Get Ready For The First Day Of Summer With These 34 Picks

Image: Steve Crane, Flickr

It’s officially the first day of our beloved summer, so there’s no better time to start planning your vacation! From the northern hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere, the possibilities are endless, so we’ve narrowed it down just a smidge to give you our top summer holiday destinations:

1. The Caribbean

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to this paradise-like region of the world:

Jamaica. This ultimate beach destination is less than two hours from Miami, promising bright blue waters, incredible food, cultural haunts (including the Bob Marley Museum!) and endless party venues. It’d be rude not to, really. Book an evening cruise on the luminous lagoon

Anguilla. Another must for the bucket list if you’re coming from Miami - especially since American Airlines launched the first-ever direct flight to this Caribbean gem earlier this year!

The Bahamas. Not far from the coast of Florida lies this world famous beach destination, long loved by travelers worldwide for its crystal-clear waters, fresh seafood and plenty of fun-filled activities. Book a Nassau walking tour

Barbados. Relaxing beaches, delicious dining and incredible nightlife await! Get there quicker with a fast track Barbados airport experience

Cuba. Summer in Cuba is as fresh and exciting as it gets, owing to the tropical warmth, vibrant heritage and a cultural charm like nowhere else. The colonial architecture is well-preserved, the white sandy beaches - punctuated by coral reefs - are dosed with tranquility, and the lush, leafy jungle boasts an unrivaled beauty.

2. Kotor, Montenegro

Nestled along the coastline, backdropped by towering mountains and overlooking the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea, makes a visit to this tiny town well worth it alone. Add in the historic buildings contained in the ancient walls of this medieval Mediterranean town bursting with old-world charm and you're on to a winner. Expect narrow, cobblestoned streets, markets and a host of adventure sports.

Fancy a cruise? Dubrovnik to Kotor’s got your name all over it!

3. Bali

Pristine beaches, authentic villages, historical temples, colorful flowers, misty waterfalls, hiking trails and year-round warmth make this tropical paradise a must vacation spot.

4. Africa

Morocco. Get ready to come face-to-face with the majestic mountain ranges, tranquil beaches, vast desert and vibrant culture of this always-enticing country. All your senses will be tantalized here - from the incredible panoramic views to the unique tastes of the cuisine; the wafting aromas of the spices to the busy sounds of the market.

Kenya. For breathtaking landscapes and unrivaled wildlife encounters, look no further than this melting pot of international heritage, culture and cuisine. Book a private full-day tour

Botswana. June - September is Botswana’s dry season, making summer the perfect time to explore here! A wilderness of uncompromising beauty, Botswana delivers the ultimate safari experience, from the herds of wandering elephants to the zebra and antelope catching up over drinks at the river banks. Forget the movie or stage show; this is the closest you’ll ever get to The Lion King.

South Africa. There’s something for everyone in this traveler-favorite vacation spot, from encounters with the Big Five on safari to the endlessly-beautiful Garden route; paddling with penguins on the beach to reliving history in the townships - and, of course, the dramatic landscape of the Cape Winelands. You will not regret making this your summer destination.

Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique. Boasting a natural beauty through its many beaches, coral reefs and islands that you just have to see.

Kafue National Park, Zambia.  Spanning a whopping 8,648 miles, this is the country's largest (and oldest) national park, offering everything from safaris and boat cruises to incredible resorts with all the trimmings. See more of the country on this Devil’s Pool Zambia tour

Egypt. If you were willing to overlook this African wonder when considering the top destinations for your summer vacation, we’d say you were in some serious de-Nile. Ahem, ok, terrible puns aside, a Nile Cruise is the perfect vacation plan, owing to the incredible sights you’ll tick off along the way, such as the Pyramids and tombs. Read more: The Best Travel Destinations For 2022: Egypt

Seychelles. Indulge in a slice of remote luxury on this archipelago of tropical islands. Book a helicopter tour Seychelles

Rwanda. For an awe-inspiring landscape and majestic mountain gorillas, consider Rwanda for your summer vacation.

Namibia. If you’re genuinely after some peace and quiet this summer, head to one of the quietest, least-populated places in the world, consisting of huge swaths of desert, sand dunes, incredible wildlife and vast, open spaces.

Tanzania. An unforgettable adventure awaits in the heart of the Serengeti, amid the soft, sandy beaches, incredible wildlife and fascinating culture. Summer’s a great time to come for cooler, more comfortable temperatures. Visit the Makoa farm Tanzania

5. Argentina

Although June - August is very much winter in Argentina, temperatures rarely drop below 50℉ or exceed 66℉, meaning you’re guaranteed a comfortable stay - especially when you take the off-peak perks into account, too, such as fewer crowds.

Because of all this, we highly recommend considering Argentina as your summertime vacation destination, allowing you to fully appreciate walking around the extraordinary Spanish colonial towns by day and relaxing at night with a glass of wine, overlooking the imposing peaks of the Andes. Sign. Us. Up.

A particular shout-out must go to the cultural hub of Salta - the province in the northwest of the country - for its rugged, rocky landscape that lends itself to all manners of outdoor activities, striking Spanish-colonial architecture, countless museums and vineyards. Plan to be here for the first week of August to join in with the Pachamama celebrations dedicated to Mother Earth.

6. Belize

The jungle terrain, coral gardens, rainforests and expansive barrier reef in Belize attract adventure travelers and divers to this tropical wonderland year-round, but with the summer comes the added benefit of rolling hills, cooling sea breezes and cascading waterfalls. It is, quite simply, the ultimate destination. Read more: The Best Destinations For 2022: Belize

7. Budapest, Hungary

Few places in the world manage to combine both old-world charm with modern luxury quite like Budapest. As well as being a popular city destination, Hungary’s capital is also enveloped by 22 wine regions, meaning you’ll leave here more than a little happy!

Book the RiverRide floating bus

8. Costa Rica

The pristine Pacific beaches here boast a chameleon-like quality in that you can either use them to dose up on your chill time or go full adventure mode (think ziplining and white water rafting!). What’s not to love?

Book a 12-day Naturally Costa Rica program

9. Chile

No matter when you come to Chile, you won’t be disappointed, thanks to a diversity of experiences borne out of its long, slender landscape. Head to the Torres del Paine National Park for adventure, the wine regions for some mouthwatering flavors and the colorful towns for some relaxed meandering.

10. Doha, Qatar

Between a host of impressive museums, a fantastic safari desert experience and a range of delicious eateries, there’s lots to discover in Doha.

11. Wales, UK

The Wales Coastal Path - the only path in the world to follow the whole of a country’s coastline - celebrated its tenth anniversary this year, making it all the more reason for you to head there this summer, especially if you’re a hiker! Unless you have around three months to spare, you probably won’t manage to walk the entire 870 miles, but you can definitely enjoy its highlights in one visit.

12. Galápagos Islands

Calling all marine ecosystem enthusiasts! You won’t find a better place to come than these relatively untouched islands, save for the giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, and iguanas that call this incredible slice of the Earth home.

13. Kyushu, Japan

A more off-the-beaten-track option when it comes to the heavy footfall in some of Japan’s major tourist cities, but certainly no less worthy. Indeed, if the sound of golden beaches, water sports and natural hot springs doesn’t appeal, then what are you even doing here?

Read more: When’s The Best Time To Visit Japan?

14. Malaysia

Offering diversity in both its landscape and cultures, Malaysia is a true melting pot. Navigate between the cosmopolitan cities, wildlife-rich rainforests, idyllic islands and breathtaking beaches; it doesn’t get much better than this.

15. Maldives

A five-star tropical experience whether you’re a surfer, scuba diver, beach lover, marine enthusiast or pair of giddy honeymooners. The 1,000+ turquoise islands making up the Maldives - home to sharks, whales and dolphins - are as nirvana-like as it gets, no matter what time of year you come.

16. Phuket, Thailand

A pristinely beautiful, energetic yet luxurious island surrounded by crystal-clear water, there’s something for everyone in this ideal holiday spot that screams paradise.

Read more: Which Thailand Island To Visit?

17. Portugal

Lisbon, Comporta, Douro Valley or Porto; no matter what part of Portugal tickles your pickle, you can rest assured that this will be a vacation that will deliver in spades - without breaking the bank.

Pico - the second largest isle making up the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores (known as ‘the Hawaii of the Atlantic’) - holds a particular allure for us. This is owing to Mount Pico (the country’s highest peak), an abundance of marine life and water sports and its status as an increasingly popular wine region.

A separate shout-out must also go to Madeira - another isle - lovingly coined ‘the floating garden of the Atlantic’ thanks to its flowering forests. Here you can hike, bird watch, fish, sail, scuba dive and dolphin watch.

18. São Paulo, Brazil

The largest city in South America is an international hub of art, culture, world-class museums, iconic architecture, fashion, luxury, entertainment and decadent dining options.

19. Udaipur, India

If South Asia is on your bucket list, you must include Udaipur - the city of lakes - on the itinerary. The ‘Venice of the East’ is one of India's most romantic and luxurious places, and it invites you to immerse yourself in its culture fully.

20. United States

You may not be in the market for an international getaway, but with an abundance of options at home, you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank! Check these out:

Panama. Highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Casco Viejo and Panama City (dating back to 1673), the Panama Canal, a thriving coffee scene and Coiba National Park, where you’ll be met with biological diversity and world-class diving options like nowhere else. All this, plus rainforest treks, volcano climbs and intimate meetings with seven Indigenous communities.

Florida. The beaches of St. Petersburg and Clearwater are among the best in the US, but there’s more to these idyllic spots than just sun, sea and sand.

Throbbing with museums, art galleries and copious numbers of craft beer breweries, you’re in for quite the getaway this summer if you choose Florida as your destination! And that’s before we even throw the legendary Walt Disney World into the mix, which continues to celebrate its 18-month-long 50th anniversary with many new attractions. You cannot miss this - especially if you’re a Star Wars fan!

Alaska. Famed for its towering snow-capped peaks, endless wilderness and incredible national parks, you may well choose to pick this vast state as your summer staycation spot.

Tennessee.  Full of small-town charm, historic markers, music, a thriving food and drink scene, The Tennessee Whiskey Trail and an abundance of wineries, you could do a lot worse than settling in this Southern state for summer.

Seattle, Washington. The Emerald City boasts obviously green credentials, but what truly sets it apart from the competition is its world-class urban life, too, meaning you can get almost anything from a visit here. Countless cultural sites and more fine dining options than you’ll know what to do with makes Seattle a truly worthy contender. Get your Seattle city pass here

Sedona, Arizona. The red-rock landscape and landmarks such as Devil’s Bridge keep Sedona firmly in the Insta hall of fame. Discover why for yourself.

21. France

You won’t get much better than the glamor-heavy French Riviera for some much-needed sun, sea, and luxury. Take a dip in the pool, boat along the coast and sip on a glass of rosé.

Oh, and while we’re talking about rosé, you may also want to consider the wine region of Burgundy in your plans, too! Check out the bike wine tours

22. Quebec, Canada

For a dose of France without too far to travel, choose the charming cities of Montreal or Quebec City - packed with summertime festivals and events that include fireworks, graffiti, jazz and a circus!

23. Italy

Abruzzo. The unspoiled villages along the picturesque coast make this one of the most breathtaking escapes on the list.

Costa Smeralda, Sardinia. A glitzy destination loved for its Caribbean-like beaches and opulent resorts.

24. Greece

With over 2,000 majestic islands to choose from, there’s something for everyone - romance, relaxation or really great activities - in this paradise-like destination that boasts balmy Mediterranean weather and delicious food!

We love Santorini (which you can check out on this Santorini virtual tour!), Mykonos scuba diving, the beaches of Zakynthos, the ancient ruins and wineries of the Peloponnese Peninsula and Crete, made up of white-washed buildings with blue roofs, impossibly clear waters and fascinating museums.

Go on a glass bottom boat tour in Amazonas Park Crete

25. Croatia

Boasting one of the finest coastlines in the world along the glistening Adriatic Sea, sun-drenched islands and a rich, dramatic history that spills out of its ancient walled cities. Some highlights include the Game of Thrones-heavy Dubrovnik, where you can walk in the footsteps of the hit TV show, the magical food and wine region of Istria and a spot of Hvar fishing in the picture-perfect sea town.

26. The Nordic Countries

Sweden. Offering a sophisticated and stylish summer itinerary focused on cutting-edge art, design, cuisine and culture. Hike, bike and boat your way through this beautiful country of pristine forests and jaw-dropping coastline. Book a walking tour of Stockholm or Helsinki.

Iceland. There’s never a wrong time to visit Iceland, but in summer, it simply sparkles. Backdropped by a too-good-to-be-true landscape - especially if you time your visit with the Northern Lights - the incredible outdoor activities, fascinating Viking history and hidden hot springs make for an exhilarating experience like no other.

27. Colombia

The coffee capital of Colombia - backdropped by soaring Andean peaks and the breathtaking Caribbean coast - will certainly give you a vacation that’s full-bodied and filled with an addictive aroma leaving you coming back for more! From the charmingly colonial and colorful Cartagena to the creative hub of Bogotá, you’re in for a fun ride.

Head to Caño Cristales - the ‘Liquid Rainbow’ technicolor river that turns red, green, yellow, blue and black depending on the algae that grow alongside it - best experienced between July to October. You’ll find Caño Cristales in the dense and wildlife-rich jungle of La Macarena National Park (and yes, we’ll give you a second to sing it.).

28. Peru

Paddington Bear might have wanted to escape deepest, darkest Peru, but we’re sure you’ll find plenty to love about this culturally-rich country filled with layers of history. Make time to explore the Spanish colonial architecture of Cusco, the temples of Lima and the hidden city of Machu Picchu before floating down the Amazon river to get intimate with the abundance of wildlife who call this home.

29. Spain

As Spain swells with tourists over the summer months, the pull to join in with the swarms of people already sold on the country's many gems intensifies. You’ll soak up the sunshine in this go-to travel destination with flamenco dancers, fascinating museums, delicious food, and views to die for. Valencia - the World Design Capital for 2022 - is also a worthy add-on to your itinerary.

30. Malta

It may be one of the smallest countries in Europe, but Malta can undoubtedly hold its own in terms of what it brings to the table as a holiday destination. History, culture, unique attractions and sensational views are always on offer here but come summertime, you can add a whole events calendar into the mix, too!

A new lease of life was breathed into the capital city Valletta in 2018, on being crowned the European Capital of Culture, so this is certainly a good place to start, but you’ll also want to spend time on the paradise-like beaches, gazing out across the dramatic scenery as you soak up the Mediterranean sun.

31. Al Ula, Saudi Arabia

The discovery of this once-buried treasure in the desert is thanks to an extensive restoration of its Old Town with a new open-air market, four restaurants and an entertainment area. Hegra - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - is considered the sister site to Petra, and another reason to add this to your list.

Book a full-day tour

32. Australia

While it’s not actually summer here, Australia doesn’t really do winter quite how we do, so you may well find now’s the perfect time to head Down Under - especially if you stick to the northern part of the country.

Explore the caves in Cairns, relax in the seaside village of Port Douglas, get intimate with the penguins in Hamilton Island, dive down into the Great Barrier Reef, explore the Whitsundays - an archipelago of 74 tropical islands - and spend time in Daintree Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

33. Singapore

Don’t be deceived by its small size; a wealth of opportunity lies in this densely populated and diverse country. By day, head to wildlife-rich ‘granite island’ of Palau Ubin, the Southern Ridges, where the country’s most popular parks and gardens lie, Singapore Zoo and SkyHelix Sentosa - an open-air ride towering 300 feet above sea level (gulp). Then choose from the country’s myriad of Michelin Star restaurants!

34. Israel

Last but by no means least, head to the holy land for an eclectic mix of attractions. From the mountain fortress of Masada to the Dead Sea; the beachfront resort of Eilat to the bustling cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv - and, of course, the endless religious and historical sites dotted all over the country, including the holy city of Jerusalem and the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on water. Come ready to line your stomach - the food here is both delicious and plentiful.

Whew - we definitely deserve a vacation after all that research and writing! You coming?