If you want a holiday with deserted beaches and massive amounts of chill time, there’s a destination that offers just that – but it’s not in Europe.
The ease of a holiday in Europe and the vast number of destinations we can choose from means it’s a go-to for Scots when booking up. But that also means it can be hard to escape from the crowds and then there’s the stress of getting a sun bed at the pool.
If you’re looking for complete peace on your break, one country came out tops.
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Australia has been crowned as the most peaceful retreat in a global survey of 76 destinations as part of BookRetreats Global Relaxation Index. The vast country has a crowd density of just 3.4 people per km squared. When you compare this with Italy’s 198.3 and Mauritius’ 626, Australia is clearly a quieter option, reports the Express.
And while it involves a much longer flight than a short hop to Europe, when you land you’ll have stunning beaches, other-worldly deserts and bustling cities. As it’s in the southern hemisphere, Australia is also currently enjoying summer as the UK shivers in plunging temperatures.
Australia is one of the best destinations for nature, too. Protected spaces cover just over a third of the country which includes 704 national parks—the highest number of national parks in the study.
From the ancient Daintree Rainforest to the red deserts of Uluru and the lush blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia is rich with natural beauty.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s official seven natural wonders where visitors can drift in pristine warm seas across gorgeous coral gardens.
If you want beaches, then Australia boasts some of the best in the world. The incredible Whitsunday Islands is home to Whitehaven Beach – one of the most jaw-dropping beaches in the country. With its pure white sand, crystal clear waters and was crowned the best in the world by Lonely Planet.
The beach boasts sand that is 98 per cent silica, which means it’s whiter and softer than most beaches worldwide and the sand stretches for seven kilometres so you won’t fight for space for your beach towel.
Australia is the perfect place for a quiet getaway where you won’t need to fight off tourists. However, as it is on the other side of the world, flights can be pricey. Skyscanner currently has return flights from the UK to Perth for £984 return.
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