Searching for the best places to travel in summer? The right destination depends on what you want from your holiday. Some travellers want sunny beaches and warm seas, while others would rather escape the heat in the mountains, explore cooler northern cities or experience wildlife and outdoor adventures.
For summer travel, June, July and August offer an enormous range of possibilities around the world. From Greece and Croatia to Iceland, Canada, Japan and Kenya, the best choice depends on your budget, weather preferences, travel style and tolerance for crowds.
What Are the Best Places to Travel in Summer?
The best summer destinations combine suitable weather, enjoyable experiences, reliable travel infrastructure and activities that work well during the season.
Some of the strongest options include:
- Greece for beaches, islands and Mediterranean culture
- Portugal for coastlines, food and city breaks
- Croatia for Adriatic beaches and historic towns
- Iceland for dramatic landscapes and long daylight hours
- Norway for fjords, hiking and the midnight sun
- Canada for mountain scenery and outdoor adventures
- Japan for culture, food and summer festivals
- Kenya for safari and wildlife
- Switzerland for alpine scenery and hiking
- Scotland for cooler weather, landscapes and cultural experiences
There is no single destination that is best for every traveller. A family looking for a beach holiday needs something very different from a couple planning an active mountain trip.
1. Greece: Best for Beaches and Island Hopping
Greece remains one of the classic summer choices. Its combination of blue water, historic sites, traditional villages and Mediterranean food makes it particularly appealing between June and September.
Popular choices include:
- Santorini
- Crete
- Corfu
- Rhodes
- Naxos
- Paros
- Zakynthos
The Greek islands are particularly suitable if your ideal summer holiday includes swimming, boat trips, waterfront restaurants and relaxed evenings.
Best for
- Beach holidays
- Couples
- Families
- Island hopping
- Food lovers
- History
Planning tip
July and August are peak travel months. If you want a more relaxed experience, consider June or September, when conditions can still be excellent while avoiding some of the busiest periods.
2. Portugal: Best for Coast, Food and City Breaks
Portugal offers more variety than a typical beach destination.
You can combine Lisbon with the Algarve, explore Porto, or spend your holiday travelling through smaller coastal towns.
The Algarve is particularly attractive for:
- Beaches
- Coastal walks
- Surfing
- Golf
- Seafood
- Family holidays
Lisbon works well for travellers who want architecture, food, nightlife and day trips alongside their summer escape.
Best for
- Couples
- Families
- First-time European travellers
- Food lovers
- Surfing
- City and beach combinations
3. Croatia: Best for the Adriatic Coast
Croatia is an excellent choice for travellers who want clear water, historic towns and island scenery. Dubrovnik is one of the country’s best-known destinations, but travellers can also explore Split, Hvar, Korčula and the Dalmatian coast.
A Croatian summer can combine:
- Boat trips
- Swimming
- Historic architecture
- Island hopping
- National parks
- Seafood
- Coastal road trips
Best for
- Couples
- Groups
- Beach lovers
- Photography
- Sailing
- History
The main trade-off is popularity. Some coastal hotspots become extremely busy during July and August, so booking accommodation and transport early is sensible.
4. Iceland: Best for Cool Summer Adventures
If hot weather is not your idea of a perfect holiday, Iceland deserves serious consideration. Summer provides long daylight hours, making it easier to explore waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, glaciers and coastal scenery.
Popular experiences include:
- Golden Circle
- Waterfalls
- Black-sand beaches
- Geothermal areas
- Glacier tours
- Whale watching
- Road trips
Iceland is particularly appealing for travellers who want dramatic scenery rather than traditional beach resorts.
Best for
- Nature lovers
- Road trips
- Photography
- Hiking
- Couples
- Adventure travel
One advantage of travelling in Iceland during summer is the extended daylight, which can give you considerably more time for sightseeing.
5. Norway: Best for Fjords and the Midnight Sun
Norway is another excellent summer destination for escaping extreme heat while enjoying spectacular landscapes.
The fjords, mountains, and coastal communities create a very different type of summer holiday.
Consider visiting:
- Bergen
- Oslo
- Lofoten Islands
- Geirangerfjord
- Tromsø
- Stavanger
Northern Norway is particularly interesting during summer because of the midnight sun, when the sun remains above the horizon for extended periods.
Best for
- Hiking
- Scenic drives
- Photography
- Nature
- Adventure
- Slow travel
Travel costs can be higher than in some European destinations, so budget accordingly.
6. Switzerland: Best for Mountain Scenery
Switzerland is one of the strongest choices for travellers who want fresh mountain air, lakes and scenic rail journeys.
Summer opens up many hiking routes and outdoor activities in the Alps.
Popular destinations include:
- Interlaken
- Lucerne
- Zermatt
- Grindelwald
- Lauterbrunnen
- Lake Geneva
You can combine mountain villages with cities, lakes and panoramic train journeys.
Best for
- Families
- Hiking
- Couples
- Photography
- Scenic train travel
- Outdoor adventures
For travellers who dislike extreme summer heat, higher-altitude destinations can offer a more comfortable alternative to lowland Mediterranean cities.
7. Scotland: Best for Cooler Weather and Culture
Scotland is a smart option if you want summer scenery without consistently hot weather.
Edinburgh is particularly lively during August, while the Highlands offer mountains, lochs, castles and scenic driving routes.
Consider:
- Edinburgh
- Isle of Skye
- Glencoe
- Cairngorms
- Loch Lomond
- Scottish Highlands
Best for
- Hiking
- History
- Road trips
- Families
- Photography
- Cooler summer travel
Summer is also a popular time for festivals and outdoor events, so accommodation in Edinburgh can become highly competitive.
8. Canada: Best for Outdoor Adventure
Canada’s summer season is ideal for exploring national parks, lakes and mountain landscapes.
The Canadian Rockies are particularly impressive.
Popular destinations include:
- Banff
- Jasper
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Calgary
- Vancouver Island
Summer is a strong season for hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing and scenic road trips.
Best for
- Families
- Hiking
- Road trips
- Wildlife
- Adventure
- National parks
The main consideration is distance. Canada is vast, so avoid trying to cover too much in a short trip.
Choose one region and explore it properly.
9. Japan: Best for Culture and Food
Japan offers a completely different summer experience.
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokkaido each provide something different.
Summer brings festivals, fireworks and seasonal food, although some parts of Japan can be hot and humid.
If you want a cooler experience, northern Japan and Hokkaido can be particularly appealing.
Best for
- Food
- Culture
- History
- City breaks
- Photography
- First-time Asia travel
Japan rewards travellers who plan their itinerary carefully, particularly around transport and accommodation.
10. Kenya: Best for Safari
Summer can be an excellent time to consider an African safari.
Kenya offers opportunities to see:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Leopards
- Buffalo
- Other African wildlife
The Maasai Mara is especially well known for wildlife viewing and the annual Great Migration period.
Best for
- Wildlife
- Photography
- Adventure
- Couples
- Luxury travel
- Once-in-a-lifetime holidays
Safari holidays require more planning than a conventional beach break, particularly around accommodation, park access and transfers.
11. Bali: Best for Tropical Beaches and Culture
Bali combines beaches, temples, rice terraces, wellness experiences and a strong food culture.
Popular areas include:
- Ubud
- Seminyak
- Canggu
- Uluwatu
- Nusa Dua
- Nusa Islands
The island can become busy, but it offers enough variety to suit different travel styles.
Best for
- Couples
- Honeymoons
- Wellness
- Surfing
- Culture
- Longer holidays
Before booking, check the seasonal weather for your exact travel dates rather than assuming every tropical destination has identical summer conditions.
12. The Greek Islands vs Northern Europe: Which Is Better?
This is one of the most useful decisions for summer travellers.
Choose the Greek islands if you want:
- Warm weather
- Beaches
- Swimming
- Mediterranean food
- Island nightlife
Choose Northern Europe if you prefer:
- Cooler temperatures
- Hiking
- Long daylight
- Mountains
- Fjords
- Fewer traditional beach activities
Current summer travel coverage increasingly highlights cooler European alternatives because peak-season heat and overcrowding can affect popular southern destinations.
Best Places to Travel in Summer by Travel Style
Sometimes the easiest way to choose a destination is to start with what you want to do.
| Travel style | Recommended destinations |
| Best for beaches | Greece, Croatia, Portugal |
| Best for cooler weather | Iceland, Scotland, Norway |
| Best for hiking | Switzerland, Norway, Canada |
| Best for families | Portugal, Switzerland, Canada |
| Best for couples | Greece, Croatia, Iceland |
| Best for wildlife | Kenya, Canada |
| Best for culture | Japan, Scotland, Portugal |
| Best for road trips | Iceland, Scotland, Canada |
| Best for adventure | Norway, Iceland, Canada |
| Best for food | Portugal, Japan, Greece |
| Best for luxury | Switzerland, Greece, Kenya |
| Best for island hopping | Greece, Croatia |
The “best” destination depends on your priorities rather than a universal ranking.
Best Places to Travel in Summer on a Budget
Summer is peak season in many popular destinations, so budget planning matters.
If you want better value, consider:
Travel in June or September
Shoulder-season dates can sometimes provide a better balance between weather, availability, and prices.
Choose Less Famous Locations
Instead of staying in the most famous resort town, look at nearby towns with good transport connections.
Stay Longer
Changing hotels every night can increase transport and accommodation costs.
A slower itinerary can often be cheaper and more enjoyable.
Book Key Travel Early
Flights, trains, ferries and popular accommodation can sell out during peak periods.
Avoid Overpacking Your Itinerary
A holiday does not become better because you visit seven cities in ten days.
Fewer destinations can mean lower transport costs and more time actually enjoying each place.
Best Summer Destinations for Families
Families usually need destinations that balance activities, transport, accommodation and manageable travel times.
Strong choices include:
Portugal
Beach resorts, family-friendly attractions and relatively easy city-to-coast combinations make Portugal versatile.
Switzerland
Excellent infrastructure and mountain activities provide options for both adults and children.
Canada
National parks and outdoor experiences work particularly well for families who enjoy nature.
Greece
Many islands offer beaches, swimming and relaxed family activities.
Best Summer Destinations for Couples
Couples often look for a combination of scenery, food, privacy and memorable experiences.
Consider:
- Santorini or Crete
- Amalfi Coast
- Croatia
- Iceland
- Switzerland
- Bali
- Kenya
For a romantic trip, the best destination is not necessarily the most famous one.
A quieter coastal town or mountain village may provide a more enjoyable experience than a crowded landmark.
Best Places to Travel in Summer to Escape Extreme Heat
If you do not enjoy very high temperatures, avoid choosing a destination solely because it has famous beaches.
Look towards:
- Iceland
- Scotland
- Norway
- Switzerland
- Canada
- Northern European destinations
- Higher-altitude mountain regions
Current summer travel advice increasingly separates “sun-seeking” destinations from “heat-escaping” destinations. Travel advisers cited by Flytographer, for example, highlight the Dolomites, Norwegian fjords, Edinburgh, Slovenia, Stockholm and the Swiss Alps as alternatives to hotter southern European destinations.
June vs July vs August: When Should You Travel?
The month you choose can change the experience significantly.
June
June can be an excellent compromise.
You may find:
- Long daylight hours
- Early summer atmosphere
- Good conditions in many European destinations
- Potentially fewer crowds than peak July and August
July
July is one of the busiest summer travel months.
It can be excellent for:
- European beaches
- Northern Europe
- Canada
- Mountain trips
- Summer festivals
- Outdoor adventures
But popular destinations can be crowded.
August
August is traditionally one of the busiest holiday periods, particularly in Europe.
It can work well if you plan, but expect popular resorts and attractions to be busy.
If avoiding crowds is important, look for smaller towns, less famous regions, or cooler destinations.
How to Choose the Best Summer Destination for You
Use this simple five-question test.
1. What weather do you want?
Hot and sunny, warm and mild, or cool?
2. What do you want to do?
Beach, hiking, sightseeing, wildlife, food or nightlife?
3. What is your budget?
Consider flights, accommodation, local transport, food and activities rather than looking only at flight prices.
4. How long is your holiday?
A one-week trip favours destinations with easy access.
A three-week holiday gives you more freedom to explore multiple regions.
5. How much do you dislike crowds?
If crowded beaches and queues bother you, do not automatically choose the world’s most famous summer hotspots.
This simple framework can narrow hundreds of destinations down to a manageable shortlist.
Summer Travel Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing a Destination Only for Instagram
Beautiful photographs do not tell you how crowded, expensive, or hot a place can become.
Ignoring Seasonal Weather
A destination can look perfect online but have very different conditions in July and August.
Trying to See Too Much
Long-distance travel between multiple destinations can turn a relaxing holiday into a transport schedule.
Booking Too Late
Popular summer destinations can have limited accommodation during peak periods.
Forgetting Travel Insurance
Unexpected cancellations, medical problems or disruptions can create high costs.
Ignoring Local Rules
Check entry requirements, local regulations, environmental restrictions and transport information before travelling.
How to Plan a Better Summer Holiday
Start with the experience rather than the destination.
Instead of asking:
“Where should I go?”
Ask:
“What do I want my summer holiday to feel like?”
If the answer is “relaxed and sunny”, look at Greece, Portugal or Croatia.
If it is “cool and adventurous”, consider Iceland, Norway or Scotland.
If it is “wild and unforgettable”, Kenya or Canada may be a better fit.
This approach produces a more personalised holiday.
Summer Travel Essentials
Before leaving, make sure you have considered:
- Passport and visa requirements
- Travel insurance
- Accommodation
- Flights or transport
- Local currency and payment options
- Mobile data or eSIM
- Weather forecast
- Appropriate clothing
- Medication
- Sun protection
- Travel documents
- Emergency contacts
- Local transport
For hot destinations, prioritise hydration, sun protection and appropriate clothing.
For mountain or northern destinations, prepare for changing weather even during summer.
Is Summer Always the Best Time to Travel?
Not necessarily.
Summer is convenient for many travellers because of school holidays, long daylight hours and favourable conditions in many destinations.
However, it is also peak season in much of the world.
That can mean:
- Higher prices
- More crowds
- Less accommodation availability
- Longer queues
- Hotter temperatures
If your schedule is flexible, late spring or early autumn can sometimes provide a better balance.
Final Thoughts
The best places to travel in summer are not necessarily the destinations with the biggest tourist crowds or the most famous landmarks.
The right choice depends on what you want from the trip.
Choose Greece, Portugal or Croatia for beaches and Mediterranean atmosphere. Pick Iceland, Norway or Scotland if you prefer cooler weather and dramatic landscapes. Consider Switzerland or Canada for outdoor adventures, Japan for culture and Kenya for wildlife.
Most importantly, choose around your travel style, budget, weather preference and available time.
A well-matched destination can make a summer holiday feel effortless, while choosing purely because somewhere is trending can leave you dealing with crowds, heat and unnecessary expense.
Plan around the experience you want, check seasonal conditions, book important arrangements early and leave enough time to actually enjoy where you are going.
Want to explore more interesting stories and internet culture? Check out our other articles for more engaging topics and insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best places to travel in summer?
The best places to travel in summer depend on your travel style. Greece, Portugal and Croatia are excellent for beaches, while Iceland, Norway and Scotland suit travellers seeking cooler weather. Canada is strong for outdoor adventures, Japan for culture and Kenya for safari.
2. Where is the best place to travel in summer to avoid extreme heat?
Iceland, Scotland, Norway, Switzerland and parts of Canada are good choices for travellers who prefer cooler summer conditions. Higher-altitude destinations can also offer relief from the heat found in some major Mediterranean cities.
3. What are the best summer destinations for families?
Portugal, Greece, Switzerland and Canada are strong family options because they offer a mixture of outdoor activities, sightseeing, beaches or nature, depending on the destination.
4. What are the best places to travel in summer on a budget?
There is no universally cheapest destination because flight and accommodation prices vary by departure city and dates. Travelling in June or September, choosing less-famous towns and staying longer in one region can often improve value.
5. Is June, July or August the best month for summer travel?
It depends on your destination and priorities. June often offers a useful balance of weather and crowds, July has peak summer energy, and August is popular for holidays but can be particularly busy. Check local conditions before booking.
