What Summer Vacation
Whether waking up to the sound of waves breaking on the shore, hiking in the woods, or taking a weekend getaway to a city you’ve always wanted to visit, summer offers many opportunities for vacation. The best vacations are often kept local and personal. After all, it’s your vacation and it should fit the vibe of your life style. So pack your bags because there many trips to be taken this summer.
I’ve always wanted to go on vacation in Italy. I’ve never been, but I have friends that go every summer. It’s so beautiful. Sometimes they stay right on the beach and just lay there in the sand most of the day. Other times they head off to visit the city – Florence is one of their favorites. Would you like to meet some of them and see some of their favorite hotels?
We’ve just spent a week with family and friends in Tennessee, USA. There was more fun than we could have imagined, but at the end of it all I’m excited to be home again. I can’t quite describe the feeling, but it’s like the time you’ve been away from your kids for a week and you’re so relieved to have them back again. The relief that they are still here!
Wake up to bright blue skies, birds singing, and feel the warm sun on your face. You’re lounging in an infinity pool, with a cocktail in hand, soaking up the rays and listening to the waves lapping against the shore – sounds like a dream right? How about waking up to all of that, but guilt- free?! Ok dream vacation just got even better!
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.
What Summer Vacation
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.