Good Summer Vacation Destinations

Can’t get away for a summer vacation? Well, there’s still time to plan for the fall (or winter), winter (or spring, or whatever other season you like). The point is, if you want to take a trip, you’re reading the right newsletter. Here are some good summer vacation destinations. With the summer season now in full swing, we can expect to see many vacations and trips being taken this year. With that said there are a few essentials to take into account when deciding where to vacation. When planning your trip, consider these important tips before choosing a summer vacation destination.

To beat the summer heat, people are always looking for cool and refreshing places to be. In this article I will highlight five great summer vacation spots that are worth checking out. Ever wish you had a vacation destination that was guaranteed to be warm, cheap, with tons of beaches and fun? You’re in luck. I’ve traveled all over the world, and have put together this list of some of the best vacation spots that I visited. Each one is unique (because heck, everyone needs a little adventure) and offers something for everyone. So check them out!

One of my favorite things about summer, other than warmer weather and vacation days, is getting out and seeing new places. Northern Michigan is an ecologically diverse region with lots to see and do. The state has a number of national parks, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes national lakeshore and Pictured Rocks national lakeshore. One of the most common questions we get is whether or not dogs are allowed in the parks. The answer is yes! Pets on leashes are allowed to explore the trails within designated pet areas. In fact, there are even paved trails leading around Lake Michigan which pets are welcome to join you on.

Good Summer Vacation Destinations

There’s a summer vacation — and then there’s one you can’t explain with a postcard.

While plenty of travelers have their go-to spots for the summer, some trips are the stuff of legend and should be added to everyone’s must-visit plans. Travel + Leisure‘s classic summer vacation ideas promise to ignite inspiration, force you to think differently, and have you telling stories of your adventure for decades to come.

No matter how many passport stamps you’ve collected or countries you’ve checked off your list, there’s always a new corner of the globe left to discover. From road trips to train adventures to safaris, consider these summer vacation ideas for your next getaway.

 The Best Weekend Road Trips to Take This Summer

Enjoying ‘La Dolce Vita’ in Italy

When it comes to romance, no place can come close to the allure of Italy. You’ve got the history of Rome, the art of Venice, the modern vibe of Milan, the dreamy Mediterranean coastline, the wines of Tuscany, the pizza of Pisa, and more. Since the mid-summer weather can be scorching, try to plan your trip at the very beginning or end of summer, so you can stroll the parks and promenades without your third serving of gelato melting faster than you can enjoy it.

Road Tripping from Charleston to Savannah

While it’s mighty hot down South in the summertime, there’s plenty of sweet tea and lemonade available to cool you down. Begin your trip in the port city of Charleston, South Carolina, where you can wander picturesque cobblestone streets, walk the promenade along the ocean, snap photos in front of Rainbow Row, and eat really, really well. Then, hop in the car (your own, or a rental) and make your way to Savannah. The coastal Georgia city is about two hours away, and while you’ll find similar architecture and live oaks draped in moss, there’s a bit more action (and ghost sightings) if you prefer to stay busy on vacation.

Exploring Colombia

Colombia continues to climb the list of must-visit countries for curious travelers, and for good reason: Medellín offers immersion into art and culture, while Cartagena pairs history with seaside allure. Summer in Medellín — often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring” — means gin cocktails on outdoor patios, hiking on nearby mountains, pretty blooms from the surrounding rain forest, and a great calf workout (the town is built on hills). While you’re in the port city of Cartagena, you’ll travel back in time to the 16th century through its quintessential Old Town, which features colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. Plus, the nearby white-sand beaches are never too crowded.

Pretending You’re 007 in Monaco

If you haven’t been to Paris, summer is a special time to visit. But if you’ve had your fill of lazy sunset picnics along the Seine, consider Monaco instead. This tiny independent city-state on the Mediterranean coastline of France oozes international spy vibes. You’ll feel like an extra in a Bond film as you gamble at upscale casinos, sample local dishes at La Condamine market, or stroll along the boardwalk, admiring Monaco’s seaside-hillside beauty.

Market-ing in Marrakesh

The northern African country of Morocco is diverse, with a rich history and plenty of unique experiences to engage your senses. From perusing the rows of local goods that line the winding lanes of the medina in Marrakesh to riding a camel into the sunset to losing count of the stars in the Sahara Desert sky, a summertime trip is both challenging and enticing. It’s right past the high season, so if you can take the heat, it makes for fewer crowds and a much calmer getaway – well, as calm as it can get while you bargain for tiles and dodge motorbikes.

Lazing Around in Jamaica

A hop-and-a-skip from the East Coast, the capital of Saint James Parish, Montego Bay, gives you permission to disconnect for a hot second. And by hot, we do mean hot: Temperatures are definitely warm in the summer, but this also makes for some of the best sunrises, sunsets, and beach days. When you’re not paging through the latest beach read, you can explore the many shores, including Doctor’s Cave Beach or Walter Fletcher, among others. If you’re into snorkeling or scuba-certified, the protected waves of Montego Bay Marine Park are a must-dive, too.

Hiking to Machu Picchu

Summer might be the busiest time to see Machu Picchu, but it’s the most beautiful time to see blue skies, lush green grass, and awe-inspiring views. Whether you’re up for the challenge of hiking the Inca Trail or would prefer the Inca Rail, it’s wise to spend a few days casually sightseeing in Cusco to adjust to the altitude first. This small Peruvian town is postcard-perfect, with a hilltop that lights up at night, a bustling local market, and countless alpaca stores to splurge on a sweater for the chilly nights. If you’re on the fence about scaling Huayna Picchu – the mountain in front of Machu Picchu with the killer views, opt in — trust us.

Eating Your Way Around Lima

For foodies who prefer eating to sightseeing on vacation, Lima will feel like the holy grail of discoveries: There are countless restaurants ripe with Michelin stars and affordable tasting menus. During the summer, the Peruvian capital boasts sunshine-filled days and little rain, and when you’re not restaurant hopping, you can learn how to surf, snap photos of impressive graffiti art, and pet the countless cats at Parque Kennedy. Word to the wise: If you want to dine at Central or Astrid & Gaston, make reservations far before takeoff.

Surfing in Nicaragua

Learn to surf in Nicaragua, or at least have fun trying. Notorious as one of the top places to put your hang 10 skills to test, the waves here lend themselves to both beginners and experts. This Central American country, tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, features more than just no-filter-required sunsets: Various regions mean you can experience everything from lakes to volcanoes. Before you leave, make sure you see Granada, with dozens of tropical birds and a rich Spanish colonial history.