7 Summer Getaways to Consider, From Botswana Adventures to Brazilian Pride Festivities

It's almost a crime to miss out on summer's serene moments—why not escape to a new destination? This is the true vacation season. While there are countless locations that shine in the summer sun, keep in mind that our summer coincides with winter in the Southern Hemisphere, making it the perfect opportunity to explore those countries, not only for the pleasant weather but also for their vibrant seasonal celebrations.

Here are seven stunning spots to consider for your summer adventure, each offering a compelling reason to visit right now.

1. Gstaad, Switzerland

Gstaad is a charming destination during the summer months (June to September) when the ski slopes turn into lush hiking trails. Don't miss the Rinderberg panorama ridge trail or a leisurely walk around Lauenensee Lake. Arrive early to beat the crowds, and remember to bring a swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.

Summer brings exciting sporting events to the area as well. The Hublot Polo Gold Cup is scheduled from August 22 to 25 at the Gstaad airport grounds, and the Swiss Open will take place from July 13 to 21 this year; last year's champion was Argentinian Pedro Cachín.

Accommodation Options

This hotel was pivotal in transforming Gstaad into a jet-set destination when it opened over a century ago, and it remains the epitome of glamour in 2024. Be sure to save some energy for a night out at the retro 1970s nightclub, GreenGo.

Getting to Gstaad

Zurich serves as the primary international gateway for Gstaad, with Swiss Airlines offering nonstop flights from Miami International Airport (MIA), Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Gstaad's airport is primarily for private jets. The roads can be quite winding, so the train is the best choice; it takes about three hours to reach the quaint downtown station.

2. Alabama

Experience a reflective Juneteenth in Montgomery, Alabama, where the Equal Justice Initiative manages several exceptional sites dedicated to highlighting America's challenging racial history. The EJI’s National Memorial for Peace and Justice addresses the grim legacy of lynchings, featuring a striking display of tombstones suspended from the ceiling, each symbolizing a county where lynchings occurred. Nearby, the Legacy Museum provides detailed narratives of life under enslavement. A new addition, the 17-acre Freedom Monument Sculpture Park (opening March 27), will feature 48 sculptures by over two dozen artists, including Wangechi Mutu and Kehinde Wiley, alongside a monument honoring the millions freed after the Civil War.

Enhance your visit with a trip to Birmingham, just an hour's drive away. This city has rejuvenated a once-divisive space under the interstate, now transformed into CityWalk BHAM, an outdoor recreation area complete with a skate park, roller rink, and pickleball courts, reflecting the city's vibrant spirit.

Accommodation Options

Consider staying at Birmingham’s The Painted Lady, which is set to open in July. This 22-room hotel, located in the historic automotive district, draws inspiration from the life of Louise Curtis Wooster, known for her dual roles as a luxury brothel owner and a compassionate nurse during the cholera outbreak.

Getting to Alabama

The most convenient way to reach Birmingham is by flying, with direct nonstop flights available to various airports, including Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) via American Airlines, Denver International Airport (DEN) with Southwest and United, and Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) through Delta.

3. Patagonia, Chile

Midwinter in Chile’s southern region (June to August) can be harsh, with temperatures hovering around freezing. However, this is the prime time for spotting pumas. As the landscape becomes lush and green, the cats roam widely in search of guanacos. When snow blankets the higher elevations, these grazing animals are driven to smaller patches of greenery, attracting pumas to these concentrated areas.

In addition, the region is home to over 100 bird species, including striking black and white condors and flamingos, whose vibrant pink plumage adds a whimsical touch to the scenery.

Best of all, with visitor numbers plummeting in winter, there are fewer people to disturb the elusive cats. Chile’s most famous national park, the approximately 700-square-mile Torres del Paine, hosts between 50 and 200 pumas.

Accommodation Options

Awasi features a 14-villa lodge situated in a private reserve adjacent to the national park, with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows providing breathtaking views.

Traveling to Patagonia

Punta Arenas serves as the gateway for explorations in this region of Chile. Fly to the capital, Santiago de Chile, with LATAM from JFK or LAX, and then connect to their domestic flights.

4. Fiji

If you’re exploring the Pacific for the first time, Fiji is an excellent choice. The country consists of around 300 islands, with most of the population living on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The transportation network is excellent, whether you choose to fly, drive, or sail, and English is widely spoken, making it easier to connect with locals and delve into the Indigenous culture.

The ideal time to visit is in July and August, when temperatures are pleasantly warm—typically in the upper 80s—and rainfall is low. The underwater scenery is astonishing, especially the vibrant soft coral. Rakiraki, located off Viti Levu, is perfect for divers of all skill levels, while seasoned experts should head to Namena Island, surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped barrier reef teeming with over 1,000 fish species.

Accommodation Options

Experience your own Robinson Crusoe fantasy at this exclusive island resort, once the private retreat of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, featuring a sprawling farm, a water sports center, and a spa. If possible, book the overwater villa, which boasts a unique pool carved into the rock face.

Getting to Fiji

The local airline dominates service to the islands, offering daily flights from the capital, Nadi, to LAX, along with six flights a week to SFO.

5. Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta in Botswana holds the title of the world’s largest inland delta and is the premier destination for experiencing an African water sMytouri. Although July marks the peak of the dry season, the water levels are at their highest due to months of rainfall from the Angolan Highlands that gather in the plains. This delta is also an excellent spot for encountering the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, though recent increases in poaching have posed a threat to rhino populations.

Instead of motorboating, choose a mokoro, a traditional canoe that glides silently through the reeds, allowing you to observe vibrant insects, startled birds, and stunning flora up close.

Accommodation Options

A luxurious lodge nestled in the heart of the Delta features an exquisite signature suite: the Baobab Treehouse. This man-made tower, adorned with metal branches, offers a unique overnight experience in the bush. The ultimate way to spend the night is under the stars on the rooftop, where you can listen to the calls and roars of wildlife in the dark.

Getting to the Okavango Delta

The most convenient international entry point to Botswana is Johannesburg in South Africa. From there, you can connect to Maun, the capital, and then typically take a charter flight to reach most sMytouri camps.

6. São Paulo, Brazil

June is Pride month, making São Paulo the perfect destination for the world’s largest Pride celebration, which this year runs from May 29 to June 2. Last year's parade attracted over 3 million attendees, highlighting the city's pioneering role in enacting anti-discrimination laws for sexual orientation back in 1997. The five-day festival features circuit parties hosted by Superfestas, a popular local promoter, along with a 15-hour pool party, culminating in a grand parade from Rua da Consolaçao to Praça Roosevelt.

Accommodation Options

Located right by Consolaçao, this chic hotel designed by Philippe Starck offers a luxurious retreat with a rooftop pool and uniquely artistic interiors. Rooms are decorated with musical instruments, and the spacious bathrooms can even accommodate an armchair.

Traveling to São Paulo

São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) offers about a dozen direct nonstop flights from the United States, including routes from Orlando, Houston, and Chicago, with airlines like LATAM and United.

7. St. Barths

St. Barths is a favorite during the festive season, where you can celebrate Christmas in a chic, dry-clean-only bikini. However, take a moment to consider alternative reasons for visiting this vibrant island.

Over half of the island is designated as a green zone, prohibiting construction and resulting in expansive, hike-friendly terrain and less crowded beaches. For instance, Le Colombier is only accessible on foot and offers excellent snorkeling from its pristine white-sand beach (the mansion overlooking the bay was once owned by David Rockefeller but is now largely unused). The three-mile trek to Gouverneur Beach on the south side is more challenging but leads to a stunning swimming spot—and don’t worry about wetting your bikini, as this beach is one of the few clothing-optional areas on the island.

Accommodation Options

The original luxury hotel on the island was once the residence of pioneering aviator Rémy de Haenen, whose Hollywood ties helped to establish its early reputation (notably, Greta Garbo was among his guests).

Getting to St. Barths

For those who are apprehensive about flying: the short and uniquely positioned runway at the island’s airport is suitable only for skilled pilots, making for a thrilling descent. If you're adventurous enough to try it, Tradewind offers charters from Anguilla, Antigua, St. Thomas, and San Juan in Puerto Rico. Alternatively, you can fly into St. Maarten and enjoy a scenic 45-minute ferry ride to the island.