Discover the Top 10 Must-Visit Summer Destinations
Updated: Feb 6
Summer’s Calling: Where Will You Go?
The sun’s staying out longer, the world is warming up (literally and figuratively), and that itch to go somewhere is getting harder to ignore. Summer isn’t just a season—it’s an open invitation to explore.
So, where to? Maybe you’re craving the cool, cinematic landscapes of Iceland. Or the electric energy of Tokyo. Or maybe you just want to find the perfect beach.
Wherever your travel style leans—culture, adventure, city buzz, or just a killer sunset—this year’s top summer destinations are ready for you. Let’s dive in. 🌍✈️
Japan
Where Ancient Traditions Meet the Future (and Really Good Ramen)
Japan is the kind of place that feels like two different worlds existing in perfect harmony. One moment, you’re standing in the neon glow of Shibuya, watching a sea of people move in synchronized chaos. The next, you’re sipping matcha in a Kyoto teahouse, surrounded by centuries-old temples and absolute calm.
And while cherry blossom season steals the spotlight in spring, summer brings its own magic—think vibrant festivals, lush green landscapes, and late-night ramen runs in the warm night air. Whether you’re here for the history, the high-tech, or just the food (no judgment), Japan knows how to make every moment unforgettable.
Top Must-See Spots
Tokyo – Where skyscrapers, quirky cafés, and some of the best sushi on the planet collide. Wander through Shibuya, shop in Shinjuku, and eat your way through Tsukiji Outer Market.
Kyoto – If you’re looking for temples, gardens, and those perfectly peaceful moments, this is the place. Don’t miss the golden glow of Kinkaku-ji or the mesmerizing Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Osaka – A food lover’s paradise. Come for the takoyaki and okonomiyaki, stay for the lively streets of Dotonbori and Osaka Castle’s history-filled halls.
💡 Need help planning your trip? Check out our Complete Japan Travel Guide—packed with insider tips, must-visit spots, and everything you need to make your trip next-level amazing.
Portugal
Where Coastal Beauty Meets Old-World Charm (and Great Wine)
Portugal is having a moment—and honestly, it’s about time. This country has everything: sun-drenched beaches, centuries-old castles, postcard-perfect towns, and enough pastéis de nata to make you question your self-control. Whether you're sipping port by the river in Porto, winding through Lisbon’s cobblestone streets, or chasing golden sunsets along the Algarve coast, Portugal is the kind of place that lingers long after you've gone home.
Top Must-See Spots
Lisbon – A city that feels like sunshine. Ride the iconic yellow trams, explore ancient neighborhoods like Alfama, and soak up the energy of Fado music in a tucked-away tavern.
Porto – A dream for wine lovers and romantics. Stroll along the Douro River, visit the port cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, and snap photos of those stunning blue-and-white azulejo tiles at São Bento Station.
Algarve – Where dramatic cliffs meet impossibly blue waters. Perfect for lazy beach days, seaside hikes, and fresh seafood feasts in charming fishing villages.
Portugal is that destination—the one you go to once and immediately start plotting your return.
New Zealand
The Ultimate Playground for Nature Lovers and Thrill-Seekers
If Mother Nature had a mood board, New Zealand would be it. This country is a masterpiece of wild, untouched landscapes—so cinematic, they literally used it as Middle-earth. Whether you're chasing adrenaline in Queenstown, soaking in Rotorua’s bubbling hot springs, or cruising through the misty magic of Milford Sound, New Zealand is where adventure and awe go hand in hand.
Top Must-See Spots
Queenstown – If you like your vacations with a side of heart-pounding excitement, this is your spot. Bungee jumping, jet boating, skiing—this is the adventure capital of the world for a reason.
Rotorua – A steamy mix of geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture. Think geysers, bubbling mud pools, and a chance to experience a traditional hāngī feast cooked by the earth itself.
Milford Sound – Jaw-dropping fjords, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife that actually looks like it belongs on a National Geographic cover. Take a cruise, paddle a kayak, or just stare in complete disbelief at how stunning it is.
New Zealand isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you feel. And once you do, you’ll never stop dreaming about going back.
Greece
Where History, Sunsets, and Late Nights Collide (in the Best Way Possible)
Greece is the kind of place that makes you question everything—like why you don’t already live in a cliffside villa, eating feta and olives with a view of the Aegean every single day. It’s where ancient ruins whisper stories of the past, turquoise waters beg you to dive in, and island nights stretch on as long as you let them. Whether you're exploring Athens’ iconic landmarks, discovering island gems, or dancing until dawn in Mykonos, Greece is a vibe.
Top Must-See Spots
Athens – Home to the big bucket-list sights like the Acropolis and Parthenon, but also buzzing with energy in the Plaka and Monastiraki districts, where history meets cool cafés and rooftop bars.
Crete – Greece’s largest island, where every kind of traveler finds their happy place. Hike the dramatic Samaria Gorge, wander through charming Venetian harbors, or just sip raki by the sea.
Mykonos – Picture-perfect by day, electric by night. Known for its whitewashed alleys, beach clubs, and sunsets that pair very well with a cocktail in hand.
Greece isn’t just a trip—it’s a love affair. And trust us, once you go, you’ll be planning your return before you even leave.
Italy
My Forever Favorite (And It Might Be Yours, Too)
I’ve been lucky enough to visit a lot of incredible places, but if I had to pick just one? Italy. No hesitation. There’s just something about it—the history, the food, the way golden-hour light hits a Tuscan hillside just right. It’s a country that doesn’t just invite you in; it pulls you in, fills your glass with wine, and insists you stay a little longer.
Top Must-See Spots
Rome – A living museum where ancient ruins and modern life collide. Walk through the Colosseum, wander the Vatican, and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain (because yes, you will want to come back).
Venice – A city that feels like a dream. Get lost in its canals, take a gondola ride at sunset, and step inside historic palaces where every detail tells a story.
Tuscany – Rolling vineyards, medieval hill towns, and that perfect glass of Chianti at a countryside trattoria. Art lovers, foodies, and anyone with a thing for scenic drives? This is your paradise.
Everywhere I’ve traveled has left its mark, but Italy? It’s the one that always calls me back.
Iceland
The Land of Fire, Ice, and “Wait, Is This Even Real?”
Some places make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Iceland makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet. One minute, you’re standing in the middle of a lava field that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. The next, you’re soaking in a geothermal hot spring, watching the steam swirl into the crisp Arctic air. And just when you think you’ve seen it all? A waterfall, a glacier, or the Northern Lights remind you that Iceland is never done surprising you.
Top Must-See Spots
Reykjavik – A small capital with big personality. Think colorful street art, quirky museums, an amazing music scene, and cozy cafés that make you want to stay all day.
Golden Circle – The ultimate road trip route, packed with thundering waterfalls, bubbling geysers, and Þingvellir National Park—where you can literally stand between two continents.
Blue Lagoon – It’s famous for a reason. The milky blue geothermal waters feel almost as magical as they look (and yes, the silica mud mask makes your skin ridiculously soft).
Iceland is wild, raw, and unforgettable—whether you're chasing waterfalls, hiking glaciers, or just staring out the window thinking How is this even real?
Australia
Big Adventures, Bigger Landscapes, and the Cutest Wildlife on the Planet
Australia isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you experience. It’s where city skylines meet wild coastlines, where kangaroos casually hop past your road trip, and where coffee is taken very seriously. One day, you’re snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. The next, you’re sipping a flat white in Melbourne’s coolest laneway café. And somewhere in between? You realize that no matter how long you stay, it’ll never be long enough.
Top Must-See Spots
Sydney – Home to some of the most iconic sights in the world. Walk the Harbour Bridge, snap that must-have Opera House photo, and cool off with a dip at Bondi Beach.
Great Barrier Reef – A bucket-list underwater wonder. Snorkel, dive, or take a scenic flight over the largest coral reef system on Earth. (Spoiler: It’s just as mind-blowing as you think.)
Melbourne – A cultural playground of street art, world-class coffee, live music, and die-hard sports fans. Get lost in the laneways, catch a game at the MCG, and never settle for bad espresso again.
Australia is vast, wild, and packed with adventure—whether you’re road-tripping along the coast, chasing waterfalls in the rainforest, or locking eyes with a quokka (Google it, you won’t regret it).
Mexico
Where History, Beaches, and Tacos All Compete for Your Attention
Mexico is the kind of place that doesn’t just check boxes—it overdelivers. One moment, you're standing in front of ancient Mayan ruins, feeling the weight of history. The next, you're toes-deep in white sand with a margarita in hand. And let’s not even start on the food—because once you have real tacos al pastor, there’s no going back.
Top Must-See Spots
Mexico City – A vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating mix of history, culture, and food. Visit Frida Kahlo’s house, wander through Chapultepec Park, and eat your way through the street food scene.
Cancún – Where turquoise waters and powdery beaches set the stage for lazy days, wild nights, and all-inclusive luxury. Snorkel, sip, repeat.
Tulum – Ancient Mayan ruins perched on a cliff, overlooking some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen. Stay for the jungle vibes, eco-chic resorts, and ridiculously fresh ceviche.
Mexico is bold, colorful, and full of surprises—whether you're diving into cenotes, dancing in the streets, or just finding your happy place with a plate of chilaquiles.
💡 Planning your trip? Check out our Complete Mexico Travel Guide for insider tips, must-visit spots, and the best places to eat, explore, and unwind.
Morocco
A Feast for the Senses (and Your Travel Bucket List)
Morocco isn’t just a place—it’s a full sensory experience. The scent of spices drifting through a bustling souk. The feel of intricate mosaic tiles beneath your fingertips. The glow of lantern-lit riads as the sun sets. Whether you're wandering through Marrakech’s lively medinas, getting blissfully lost in Chefchaouen’s blue-washed alleyways, or watching the stars stretch endlessly over the Sahara, Morocco sticks with you.
Top Must-See Spots
Marrakech – A whirlwind of color, sound, and energy. Explore the souks, sip mint tea in a riad, and take in the magic of Jemaa el-Fnaa square as it comes alive at night.
Chefchaouen – As dreamy as it looks in photos. A blue-washed mountain town that feels like stepping into a painting—perfect for slow strolls, hidden cafés, and postcard-worthy moments on every corner.
Sahara Desert – The ultimate escape. Ride a camel over rolling dunes, watch the sun melt into the sand, and spend the night under a sky so full of stars, you’ll wonder if you’ve ever really seen them before.
Morocco is a place that pulls you in and doesn’t let go—one tagine, tiled courtyard, and golden sunset at a time.
Canada
Big Adventures, Bigger Views, and the Perfect Amount of Maple Syrup
Canada is big—like really big. It’s the kind of place where you can wake up in a buzzing city, have lunch next to a turquoise glacier lake, and end the day spotting moose from a mountaintop. Whether you’re strolling through Montréal’s charming cobblestone streets, road-tripping through the Rockies, or kayaking past Vancouver’s skyline, Canada doesn’t make you choose between nature and culture—it just gives you both.
Top Must-See Spots
Montréal – A little slice of Europe in North America. Explore the historic Old Port, marvel at the Notre-Dame Basilica, and eat your weight in poutine.
Banff National Park – Nature’s flex. Think towering Rocky Mountains, mirror-like lakes (hello, Lake Louise), and enough wildlife sightings to make you feel like you’re in a National Geographic documentary.
Vancouver – Where city life meets outdoor adventure. Hike Grouse Mountain in the morning, hit the beach in the afternoon, and wrap it all up with fresh seafood at Granville Island.
Canada is vast, beautiful, and full of adventure—whether you’re here for the landscapes, the cities, or just trying to spot a bear (from a safe distance).
💡 Planning a trip? Check out our Complete Canada Travel Guide for expert tips, hidden gems, and the best ways to explore this massive, magical country.
Your Summer Adventure Starts Now—Where Will It Take You?
Whether you’re craving the culture of ancient cities, the thrill of epic landscapes, or just a really good beach with a cocktail in hand, this list has you covered. From the sun-drenched cliffs of Portugal to the electric buzz of Tokyo, these destinations aren’t just places to visit—they’re places to experience.
So, where’s it going to be? A road trip through Canada’s Rockies? A gondola ride in Venice? Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef? The world is waiting, and summer won’t last forever. Start planning now, because the best stories begin with a packed suitcase and a plane ticket. 🌍✈️
