Summer is here! So where will you be traveling to? Whether you are looking to relax, be adventurous or a combination of both – I have you covered. Here are my top picks for summer getaways:
- Oahu, Hawaii – A lot of Americans head here during our winter months but the best weather in Hawaii is during the summer. Prices are also lower. The island of Oahu has something for everyone – beautiful beaches, historical significance, hiking, waterfalls, surfing, great food – and the list goes on. There is no shortage of types of accommodations either – you can stay anywhere from a hostel to a 5 star resort or anything in between.
Waikiki Beach Sunset
- Maui, Hawaii – Same as Oahu, the weather is great and the prices are low. You’ll find more luxury resorts and golfing available here. I found Maui to be far more relaxed than Oahu. If you are feeling up for the challenge, take the Road to Hana – with its windy roads and one way bridges, definitely not for the faint of heart. You will also find beautiful beaches with red and black and sand.
Grand Wailea
Red Sand Beach – Maui
3. Ireland – I actually went to Ireland in February and the weather was great. It doesn’t get very hot and during the summer the countryside is lush and green. You will see some more tourists than during winter months but with the Euro not as strong as it used to be, take advantage of the travel opportunities!Grand Wailea Resort – Maui
O’Brien’s Tower
Long Library at Trinity College
Cliffs of Moher
4. Key West, Florida – While everyone is vacationing with their kids in Orlando, take this time to go relax in the keys. I love that the city is walk-able and very laid back. There are plenty of activities for every age. You could sink your toes into the sand everyday, get out on the water, stroll the shops and bars, take a haunted tour – the options are really endless.
Sweet Republic – Dublin, Ireland
Always get a window seat
Stay at Nyah!
Drive the Keys in style
5. Lake Tahoe, CA – It seems all I can talk about lately is Lake Tahoe – so it had to be on the list! I actually thought it was more of a winter destination and I couldn’t have been more wrong. Lake Tahoe is a paradise location nestled in the mountains. Just go and thank me later.Definitely get a mango mojito
Lake Tahoe
Sunset over Reno/Tahoe
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe
6. Paris, France – Is there really a bad time to go to Paris? No. It is beautiful year round. It is busier this time of year but the Euro isn’t as strong, so that makes up for it. Stretch your money as far as you can and go fall in love. Walk the gardens at the Palace of Versailles, sip coffee in the street cafes, eat macarons until your belly hurts, and don’t miss seeing the Eiffel Tower.Resort at Squaw Creek
Eiffle Tower
Sacré-Cœur
7. Iceland – Going during the summer means it won’t be as cold as it is in the winter. My favorite part of Iceland was taking the Golden Circle Tour and seeing all the waterfalls and the beautiful countryside. Even when it was frigid cold outside, the waterfalls still flowed. If you do plan to visit Iceland, no trip will be complete without a stop at the Blue Lagoon.Macarons!!
Golden Circle Tour in Iceland
Gullfoss
8. Puerto Rico – For Americans, you don’t need a passport to visit this island in the Caribbean. I see this as the loop hole to visiting. A lot of the Caribbean islands are similar – but you go to Puerto Rico and you have cell service, they use U.S. Currency, English is widely spoken, and the beaches are fantastic! I have been one time to Puerto Rico and stayed at El Conquistador in Fajardo. It is about an hour and a half from San Juan so it is a little remote but worth it. They have their own private island with a beach, the food is fantastic and you will get all the tropical vibes.
El Conquistador Resort
9. Mexico – During the summer it is a bit warmer but the spring break crowds have left and you can relax. I am a big fan of Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Cabo, and Cozumel. Staying in the resort areas is what I have done when visiting and have nothing but great things to say. There are a lot of all-inclusive resorts, which is nice because you can budget exactly what you plan to spend with no hidden costs. These resorts include beer and alcohol as well.
El Conquistador Resort
Sunset in Playa del Carmen
Royal at Playa del Carmen
Mexico Sunsets are the best!
Flying Over Cancun
Great advice! I went to Iceland for New Years and it was SO COLD…but it didn’t stop me because I just booked another trip back for thanksgiving haha. The weather is better in summer but you won’t see the northern lights! Another interesting tidbit about traveling south like to Mexico in summer…people think it gets hot proportionately to the nothern United States, like if New York is 60°F hotter in summer than winter, Mexico is 60°F hotter in summer than winter. That would make Mexico like 150°F, which it isn’t. Even though it is hot in summer, since it’s closer to the equator, it’s a steadier year round temperature than somewhere like New York. It’s definitely better to visit in the summer because the weather is always great and it’s cheaper than in the high season!
Author
I loved Iceland when I went this winter and I’ve been dreaming about returning ever since! You are right about the weather! It’s hot in America all year ??
Have you ever tried Finland, Sweden, or Norway? Those are on my bucket list!
Awesome suggestions! I reaaaaally want to go on a vacation right now after reading this post! :p
Lisa |
Author
Lisa thank you so much! Where do you think you might head to?
I would most probably decide a place near the sea so Hawaii or Mexico, the pictures are so beautiful!!
Great list! Hawaii is really a dream! These pictures really make me want to go there right now 😀
Author
Aww thanks! I hope you get to visit – it’s beautiful
Even though I have visited some of these places (like Puerto Rico and Paris), I really do want to visit every place on your list. We’ve already decided that Hawaii has to be visited within the next year, but now I’m wondering how many other spots we should start saving for!
Author
Save for one trip at a time that way you can get to them quicker lol.
We love Oahu and Mexico, and Di Paris last summer. Really want to see Ireland!
Author
Ireland is so magical ??? take a rail
Tour it’s incredible
These are some great destinations for the summer vacation. I would love to go to Paris, I keep postponing it for some reason. I will be going to France however in August, on the east side. I can’t wait 🙂
I don’t know which I’d choose – although a few weeks in Hawaii would be nice!
I love your comment about Paris – there really is never a bad time to go! I’ve only ever been to Hawaii in the winter to escape the Canadian cold, but I may have to take a trip in the summer after reading this post.
Great suggestions! I have been to 5/9. I definitely want to go to Ireland some day. Your pictures are giving me wanderlust.
Your list is insane! Unfortunately, I am only kicking off Paris of the list this summer.. Would love to discover the other regions!
Iceland has been on my list for YEARS. Would love to go.
Iceland!!!!But I would like to go there during winter too:)
I really want to go to Iceland in the summer, but don’t think I will be able to make it this year.
Author
I wanted to as well but I can’t fit it in with my schedule. Maybe next year ?
Hi Niki! I hope you’ll be pleased to know that since I really enjoyed this post I’ve mentioned it on my blog here http://www.fromdreamtoplan.net/2016/07/23/sunday-suggestions-2/
Hope you don’t mind! 🙂
Author
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing ❤️
My pleasure 🙂