“Summer was made for traveling and vacations”, is how many people think, and if you’re one of them, you have the perfect guide here. Summer days are longer with plenty of daylight hours to explore and visit attractions, and the weather is excellent for spending the whole day outdoors. That’s without adding the number of celebrations and festivals that occur all around the world during the summer months.
If you’re looking for less common destinations or to avoid tourist traps, we offer you a more specialized list of countries you can visit that match your personal preference and traveling style. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, a solo traveler, or a family on the go, you’ll find the best places to go in summer.
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Nostalgic for a Summer Trip?
Many people find summer trips a bit nostalgic, and this is easy to understand. Maybe when you were a child, your family had the tradition of spending a few weeks each summer traveling the country or exploring new destinations. Whether that tradition continues with them, alone, or with your children now, summer offers a unique opportunity to create long-lasting memories.
You can choose to visit a place that you knew in the past, and see how time has changed it, or go to a place that you’ve always dreamed of visiting. Take the chance to forget about your everyday tasks and schedule and slow down, enjoy the quiet moments as much as the fun ones.
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Anti Bucket List for a Memorable Summer Trip
When planning a trip, it is easy to get overexcited and add too many items to your bucket list. While this might seem like the best way to ensure a great vacation, it often has the opposite effect, leaving you feeling tired and stressed all the time, and wanting to return home to sleep and unwind. Here are some tips for a fun and stress-free summer trip:
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Do not overpack your itinerary: it can be tempting, especially if you start reading guides of “The 30 best activities to do in this very interesting place”. Just make sure you have enough time to wander, rest, and discover unexpected gems.
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Skip tourist traps: Especially if you’re looking for a restaurant to eat at or a shop to buy souvenirs. Not only are they generic, but they are also quite overpriced. You can find better items at local markets or family-run spots.
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Don’t rush through photos: Pictures can be incredible souvenirs, but you don’t want to experience the trip through the lens of your camera. Live the moment first, and snap the photos later.
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The Best Places to Go in Summer
When discussing the best places to visit in the summer, most travel guides focus on general cities and countries that attract many tourists. That’s not to say that Barcelona, Paris, or Greece aren’t incredible destinations; on the contrary, they are. But they are not “the best destination” for every single traveler, and there are so many lesser-known destinations that deserve attention.
The Azores, a green archipelago perfect for introverts
The Azores are nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for introverts with their laid-back pace, lush landscapes, and geothermal wonders. While they belong to Portugal, this destination is far less popular with tourists than other European destinations, so you can enjoy a peaceful and unhurried vacation.
One of the most popular activities there is soaking in natural hot springs, and you see how all the stress of everyday life melts away in the Furnas on Sao Miguel Island. Just relax and let the mineral-rich waters do their restorative job.
You can also walk around the trails in Lagoa do Fogo, a pristine crater lake with plenty of panoramic hikes and very few visitors. Or go with a small group to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
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Tbilisi, a bustling crossroad for the extroverts
Now, if you’re planning to spend every single night going out and enjoying the nightlife and the parties, Tbilisi is the perfect destination for you. This city in Georgia (the country, not the state) blends ancient traditions with a surprisingly youthful and creative energy.
All in all, Tbilisi is a great place for trying new things and meeting new people, and you can start by exploring the eclectic old town. Just let the wonder of the moment involve you and get lost in the winding streets filled with colorful balconies, street art, and maybe stop at a cozy cafe.
At night, you can party on Rustaveli Avenue and Fabrika, with all their theaters, clubs, and open-air events, especially during the summer. Enjoy the bars and strike up conversations with the locals; they are more than happy to show you around, especially if you learn a phrase or two in Georgian.
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Zanzibar, a budget-friendly paradise
A summer trip wouldn’t be complete without stunning beaches, and Zanzibar, in Tanzania, has plenty to explore and enjoy. Aside from the beaches, Zanzibar also offers its vibrant culture and historical charm at a significantly lower price than many popular tropical destinations. It’s the perfect option if you want to travel internationally, without overspending.
You can take some time in the morning to relax on public beaches like Nungwi and Kendwa, with their gorgeous white sand and turquoise water. And remember, traveling budget-friendly doesn’t mean that you can’t do activities. You can find many local operators that will take you on a snorkeling or diving trip to nearby coral reefs for a reasonable price.
If you prefer staying in the city, you can explore the Stone Town. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a labyrinthine maze of alleys, bustling bazaars, and spice markets. You can explore it on your own or with a guided walking tour. And if you want a great souvenir that you can use in the future, try buying some Georgian spices.
Sardinia, Mediterranean elegance for luxury travelers
Maybe this is a very special summer for you, and you want to celebrate appropriately, or you just feel that you’ve been working too hard, and you deserve a good vacation. Sardinia, with its pristine beaches, mountains, and ancient culture, is the perfect destination for you. Plus, while being quite luxurious, it is not as popular as the Amalfi Coast or Capri, so it feels more exclusive.
One of the best ways to enjoy your trip there is by taking a private yacht charter along the Costa Smeralda. Take your time to explore the dazzling turquoise waters, and make plenty of stops to snorkel and swim. You can even get a yacht with a private chef and enjoy a gourmet dinner right there, cruising secluded beaches.
Another great way to see the island is to take a helicopter tour. On the air, you have the best views of how dramatic and changing the landscape is, from the mountains to the crystal-clear coves. Afterwards, for some culture you can explore Nuragic archaeological sites, and delve into Sardinia’s fascinating prehistoric culture.
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Jeju Island, a natural escape for the solo traveler
While traveling in groups has some advantages, many people actively prefer traveling solo. For them, especially, it’s important to choose a safe destination that offers rich and introspective experiences, and Jeju Island in South Korea covers all.
Jeju Island is a volcanic island that offers a relaxed pace that contrasts immensely with other Korean destinations. A solo traveler can enjoy incredible hikes like Hallasan Mountain, the highest peak in South Korea. This mountain, in particular, is great for all kinds of hikers, with trails going from moderate to challenging, and offering spectacular panoramic views.
Another great experience is visiting Seongeup Village to learn and experience traditional Jeju culture. You can walk around, admire the architecture, and even participate in the local crafts.
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Kyoto, for the family on the go
Perhaps a few years ago, you enjoyed traveling solo across the globe, but now you’re a settled person with little ones who are eager to learn more about the world. Kyoto is a great destination for families, combining engaging activities that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults, while being a very safe and fascinating city.
You can all participate in traditional craft workshops. While your kids practice and learn new abilities and have fun, you can actually make a very decent souvenir to bring back home. For example, a nice piece of pottery or a calligraphy scroll.
In Kyoto, there are plenty of fun and interesting museums, like the Kyoto Railway Museum with plenty of interactive exhibits and even a train simulator. If you prefer nature-related activities, you can take the whole family to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park to see the Towering bamboo stalks and wild macaques.
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Final Thoughts on the Best Places To Go In Summer
Summer is a fleeting season, before you realize it will be over. So make the most of it with a great trip. No matter what kind of traveler you are, whether you’re on a budget or traveling with kids. There are incredible destinations that adapt perfectly for you. What are you waiting for?