By Kenya Barrett
Everybody needs a summer getaway every now and again – and winter months are the perfect time to plan for them.
Whether you imagine traveling to somewhere warm like the Caribbean or prefer a traditionally colder destination, we’ve got a few great recommendations! Read on to find out the best places to travel in the summer.
Explore more of our amazing destinations for summer travel here!
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a vibrant city and is certainly one of the best places to travel in summer in Europe. Unbeknownst to many, Edinburgh is also referred to as the “City of Festivals” with most of these occurring during the summer months. For example, the Edinburgh International Festival, a cultural event full of art exhibitions and workshops, takes place in August and lasts three weeks.
In addition to festivals, visitors can take advantage of the warm weather to explore Scotland’s highlands, castles, and botanical gardens. Explore the vast castle grounds of Edinburgh Castle, learn some history at the National Museum of Scotland, and visit Holyrood Park to marvel at amazing views atop Arthur's Seat.
Explore our Scotland vacation packages.
Vancouver, Canada
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Vancouver is certainly one of the best places to visit in the summer. This amazing city is full of many wonders including a few national parks, several beaches, and even the famous Sky Gondola.
Vancouver is also known for its abundance of free attractions, which makes it a perfect cheap summer travel destination – especially considering the favorable exchange rate for US travelers.
Since this city experiences a milder, mostly rain-free summer, with temperatures never exceeding 75 °F, visitors can enjoy hikes through nature during the day and a cozy campfire at night. Locals tend to welcome in the summer season with an array of festivals such as the iconic Honda Celebration of Light – so there isn't a shortage of activities to enjoy.
Explore our Vancouver vacation packages.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, also known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a stunning city that is worth a summer trip. An architectural phenomenon, this walled city is one of the very last to exist in Europe and draws visitors annually, with an influx arriving during its summer months.
As such, Dubrovnik became a bustling destination during this time, but there are still many things to enjoy. With temperatures ranging between 70 and 85 °F during the season, it provides an opportunity for visitors to experience Dubrovnik’s beautiful beaches, explore the charm of the Old Town, and enjoy boat tours to a few surrounding isles.
Explore our Croatia vacation packages.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin shines as a fantastic summer vacation spot for several reasons. Firstly, the city's vibrant atmosphere is infectious, with lively pubs, street performers, and summer festivals including the Forbidden Fruit Festival and the LGBTQ+ Pride Festival.
Secondly, Dublin's rich history and cultural heritage are on full display, from the iconic Trinity College and its ancient Book of Kells to the fascinating exhibits at the Guinness Storehouse. Lastly, the city's proximity to stunning natural landscapes, such as the picturesque coastline and lush green parks like Phoenix Park, provides great opportunities for outdoor adventures and relaxation.
Explore our Ireland vacation packages.
French Riviera, France
If you’re looking for a summer trip filled with opulence and sheer beauty, then a trip to the French Riviera may be perfect for you. This region, also known as the Cote d’Azur, makes up the southeastern coastline of France and consists of several cities including Nice, Cannes, Monte Carlo, and Monaco.
Visitors tend to enjoy summer vacations on the French Riviera due to its sunny weather, abundance of lavish resorts, and its variety of delicious foods and wines. Whether you’d like to enjoy a boat tour along the coast, stroll through the narrow streets of the seaside towns, or discover the lively nightlife scene, The French Riviera is surely one of the best summer destinations.
Explore our France vacation packages.
Bali, Indonesia
Similarly to Dubrovnik, Bali becomes a busy destination during the summer months – but for good reason. This beautiful location has near-perfect tropical summer weather with temperatures averaging 85 °F on any given day.
The island is adorned with numerous blue-water beaches, but has become more popular among the backpacking community for its abundance of hiking trails. Visitors can experience local hospitality by exploring Bali’s quaint villages, climbing atop Mount Batur to enjoy the sunrise, or discovering the island’s wildlife at the West Bali National Park.
Explore our Bali vacation packages.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Believe it or not, the summer months are some of the best times to vacation in Reykjavik – since it has nearly 24 hours of daylight during this season. Generally, Iceland tends to range between 50 and 60 °F during the summer months, which is perfect for spending time outdoors without experiencing extremes in hot or cold weather.
While Reykjavik may not offer beach-like weather, travelers can enjoy an array of other activities including whale watching, soaking in geothermal spas like the Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, or strolling through the unique region of Laugavegur. A wonderful day trip from Reykjavik includes a tour of the iconic Golden Circle or visiting iconic sights like Goðafoss waterfall.
View our Reykjavik vacation packages.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Perhaps one of the top summer destinations in the United States is Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The Cape boasts many iconic cities including Provincetown and Hyannis, which is just a short ferry ride from Martha’s Vineyard.
Filled with gorgeous beaches, unique lighthouses, museums, and even golf courses, this rocky peninsula offers more than what meets the eye. Travelers also get a chance to enjoy some wine-tasting events as the wineries in the area are typically open and inviting. Also, those looking to test the ocean waves can enjoy surfing at the Cape Cod National Seashore, a beautiful coastal area with tons of sand dunes and surf-friendly waters.
