18 Top Destinations for Your Summer Vacation

Choosing the perfect spot for your long-awaited summer break can feel like a tough task.

Look into these incredible spots where off-season deals, smaller crowds, or unique events make it the perfect time to visit. Here are 18 fantastic places to travel this summer of 2018:

1. St. Barts

Although some of the island’s most renowned resorts remain closed from hurricane damage (such as Hotel Le Toiny and Le Guanahani), roughly 60% of St. Barts' villas are now welcoming guests, with some exciting new additions.

The luxurious Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa has recently added two stunning villas, Villa Bleu and Villa Aqua, each featuring six spacious bedrooms, a private pool, and an unbeatable beachfront location.

St. Barth Properties has introduced two brand-new, top-tier villas: Villa Golden, which boasts a heated infinity pool, and Villa Neo, complete with a hammam (steam bath). Both offer luxurious extras, including the delightful surprise of fresh French pastries each morning.

Although the iconic Eden Rock is closed until December, its exclusive collection of villas is already available for bookings.

Additionally, with the summer low-season rates, St. Barts becomes a more accessible destination for those seeking luxury at a better price.

2. Russia

Russia is ready to welcome soccer enthusiasts for the 2018 World Cup, taking place from June 14 to July 15 across 11 host cities.

The opening match and the final will be hosted in Moscow, with other games held in cities like St. Petersburg, Sochi, and smaller locations like Saransk and Kazan. An online fan guide offers helpful tips on building your travel itinerary, booking hotels, securing a visa, and navigating other logistics.

Among the 32 teams vying for victory, in-demand matchups will feature Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Portugal, and Spain. There’s still time to apply for tickets, but keep in mind that the United States team won’t be competing this year.

3. Azores, Portugal

The Azores, a Portuguese autonomous region located about 1,000 miles from mainland Portugal, have long remained off the radar due to limited flight access from the U.S.

That’s changed recently with new flight routes. Delta now offers a seasonal direct flight five times a week from New York’s JFK to Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores.

Travelers can reach the charming capital in under six hours, but the city is just the beginning. The Azores consists of nine islands, with São Miguel being the main island and a great starting point.

Outside the capital, visitors can explore pristine landscapes known for whale watching, hiking, hot springs, and even encounters with local sheep.

Head to Pico Island for its renowned wineries and vineyards, Terceira Island for a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Faial Island for excellent diving and watersport activities.

4. Fiji

It’s been two years since Cyclone Winston, a Category 5 storm, devastated Fiji, claiming 44 lives and causing nearly a billion dollars in damage. However, the country has made a remarkable recovery, as shown by the opening of several new hotels.

Among the new arrivals is the five-star Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay. This marks Marriott’s first venture into Fiji, and it’s also the first hotel on the main island to feature overwater villas. Despite its luxury, it offers great value compared to other new resorts.

The higher-end Six Senses Fiji, which opened in April on Malolo Island, stands out for being powered entirely by solar energy, thanks to the use of Tesla batteries.

5. Tbilisi, Georgia

New direct flights from London via Georgian Airways and Wizz Air have made Tbilisi more accessible than ever before.

The capital of this former Soviet republic offers all the charm of a European city – historic landmarks, cozy cafes, and fine wine – without the overwhelming crowds of summer.

Tbilisi’s unique character defies easy description. Over the centuries, it has been shaped by influences from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, though remnants of its Soviet past can still be spotted at local flea markets.

For those in search of something distinct, Tbilisi offers authentic traditions like khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread topped with a runny egg and butter, along with a blossoming culinary scene. The city’s vibrant electronic nightlife is also a major attraction.

6. California Wine Country

In October, devastating wildfires tore through parts of Sonoma and Napa, but the tourism industry faced minimal impact, making this summer an ideal time to visit and support the region’s recovery.

While Sonoma lost Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa, along with several hotels including Hilton Sonoma Wine Country and Fountain Grove Inn, the majority of wineries and accommodations are open, and new hotels have recently been added to the area.

Among the new arrivals is the trendy, retro-chic Astro Motel in Santa Rosa and the Hampton Inn Petaluma, housed in a former silk mill. The latter is set to begin accepting reservations on June 17. Meanwhile, high-end hotels like Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country and Vintners Inn are planning expansions.

In Napa, while Signorello Estate was lost to the fires, the vineyards themselves were spared, and the region’s hotels remained mostly unharmed. Additionally, Napa has recently welcomed its latest winery, Ashes & Diamonds.

7. Malawi, Africa

Summer is peak safari season, and the often-overlooked Malawi is quickly becoming a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Savvy travelers flock to Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde National Park, and Nkhotakota Game Reserve, where they can enjoy fewer crowds and better chances of spotting wildlife. Liwonde is particularly well-known for its large elephant, hippo, and black rhino populations, along with a recent conservation effort by African Parks to introduce cheetahs to the park.

Majete Wildlife Reserve, now under the care of African Parks, has been re-established as a Big Five destination, home to elephants, lions, black rhinos, buffalo, and leopards.

Nkhotakota Game Reserve is working to restore its wildlife population and has already introduced over 1,000 animals, including 500 elephants.

In response to growing visitor numbers, new accommodations have been added. Robin Pope Safaris recently opened Kuthengo Camp in Liwonde National Park, featuring four spacious tents, each with a full bathroom, large bed, and private deck with views of the Shire River.

8. US Civil Rights Trail

The official US Civil Rights Trail, launched in January, highlights more than 100 historic sites that were pivotal in the civil rights movement.

Embark on a road trip this summer to explore key landmarks across 14 states, including New Orleans, Topeka, Kansas, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and the historic cities of Selma and Birmingham in Alabama.

Greensboro, North Carolina, is another important stop, where college students famously staged a sit-in at Woolworth’s lunch counter. The original seats and counter have been preserved in a dedicated on-site museum.

The Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, the site of the notorious Bloody Sunday attack on civil rights activists, is a must-see, along with the newly established National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama.

An interactive map provides additional historical context and aids in planning your road trip through these significant sites.

9. South Africa

2018 marks what would have been Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday. In celebration, the South African Tourism Board and the Nelson Mandela Foundation re-launched the Madiba’s Journey app, which highlights 100 significant Mandela landmarks and locations to visit.

Key locations include Mandela’s birthplace in the Eastern Cape, the place of his capture in KwaZulu-Natal, his cell on Robben Island where he spent 18 years in prison, and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.

The app allows travelers to customize their itineraries and provides rich history, photos, and audio guides to help explore each site in detail.

10. Ticino, Switzerland

With favorable exchange rates, Switzerland offers great value, and the lesser-known wine region of Ticino serves as a perfect alternative to Italy’s more tourist-heavy destinations.

In fact, visitors to Ticino might feel like they’re in Italy, as it borders the northern tip near Lake Como and its locals speak Italian.

The region has a winemaking tradition that dates back to Roman times. Swiss wines aren’t more widely known simply because the country exports only one percent of its production — and none of it reaches the US.

Travelers can follow the Mendrisiotto Wine Route to discover some of Ticino’s finest wineries and sample the region’s signature Merlot grape.

11. Luang Prabang, Laos

Although Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient Buddhist temples, it often flies under the radar. However, with new flight routes and a growing number of luxury hotels, now is a great time to visit.

The newly opened Rosewood Luang Prabang, which debuted in March, is just 10 minutes from the city but feels incredibly remote. Surrounded by jungle and crossed by a river, its 23 rooms offer an immersive escape. For a truly unique experience, opt for one of the tented villas perched on a hilltop.

Avani+ Luang Prabang, formerly Azerai, is another recent addition. This stylish boutique hotel blends modern design with colonial architecture. The courtyard infinity pool is a perfect place to unwind, but don’t miss the chance to explore nearby attractions like the Royal Palace, Night Market, and stunning temples by bike.

12. Faroe Islands

Situated between Iceland and Norway, this remote archipelago of 18 islands is gaining popularity as a peaceful alternative to Iceland’s crowded tourist spots.

This self-governing Danish territory welcomes visitors with its prehistoric landscape, featuring verdant valleys, towering volcanic mountains, and dramatic waterfalls.

With new flight and cruise options available, the Faroe Islands are more accessible than ever. Rent a car to discover the islands and enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking and horseback riding.

Just outside the vibrant capital of Torshavn, Koks stands out as a top spot for New Nordic cuisine. It gained special recognition in 2017 when it became the first restaurant in the Faroe Islands to earn a Michelin star.

For those seeking even more excitement, the Faroe Islands also host a variety of festivals and events throughout the summer to keep visitors entertained.

13. Toronto

Toronto not only offers great value but also boasts a dynamic food scene and a packed schedule of summer festivals. Additionally, the Museum of Contemporary Art is set to reopen just in time for the end of the season.

Thanks to its multicultural population, Toronto has developed a diverse and exciting food scene. You can find everything from Syrian cuisine at Soufi’s, indigenous dishes at Kukum Kitchen, to fusion flavors like Asian-Jamaican at Patois. The rise of plant-based eateries, including Mythology, adds another layer to the city's culinary offerings.

Toronto also shines when it comes to summer festivals. Highlights include Toronto Pride, a three-week extravaganza drawing nearly a million attendees, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, which has been a staple for over three decades, and the Toronto International Film Festival, renowned as the largest public film festival globally.

While the Museum of Contemporary Art in Toronto has pushed its opening to September 22, its new location is well worth waiting for, offering even more incentive to extend your summer stay.

14. Telluride, Colorado

The off-season for skiing at popular resorts often means fewer crowds and better deals, making it an ideal time to visit.

This summer, Telluride will host an array of cultural events and introduce a new wellness retreat program. Additionally, air travel will be more convenient with more frequent flights from Chicago via United, larger planes flying in from Houston, and increased service from Phoenix and Dallas by American Airlines.

Before work begins on restoring the historic Transfer Warehouse, the Telluride Arts District will be brimming with a vibrant summer lineup, including live music, art exhibitions, performances, and much more.

This summer, The Peaks Resort & Spa will also introduce a series of wellness retreats. These six-day intensive programs will feature personalized fitness training, tailored nutrition plans, expert lectures, and rejuvenating spa treatments.

15. Paraty, Brazil

Each summer (or winter in Brazil), the charming colonial town of Paraty hosts the renowned Flip literary festival. This popular event attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe, including celebrity authors and guest speakers.

The festival, which has been running since 2003, has welcomed notable figures like Isabel Allende, Salman Rushdie, Toni Morrison, and even Bob Dylan over the years.

This year’s festival will take place from July 25-29, offering a dynamic program of debates, workshops, music performances, and more.

As is tradition, Flip will honor a Brazilian author, with this year’s tribute going to the late Hilda Hilst, a celebrated novelist, poet, and playwright who passed away in 2004.

16. Los Cabos/East Cape, Mexico

Los Cabos and the East Cape region are experiencing a surge in luxury hotel openings, with the summer off-season offering attractive deals.

The iconic Los Cabos area, which includes Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, has not only fully recovered from Hurricane Odile in 2014 but is now thriving in the luxury hotel market.

The luxury boom is also spilling over into the East Cape, a scenic 100-mile stretch of coastline running north from San José del Cabo along the peninsula's eastern edge.

With so many new hotels popping up, it’s hard to keep track. New additions include the Chileno Bay Resort & Residences by Auberge, Montage Los Cabos, and The Cape: A Thompson Hotel.

For those planning a winter getaway, the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Nobu Hotel Los Cabos are all expected to open by the end of the year.

17. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is celebrating the centenary of the deaths of four of its most influential modernists – Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Koloman Moser, and architect Otto Wagner – with a series of major art exhibitions.

This summer, the Leopold Museum is hosting ‘Vienna 1900,’ a showcase featuring iconic works by Klimt and Moser, along with pieces from expressionists Richard Gerstl and Oskar Kokoschka.

Also on display at the Leopold Museum is ‘WOW! The Heidi Horten Collection,’ offering the public its first look at a private art collection that includes works by Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst among its 200+ pieces.

Other must-see exhibitions include ‘Beyond Klimt: New Horizons in Central Europe’ at the Lower Belvedere Museum, and a retrospective of Otto Wagner’s life’s work at the Wien Museum.

18. Fez, Morocco

Fez is putting the finishing touches on a large-scale restoration initiative, breathing new life into thousands of historic structures, including what is believed to be the world’s oldest functioning library.

Located in the ancient medina, many of these buildings date back to the 8th century. Among the highlights is the Khizanat al-Qarawiyyin library, a masterpiece undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation to preserve its intricate tiles, massive iron doors, and rare collection of books.

As Fez steps out from the shadow of Marrakesh, visitors will find a blossoming city with new dining spots, boutiques, and chic riads (traditional homes built around central courtyards). Notable examples of this revitalization include Dar Arsama, Karawan Riad, and Riad Fes.