In the grey chilly working days of winter, it’s hardly surprising that people are thinking of exactly the opposite. They are starting to plan their holiday, and summer destinations are it. Fantasizing about adventures to beaches, mountains, and exotic cultures is a great way of escaping the routine of the rest of the year. But it’s sensible too.
Accommodations and flights can fill up for peak travel times in summer destinations. Making your plans early ensures you can go where you really want to. Booking early can mean taking advantage of early discounts too.
So holiday dreaming can be a good strategy – but first, you have to decide among many of the top summer destinations. And in this world of more and more options, it’s not always easy to decide.
We spoke to seasoned travel writers to find some of the trendiest summer destinations you may love – but have probably not even considered. So keep reading and get ready to make note of your favorite summer destinations for 2024.
Summer Destinations to Consider in 2024
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Off Norway’s west coast, above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands are widely considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. And rightfully so, they are part of one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Norway.
They offer jagged peaks plunging into clear seas, deep fjords surrounded by mountains and picturesque fishing villages perched on tiny rocky islands. There’s gourmet seafood, some of Europe’s finest walking trails – and views to make Instagram implode.
In the summer, the Lofoten Islands get 24-hour sun. The 24 hours of daylight every day means you get real value for money.
There’s all the time you need, for fishing, kayaking, gazing or experiencing Norwegian culture.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Not heard of it? This little-known national park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, acclaimed for its cascading lakes, waterfalls and lush forest landscapes. Summers have Mediterranean warmth and the waters are turquoise making it a serene choice for summer destinations.
Visitors can explore using wooden boardwalks and hiking trails free of crowds – but among abundant wildlife.
Menorca
The least visited of Spain’s Balearic Islands is now a highly protected eco-reserve where visitors have to walk to most of its beautiful beaches.
There are more than 100 unspoiled sheltered coves to choose from, with famously crystal clear water where moored boats appear to be hovering in mid-air. This makes Menorca one of the top summer destinations for couples. Can you even picture it?
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
It might not be a pretty beachside resort but the self-proclaimed ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’ makes for a crazy summer break, full of memorable experiences.
Las Vegas offers glitzy nightlife, with world-class live entertainment and restaurants. For once you don’t have to play slots online – you can stay in sumptuous luxurious casino resorts and play on their real slot machines.
Summer is hot but Las Vegas offers plenty of shady indoor attractions, like shows, shopping malls, galleries and museums.
You don’t have to go far to find sensational natural attractions too –including the Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, and Lake Mead.
The Mountains of Mourne, Northern Ireland
This crowd-free corner of Ireland offers the chance to wander among misty romantic green peaks that sweep down to quiet beaches and rocky headlands. Explore cute fishing villages with friendly locals, whitewashed cottages and cozy pubs too.
Of course, Ireland as a whole is fun to explore. So if you’re leaning toward this as a choice for summer destinations, I would strongly encourage you to do more research on all this great place has to offer.
Jeju Island, South Korea
Locals call this hidden jewel, the ‘Hawaii of South Korea’. It’s a volcanic island with stunning sandy beaches and dramatic mountainous coastline. And it’s a top choice for summer destinations!
Summer is warm, the fresh seafood is famous across Korea, and it’s a haven for outdoor activities like walking upHallasan, South Korea’s highest peak.
The truly adventurous can explore inside lava tubes, while the truly relaxed can blob on the quiet sandy beaches.
Luang Prabang, Laos
This little-known charming city in northern Laos is spectacularly nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Luang Prabang is renowned in Southeast Asia for its historic architecture including wonderful Buddhist temples.
In the summer, it’s full of lush greenery and traditional almsgiving ceremonies.
Highlights can include haggling in the local markets and taking boat cruises along the Mekong. It’s a crowd-free destination that offers glimpses of a very different culture and a top choice among our summer destinations this year.
How to Choose a Summer Holiday
Choosing between summer destinations like these can be an exciting but daunting task. There’s a whole world to decide upon.
Start by considering what type of vacation experience you’re looking for. Are you interested in beach relaxation, outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, city exploration, or something else?
It also helps to decide how much you’re willing to spend on your holiday, including travel, accommodation, activities, and meals.
Take into account practical factors like travel time, visa requirements, and things like safety, language, and climate.
Use travel websites, newspaper reviews, and travel blogs to gather information about different destinations. Beware the shallow glamour poses of influencers on Instagram – they rarely tell you anything useful about a destination.
More useful is checking the climate of summer destinations during actual summer. Some suffer extreme heat, rainy seasons or hurricanes.
Ultimately, it sometimes pays to trust your instincts and choose a destination that seems to resonate with you. Find a destination that feels right for your interests, preferences… and of course who you’re going on holiday with.
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