The term “summer vacation” conjures images of sunny afternoons on the shore and leisurely drives. Suntans and ice cream cones. International adventures and bright blue water straight off a postcard.
While plenty of travelers have their go-to spots for the summer, some trips are the stuff of legend. There’s hiking to Machu Picchu, surfing in Nicaragua, or road-tripping through the American West.
Our 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.
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. Summertime getaways to places like Scotland or the U.S. Virgin Islands have been growing in popularity among travelers recently, joining the ranks of classic summer vacation destinations like Mexico and Italy. Here, we detail some of the best ways to see these seasonal escapes.
From river cruises to train adventures to African safaris, these summer vacation ideas will inspire you for your 2023 travels.
Enjoying La Dolce Vita in Italy
When it comes to romance, no place comes 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 wineries of Tuscany, the pizza of Pisa, and more. The long summer days hover around 75 degrees, so when you’re strolling the parks and promenades, eat your gelato quickly before it melts. For a true Italian villeggiatura, take a room at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como, or the Hotel Hassler Roma.
Road Tripping from Charleston to Savannah
While it’s mighty hot down South in the summertime (we’re talking temperatures in the 80s and 90s), 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 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. Spend your nights at Charleston’s very best, The Loutrel, and on River Street in downtown Savannah at The Alida.
Exploring the Mythic Landscape of 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 rainforest, 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. You’ll find temperatures upwards of 90 degrees all summer, so prepare for sweltering days. Find some relief in a room at the Casa San Agustín.
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 James Bond film as you gamble at upscale casinos, sample local dishes at La Condamine market, or stroll along the boardwalk, admiring Monaco’s hillside beauty in the relatively tame summer weather of 75 to 80 highs.
Complete your storybook vacation by checking into the iconic Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
Market-ing in Marrakesh
The North 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 and 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 nearly 100 degree 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.Book a stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech for private villas with lush gardens and open-air spa treatments.
Lazing Around in Jamaica
A hop-and-a-skip from the East Coast, the capital of St. James Parish, Montego Bay, gives you permission to disconnect for a hot second. And by hot, we do mean hot: Temperatures are upwards of 90 degrees 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 area’s many shores, including Doctor’s Cave Beach or Walter Fletcher Beach, among others. If you’re into snorkeling or scuba-certified, the protected waves of Montego Bay Marine Park are a must-dive, too.
Stay at the Round Hill Hotel and Villas to really get a feel for the country’s barefoot luxury.
Summiting 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. Then return to the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, where the hotel’s historic trappings and oxygen-enriched rooms are the perfect way to rebound after a day in the Andes.
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 70-degree, 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 & Gastón, make reservations far before takeoff. Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel provides all the comforts of a five-star hotel alongside Peruvian cuisine, a rooftop pool with Pacific Ocean views, and a convenient location for exploring the area, like the hip Barranco neighborhood.
Surfing in Nicaragua
Ride the swells in Nicaragua, or at least have fun trying. It’s famously one of the top places to put your surfing skills to test, and the waves here lend themselves to both beginners and experts. This Central American country, tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, features more than just no-filter-required sunsets — various regions mean you can experience everything from lakes to volcanoes. Before you leave, make sure you see Granada, rich in Spanish colonial history. While there, book a room at Tribal Hotel for boho-chic interiors and icy poolside drinks to help you beat the upper 80-degree weather.
Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
For a whole season of long, tipsy summer days, the Napa Valley region outside of San Francisco offers sunshine and foodie-approved meals. If you can make it in July, sip your way through Festival Napa Valley, which features myriad wineries offering their best blends. For a more playful afternoon, consider booking a journey on the Napa Valley Wine Train.
Wine country’s own Auberge du Soleil has residential-style accommodations and an on-site French restaurant with outdoor dining, so you can sip local pours while taking in the sweeping verdant countryside views.
Pretending to Not Be a Tourist in New York City
Ask any New Yorker and they’ll agree: Summer isn’t exactly the best time to visit the Big Apple. Between unforgiving 80-degree heat trapped by skyscrapers and an influx of tourists from around the world, most Manhattanites find any excuse to escape the concrete jungle in the summerti5me. However, there’s an upside: Visiting New York City during this time of year encourages travelers to experience the city as locals do. Seek out rooftop pools, munch on artisan bites in Brooklyn, or make a break for the Hamptons if you have the time — and patience (the heading-out-of-town traffic is no joke).
There’s no shortage of world-class accommodations in the City That Never Sleeps. Whether you prefer classic stays at places like The Plaza or The Carlyle, or hip hotels like the Arlo Hotel, Soho Grand Hotel, and the Pendry Manhattan West.
Resort-hopping in Mexico
Outside of hurricane season, which peaks in late summer, hop your way around all-inclusive resorts in Mexico for a week or so. The super-high, 90-degree heat of July and August makes for less expensive hotel rates and cheap domestic one-way flights, as well as less crowded beaches. You can start your journey in Mexico City to see the ruins, jet off to Los Cabos to sunbathe in style, stop by Punta Mita for seafood, get your Instagram on in Tulum, and finish with a few nights lounging on beautiful Isla Mujeres.
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