How many times do we hear the question, “Where should I go this summer?” With that simple question comes so much pressure – the pressure to find a spot that fulfills the secret bucket list you created throughout the year. Lucky for you, the best vacations for summer 2016 are here! All you have to do is book your flight.
The Best Summer Vacations for 2016:
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Photo by: Eric Hossinger/Flikr Creative Commons.
Known for its distinctive Old Town, Dubrovnik is a well-preserved, historical beach city that sits atop the Adriatic Sea. You’ll get everything from traditional Croatian food, lively bar scenes, water adventure, high-end shopping and beach living all in one place.
Traveler’s Tip: Dubrovnik is where they film King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, so definitely wander around “Flea Bottom” pretending you’re in the Knight’s Guard.
Mykonos, Greece
Photo by: rpleven3/Flikr Creative Commons
Whether you’re looking for an Ibiza-like party vibe or family-friendly exploring, Mykonos has it all. Summers are simply gorgeous on the Ornos Bay, and you can chill out on the beach, or spend hours trekking through some of Greece’s historical sites. The country has experienced an economic decline in the last year, so food, drink and entertainment are significantly cheaper than its neighboring European countries.
Traveler’s Tip: Check out Kalafatis Beach for a day of jet skiing, scuba diving and wind surfing.
Queensland, Australia
Photo: Fergus Tuomey/Flikr Creative Commons
For a budget holiday full of adventure, Australia’s Queensland is for you. The most iconic attraction is the Great Barrier Reef – a 1,400 mile string of islands, reefs and sand bars right off the coast – and offers one of a kind experiences you have to see to believe. Snorkel off the coast, stand up paddle board with locals and tourists alike and go hot air ballooning over the Tablelands. Your Instagram will love it.
Traveler’s Tip: If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, check out the Natural Bridge Cave – home to the spectacular sight of one of the world’s largest Glow Worm colonies.
Visby, Sweden
Photo: Wanderlust Travels
Located on the west end of Gotland, Visby is a port city enclosed in a two-mile medieval stone wall. Not only is it rich in history, but it also boasts some of the best restaurants in all of Sweden, sailing excursions along the coast, and nightlife that rivals Stockholm during the summer.
Traveler’s Tip: Try a saffranspannkaka – a saffron pancake topped with red berries and fresh cream.
Taormina, Sicily
Photo: David Geen/Flikr Creative Commons
Few places in the world can boast the dramatic views like this Sicilian resort town. With Mount Etna in the backdrop and the Mediterranean Sea below, Taormina is Sicily’s hidden gem. Though it is a tourist destination, the town has remained just as beautiful and preserved as you’d expect of a European city, with gorgeous medieval churches, the Greek Theatre and off-the-beaten-path hikes that take you to views you’ve only dreamed about.
Traveler’s Tip: Take a day trip to the progressive city of Castelmola, the town above Taormina, where you can wander out of a beautiful cathedral right into a bar filled with penis. Yes. Penis.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Photo by Liz Biscevic
Even if you don’t make it to the 2016 Summer Games, Rio de Janeiro is the trip of a lifetime. Typically thought of as one of the most photogenic cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro offers an experience unlike any other. Start your day with an acai bowl from one of the many vendors before making your way to the beach for kayaking, swimming, sunbathing or soccer. Spend your evenings feasting on Brazilian barbecue, exploring the city’s old town or enjoying some caipirinhas at the local bar. Hit up one of the many nightclubs for a party that doesn’t stop.
Traveler’s Tip: Apply for your tourist visa now if you want to make it there before the Olympics.
Lisbon, Portugal
Photo: aroundtheglobe.com
With their ornate Manueline architecture, traditional Fado music and preserved colonialist history, it’s no wonder Lisbon is a destination year-round for tourists and local travelers alike. No matter what you’re looking for in a summer vacation, Lisbon is for you: relaxing beach vibes, delicious food, tons of historical museums and sites, upbeat clubs, bars and music, and everything in between.
Traveler’s Tip: Check out the world’s smallest bookshop – about the size of a small cupboard but carries around 3,000 books mostly related to European and Portuguese history. The shop is located at the bottom of the Conceicao Stairs on the south side of Castle Hill.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Photo: Reddit.
Possibly one of the most beautiful summer destinations you can imagine, Reykjavik is the perfect spot for anyone who needs a temporary escape. Go to Nautholsvik, a geothermal beach that never gets colder than 68 degrees, or go exploring for one of the many hot springs scattered along the coast and highlands.
Traveler’s Tip: Summer is festival season, so plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss the parties!
Cadiz, Spain
Photo: Richard Mendoza/Flikr Creative Commons
Cadiz is an ancient city on the southwest coast of Spain, and is generally considered the oldest inhabited settlement in all of Europe. History aside, however, Cadiz is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful cities you’ve ever seen – it’s an old-world vibe juxtaposed with the modern beach life of the locals and tourists. Here, you can spend the day on the water and the night enjoying traditional Flamenco dance and tapas without skipping a beat. Though it’s considered a tourist-town, most tourists are Spanish locals, which makes for an interesting culture shock!
Traveler’s Tip: Eat dinner around 10:30pm, and then don’t leave the bar until at least 3.
Lima, Peru
Photo: Wikipedia
Lima is often overlooked when visitors travel Peru, mostly because of their rush to get to Machu Picchu, but that mistake ends now. Maybe it’s the food, the nightlife, the art or the literally hundreds of day-trips that make you feel like you’re in another world, but Lima is a place that you want to return to the second you leave. For summer vacation, it doesn’t get much better than the Miraflores district, where you can drink cocktails and cervezas while enjoying the sunset over the ocean.
Traveler’s Tip: Check out the Erotic Gallery and the Museo Larco and find yourself surrounded by thousands of years of sexual history.
