to know that the ‘shoulder months’ of June and September are the cheapest months of the year to book a long-haul break.

June is the perfect time of the year to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but you need to pick your holiday destination carefully if you are to avoid bad weather. As winter begins to take its grip on the countries below the equator, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand could be chiller than you think, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go there. These are not your typical beach holiday destinations anyway, and if you are looking for adventure, the quieter month of June is the best time to go.

Asia can be very wet during the month of June, as can Central America, but there’s still plenty of places to choose from, and if you want to escape long-haul on a holiday of a lifetime, here are five great ideas for your June 2019 break:

1. Peru

If Peru is up there at the top of your Bucket List, why not cross it off this June. It’s too late to get your hands on Inca Trail permits for next month, but it’s not too late to secure your spot on the Lares Trek, which is a spectacular alternative to the popular tourist route. After exploring Machu Picchu, you could continue to the White City of Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, or even neighbouring La Paz in Bolivia. Travelling around is easy and affordable, and while June is one of the cooler months, it’s generally sunny and dry.

2. South Africa

June is officially the start of winter in South Africa, but you cannot compare winters here to those above the equator. You could have some rainy days, but daytime temperatures rarely drop below 20°C in Cape Town, and if you are lucky, you could have glorious weather every day. Hotels offer fabulous discounts during the month of June, and flights are reasonable too. So why not treat yourself to a safari and get up close and personal with South Africa’s Big 5.

3. West Coast, USA

Been California Dreaming? Make your dreams come true this June with a road-tripping adventure up the West Coast of America. After a few days with the beautiful people in Los Angeles, head on up to Yosemite National Park for some outdoor adventures, before continuing to San Francisco and then on to Napa Valley for a spot of wining and dining.

4. Queenstown & Wanaka, New Zealand

Fancy some skiing? Well, you’ll need to leave your trip until the end of the month, but snowfall permitting, you will get all the skiing action you need in Queenstown & Wanaka in June. The Remarkables Ski Season is forecast to start on 9^th June 2019, while Coronet Peak is expected to open on 16^th June, so grab your skis and head on down to New Zealand’s South Island for a summer skiing holiday of a lifetime.

5. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

If only sunshine and sand will do, head on over to French Polynesia for a luxurious beach holiday on Bora Bora. The perfect choice for romantic couples who really want to escape from it all, Bora Bora is about as remote and secluded as it gets. And with nothing more than the sun, the sea, and the sway of the palm trees to keep you company, you’ll have no choice but to relax and unwind.

Are you going on holiday this June? Tell us where!