Vacations: Need a break?

Here are perfect getaways – not too far from home and not too steep.

Are you planning a summer holiday? We’ve picked a few sunny beaches where you can unwind, de-stress and just relax. It’s time to pick the perfect island getaway without being completely broke!

Langkawi, Malaysia

If you are looking for a place where you can dig your toes into the warm sand and relax, then Langkawi is the place to be. Langkawi is a group of small islands off Malaysia’s northwestern shore. Its natural beauty, pristine beaches, exciting nightlife, affordable shopping centres along with breathtaking historic attractions and great hotels with amazing views, make it perfect. When you are done with the beach and ready for some excitement, jump on a cable car and take a tour of the magnificent island which offers rainforests and underwater aquariums. When it’s time to eat, Kuah Town is the place to be, where you will find the best seafood being cooked live.

Flight: Starts from Rs60,000

Duration: 6 hrs 30 min (flying time)

Hotel: Starts from Rs5,000/ night

Daily cost: Starts from Rs3,000/day

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The blue sea at Jumeirah beach is only 25 minutes away from the city’s centre. Ride the waves on a jet ski, unwind under the shadow of the Burj al Arab or enjoy a barbeque dinner as the sun comes down after a hot day. When night falls, hit the Dubai Marina or go indoor skiing at the Mall of Emirates. Done with that? Visit the Gold Market or Gold Souk or check out Bur Dubai for amazing Middle Eastern art.

Flight: Starts from Rs32,000

Duration: 1 hr 30 min (flying time)

Hotel: Starts from Rs7,000/night

Daily cost: Starts from 4,000/day

Hikkaduwa Beach, Sri Lanka

Hikkaduwa, voted as one of Asia’s 10 best beaches by CNN, is a popular vacation spot on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Tourists spend time relaxing at the beach, watching the sun set or devouring exotic Sri Lankan seafood. Sit in a glass-bottom boat to thoroughly enjoy the view of coral reefs or go diving to enjoy the beauty up close. This beach hosts Asia’s biggest beach festival every July, attracting tourists from all over the globe. Some prominent tourist spots are: Buddhist cultural spectacles, the Moonstone mines and a restaurant called Roti – a hole in the wall which sells 60 different kinds of roti including garlic and banana.

Flight: Starts from Rs50,000

Duration: 3 hrs 10 min (flying time)

Hotel: Rs3,000/night

Living cost: Starts from Rs1,500/day

Anjuna Beach, Goa

Anjuna beach, located near north Goa, is the ideal place for youngsters to be during the summer where the calm waters of the Arabian Sea hit the rocky Indian shore. Enjoying its full-moon parties, flea markets or eating out at O’Manuels, a famous beach restaurant are some tourist favourites. There are plenty of hotels in the area, but most people prefer to rent out beachside bungalows in order to indulge in a true island experience. Other attractions include the remarkable Chapora Fort as well as the Portuguese architecture of the Albuquerque Mansion. For adventure junkies out there, Anjuna beach is equipped with an 80ft tower for bungee jumping, so do take the plunge!

Flight: Starts from Rs50,000

Distance: 4 hrs (flying time)

Hotel: Rs3,000/night

Living cost: Rs3,000/day

Published In The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2012.