The best places to visit in summer 2026
The best places to visit in summer 2026 depend on the trip you’re dreaming of. Have a favorite type of travel weather or can’t-miss festivals you want to see? Find your summer escape here.
Looking for summer vacation ideas? While the usual choices like France, Spain, and Italy are always a good idea, there are so many underrated summer destinations worth considering for your next summer trip, too. Think: Bali, Costa Rica, and Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast—to name a few. Our team of travel experts considers these tours the best summer vacation spots for lots of reasons—from warm temperatures on pristine beaches to longer days to spend at archaeological sites, and more. So, if you’re ready to start planning, check out our list of the best summer vacation destinations for 2026.
1. The Greek Islands: Go for sun-soaked island vibes and ancient history
Visit on: A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini ➝
All of our Greece tours are full of postcard-worthy “Mamma Mia!” moments no matter the season, but we consider Greece one of the best places to visit in summer 2026 because it gives you the iconic elements of Greece (hello, archaeological wonders and azure waters) during the sunniest time of year.
Start in Athens, where ancient relics coexist with modern life, before taking a ferry over to two of the most famous islands in the world. Led by your expert Tour Director, you’ll navigate Mykonos Town’s streets and explore Little Venice before spending a free day soaking up culture and beach club life, or bopping around different tavernas. If you want to explore beyond The Island of the Winds, add our Delos Cruise & Temple of Apollo excursion to visit the sacred island of Delos.
Next, hop over to Santorini and visit the archaeological excavations at Akrotiri, see Mount Profitis Ilias (home to the Prophet Elias Monastery), and so much more. Cap it all off with our optional Santorini Caldera Cruise & Dinner excursion, where you’ll board a catamaran and spend the afternoon snorkeling, sunbathing, and swimming in a natural hot spring that was once the crater of a volcano.
Ready to make Greece your summer travel destination? Learn more about island-hopping with our list of six Greek islands you can’t miss this summer.
2. Costa Rica: Go for milder days and vibrant rainforests
Visit on: Costa Rica: Rainforests, Volcanoes & Wildlife ➝
Costa Rica has consistently made our top-trip lists for the last few years, but we adore this guided tour in 2026 to the country of pura vida because that’s when the verdant landscape comes to life. Plus, our experts agree that Costa Rica is one of the best places to travel in summer because it means enjoying cooler temperatures and thinner crowds.
Add this Costa Rica tour to your summer 2026 plans and admire the country’s rare wildlife without intense heat. Summer temperatures in Costa Rica generally hover in the mid-70s to mid-80s F during the day and drop to a cool 60 F in the evening. Picture yourself cruising along the Tortuguero River and hiking through Arenal Volcano National Park, spotting everything from dormant volcanoes and calderas to various monkeys, birds, and maybe even an ocelot—all without a crowd blocking your view. This guided tour for summer 2026 delivers all that and then some. Think: visiting an organic pineapple farm, admiring Lake Arenal (the largest man-made lake in Costa Rica), and learning all about coffee flavor profiles and roasting techniques from local farmers.
Ready to experience pura vida? Check out the best places to see in Costa Rica and tours that’ll take you there.
3. Hawaii: Go for the pristine beaches and the dry season
Visit on: Hawaii: Oahu, the Big Island & Maui ➝
Rich Hawaiian culture, teeming rainforests, and some of the best beaches in the world—Hawaii is nothing short of a paradise, no matter what time of year you go. Our experts consider this one of the best summer vacation destinations of 2026 because the longer days are usually a comfortable 75 F, and the rainfall subsides for the drier season, making this tropical getaway even more enchanting.
You’ll start on Oahu, where you’ll get to cruise along the eastern coast and visit Nu’uanu Pali, a scenic overlook with an unbelievable panoramic view and historical significance. It’s the location of a battle fought by Kamehameha I as he moved to conquer the Hawaiian Islands. You’ll also watch sea water burst up through the Halona Blowhole, a millennia-old lava tube. Next, you’ll visit Hawaii, also called the Big Island, and spend time in Hilo. This city on the shore of its namesake bay is as picture-perfect as can be. Highlights include exploring Rainbow Falls with your Tour Director to see the constant rainbow floating in its mist, inspiring its Hawaiian name, Waianuenue, meaning “rainbow water.” On Maui, you’ll hike through Haleakala National Park and discover even more of the island’s volcanic beauty.
Read our Hawaii Travel Guide for everything you need to know before you make Hawaii your summer travel destination.
4. Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast: Go for movie-set views and fresh seafood
Visit on: Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast Cruise by Yacht: Dubrovnik to Split ➝
So stunning that it was chosen as the set for the otherworldly city of King’s Landing in “Game of Thrones”—the capital of the Seven Kingdoms—Dubrovnik is as beautiful as it is ancient and alluring. Protected from the glistening Adriatic by epic stone walls topped with pathways for unforgettable strolls, this city of history and culture is only the first stop on our new Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast Cruise by Yacht: Dubrovnik to Split tour.
From there, you’ll board your private yacht and begin cruising the jagged Dalmatian Coast to islands like Mljet, Korcula, and Bisevo. Stop to meet oyster farmers, learn about their work, and taste their freshly collected harvest. Pause for daily dips in the Adriatic and visits to local islands. You’ll disembark for explorations of coastal villages through places like Diocletian’s Palace—a sprawling residence that makes up about half of Split’s Old Town. Plus, enjoy a vineyard visit at the farthest inhabited island from the Croatian mainland: Vis. Sample wines only found in Croatia alongside a tasting of aperitivi: fish pate, marinated anchovies, local cheeses, and more, served with Lipanovic’s housemade olive oil. Make Croatia’s coast one of your summer travel destinations and thank us later.
5. Bali and Java: Go for monkeys, mangroves, and meditation
Visit on: Bali & Java: Culture & Landscapes of Indonesia ➝
When it comes to the best places to visit in summer 2026, Bali has unforgettable experiences and sights in spades. See why our experts recommend this sun-kissed escape for your summer vacation spot.
Bali is often referred to as the Island of the Gods due to its deep spiritual ties and astounding number—we’re talking more than 10,000—of Hindu temples. On this tour, we’ll take you to several of the famous temples, including Goa Gajah (that’s “Elephant Cave” in English), known for its intricate carvings meant to scare away evil spirits, and Holy Spring Temple, or Tampak Siring, to learn about water’s symbolic significance to Balinese people and to take part in a water purification ceremony in the temple’s cleansing pool.
Next, fly to the island of Java and explore Yogyakarta—the cradle of civilization on the island and one of Indonesia’s foremost cultural centers. Explore even more temples, like Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest monument to Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates to the eighth and ninth centuries. Visit the 10th-century Prambanan, another UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest temple compound in Indonesia, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. Pair those sites with morning yoga, a visit to a rice farm, and a sunrise tour of volcanic Mount Bromo, and you’ve got one of the best vacations to take in summer 2026.
Looking to visit Bali solo, not alone? Check out 10 reasons why you should book a solo trip to Bali.
6. Canadian Rockies: Go for majestic landscapes and rare wildlife
Visit on: Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver ➝
Travel to North America continues to trend this year, so it’s no surprise that this train trip through the Canadian Rockies is one of our favorite summer vacation ideas. That upward trend of North American travel combined with the comfortably warm temperatures (usually around 72 F) makes those long, sunny days in Canada perfect for enjoying stunning natural landscapes and spotting the iconic wildlife that the region is known for.
This tour takes you from Canada’s Rockies to Banff National Park’s snowy summits and then aboard the famous Rocky Mountaineer train. Chug along the valleys and peaks of the Coastal Range, enjoying the scenic ride all the way to Vancouver. As you go, you’ll be privy to some of the country’s most beautiful natural landscapes—so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like bears, elk, and moose, too! Admire the Rocky Mountains’ peaks, deep valleys, and crystalline waters like those of Moraine Lake. The lake’s azure appearance is the fascinating and beautiful result of sunlight refracting off the rock sediment left behind by glaciers. It’s truly not something most of us get to see every day.
7. South Africa: Go for a chance to see the Big Five and beyond
Visit on: South Africa: Cape Town to Kruger National Park ➝
With its abundance of wildlife, globally significant historical sites, welcoming locals, and unforgettable natural landscapes, Africa easily ranks among the best group tours for summer. It’s one of the best places to travel in the summer because it’s the dry season, which starts in May and ends in October, and is the ideal time to see wildlife on safari.
Our South Africa: Cape Town to Kruger National Park wildlife safari delivers the best of the continent. You’ll start in the southern tip of South Africa, where bustling cities and safari landscapes coexist in harmony. Stroll through Company’s Gardens and explore the South African Museum before opting for our Cape Winelands Tasting & Lunch excursion for a delicious afternoon! Next, jet to Johannesburg and the Kruger Region. You’ll walk past Vilakazi Street, once home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, who fought to end apartheid. Then, spend a full day on game drives, where you’ll have a chance to see the Big Five: Buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, and black rhinos. Sit down to enjoy an included lunch at a private boma, or fenced community center.
Pro tip: For many travelers, Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, so go ahead and add the Victoria Falls extension. You don’t want to miss your chance to witness the legendary, roaring falls with an expert guide leading the way.
Need another reason to book this trip? Here are seven reasons to visit Kruger Park.
8. Sicily: Go for the arancini and UNESCO World Heritage sites
Visit on: A Week in Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse & Taormina ➝
There are plenty of options when it comes to stunning Europe tours to take in the summer of 2026. The bustling city squares, colorful flowers in bloom, and local festivals, combined with the proximity of multiple cities, make every European trip feel like a voyage of discovery. That’s why we love this tour so much: You get the best of not one, but three different dreamy Sicilian cities in just nine days. Talk about la dolce vita!
Start in Palermo on the Tyrrhenian Sea, a bayside city that’s saturated with Baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites. You’ll step into history when you enter the Cappella Palatina, a 12th-century chapel that blends Byzantine, Islamic, and Norman influences. Continue to Syracuse and dive into the history and mythology of the region with a tour of the massive Latomia del Paradiso, or Paradise Quarry, and gardens. Pay a visit to the Greek Theater, which is a part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates to the fifth century B.C.!
End your tour in seaside Taormina, where you’ll admire the awe-inspiring Mount Etna. Take a piece of your tour home with you when you choose to add our Sicilian Cooking Class & Lunch. You’ll learn how to make traditional Sicilian recipes—a souvenir you can use again and again and again.
Headed to Sicily? Find out everything to know before you go with our Travel Guide to Sicily.
9. Portugal & Spain: Go for sangria tastings and Gothic architecture
Visit on: Grand Tour of Portugal & Spain: Porto to Barcelona ➝
When it comes to choosing your summer tour for 2026, why choose just one country? This grand tour of Portugal and Spain takes you from Porto’s old-world architecture and vibrant azulejos to Barcelona’s Gothic cathedrals and kaleidoscope mosaics. With some of the most beautiful historical cities in Europe, this sun-kissed escape is definitely one of the best places to travel in summer.
Not only will both Portugal and Spain be sunny and warm (with temperatures ranging between 70-80 F) in the summer, but each hosts seasonal festivals like Festa de São João in Porto and Corpus Christi in Seville, Granada, and Sitges. (Psst... if you love a local festival, check out the best festivals in Spain to experience on your next trip!) Plus, both countries make some of the best sangria in the world—so bring your thirst for sampling through the refreshing drink and find your favorite rendition.
This tour will take you to some of the best cities for summer travel in 2026. Journey from Porto to Coimbra, which dates to the first century B.C. View monuments depicting the Roman and Moorish occupation, which stand alongside impeccably manicured parks and ancient streets. As you move on to Spain, marvel at the Seville Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic churches in the world. Of course, we’ll take you to the legendary La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s stunning church with intricate details and stained glass unlike any other. Psst... this work has been unfinished for over 100 years, but not for much longer! The masterpiece is slated to be completed in 2026, ending its 144-year-old build.
10. Italy: Go for la dolce vita and legendary art
Visit on: A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome →
Experience Venice’s winding canals, Florence’s collection of Renaissance art, and Rome’s rich religious history all in one tour. It’s no surprise that this trio of heavy-hitting historical cities in Europe is one of the best guided tours to take in the summer of 2026.
Start with Venice’s unparalleled Baroque architecture, with its storied waterways navigated by gondolas gently cruising beneath ancient bridges. Next, venture to Florence, where you will visit its exquisite, 15th-century cathedral—the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, most commonly referred to as the Duomo. Stroll along the Arno River and through the Uffizi Gallery’s courtyard before enjoying a free day to spend as you want. We recommend adding our optional San Gimignano: Medieval Sights & Tuscan Flavors excursion, where you’ll tour the medieval village and visit a local winery. Taste the area’s wines and sample local olive oil and balsamic vinegar. When in Rome, follow in the Romans’ footsteps to the Forum, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon.
Pro tip: Add our Iconic Sights: Vatican City optional excursion to get a guided tour of the independent city-state within Rome, which serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
11. Scandinavia: Go for cooler temperatures and fjords
Visit on: Highlights of Scandinavia: Sweden, Norway & Denmark →
Walk Stockholm’s colorful, cobblestone streets; admire the drama of water and stone in Bergen’s fjords; and lose yourself in the fairy-tale charm of Copenhagen’s coastal castles—all while under the season’s midnight sun. Sound appealing? We couldn’t agree more—that’s why Scandinavia is one of our top summer vacation ideas for 2026.
Start in Stockholm, where you’ll embrace the Swedish tradition of fika—a delightful coffee and snacks break that encourages conversation and connection, a concept that is carried through Scandinavian culture. Enjoy a free day to explore the historic city or add our optional Historic Sweden: A Day in Uppsala excursion to get a guided tour of the ancient city of Uppsala, which is considered the birthplace of Sweden. Next, it’s off to Bergen, considered the heart of and gateway to Norway's fjord region. Here, you’ll take a boat ride through the Naeroyfjord to a 1,640-foot-tall waterfall called Sagfossen that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Finally, conclude your summer travel adventure in Copenhagen on a guided tour through the fishing-centric city. Full of public parks, colorful architecture, and world-famous restaurants, the Danish capital is a coastal delight. Not ready to go home yet? We don’t blame you. Add the Iceland extension for more Nordic experiences, like driving along the famous Golden Circle and marveling at Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, which is one of the most powerful in all of Europe.
12. Spain’s Balearic Islands: Go for island hopping and laid-back vibes
Visit on: Spain’s Balearic Islands: Menorca & Mallorca →
Sunny beaches, scenic coastal tours, and delicious seafood—this is Menorca and Mallorca, and it’s one of the best summer travel packages you can treat yourself to. These Spanish islands are musts if you’re looking to fill your summer 2026 with a Mediterranean vacation.
This trip isn’t just about island time—you’ll begin in bustling Barcelona, the Catalan capital. There, you’ll explore La Sagrada Familia and have time to marvel at the soon-to-be-completed architectural masterpiece. Hop on a flight to Menorca and experience the idyllic island’s laid-back lifestyle. Visit a local cheese farm, dig your toes into the sand on an unspoiled beach, and take to the water for a sunset sail along the stunning coast. Then, it’s off to Mallorca for olive oil tasting, underground cave exploration, and picturesque island views around every turn. Discover how the sister islands complement each other, and create lifelong travel memories in these can’t-miss summer vacation destinations of 2026.
13. Belize: Go for ancient sites and marine life
Visit on: A Week in Belize: Ruins, Reefs & Rainforests →
From one of the world’s biggest barrier reefs to archaeological sites central to Mayan civilization and jungles as lush as they are biodiverse—Belize delivers an array of reasons to visit. We consider it one of the best places to visit in the summer of 2026 because the temperatures will be warm enough to both dive into the azure waters for some reef admiration and tour ancient Mayan ruins.
On our A Week in Belize: Ruins, Reefs & Rainforests tour, you’ll start in Belize City before being whisked to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, where a local guide will walk you through the Mayan ruins. Next, journey to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (the second-longest ecosystem of its kind on the planet). Learn how different organizations work together to coordinate conservation efforts and address coral bleaching, and snorkel above the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Coral Gardens off Caye Caulker, keeping an eye out for turtles, dolphins, and more than 160 species of fish.
More highlights include touring and tasting at a Mayan chocolate factory, a visit to an orange farm, and a traditional drum lesson.
Pro tip: Add the Garifuna Cooking Class & Lunch excursion and learn authentic Garifuna cooking techniques before preparing your own lunch to enjoy alongside your fellow travelers.
Thea fell in love with travel as soon as she arrived in Venice, Italy on a family trip as a child. Since then, she has made having adventures around the world a priority, with trips like retracing her grandfather’s steps through WWII, climbing glaciers in Alaska, and horseback riding in Iceland. Thea is a nomad at heart, always planning the next trip. In her off-time she is working on a novel inspired by the woman she was named after, mixing cocktails, and watching any procedural crime show she can find.
