Popular Spots & Hideaways for Your Ultimate Summer Travel Adventures

Popular Summer Adventures 

There’s a reason people around the world flock to the following destinations in the summertime. While you should expect larger crowds and longer lines at attractions, visiting popular summer travel destinations is an excellent way to meet people from different walks of life while enjoying unique cultural experiences specific to the regions you visit.

Longer days, warmer weather, lasting memories — summer is the perfect opportunity to venture off into the world, and here are some of the most popular spots.

• Paris: The City of Light is one of the most famous cities in the world, and for good reason. Delectable food, quaint sidewalk cafes and world-class attractions like the Louvre, Palace of Versailles, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower are all must-see attractions on any Parisian adventure. In the summer, you can enjoy long days strolling the shops and restaurants along the Seine, as well as the boutiques in Le Marais or the luxury design shops on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
• Majorca: Enjoy a Mediterranean vacation on the shores of Majorca, one of Spain's Balearic Islands. This island is known for its world-renowned beaches like Cala Millor and Playa de Palma, perfect reprieves for sunbathing, swimming and windsurfing, as well as its historic architecture, like the stunning La Seu Cathedral. Travelers can also enjoy unique summer cultural experiences like Nit de Sant Joan and explore traditional markets like the Mercat de l’Olivar to shop for local produce, souvenirs and artisanal goods.
• U.S. National Parks: Some of the best destinations in summer are located right in your backyard. America’s national parks are teeming with life in the summer as animals escape their dens and fauna bloom into vibrant displays. Wander through Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and spot bison, grizzly bears and caribou, or venture deep into the Grand Canyon in Arizona to marvel at the red walls dropping into the earth. Other popular National Parks include Acadia, with its rugged coastline falling into the Atlantic, and Yosemite National Park and its famous peaks like Half Dome and El Capitan.

Hidden Gems: Summer Hideaways

While popular summer travel destinations draw in big crowds and offer plenty of activities and attractions, not everyone wants to compete for a spot in line at a popular restaurant or museum. If you’re looking for hidden gems, we’ve got you covered. Below are a couple of the best summer travel spots for those who prefer the path less traveled:

• Alaska, USA: An Alaskan adventure in the summer is an unforgettable experience. Experience the Midnight Sun and enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure like a mountain hike or a game of tennis at three in the morning with full sunlight illuminating the sky. While the summer will bring more people to Alaska compared to other times of the year, tourism is still relatively light compared to other areas of the world. Here, you can enjoy scenic landscapes of pristine forests, alpine lakes, vast tundras and explore glaciers and fjords like those in Kenai Fjords National Park. Summer travel to Alaska is also an excellent time to learn about Alaska’s indigenous cultures, visit sites like Skagway from the Klondike Gold Rush Era and participate in local events like the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival.
• Banff, Canada: Visiting Banff offers breathtaking landscapes, a vibrant mountain town atmosphere and exciting outdoor adventures. On U.S. and Canada travel tours, you can explore National Parks like Glacier, Banff and Jasper on one trip while enjoying long daylight hours for extended outdoor activities.

Travel Planning Tips for Summer

Planning well in advance is a must when visiting the best summer travel spots. Here are some essential travel planning tips:

• Set price monitoring alerts with price comparison tools like Google Flights, Kayak and airline and booking platforms to receive alerts when prices drop
• Consider alternative airports that are a short drive away to save money
• Book your domestic summer travel at least 2-4 months in advance and international travel at least 4-6 months in advance.
• Consider both hotels and vacation rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to compare prices and find a stay that works for you and your group.
• Understand the destination’s weather and pack accordingly. Bring layers that can easily be taken on and off to account for temperature fluctuations.
• Consider travel with policies that cover cancellations, delays and medical emergencies.
• Understand the attractions and hotspots of your destination and make reservations in advance to ensure you can do and see everything on your list.

Activities and Experiences

No matter where your summer travel takes you, look into activities and experiences that immerse you in your destination’s culture for a truly authentic experience. When traveling to Italy, consider cooking classes to taste the flavors of Tuscany. In Vietnam or the Philippines, embark on hiking adventures that drop you in lush forests with stunning vistas. Or, consider guided walking tours through some of the world’s most famous cities like Tokyo, New York, London, Paris and New Delhi. As you plan your trip, consider your interests and ability level and choose an adventure from there, whether it be a white water rafting experience down the Snake River in Wyoming, relaxing on the quiet shores of the Mediterranean or hiking through the alpine meadows of Alaska. 

There’s no better time to explore new places than the summer, and at Road Scholar, we have a wide range of experiential learning programs around the world for you to choose from. So plan your adventure, and then get out there and live it!