Everyone wants a summer trip. The problem is that summer also brings the crowds, the heat, and the peak prices, so it's all the more important to get the right destination.
If you're at a loss as to where to go in the summer, then this guide is for you. It's narrowed it down to 12 of the very best summer holidays indeed, ranging from Mediterranean beaches to the Scandinavian fjords to a safari in Kenya. We'll also highlight the best places to go in June (when the days are long and the prices haven't yet peaked). By the end of it, you should have a shortlist that fits your budget and your tastes.
Quick note: weather, prices and entry rules are all subject to change, so check the current details prior to booking.
The 12 Best Summer Vacation Spots
1. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Colourful towns perched on the cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea, boats in the harbour and lemon-scented lanes. The Amalfi Coast looks every bit as good in person as it does in the photos. You could easily spend your days in Positano, Amalfi and Capri, with long lunches by the water and a couple of beach club afternoons.
Go in June or September if you can; July and August are the busiest. The trade-off is price and crowds, with the roads and ferries absolutely packed in peak season.
2. Greek Islands
The water around the Greek islands has its own character, and every island has its own personality, really. Santorini is all about the dramatic views, Mykonos is all about the beach parties, and then you've got the more down-to-earth islands like Naxos and Paros, which are ideal for a bit of a slower pace and good food.
The islands are easy enough to get between by ferry so you can mix and match. Best times to go are June and September (warm water, not too many people). The downside is that both Santorini and Mykonos get absolutely packed and expensive in high summer.
3. French Riviera (Côte d'Azur)
Artists, writers and film stars have been coming to this bit of coast for generations, and it still has that glamour about it. The best option is to base yourself in Nice, which gives you the best combination of beaches, old town and the ability to easily get out to Cannes, Antibes and Saint-Tropez.
You can eat very well indeed without having a yacht (markets and the small bistros in particular). June is lovely, long evenings and far less of a crush than in August. Expect high hotel prices and book well in advance for the beachfront restaurants.
4. Ibiza and the Balearic Islands
Yes, Ibiza has the well-known nightlife, but it also has some very quiet coves, hillside villages and some absolutely beautiful turquoise water. Mallorca has the castles, the mountains and some of Spain's very best beach resorts, and of course a boat trip from Ibiza to Formentera is a quintessential day out.
Pick your side of the island to suit your mood really (southern side is more lively, northern side is more relaxed). Keep your bag zipped, of course, and be mindful of your drinks as pickpocketing is definitely an issue in the more populated areas. June and September are less crowded than July and August.
5. Portugal
Portugal is probably the best value on this list. You've got the dramatic Atlantic coast, the sunny beaches of the Algarve, a food scene in Lisbon that's absolutely superb for the price, and then there's the wine country (Douro Valley and Alentejo to name but two) to get stuck into.
It's absolutely perfect as a road trip. Surf fans will be able to watch the massive waves at Nazaré (they're best in winter though so you're best off going to the beaches and the food in summer). The downside is that Lisbon and the Algarve get absolutely swamped in July and August, so June is the ideal time to go.
6. Scandinavia
Sweden, Denmark and Norway are a good bet if you'd rather avoid the heat. The days are long, the temperatures are quite mild, and the combination of design, food and nature is hard to beat. A few days in Copenhagen, Stockholm or Oslo and then you can head off to the fjords or the countryside.
The long daylight means you can actually get a lot done in one day, which helps a bit with the main problem, which is that Scandinavia is expensive. Plan your meals around the bakeries and markets and book your accommodation as early as possible.
7. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is the Island of the Gods for its temples and offerings, and the scenery is absolutely up to the name. Ubud has the jungle and the rice paddies, Seminyak has the beach clubs and the restaurants, and Uluwatu has the cliffs and the surf.
Dry season is April to October, so June to September is a good time to go. It's also one of the more affordable options. The downside is, of course, the long flight for a lot of people and then the traffic in the main areas, so you'd be best to pick one or two bases and just stay with them.
8. British Columbia, Canada
If you imagine Canada as all snow, then BC will completely change that image. Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Whistler is a lot more than just a ski resort once the snow's melted, and Tofino is a proper surf town on the Pacific coast.
Summer is all about hiking, kayaking and long lakeside evenings. It's a very good season for people who want the outdoors but don't want the extreme heat. The ocean water is cool, and the distances between places are much greater than they appear on a map, so do allow for travel time.
9. Kenya
Kenya is a completely different proposition and an absolutely unforgettable one. From roughly July through to October you're in the dry season, and the Great Migration comes into the Maasai Mara. The wildlife viewing is just phenomenal. You've got the wildebeest, the zebras, and you're looking across the whole of the savannah from your lodge.
The catch is it's a more expensive trip, and it's not one you'd pick in June, so plan for July or later. Book your lodges well in advance as peak season fills up very quickly.
10. New York City
New York in summer is all about the outdoors. You can have a sunset at a rooftop bar, catch a production of Shakespeare in the Park, walk or bike the Hudson River Greenway, and eat your way through the various boroughs, which all feel like different cities.
If you want a beach, then head for Long Island or the Hamptons for a weekend. The trade-off is the heat and humidity in July and August and the fact that prices are high all year round. June and September are the most comfortable.
11. San Francisco
Early summer is a good time to go up to the Golden Gate Bridge before the fog really starts to roll in. There's plenty to see around Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, Haight-Ashbury, Chinatown and the steep streets.
Pack the layers as San Francisco summers are famously cool and foggy in comparison to the rest of California. If you're after some sun, then a day trip into wine country or a trip down the coast is the way to go. A great one for people who like cities but don't like the heat.
12. Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard
These two Massachusetts islands are pure postcard material: cobbled streets, beaches, lighthouses, hydrangeas and seafood right by the water. You can cycle all around the island, have a picnic on the sand and just watch the sun go down with a drink in hand.
Martha's Vineyard works as a week-long beach rental or a day trip from Boston. Nantucket is better if you're looking to stay a bit longer and take it at a more leisurely pace. Prices go through the roof in July and August, so June and early September are obviously the better months for both budgets and crowds.
Best Destinations to Go in June
If you can only travel in June, then you're in a great spot really as it's one of the very best months to travel. The days are long, the prices are generally lower than in July and August, and the masses haven't got there yet.
From that list the strongest June destinations are the Amalfi Coast, the Greek Islands, the French Riviera, Ibiza and the Balearics, Portugal, Scandinavia and Bali. NYC and the Mass. islands are very good then as well.
A few things to bear in mind. Southern Europe can already be quite hot by late June, so plan your sightseeing for the mornings and the evenings. Kenya's best saved for July and on, when the migration is definitely in the Maasai Mara.
How to Beat Summer Crowds and Save Money
Summer holidays don't have to be all about the crowds and the overpriced tickets. A few simple tricks will help:
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Travel in June or early September rather than July and August.
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Book early (particularly flights and hotels in popular areas) and be flexible on dates if you can.
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Go for the smaller towns and islands rather than the most well-known ones. Naxos rather than Santorini is the classic example.
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Visit the major sights early or late in the day (cooler and quieter at either end of the day).
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Try to travel during the week if you can. Weekend trips usually cost more.
Practical Tips Before You Book
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Check entry rules. Visa and passport requirements will vary, and many countries will require your passport to be valid for several months past the date of your intended return.
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Get travel insurance (particularly on trips that involve flights, ferries and pre-paid hotels).
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Pack for the destination (light, breathable for the beach, layers for places like San Francisco and Scandinavia).
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Protect yourself from the sun and heat. Take sunscreen, a hat and a refillable water bottle.
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Check the details right up to your trip. Prices, the weather and the rules can all change so be sure to check before you actually pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where is the best place to travel in summer?
Ans. That really depends on what you're after. For beaches and food, it's definitely the Amalfi Coast, the Greek Islands or Portugal. For a bit of cooler weather, you could go to Scandinavia, British Columbia or San Francisco.
Q2. What are the best destinations to go to in June?
Ans. The Amalfi Coast, the Greek Islands, the French Riviera, Portugal, Scandinavia and Bali are all excellent options in June with long days and the benefit of lighter crowds than you get later in the season.
Q3. Where should I go for a cheap summer vacation?
Ans. Portugal and Bali are the most affordable of the options on this list. June and September are the months that will keep your costs down pretty much anywhere.
Q4. Where can I go in summer to escape the heat?
Ans. Scandinavia, BC, San Francisco and the islands off Massachusetts are all generally milder than southern Europe.
Final Thoughts
The best answer to where to go in summer is the one that suits your budget, your type of traveller and your level of tolerance for crowds. If you're after beaches and good food, then the Amalfi Coast, the Greek Islands and Portugal are all good options.
If you want to stay cool, then head north to the Scandinavian countries or west to British Columbia. If you're travelling in June, then you can choose from pretty much all of the best summer destinations before the peak season rush hits.
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