Iceland | Image credit: Tony Reid/Unsplash
Summer has a way of playing favourites. She doesn’t bother hiding it either — showering certain corners of the world with endless golden light, celestial sunsets, and all-you-can-drink rosé, while the other middle-sibling corners are left with the summer hand-me-downs, wilting in the heat of her hot, sticky embrace. These ‘chosen few’ don’t just survive the summer heat — they thrive in it, revealing their charm under the sultry summer sun, slowly unfurling their magic with the gentle, effortless ease of a well-functioning beach umbrella. When making your summer plans, consider some of the most exquisite summer travel destinations around the globe, which reveal their full beauty when the days are long and golden.
Also, find out everything about savouring a slow summer in Tromso, Norway.
Iconic summer travel destinations around the world
Provence, France
Aix-en-Provence, France | Image credit: Sara Geiko/Unsplash
Every summer, the lavender fields of Provence transform the region into a living, breathing canvas of colour and perfume, stretching in undulating waves of violet beneath a sky washed with strokes of cobalt blue. The fields typically bloom from mid-June to late August, with the peak bloom in early to mid-July. More than just being unutterably beautiful, the fields embody the slow, sultry richness of Provençal life — time here seems to decelerate, a crisp petal-pink glass of rosé is socially acceptable at any hour of the day, vineyards unfurl with balletic grace across pastel-toned village landscapes, and the summer sun paints everything a luminous, glorious gold.
Provence has long been a muse for painters, from Van Gogh to Renoir, Matisse to Cézanne, with some of the greatest art capturing the essence of summer life in Provence. Though scenes of Provençal life have been captured on world-famous canvases, it’s actually the ordinary, day-to-day moments that truly speak to its beauty — a morning café in the garden, goat cheese wrapped in dried chestnut leaves and a bottle of rosé at sunset, long leisurely summer picnics, and a feeling of deep connection to the ochre-red land and all it produces. So when in Provence, slow your pulse down to the Provençal pace, remembering always to stop and smell the lavender at one of the world’s best summer destinations.
Also, explore rural France with our selection of the most beautiful French villages.
Iceland
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland | Image credit: Robert Lukeman/Unsplash
Summer unlocks Iceland’s wild, untamed beauty — think of a destination with lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, locally grown cuisine and almost 24 hours of continuous daylight under the magical Midnight Sun. The sun does set in the summer, but only momentarily — meaning you can actually watch the sun setting and sun rising all in the same sitting. While locals are in good spirits with outdoor parties and countless summer festivals, the summer also ushers in the return of the puffins — meaning these adorably colourful little birds can be seen all along the country’s dramatic coastal cliffs, mostly along the Southern Coast. Nestled above the stunning black sand beaches of Vík and Reynisfjara is one of the largest puffin colonies in the world, with millions of puffins flitting to and fro between cliff and sea, fetching fish for their hungry little pufflings back in the nest (it’s quite a sight).
An Icelandic summer means strolls along these breathtaking black sand beaches, dips in the milky-blue waters of the geothermal Blue Lagoon baths located in the middle of a lava field, and photo ops against stark and hauntingly beautiful landscapes — including the iconic Buðakirkja Black Church that sits alone in a lava field near the sea, with a backdrop of mountains and the Snæfellsjökull glacier.
Plan your trip with our specially curated 10-day Iceland itinerary promising fire, ice and everything nice!
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Positano, Amalfi Coast | Image credit: Sebastian Leonhardt/Unsplash
Steep cliffs blanketed in citrus groves descend into cerulean waters, tiny medieval villages feel like they’ve been untouched for centuries, the Tyrrhenian Sea glistens in the morning sun like it’s home to a million sapphires, and a hazy, dreamlike quality lingers heavily in the air. From Positano to Ravello, every frame along Italy’s Amalfi Coast evokes the languid sensuality of a Godard film, and in the summer, the whole coastline glows like Brigitte Bardot in Le Mépris.
The long, honey golden days unravel with a slow, sensual ease, and are best paired with big floppy hats and ice cold glasses of limoncello (a delicious local lemon liqueur made from large, fragrant Sorrento lemons). Spend the afternoon wandering through a local lemon grove and sipping limoncello in the hills above Sorrento, jump on a vespa and ride along the breathtakingly stunning coastline, charter a private boat to explore secluded beaches and swim in iridescent blue waters; or simply sip on a spritz at a cliffside bar with jaw-droppingly gorg panoramic views.
Tucked away up in the hills far from its more popular cousins but no less arresting, the enchanting medieval town of Ravello is the Amalfi Coast’s quiet standout and also well worth exploring. It exudes a hushed magnificence with 12th-century pink palazzos to stay in, winding cobblestone streets to wander, secret rose gardens to roam and sweeping, cinematic views of the sparkling coastline below.
Also, consider including the most Instagram-friendly cities in Europe in your itinerary for an aesthetically pleasing trip.
New York City
Brooklyn Bridge, New York City | Image credit: Gianandrea Villa/Unsplash
While the temperature and humidity soar to an uncomfortably sticky high, and hives of humans leave their burrows to swarm the boroughs of the Big Apple, there’s still something indescribably alluring about summer in New York City. The whole city teems with life and exuberance, bursting with outdoor festivals and concerts, lively street markets, buzzing outdoor rooftop bars, and some of the best people-watching on the planet.
The air is thick with renewed, inspired energy — there’s always an open air night market in the Bronx or Queens to treasure hunt your way through, an al fresco film screening to enjoy with your toes nestled in the grass, a free open-air performance like the New York Philharmonic’s “Concerts in the Parks” series, or an art-laden sidewalk to explore — in New York, the streets double up as galleries, alive with murals, sculptures, art installations and graffiti. Central Park is summer’s unofficial HQ for breezy picnics, free concerts, or just late afternoon naps under the shade of an old Chestnut Oak tree. Dorothy was wrong — there are many places like home, but there’s no place like New York City in the summer.
Shop the best travel experiences here
Kyoto, Japan
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto | Image credit: Marek Piwnicki/Unsplash
While spring’s cherry blossoms get all the attention in Japan, Kyoto’s summer is not the showy main character, but the seasoned understudy — graceful, grounded, and aglow with quiet allure. Summer in Kyoto is lush, green, and gleaming with life — the fairytale Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a cathedral of green and light that stays cool even when summer is in full bloom. It’s also cicada season, meaning these ancient winged minstrels provide a drone-like soundtrack to summer strolls through the forest. In July, the city comes alive with the Gion Matsuri, a centuries-old festival featuring enormous lantern-lit floats and rhythmic drums that take to the streets and gather around the Yasaka Shrine. There are also parades featuring glowing lanterns, traditional dancers, and parasols adorned with beautiful flowers.
Another quintessential Kyoto summer tradition that has been alive since the 17th century is its noryo yuka — the outdoor riverside dining terraces that are open for the season and teeming with life, offering delicious local cuisine such as yudōfu (simmered tofu), Kyo-yasai (Kyoto heirloom vegetables), and ayu (grilled sweetfish). The kawadoko (riverbed dining) restaurants – dining patios built directly over the river instead of alongside it – are another sublime summer ritual, where outdoor dining is accompanied by the soft song of running water beneath your table. Up in the emerald green valleys of northern Kyoto, the beguiling kawadoko restaurant in Kibune Nakayoshi is suspended directly over the Kibune River, just 30 centimetres above it. The wooden deck is perched so close to the flowing water that you can dip your feet in it as you dine, while sampling a seasonal menu featuring ingredients sourced from the local mountains, forests and rivers.
Explore like a local with this slow travel Kyoto itinerary.
Summer travel tips
New York City | Image credit: Reynaldo #brigworkz Brigantty/Pexels
The one thing that’s sure to suck the life out of any summer vacation is dehydration — so wherever you’re going, pack a refillable water bottle (hydration is the grossly underrated hero of summer travel).
Pack light but smart: breathable fabrics, comfy shoes, a versatile layer for overzealous air conditioning, and sunscreen to avoid being burnt as a summer barbeque when you’re out and about.
Skip over-packed tourist traps at high noon — there’s absolutely no glory in sightseeing when you’re melting — and opt instead for early mornings or golden-hour explorations (the softer, gentler light also lends itself beautifully to photography).
During the busy summer season in Europe, restaurant wait times can be unbearable, and some restaurants — particularly in Italy — charge a coperto, or an additional cover fee for a dine-in experience, even if it’s just for a coffee. So, if it’s something small and portable like a gelato, you’re better off taking it to go and snacking while you walk.
Linen, cotton, and light colours are your allies, as well as a charged phone, local currency, and a refreshing facial mist, which ensures you’re always just one quick spritz away from feeling like a whole new person.
A travel-size perfume and dry shampoo can also work wonders between sightseeing and dinner reservations.
The one tip that may save your sanity during peak season summer travel: avoid pre-booking too many activities and trying to squeeze in too much into one day or one trip — your future self will thank you.
With the summer heat and crowds at an all-time high, it’s easy to get exhausted, and sometimes a little bed rest time should be included as part of the itinerary.
(Feature image credit: Pixabay/Pexels)
Related | Destination Guide – Where To Eat, Play And Luxuriate In Europe This Summer
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which European cities are most popular in the summer?
As summer travel destinations, Europe’s most popular cities include Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and Prague.
Are there any iconic places that are best visited specifically in the summer?
Places like the Amalfi Coast, Iceland’s Ring Road, the Canadian Rockies, Santorini, and the Pacific Northwest are best visited specifically in the summer, when the pleasant weather opens up trails, coastlines, and vibrant local life.
What festivals around the world could I attend in the summer?
Festivals around the globe that you could attend in the summer include Glastonbury in the UK, Tomorrowland in Belgium, Fuji Rock in Japan, the Calgary Stampede in Canada, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and the Governors Ball in New York City.
Which American destinations come alive during the summer months?
The best American summer travel destinations that come alive during the summer months include New York City, Chicago, Cape Cod, San Francisco and Alaska for stunning landscapes under the midnight sun.
Which Asian countries are ideal for summer travel?
Asian countries that make for ideal summer travel destinations include Japan for its festivals and mountain escapes, Indonesia for tropical beaches, and Vietnam for coastal adventures.
Are there any iconic summer travel spots that aren’t too crowded?
Places like Slovenia’s Lake Bohinj, Norway’s Lofoten Islands, Portugal’s Alentejo coast, Japan’s Hokkaido, and the Faroe Islands are iconic summer travel destinations with fewer crowds than their famous neighbors.
What natural wonders are best experienced during the summer?
Natural wonders that are best experienced during the summer include the Midnight Sun in Iceland, Alaska’s glaciers, the lavender fields of Provence, and the Swiss Alps in bloom.
What are some tips for experiencing iconic summer destinations affordably?
Tips for experiencing iconic summer travel destinations affordably include booking early to save on flights, flying midweek for cheaper rates, staying in modest guest houses or hostels, using public transport, and eating simple, local food – which can include street food, or buying food at local grocery stores instead of eating out often at restaurants.
What should I pack for international summer travel?
For international summer travel, pack lightweight clothes, a versatile and comfortable pair of shoes, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, travel-sized toiletries, a hat, sunglasses, a travel adapter, local currency and a compact first-aid kit.
Written By
Nirupama Belliappa
Nirupama Belliappa is a features journalist and a classical harpist. She has previously worked at NDTV ..Read Morehosting shows on travel, food & wine, music and wellness. Though originally from Coorg, she grew up in Nova Scotia, Canada, but now calls India home. Read Less
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