If there’s one thing everyone should do during summer, pack your bags and head to a new destination. With the sun rising high and the days stretching long, the summer adventure is calling travelers from across the world. Be it the rugged peaks of North America, the pristine shores of Australia, the cultural wonders of Europe, or the untamed wilderness of Africa, your options are limitless.
In this guide, you’ll discover some popular and offbeat locations for this year’s summer adventure, something from each continent. Let’s take a trip around the world, shall we?
North America
Canadian Rockies (Canada)
Say hello to the Canadian Rockies! Here, you can do everything from finding inner peace to embracing the adrenaline junkie. Hike the scenic trails of Banff National Park, go white-water rafting on the rapids of the Athabasca River or embark on a scenic train ride through the mountains. It's home to various wildlife, including moose, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep.
Known for: Peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and waterfalls.
Avg temp: Between 45°F and 73°F (7°C and 23°C)
Summer months: June to August
Alaska (USA)
Have you ever heard of Alaska's midnight sun? Sunshine for weeks, even at night! From towering glaciers like Exit Glacier to North America's tallest peak, Denali, and stunning coastlines, Alaska has some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. You'll spot grizzly and black bears catching salmon, mooses showing off their impressive racks and whales swimming in the ocean. You can get up close to the glaciers on a cruise and see calving, where a large chunk of ice breaks off from the glacier into the water. And of course, no trip to Alaska is complete without some fishing! Whether an expert or a beginner, you can easily reel in some salmon, halibut, and more!
Known for: Landscape, wildlife
Avg temp: Between 50s°F and 70s°F (13°C and 21°C)
Summer months: June to August
Baja California Sur (Mexico)
With its golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and brilliant marine life, Baja California Sur is the perfect escape for sun-seekers this summer adventure. Go whale watching in the Sea of Cortez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spot humpback whales and dolphins frolicking in the turquoise waters. Surfing the waves along the Pacific coast is a special thrill!
Known for: Beaches, desert landscapes, marine life
Avg temp: Between 84.4°F and 87.8°F (29°C and 31°C)
Summer months: June to September
South America
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
How about a summer adventure where love comes alive on an island? You’ll see giant tortoises in slow motion, blue-footed boobies dancing with their bright blue feet, marine iguanas basking in the sun, and sea lions playing with their moms. You can snorkel with sea lions, hike to volcanic craters, and observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Fun fact – the unique finches here, with their strangely shaped beaks, helped inspire Charles Darwin's theory of evolution!
Known for: Wildlife, volcanic craters
Avg temp: Between 82.4°F and 86°F (28°C and 30°C)
Summer months: December to May
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Brazil
If you want to experience infectious music, vibrant costumes and have a great time dancing, try Brazil. And if you want to just hang out by the beach, head over to Copacabana Beach. Not too far away, the Amazon rainforest will welcome you with exotic flora and fauna.
Known for: Party hub, beaches, Amazon rainforest
Avg temp: Between 82°F and 90°F (28°C and 32°C)
Summer months: December to February
Chile
From the Atacama Desert, the world's driest non-polar desert, to the Torres del Paine National Park, Chile is a haven for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies. You can explore the stunning beaches in the north near Arica and Iquique, where you can even go snorkeling or surfing. Chile is also known for producing world-class wines, so for a relaxing summer adventure, sample delicious wines and check out the gorgeous vineyards.
Known for: Atacama Desert, beaches, wines
Avg temp: Between 60s°F and 80s°F (18°C and 27°C)
Summer months: December to February
Europe
Amalfi Coast (Italy)
Beyond the postcard views, the Amalfi Coast hides secret wonders. You can take a boat tour to explore the hidden coves and secluded beaches. You can drive around the Amalfi Drive for its scenic coastal road, panoramic views of the sparkling seas, terraced vineyards clinging to the cliffs and more. Since it’s famous for its lemon production, you must try limoncello, a refreshing lemon liqueur, pastries and desserts.
Known for: Beaches, vineyards, lemons
Avg temp: Between 70s°F to 80s°F (24°C and 27°C)
Summer months: June to August
Poland
Poland has a bit of everything — history, culture, outdoor activities and gorgeous scenery. The former capital of Poland, Krakow, is a must-visit if you love medieval architecture. For a blend of old and new, Warsaw, the current capital, should be your destination. Summer is also a great time for festivals, so make sure you catch The Krakow Wianki Festival and celebrate with locals to traditional music, food and bonfire.
Known for: Medieval architecture, local festivals, natural landscape
Avg temp: Between 70s°F to 80s°F (24°C and 27°C)
Summer months: June to August
Santorini (Greece)
Santorini's whitewashed villages with iconic blue domes are a sight to behold. You’ve got everything from chilling on black sand beaches formed by volcanic eruptions to visiting the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, partying with the best crowd to experiencing the best sunsets every evening. What else could one want?
Known for: Nightlife, blue domes, black sand beaches
Avg temp: Between 79°F and 84°F (26°C to 29°C)
Summer months: June to September
Asia
Kyoto (Japan)
From temple hopping, visiting the geisha district, renting a kimono, enjoying traditional tea ceremonies and indulging in delicious food, Kyoto is a complete package. Stepped in history and tradition, anime and video game fans will recall when visiting temples like Kiyomizu-dera, with its iconic wooden stage, and Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). Take some Instagram-worthy shots at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and get some fantastic shots. Don’t miss Kyoto's Gion Matsuri festival where you’ll get to see geishas in all their elegance.
Known for: Geishas, temples, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Avg temp: Between 80s°F and 90s°F (29°C and 32°C)
Summer months: June-August
Luang Prabang (Laos)
If you've watched the Disney movie 'Raya and the Last Dragon', you already know what to expect at Luang Prabang. This charming town is nestled in the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. There’s something so peaceful about seeing the well-preserved colonial architecture and seeing saffron-robed monks collecting alms from the locals early in the morning. To learn the traditional ways of life in rural villages, you can take a boat trip on the Mekong River.
Known for: UNESCO World Heritage Site, monks
Avg temp: Mid-90s°F (35°C)
Summer months: March to May
Bhutan
This hidden paradise in the Himalayas should be on your summer bucket list. It is the land of gross national happiness after all! It has some of the most breathtaking mountain views. You can hike through the valleys with colorful prayer flags, visit monasteries and trek to remote villages.
Known for: Monasteries, the Himalayas, simple lifestyle
Avg temp: Between mid-60s°F and 70s°F (18°C and 21°C)
Summer months: March to May
Africa
Masai Mara (Kenya)
Maasai Mara National Reserve is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Seeing millions of wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and other grazers cross over from Serengeti to Maasai Mara, braving the crocodile-infested water is a scene straight out of ‘The Lion King’! The safari here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you'll see majestic animals in their natural habitat. You can also explore the hot air balloon safari or take a boat trip on the Mara River for a different perspective.
Known for: Wildlife safari, national reserve
Avg temp: Between 70°F and 80°F (24°C and 27°C)
Summer months: June to October
Mali
Mali is far from a typical tourist destination. Feel like Indiana Jones exploring The Great Mosque of Djenné, the world's biggest mudbrick building and a UNESCO site that'll blow your mind! Mali is also the birthplace of kora music, a harp-like instrument. You must recognize the music style from ‘The Lion King’ soundtrack!
Known for: Kora music, UNESCO site
Avg temp: Between 80°F and 100°F (30°C and 38°C)
Summer months: March to May
Cape Town (South Africa)
Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, a party person, or just want some quiet, Cape Town has it all. For epic views, hike up to Table Mountain, or relax on Camps Bay's beautiful beaches. If you're a wine lover, go on a wine-tasting tour through the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Paarl wine regions. Summer adventure seekers can surf, go kayaking, or even try shark cage diving.
Known for: Table Mountain, beaches, wines
Avg temp: Between 70°F and 80°F (24°C and 27°C)
Summer months: December to February
Australia
Great Barrier Reef
If you want to soak up some tropical sun, explore lush rainforests and hang out at the beach, you can do it all here. Go on a glass-bottom boat tour for stunning underwater views or try paddleboarding to see the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem.
Known for: Coral reefs, beaches, scuba diving
Avg temp: Around 80°F (29°C)
Summer months: December to February
Tasmania
A haven for nature lovers, hike through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and spot wombats and pademelons. Try local specialities like creamy scallops, juicy salmon and plump oysters. You can also experience weekend markets in Hobart, the capital city, and explore the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), a quirky art experience.
Known for: Wombats, MONA, sea animals
Avg temp: Between 60°F and 70°F (18°C and 21°C
Summer months: December to February
Sydney
Tick off climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge from your bucket list and head over to Bondi Beach to surf. Enjoy the diverse food available here and don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs!
Known for: Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge
Avg temp: Between 65.5°F and 78.4 °F (18.6 and 25.8 °C)
Summer months: December to February
Antarctica
Lemaire Channel
Surrounded by icebergs and snow-capped mountains, this narrow passage offers a surreal landscape, a summer adventure unlike any other! Cruise through the icy waters and see playful penguins, majestic whales, and seals in their most natural form.
Known for: Steep cliffs, glaciers
Avg temp: Between -14°F to -32°F (-10°C and 0°C)
Summer months: October to February
Antarctic Peninsula
Go here If you want to explore the rugged beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, where towering peaks, shimmering glaciers, and pristine wilderness stretch as far as the eye can see. You can kayak among icebergs, hike through snow-covered landscapes, or simply marvel at the beauty of this remote wilderness.
Known for: Landscape, wild animals
Avg temp: Between -14°F to -32°F (-10°C and 0°C)
Summer months: December to February
South Georgia Island
Head over to the remote wilderness of South Georgia Island and discover a land of breathtaking beauty and abundant wildlife. Home to vast colonies of penguins and seals, you can hike through windswept valleys, or visit historic whaling stations abandoned a very long time ago.
Known for: Wildlife, whaling industry
Avg temp: Between -35°F and -41°F (2°C and 5°C)
Summer months: December to February
Now that we’ve explored some epic summer adventure spots, here’s the real question: which one will be your next passport stamp?
