On Vacation! Where to Go for a Summer 2024 Holiday from Kazakhstan and What to See

Summer is a time to live life to the fullest. Kazakhstani travel agencies offer countless opportunities for you to make the most of this season. With various destinations to choose from, there is certainly a perfect holiday spot waiting for you, whether you’re looking to recharge or live out a dream. So where should you consider for a July or August getaway from Kazakhstan?

Beach Destinations

When asked where to go for the summer, many people immediately think of the beach. Beach holidays remain one of the most popular choices, partly because countries like Turkey, Georgia, and Thailand offer visa-free entry for Kazakhstani citizens, simplifying the planning process.

In Turkey, you’ll find an extraordinary blend of cultural richness, warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and inviting seas. Most Turkish resorts offer all-inclusive packages, meaning you won’t need to worry about cooking or spending extra on dining. You can enhance your beach vacation with thrilling activities (ranging from camel rides in the desert to scuba diving) and fascinating excursions. Be sure to visit Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, the ancient city of Side, or the Göreme Valley in Cappadocia, where vibrant hot air balloons float against the backdrop of unique rock formations.

Georgia is a perfect destination for those who want to combine seaside relaxation with mountain hikes and visits to historic sites. Don’t miss the local cuisine, including khachapuri, khinkali, kharcho soup, and churchkhela. Tourists can choose from a variety of climates: the Black Sea coast (Kobuleti, Batumi) enjoys temperatures between 25-30°C, while the mountains (Kazbegi, Svaneti) are cooler at 20-25°C. Flights from Kazakhstan to Georgia take no more than four hours, and sometimes less than two (e.g., from Aktau to Kutaisi). This makes it an excellent option for a quick 3, 4, or 5-day trip. Kazakhstanis can stay in Georgia for up to 365 days without a visa.

Another popular choice is Thailand, offering exotic beaches with white sand and crystal-clear waters, a rich culinary scene, and numerous activities, including a vibrant nightlife. Remember the beautiful Buddhist temples, which provide a serene retreat for weary travelers. The rainy season from April to October brings lower accommodation prices and clearer waters for diving, while the weather remains pleasant and the number of sunny days is ample for beach lounging. For sunbathing and swimming, Pattaya or Koh Chang are ideal, while Bangkok is perfect for experiencing atmospheric parties.

The rainy season also coincides with summer in the Maldives. You can enjoy top-notch service and breathtaking nature at the best rates. These islands are particularly appealing to those who like to spice up their beach vacation with active water sports. The flight from Almaty to Malé takes over 10 hours, but Kazakhstanis can stay in the Maldives visa-free for up to 30 days.

For beach vacations, consider Montenegro, with its old towns and picturesque mountains; the UAE, a hub of entertainment and extravagant shopping; and Qatar, which offers a glimpse into the Bedouin lifestyle. Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Greece are also worth considering.

Exploring Europe: A Blend of Culture and Adventure

If you prefer exploring city streets and immersing yourself in history, Europe is a fantastic destination this year. Its rich cultural heritage, world-famous landmarks, and diverse cuisines are bound to captivate you.

In Paris, visit the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and Montmartre. But there’s so much more to France. Explore Provence, where you’ll find the vibrant city of Marseille with its stunning old port and Avignon, which hosts a colorful music festival with concerts and theatrical performances every summer. If you prefer a cooler climate, Normandy offers the majestic city of Rouen and the quaint resort town of Deauville. France is often included in multi-country tours, allowing you to visit other nations like Belgium, Germany, or the Netherlands.

For romantics who love medieval castles and those interested in mineral springs, the Czech Republic is a great choice. The summer weather is perfect for strolling, and you can relax and enjoy Czech goulash and local beer at numerous outdoor cafes. Summer in the Czech Republic is also a season of music festivals, such as the Open Air Festival Trutnov in late August, the oldest festival in the country, dubbed the Czech Woodstock.

Italy is another popular European destination for Kazakhstani tourists in 2024. Beyond the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain in Rome, you can marvel at the peaks of the Alps, be inspired by the Amalfi landscapes, swim in the turquoise waters around Sardinia, or visit the colorful houses of Burano. Don’t forget about the rich heritage of Venice and Florence.

Other European countries deserve attention as well. Bulgaria boasts ski resorts and cozy sandy beaches, along with mineral springs. Spain invites you to admire Gaudí’s works and enjoy evenings filled with music and dance. In June, the legendary Running of the Bulls takes place in Pamplona, and in late August, the famous Tomato Festival, La Tomatina, is held in Buñol. Germany captivates with its progressive cities, the stunning Alps, and numerous festivals. For example, the Melt Festival in July is notable for its unique location—a former coal mine. In early August, the Cranger Kirmes in Herne is Europe’s largest fair, offering a wide array of attractions and street food. Late August is a favorite time for gamers, as Cologne hosts Gamescom, one of the world’s largest video game expos.

Exotic Escapes: Discover the Unseen

Where should you go in 2024 if you’ve already experienced resort vacations and explored Europe’s landmarks?

Seychelles is a paradise for those who want to delve into the underwater world. From May to October, the weather is pleasant, with water temperatures reaching 27°C, making the islands perfect for water sports enthusiasts. While this type of vacation isn’t budget-friendly and the flight with layovers can take about a day, the experiences are well worth it.

Zanzibar is another exotic destination, part of Tanzania, known for its coral reefs, white sandy beaches, brilliant blue skies, and turquoise waters merging with the horizon. Island activities differ from those at typical resorts: you can swim with giant fish in an aquarium, visit spice farms, join a safari, or even touch a giant tortoise on the Turtle Island.

Cuba offers picturesque beaches, water activities, local charm, and vibrant festivals. On the Isle of Freedom, you’ll find one of the world’s most famous beaches, Varadero.

The Dominican Republic, another exotic location with beautiful beaches, is a long flight away (over 15 hours), but the stunning landscapes, pristine beaches of Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, noisy waterfalls, and numerous water parks make it worthwhile. Shoppers will appreciate the largest shopping centers like Agora Mall and Sambil Santo Domingo. You can also explore the region’s natural beauty in national parks like Los Tres Ojos.

If you’re considering exotic destinations for your vacation, don’t expect cheap airfare.

Tips for a Comfortable Vacation

Before you travel, make sure you’re allowed to leave the country. A ban on leaving can be imposed not only if you’re involved in a criminal case but also due to debts (such as unpaid fines or utility bills, alimony). The earlier you check your status, the more time you have to settle any debts, ensuring your vacation goes as planned. Bon voyage!

This article has been translated from its original language using neural network-based translation technology.