Hey there, Travellers!

It's that time of year again, when we wish our lovely Canadian readers a happy (belated!) Canada Day, and our US readers a happy (early!) Independence Day! May all your BBQs sizzle, your fireworks shine brightly, and your bodies stay hydrated. 

While Canada is one year off its next big birthday, you might have heard that the USA is celebrating 250 years. From what I can tell, nobody ever extended the list of traditional anniversary gifts past 80 (oak, in case you were wondering), so we'll just have to settle for gifting y'all our words and flight-finding prowess. 

Check out all our Flights, articles and Postcards from the Jack's Community for spots all over North America right here. And if you are celebrating this weekend, please drop some pics from your celebrations in the comments so I can live vicariously through you during this dreary Scottish summer.

Happy travels and safe landings,

Katy - Editor of The Detour

By Akasha

With journeys spanning more than 30 countries and ten years, Akasha's best memories live in the pages of her passport. She always consults her tarot (and her cats) before any big trip. Currently based in Ireland, when she isn't travelling, she’s probably drawing in a café somewhere.

58,000 members in our Facebook Community were asked a simple question: Where in the world have you been that had the clearest, most blue waters?

Of course, one member replied, “I’d tell you, but I want it to remain clear and blue.” 

Classic. We can’t fault you really.

But luckily, dozens of others folded. Skipping the typical travel brochures and heavily filtered Instagram reels, you’ve let us in on freezing tectonic cracks in Iceland and hidden South American paradises. 

Here are the real-world travel spots you’re dreaming of: 

Euro-Vision

Sardinia, Italy: 

This was the undisputed champion of the thread. Members Kerry and Debora, among countless others, flagged the northern side of the island for having water so clear you can see into the future. 

Kind of nerdy, but the reason for Sardinia’s liquid clarity is down to the lack of rivers to dump muddy sediment, and the vast underwater meadows of Posidonia grass acting as a filter for the sea. 

Porquerolles, France:

Phillipa recommends this idyllic island off the coast of France. And after reading this writer’s spellbinding account, we’re already packing our swimsuits. The croissant-shaped coast of Plage Notre Dame regularly ranks as one of the best beaches in Europe, often likened to the Caribbean. 

Croatia:

Gillian, Daniel, and Han all voted for Croatia. Much of the coastline is smooth pebbles rather than fine sand, which means zero floating particles, making the water perfectly transparent. While mass tourism fills up the city beaches near Dubrovnik or Split, there are still plenty of underrated spots where it’s just you and the deep blue. Beritnica Beach on the island of Pag feels as if you’ve landed on Mars.

Graham also suggested the cascading pools of Plitvice with pics for proof:

Honorable mentions: Lefkada and Halkidiki in Greece and Formentera and La Graciosa, Spain. 

The “Holy-Moly” Tropical Haven

Maldives:

A beach roundup without mentioning the Maldives? Impossible. 

It received the most votes by far, but it also sparked the biggest division between you. 

While members like Shelly called its beaches “absolutely stunning,” with Phil backing that statement “100%,” traveler Susan dropped a massive reality check from her visit:

“I was very underwhelmed with the Maldives - litter in many places."

It’s clear member Gary felt otherwise:

Our advice?  Give a read of our members top Maldives tips when it comes to choosing a place to base yourself.

Exuma, Bahamas:

Member Paula said one word along with this impossibly gorgeous photo: “Exuma.”

Home to the famous swimming pigs and pirate history, its cyan coast is by no means under the radar but rather a popular tropical paradise worth the praise. 

With incredibly shallow water sitting on a bed of white sand, the glowing, electric teal stands out from space. No, really. 

Whitsunday Islands, Australia:

Flagged by Linda, Kirsty, and Shirley, Whitehaven Beach is renowned for two things: bougie beachgoers and its 98% pure silica sand. 

That means it doesn’t retain heat, so even on a sweltering day, you can walk comfortably along its ethereal shoreline before diving headfirst into the Great Barrier Reef.

Philippines:

With over 7,000 tropical islands, the odds of finding a slice of clear-blue paradise are in your favour and the consensus is: Philippines over Thai beaches any day. 

And while paradise is Palawan for members like Amna, some of you, like Christian, preferred the islands around Coron. 

Siquijor’s spellbinding sands got a special mention from Alfreda. And we can’t help but wonder: are the turquoise hues here pure geography or the work of sorcery? 

Balicasag Island, one of the best dive sites in the country, is a fave of member Nicola, who submitted absolutely stunning proof: 

Zanzibar, Tanzania:

Zanzibar was voted as having some of the bluest waters more times than Fiji, believe it or not. Just take a look at member Holly’s snap!

The famous island off the coast of Tanzania is renowned for its epic tidal shifts. High tide envelops you into a shimmering pool, and at low tide, the ocean drains out, leaving behind miles of ankle-deep glassy flats. Just promise you won’t leave before learning to kitesurf at Paje! 

Tip: In 2023, seven of Jack’s staff bagged a stupidly low error fare to Tanzania. Have a read at their helpful guide to visiting. 

Keep reading for hidden coves in Indonesia, quiet Caribbean coastlines, and cold-water curveballs...

By Hannah

Hannah loves spotting a deal to somewhere she can add to her endless bucket list. When she’s not busy writing up travel inspo, you’ll probably find buying some new vinyl, or tackling her TBR list.

It's summer, and that means one thing: weeks and weeks of freedom. But what to do with it when you're working to a tight student budget? 

We reckon you should still be able to go out and see the world. So, we’ve rustled up a list of the best places for students (or students at heart) to travel, no matter what kind of trip you’re planning. 

Whether you’re looking for the cheapest European cities, the best solo travel destinations, or just some cheap beachy spots, you’ll definitely find something that takes your fancy.

Bucharest, Romania

If you’re looking for a cheap European capital city, Bucharest has got to be on your list.

Your student travel budget will be very grateful for the affordable street food, accommodation, and cheap public transport over there — a three-day pass for unlimited buses and trams will cost you less than £3.50/€4.00.

It’s not just us sayin