In spring, the weather makes you look out of the window more often and imagine yourself on a beach with an exotic drink. This means it’s time to start planning your next vacation. However, various countries have their own vacation specific. Planning summer vacation from Armenia is becoming more of a must-do task than a last-minute decision.
Every year, more Armenians are looking to explore destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. But some challenges may occur. Most European destinations require visas; the earlier you start planning, the better your chances of going to the country of your dreams. Besides, summertime is peak travel season, which means flight prices can soar, and hotels fill up quickly.
Of course, there are still some flexible options, like traveling to visa-free countries or last-minute resort deals in the region. However, in general, when it comes to planning a summer vacation from Armenia, the earlier the better rule is essential.
When is the Best Time to Start Planning?
Researching the best spot to travel and planning a summer vacation may start at least 4 to 6 months in advance. One of the biggest reasons for Armenian travelers is the visa processing time, especially for Schengen countries. Depending on the destination and the embassy’s schedule, getting a visa appointment and final approval can take at least a few weeks. In the case of some embassies, it may extend even to several months. The reason is the increasing demand for international travel. If you’re traveling with kids, another factor to keep in mind is that Armenian schools usually finish in late May, making June a great time to travel before the peak crowds and prices hit.
Early booking often means cheaper flights and better choices for hotels, too. In this case, working with a trusted travel agency will help. The agents can guide you through the visa process. For example, they will let you know about newly added summer flights, and recommend destinations based on your schedule and budget. Arranging the papers for applying for a visa is also a headache, and professionals can help tourists avoid any last-minute stress.
Sightseeing and Sea Vacation in Europe
For traveling to Europe from Armenia, you need patience, time and strategy. Let’s say you want to travel to Spain. First, you have to book an appointment at the visa center, which can take weeks due to high demand. Then, your documents and passport are sent to the Spanish embassy (in Moscow). It may take a month or even longer to get a response. In comparison, applying for a visa to Greece or Cyprus may be faster, but queues start forming as early as March.
If you already have a valid Schengen multi-visa, that simplifies things, but you still need to plan early. Last-minute plane tickets are usually much more expensive, and affordable or popular accommodations may sell out. Travel agencies can help guide you through all these steps, recommend destinations with easier visa access.
Heading to the Middle East
The Middle East is a popular choice because it’s something quick, sunny, and exotic when traveling from Armenia. The tricky part is the heat in the Middle Eastern countries. However, many Armenian tourists are not afraid of it, still going to enjoy luxurious hotels, shopping and hotel pools.
The UAE cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are a favorite, and the best part is, Armenian citizens don’t need a visa to enter. This is super convenient for last-minute travelers. However, there are still challenges as flights and hotels can still be fully booked, especially in resorts that are popular with Armenian tourists.
Another “fresh” destination that is gaining more popularity is Oman. There is a visa requirement for Oman, but it’s usually a straightforward process. You can apply for an electronic tourist visa online to be approved within a few days.
Exotic Asian Resorts
A vacation to exotic Asian resorts is a dream for many. Summer vacation is actually a great time to go, depending on the destination. Bali is in its dry season, with sunny skies and 26–30°C temperatures. But it’s also high season, so flights and hotels get booked fast.
When it comes to Thailand, there is a monsoon season, but some islands may be more welcoming. The same is in Sri Lanka, in general, summer is not a great season, but holidaymakers can search for dry and beautiful beaches.
In general, flights from Armenia to Asia are pricey and it’s crucial to plan. Early booking helps get cheaper tickets and the right hotel deals.
Tips for Planning Your Summer Vacation from Armenia
Even if a tourist has a Schengen visa, one thing is clear: the earlier you start planning a summer vacation, the better. Early planning means enough time to apply for a visa, better prices on flights and more choices for hotels.
Agencies like Levon Travel can make the entire process much smoother and faster as they have experience helping both solo travelers and groups. If a travel agent sees you have no chances to get a Schengen visa now, he/she will recommend a better destination within the same budget. Whether you’re dreaming of a quick trip to Egypt, a beach holiday in Greece, or an adventure in Barcelona, Asian cruise, they can help you choose the best route and prepare all necessary documents.
Another big plus is that the agencies are often the first to know about new flight routes from Armenia, special travel deals, and seasonal discounts.