Planning a summer getaway is an exciting, fun process – but it can sometimes also leave you confused. Before you can start booking flights, choosing hotels, and planning activities, you first need to select a destination to visit.
Given the number of options both domestically and around the world, this can be a daunting task. To make things easier for you, we’ve curated a list of the top summer vacation destinations around the world for you to visit – no matter which you choose, you can’t go wrong!
Santorini, Greece
Famous for its volcano, Santorini is one of the most gorgeous spots in Greece. The towns are located on top of steep cliffs and feature iconic whitewashed houses, blue-church domes, and more. This island is an ideal option for couples looking for a romantic vacation and boasts a number of fun activities to engage in.
The beaches are particularly popular, including Perissia Beach with its stunning volcanic black sands. For water lovers, summer offers the best weather for swimming in the ocean. Other fun attractions include the hot springs at New Kameni, the gorgeous Fira Trail, which boasts stunning views of the island, the beautiful Amoudi Bay, and many more. One thing that cannot be missed is viewing the sunset from Oia, which is among the most beautiful towns in Santorini.
Lanai, United States
Hawaii is a place that you cannot pass up on. When planning your next trip to Hawaii, consider venturing off the beaten path and visit the island of Lanai. While not as well-known as other islands like Oahu and the Big Island, it still offers a ton of things to do during your vacation.
The island offers visitors the opportunity to snorkel and swim at Hulopoe Beach Park, one of the most gorgeous locations on the islands. Among other things, this spot of the ocean allows you to catch a glimpse of the endangered Hawaiian green sea turtle and spinner dolphin. Other things to do include hiking the Koloiki Trail and Munro Trail, visiting the ancient Poaiwa Petroglyphs, scuba diving at the Lanai Cathedrals, visiting Kaiolohia (otherwise known as Shipwreck Beach), and more. An additional benefit? Since Lanai is not as popular a tourist destination as the other islands, you have the chance to avoid the large crowds!
Marseille, France
Marseille is one of the most gorgeous spots to visit in France, especially during the summer. While it is the peak tourist season, spending a summer vacation there is to die for; not only is the weather comfortable, it is also festival season. During the summer, Marseille hosts everything from live music concerts to international sailing competitions.
Things to do in the city include exploring the Old Port, kayaking and taking boat cruises, biking around the city, and more. The summer wine harvest also makes this the perfect time to visit if you’re a wine connoisseur, and you can also enjoy Bastille Day celebrations in June. Keep in mind, however, since this is the peak season, it’s important you make all your bookings at least a few months in advance.
Machu Picchu, Peru
If you’re looking for a true adventure, as well as the chance to cross an item off your bucket list, visiting Machu Picchu in summer is a must. June-August is the dry season in Peru, and these months allow you to hike the Inca Trail without having to worry about the risk of rains and inclement weather.
Even if you don’t plan to hike the trail, it is still best to visit this stunning location in the summer. Rains can be a downer for visitors who simply want to take in the atmosphere just as much as they can. When planning your stay, you have three options – the nearby towns of Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo, and Cusco. Aguas Calientes is perhaps the best option, especially for non-hikers. This is because it is both the closest to the historical site, as well as the fact that the only way to reach Machu Picchu, aside from hiking the Inca Trail, is by taking a bus from the town.
These are, of course, only some of the options available to you as you plan your summer vacation. It’s important to consider other factors when planning your getaway, including how long you want to vacation for, what your budget is, whether you’re looking for a city vacation or an adventurous one, and whether or not you’re planning a vacation with family and young children. Once you’ve got a clear idea of these considerations, you can then start to explore vacation destinations and decide on the one that works best for your needs.