Your summer travel horoscopes

Aries

March 20 - April 19

While many Aries thrive on fitness breaks, others consider walking to the shore to watch the sun set, while nursing a lemonade, as plenty of exertion. Group travel is fine, as long as the destination and any tours are of interest – if not, the typical Aries will set out on their own, even if it causes confusion.

What Aries wants on holiday The ideal formula for Aries is a mix of activities. This can be exacting challenges such as skiing or rock climbing, or simply climbing the steps in Montmartre in Paris to take advantage of the view. After a day of exertion, it’s time to satisfy Aries’s inquisitive side, which means new experiences, be it eating with chopsticks or joining in with the karaoke. As Aries love confronting and overcoming obstacles in the company of others, it’s good to have a group.

For those who travel with Aries The secret to keeping the Aries happy is to ensure they’re busy, but have plenty of options, so they can make decisions about timing and priorities. And should they become obsessed about some activity or, perhaps, eatery – as they sometimes do – there’ll be no problem changing plans. Equally, the often inquisitive Aries will discover something interesting and reorganise plans for everybody. Go along with these. Few signs have a better instinct for what’s worth exploring.

Top destinations In the winter, Switzerland, Austria or the Rocky Mountains in the US, and for summer, beaches on the Mediterranean coast.

Aries loves and hates

Aries rarely holiday alone, and are happiest with loved ones, family and close friends. Give them time, however, and they’ll make an effort to get to know those who click with their buoyant enthusiasm. Sometimes those holiday encounters lead to great friendships.

What they love Aries enjoy adding a new skill to their repertoire. This can be anything from learning to sing or becoming an expert in the art of making the perfect risotto.

What they hate Most Aries are outgoing. But even the shy ones – and there are a few – still like to be fussed over. Ignore them and they’ll become fussy, fretful and then annoyed, mostly because often they aren’t conscious of how much this upsets them.

Taurus

April 20 - May 20

Being one of the four fixed signs of the zodiac – with Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius – even from early childhood Taureans tend to prefer what’s familiar in everything from clothing, lifestyle, food and travel. What’s tricky is that because of their superb taste, they know what’s best, so there’s actually no reason to change.

Top destinations A refurbished schloss outside charming Munich; a whale-watching cruise; renting a house in Cyprus, complete with cook and swimming pool; or a resort in Hilton Head, South Carolina, US.

Taurus loves and hates

Group tours and experiences are OK for Taureans, as long as nobody’s rushed. The best is a group made up of family or long-standing friends to suit their tempo and temperament.

What they love Luxury, especially at a bargain price. Beautifully appointed public rooms and accommodation. Being diplomatically catered to by staff. They love new adventures: nature, from waterfalls to wildlife reserves (as long as there’s luxury at the end of the day); studying history, art or cooking, ideally in an exotic (and yes, beautiful) setting.

The ideal romantic break A Taurus will be deeply touched by the intention to create a special time just for them. But organise it and surprise them, and the Taurean in question will spend the entire journey pretending they’re enjoying it when, in truth, they wish you’d asked them to take part in the planning. So surprise them, yes – with the offer. Then make organising it something you do together.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Restless, inquisitive Geminis thrive on new experiences but dislike being away from friends or, indeed, their lifestyle. Consequently, their ideal would be going with a group of friends who have known each other forever.

While one member of the group may be asked to organise the trip – not the Gemini, who may suggest the latest, most exciting spot but loathes the details actually booking it involves – they’ll all join in paying and having a grand time. And because it’s like a reunion, just in a slightly different setting, as long as it’s trendy with somewhere to relax by day and dance at night, the actual setting doesn’t matter that much.

What Gemini wants on holiday Although for most a vacation is about getting away from routine, at home or in the office, Geminis can never escape what is their greatest asset and, often most troublesome enemy, which is their lively mind. So the ideal setting won’t involve a beach and endless days of lounging but, rather, activities so absorbing that the Gemini mind is well-occupied: a tour here, a talk about something fascinating, and so on. Often Geminis don’t realise how vital this is, though, which means their travel companions must organise it.

For those who travel with Gemini Prepare for constant changes in schedule. You may have joined a carefully planned tour, only to find your Gemini companion has discovered someplace far more interesting than is listed on the itinerary. If you’re embarrassed by this variety of free thinking, be prepared to revolutionise your approach to following the rules.

Similarly, be prepared not only to converse with complete strangers, if you’re with a Gemini, you might well end up dining – or travelling – with them. Geminis view the world as being full of people who, eventually, they’ll become friends with.

Gemini loves and hates

Many Geminis enjoy travelling in a group of those close to them or meeting up with friends from afar, thereby creating their own circle, wherever the destination.

What they love The unexpected. Especially if it’s something new or trendy. The latest sport, style or nightspot and interesting people – especially those whose activities are entirely unfamiliar.

What they hate Anybody or anything that’s predictable or stuffy. This can include those who think they’re exciting but aren’t. Clever Geminis know within minutes which places and individuals are genuinely worth getting to know.

The ideal romantic break Tempting as it is to dream of it being just the two of you, your Gemini will get restless, and within a day or two. But you probably already know that.

Cancer

June 21 - July 22

The travel keyword for Cancer is ‘cosy’. The setting could vary from an inn deep in the English countryside to a tent on a catered safari in a game reserve in Africa. Cancerians enjoy being out and about most if they know they’ll be retreating that evening, and are confident it will be comfortable. It’s the same with travelling companions; best is family, next best close friends or even friends. Being thrown in with those who are unfamiliar creates tension that, at minimum, can spoil the mood.

Many are history fans and, equally, enjoy exploring their family background, so journeys that focus on this search are ideal. Similarly, some are interested, if not passionate, about collecting one particular item, the work of one artist or love exploring one particular part of the world. Journeys built around conferences and workshops with fellow enthusiasts, or perhaps with a tour to a relevant site, are perfect.

Of course that passion could be food – a cuisine or a chef and regular visits can turn into series of happy pilgrimages.

What Cancer wants on holiday There are two priorities. The first is seeing others happy, whether it’s family or friends. With their generous nature, Cancerians are genuinely pleased when those around them are content. The second, and as important objective is experiences that are personally rewarding at the time but which also create lasting memories – ones which, for years, the Cancerian will mention with a fond smile.

Top destinations Cancerians would love a Mediterranean cruise, a trip along the Turkish coast, or a Canal barge break in France or the UK.

Cancer loves and hates

That need for warm, compatible companions is one of the reasons Cancerians will often travel with family or close friends. Many are shy. While some will chat with those outside their intimate circle, the connection is unlikely to go beyond a nodding acquaintance.

What they love Kindness and warm surroundings – not so much the temperature but rather in a welcoming vibe, the setting, manner of those they meet and, if it’s a tour, those they’ll be travelling with.

What they hate Because of their affection for tradition, many Cancerians are uncomfortable in austere modern settings. Add a few objects to soften the environment, and it’s OK. Whether it’s a resort or a hotel, minimalism won’t feel right.

The ideal romantic break If you’re creating a break for a beloved Cancerian, think first about creating memories. That may seem strange, but it will lead to the warm, relaxed mood that makes for happy days and cosy, relaxed evenings. Move at a slow pace, visit beautiful settings, buy small but significant souvenirs.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Because Leos are decisive, often family and friends find themselves going along with plans Leo’s already made. The ideal setting is a resort, luxury liner or fine hotel in the city or, if in the countryside, one well-equipped with spas and fine cuisine. The other secret to a happy Leo holiday is to let them set the pace. Just like their animal counterpart, they will lie motionless for hours then, suddenly, decide it’s time to get up and get going – to shop, dine or dance.

What Leo wants on holiday Because Leos generally live an intense life, one that’s full of activity, interesting people and the odd bit of drama, you’d think they’d want to get away and relax. Perhaps they’ll even say that. But Leos attract excitement, action and often a bit of magic into their own lives and into the lives of those around them. Don’t be surprised if that ‘quiet break’ turns out to be one full of uproarious fun.

For those who travel with Leo Those who know and love Leos will already be aware that every day is about excitement and, somehow or the other, there’ll be a bit of drama. Thus, it’s rarely necessary to organise excitement – your Leo companion will somehow attract it. The only difficulty will be for those who like to make, and stick to, a plan. You’re better off developing an easy-going attitude towards scheduling in general, at least for your time away with them.

Top destinations An Hawaiian isle, or Morroco; first Marrakesh, then a resort in the Atlas mountains.

Leo loves and hates

These sociable creatures adore the company of others. And Leos have a knack for making those around them feel both glamorous and important. But exuding that magnetism full time is exhausting, if travelling with a group, time alone with those closest is essential.

What they love Luxury! Understand this, and the rest of their choices will make perfect sense. While they’ll often head out in the desert, climb mountains or camp in the jungle, their variety of roughing it won’t be quite the same as those around them. Somehow, they’ll manage to get the special attention that every Leo regards as their birthright.

What they hate Nothing makes a Leo more uncomfortable than compromise – they’ll be thrilled with a severe modernist environment, a lush baroque setting or an authentic country cottage. Present them with a half-hearted fake version of any of these, in the setting or service, and they’ll complain and, perhaps, walk out.

The ideal romantic break From the Leo perspective, few things could be better than being with somebody who adores them, and without distractions. A luxurious setting and being looked after well would be a bonus, but being with a loved one, 24/7 is what matters most.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Being earth signs, Virgos have an appreciation for, and understanding of, quality. As important, they have a powerful sense of the balance between that and excess of any kind. However, luxury is fine – and for many, a priority. This threads through Virgos’ lives – their food, possessions and domestic setting will be chosen with an awareness of their origins. This isn’t about designer labels but, rather, being aware of the source of their food and even clothing. Consequently, they’re only really happy holidaying in a carefully thought-out setting. For some it’s about good value, for others, it’s the ecological credentials.

What Virgo wants on holiday Whatever they do, at home or in a job, Virgos are hard workers. But when they’re getting weary and their fuse is shorter than usual; it’s time for a break. What they need is a very different setting, but one that’s so well organised the picky Virgo won’t feel that, if they were in charge, things would be done better.

It also needs to be designed to be relaxing, ideally a resort. Often Virgos feel they should improve themselves on holiday, via studying or fitness. But what they need is to genuinely get away from everything.

Top destinations Virgos will love Spain’s quieter islands, Majorca and Mallorca, as well as France’s Brittany coast and Australia’s north coast. Plus anything spa like, such as a health and yoga cruise or thalassotherapy.

Virgo loves and hates

Family may be close but, for Virgo, they can be a source of aggravation, especially the offspring of siblings and cousins. While clan gatherings for weddings are fun, a true break means getting away from tense settings and situations. Ideally, companions won’t be ‘duty’ but those with whom Virgo can truly be at ease.

What they love It’s all about detail, thoroughness and thoughtfulness. Although those people Virgos fall in love with may be imperfect, their holiday destination should rate at the top of all versions of trip advisers. It needn’t be posh but must run like a well-oiled machine.

What they hate Good intentions without results, for example, a beautiful setting with so-so food, or gracious staff but a badly maintained environment. If they were in the jungle or outback, they wouldn’t mind. If the setting is meant to be quality, it had better be exactly that. From top to bottom.

The ideal romantic break Virgo is the master of the subtle but significant gesture, and appreciates the same when it’s done in return. Again, it’s quality over cost, glamour or elegance. It’s a small, cosy room overlooking a flower garden, an intimate hotel with a chef who specialises in a favoured cuisine, a trip with tickets to see a favourite singer.

Don’t miss the second part of our travel horoscope special next week, when the spotlight will be on the next six signs; from Libra to Pisces.