If you’re going to be in Malta this month, here are just some of the things you need to know to prepare yourself for all the local shenanigans that happen on the Maltese Islands – the good, the bad and the ugly!

1. Super full beaches

Umbrella here, deckchair there, umbrellas and deckchairs everywhere! Beaches become a sea (no pun intended) of shaded spots and rows of seating which disrupt a straight route to the shore. You’ll be zigzagging your way to the end, trying not to trip over someone’s sand-embedded flip flops in the process.

2. Packed and sweaty buses…

Getting ready to be squished in all corners of the bus, possibly smelling some tall guy’s underarm odour as you hold on for dear life as the driver whisks his way through traffic. You’ll be praying that smell doesn’t stick, and that you don’t fly to the windscreen with every sudden break.

3. …but air-conditioned buses

While they’re packed, you’ll be thanking every higher power once you step inside a bus because at the very least, you’re in a slightly cooler environment than the scorching one outside.

4. Sun’s out – all the time!

The sun will definitely be shining down on your busy day. And while you might be running around doing errands and whatnot, you will unintentionally get a tan. Productive and automatic tan: a win, win if you ask me!

5. Kids and the beach

They’ll be running around and just waiting to jump in but in the process, they send sand flying onto your towel, in your hair, on your book, and it’s just MESSY.

6. Road rage (more than usual)

Road rage is a big thing in Malta, and it just gets heightened during the summer months. Waiting in the Maltese heat isn’t pleasant at all.

7. Endless ice-cream

Ice-cream parlours are constantly popping up along promenades and popular places. Being spoilt for ice-cream choice is probably one of the best things a Maltese summer offers!

8. Dining al fresco

The rain has buzzed off, the nights are warm and all we can think of is dining at one of the many seaside restos on the islands, with a cocktail in one hand and a forkful of food in the other. #Goals

Summer is here!