Holiday season is here, and to help you decide where to jet off to we’ve spun our globe and handpicked five of our favourite destinations for summer 2014. So dig out your passport, suitcase and swimwear.

From California to Italy and the quiet side of Ibiza get inspired with our holiday hit list.

Destination: San Diego, California

San Diego Carnival time

Why: Home to 70 miles of coastline and pretty much all-year-round sunshine, San Diego is the ultimate hot spot this year. With museums, theme parks, golf courses, pretty decent shopping, restaurants and bars, there is literally something for everyone. Spend your days chilling on the beach and sampling the local cuisine or indulge your cultural side with a trip to the historic downtown quarter.
What to see and do: Take a stroll along the 1,942ft long Oceanside Pier and watch the rather delightful sunsets. Stop off at Ruby’s Diner located at the end of the pier for a well-deserved milkshake USA style.
Will my purse approve? A return flight with British Airways from London Heathrow in July costs around for £1,050pp

Destination: Palermo, Sicily

Secret coves beautiful seas

Why: Sicily’s main city is bursting with intrigue and excitement and is the perfect destinations if you’re looking for adventure.
What to see and do: Start with the hop-on hop-off city tour to find your bearings or if you’re up for going freestyle start with a wander around the old town and soak up the local history. Treat yourself to a stay at the Centrale Palace Hotel located in the heart of the historic centre
Will my purse approve? Head to Palermo for around £273pp departing in July from London Heathrow.

Destination: Khao Lak, Thailand

Grab your snorkel and head for the turquoise waters

Why: Grab your own piece of paradise with a trip to one of Thailand’s stunning islands, Khao Lak. Drenched in sunshine and with secluded beaches this will inevitably be a holiday of a lifetime. Grab your snorkel and head for the turquoise waters where you have the chance of spotting white tip sharks, rays and turtles.
What to see and do: Set your alarm for an early get up and take in the stunning beauty that is the Lampi Waterfall located to the south of Khao Lak. Check out the Stempfer Café for the great coffee and delicious sandwiches.
Will my purse approve? Return flights to Thailand will set you back around £662pp departing from Manchester, via Dubai in July.

Destination: Bulgaria

Affordable beach holidays

Why: Affordable, gorgeous beaches and fabulous food and drink – what’s not to love about Bulgaria? Head for Varna in the north, which has a relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere
What to see and do: A must see is the 19th century Cathedral of ‘The Assumption of the Holy Mother’. Make sure you soak up the Bulgarian culture at a local restaurant and look out for a display of Strandzha fire dances.
Will my purse approve? Flights to Bulgaria are still very reasonable, fly from London, Stansted in July for £120pp

Destination: Cala Gracio, Ibiza

The delicate sandy beaches and pristine water makes a day on the beach an absolute pleasure

Why: In need of some peace and quiet, rest and relaxation? Located just over a mile from San Antonio is the serene and seductive resort of Cala Gracio and it’s a must visit destination this summer. With a palm fringed cove, soft golden sands it’s easy to see why this place is popular with those just wanting to kick back and recharge.
What to see and do: Relax, relax oh and do a bit more relaxing. The delicate sandy beaches and pristine water makes a day on the beach an absolute pleasure, check out local yoga classes for an early morning stretch and dine in one of the local restaurants while watching the sunset over the bay.
Will my purse approve? Flights to Ibiza come in around £113pp, departing from Manchester in July.

Katie recommends

by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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