As summer approaches, our wanderlusting hearts can't wait to take off and enjoy the sun's heat. To help you discover your next summer destination, we have put together a list of the top summer travel destinations for 2024. Our guide features recommendations of favorite places to visit from top travel bloggers around the world. This guide lets you discover the most beautiful and underrated locations as well as must-see epic bucket list destinations.
You can enjoy sunrises on the ocean, sunsets on the bay, short walks to the beach, or long hill climbs along the dunes. You get to pick what speaks to you most on any given day.
Discover Your Next Summer Destination for 2024
Cape Town, South Africa
William Tang, Chief of Awesome at Going Awesome Places
There are so many incredible places to visit in the summer, but as someone who likes going off-the-beaten-path and to areas that aren't overcrowded during the high season, I love going to the southern hemisphere and, more specifically, Cape Town.
While you aren't necessarily getting the hottest weather since it will be winter, it's mostly jacket weather with cool breezes with a high of 61-68 F/16-20 C and a low of 39-45 F/4-7 C. The huge advantage is that you get to see Cape Town when it's the least crowded because there's less travel domestically, and most Northern Hemisphere folks are sticking to popular destinations such as Europe. The result is reservations are easy to get, you won't have to wait anywhere you go, and there are never any large queues.
Expanding beyond just Cape Town, you can easily include a safari in Kruger National Park as well, and winter is one of the best times to go because it is very dry, which means a high chance of spotting wildlife.
Go the unconventional path and head to Cape Town in the winter - you won't regret it!
Marbella, Spain
Cristina Reina from My Little World of Traveling
My favorite summer destination is Marbella. I was born and raised very close to Marbella, so it has always been a special place. If you want a not-so-big city with beautiful beaches and a lively atmosphere, you will undoubtedly love Marbella. It is famous for its luxury port and celebrity residences, but there is more to Marbella than this.
One of the most beautiful places is the historic center of Marbella, which is perfect for anyone looking for picturesque spots. As you wander its small streets with white-painted buildings, boutique shops, and flowers, you will find many photo opportunities. It is also where you can see its monuments and historic buildings like Marbella Castle Walls.
You can explore the historic center all year round, but if you are looking for summer activities, there is no shortage! Visit one of its many beaches (Puerto Banus and Cabopino are my favorites!), beach clubs, do water activities like paddleboarding, or take a boat trip with your friends! If you come with family, you might want to visit a nearby waterpark like Aquamijas or Aqualand.
São Tomé and Principe
Heather Cole from Conversant Traveller
If you're looking for an unspoiled tropical island paradise far from the crowds and perfect in summer, Sao Tome and Principe ticks all the boxes. This tiny island country is located off the coast of West Africa in the Gulf of Guinea and can be reached by plane from Lisbon to Portugal.
The perfect time to visit is between June and September, the dry summer season. You can enjoy bird watching in Obo National Park, hike along the many rainforest trails to hidden cacao plantations, and go snorkeling in secluded coves. Wildlife watching here is some of the best in the world, and summer is the ultimate time to see the humpback whales who come here to mate and calve.
In summer, the islands hold many festivals, a fun way to gain insight into the country's culture. Party with locals at saints' feast days throughout the season and watch traditional street theatre at the colorful Auto de Floripes in August.
As they're so off the beaten track, these islands receive very few visitors compared to other tropical beach destinations around the world, and sometimes you can go a whole day without seeing another tourist.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Viola & Sebastian from Away to the City
We've explored hundreds of cities across over 50 countries, and Rotterdam in the Netherlands ranks high on our list of favorites in Europe. This Dutch gem truly comes alive during the summer! Rotterdam summers are mild, with comfortable temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 24 degrees Celsius). The mild weather makes exploring the city by foot, bike, or boat an absolute pleasure.
Rotterdam stands out as an unconventional European city. Following the WWII bombings, the city rose with bold, modern architecture, such as the tilting Cube Houses and the Erasmus Bridge. As Europe's largest port city, it has a beautiful waterfront that pulsates with life during the warmer months. Take a scenic boat tour and cruise on the Maas River, or simply relax by the water and soak in the unique cityscape.
But Rotterdam offers more than just stunning views. People from over 180 nationalities call this city home, creating a vibrant international scene in its street art, food culture, and festivals. Additionally, an impressive range of museums, art galleries, and trendy shops make Rotterdam a great summer travel destination.
Albania
Anna-Lena Braun from Lena on the Move
How about heading to Albania this summer? You're in for a treat big on adventure but not expense! Kick off your journey with a hike along the Peaks of the Balkans trail in the Albanian Alps. It's an epic but also strenuous trek where every step rewards you with jaw-dropping views that remind you of the vast landscape of Canada.
Up in Albania's mountainous north, you'll also find places like Lake Koman and the Shala River – they look like they've been plucked right out of a fantasy novel. For those who love a good road trip, driving along the Albanian Riviera into the south, including the impressive Llogara Pass, will be your highlight. It's easily one of Europe's most beautiful drives, winding through mountains with views that'll have you stopping every five minutes for photos. Just a heads up for my fellow motion-sickness warriors – this ride is twisty, so come prepared!
And if history is your thing, you'll be spoilt in cities like Gjirokastre and Berat. In Gjirokastre, known as the "City of Stone," you'll wander through a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era town. Berat, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its iconic white Ottoman houses climbing up the hillside, earning it the nickname "City of a Thousand Windows."
So, if you're chasing stunning landscapes, rich history, and unbeatable prices, Albania should be your go-to spot this summer. Plus, it's still one of the more off-the-beaten-path spots in Europe!
Iceland
Naureen Chhipa from Where to Nau
Iceland is one of those underrated destinations when selecting where to spend your summer holidays. Despite being part of Europe, Iceland's location gives it a unique placement that divides the country between two tectonic plates, straddling the North American and European continents. Yes, Iceland is part of two continents! The most remarkable thing is that if you visit The Silfra Fissure in Iceland's Thingvelling National Park (which is Iceland's most famous diving site) and dive to the bottom, you can place a hand on each continent, making it the only place in the world where you can dive between North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Moreover, Iceland is known for having some of the most transparent water in the world, making it a bucket-list worthy destination.
During the summer, Iceland experiences comfortable weather, ideal for hiking, with average temperatures ranging between 50-59 °F (10-15 °C). During these months, most of the ice in the country has melted and transformed into epic waterfalls, making the scenery even more breathtaking. A road trip to the beautiful countryside will allow you to witness the playful wild puffins who are not afraid to show off their diving skills during summer or observe the Icelandic horses, a unique breed exclusive to Iceland, roaming freely, with their hair blowing in the wind. My favorite activity when I travel to Iceland is visiting one of Iceland's black sand beaches, where, even in the summer, you can witness vast chunks of ice floating in the sea and resting on the volcanic pebbled sand. And, of course, one must not forget to enjoy the serene, relaxing, and rejuvenating experience of bathing in one of Iceland's many natural geothermal pools and spas.
Iceland is one of my favorite travel destinations, particularly during summer. I highly recommend road trips to explore the country's stunning scenery. The roads are generally clear and less dangerous when compared to the winter months, when they are covered in ice. It takes approximately 17 hours to drive around Iceland. If you want to fully experience the country's beauty, take a few scenic detours and make some stops, then a week to 10 days is the perfect time to explore Iceland.
Lyon, France
Lisa Garrett, Founder of Travel to Lyon
Lyon, France, is the perfect place to choose for a summer trip! It's known as the gastronomic capital of France, so it's an amazing destination for foodies. Savor a hearty meal at a traditional bouchon, visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse gourmet market, or enjoy a fine dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
One of the best reasons to visit Lyon in the summer is to experience Les Nuits de Fourvière. This fabulous festival is a celebration of music, with performances happening throughout June and July. Concerts are held in the ancient Gallo-Roman theater's ruins, providing a unique ambiance.
While you're here, don't miss out on all the best attractions in Lyon! You'll want to explore historic Vieux Lyon, with its charming cobblestone streets and colorful Renaissance buildings. Enjoy a picnic in the Parc de la Tête d'Or or a sightseeing river cruise on a lovely summer day. And be sure to give yourself time to stroll through the city looking for Lyon's incredible trompe-l'oeil murals, such as Le Mur des Canuts.
Truro, Massachusetts
Tamara (Like Camera) Bowman from Tamara Camera Blog
Truro, Massachusetts, is a small beach town of astonishing beauty on the Upper Cape of Cape Cod. It's quiet and charming and is the second-to-last stop on the way up Cape Cod. The only other destination being Provincetown, which is very loud and vibrant. It's nice to stay somewhere quiet, but have the option to visit Provincetown in only 15-20 minutes.
Truro has a beautiful lighthouse to visit, as well as both private and public beaches, and historic trails. You can enjoy sunrises on the ocean, sunsets on the bay, short walks to the beach, or long hill climbs along the dunes. You get to pick what speaks to you most on any given day. If you want to visit seals and are moderately active, there's a walk for that as well!
We enjoy beach trips, of course, as well as visiting vineyards and getting breakfast, lunch, dinner, or ice cream at Savory and the Sweet Escape. We have nothing but love for this gorgeous family destination.
We hope that our summer travel destination list has inspired you for your next adventure. If you have a favorite summer travel destination we missed, please leave a comment below and tell us why you love it there!
Thank you to all the bloggers who shared their top travel recommendations for this summer. We wish you an amazing adventure this year!
Till next time!
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