Top 11 summer travel destinations to explore

This summer is shaping up to be unforgettable, especially after the travel disruptions caused by the Covid-affected summers of 2020 and 2021.

"We’re not just witnessing a surge in travel excitement, but also expecting some incredible new experiences, events, and adventures," said Carole-Anne Hughs Wood, marketing director at Embark Beyond, a luxury travel agency based in New York.

New York, Disney World, and the United Kingdom, which is marking Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, are all offering exciting new happenings.

"The buzz around traveling this summer, whether near or far, certainly feels unprecedented," she added.

Andrew Steinberg, a luxury travel agent with Ovation Travel Group, stated that summer travel bookings are booming, saying, "It’s like the floodgates have opened. People have been stuck inside for too long, binge-watching shows online. Netflix subscriptions are declining – people are craving real-life experiences, they want to feel and touch the world again."

Here are some of the exciting travel experiences around the world that can rekindle the joy of travel this summer:

Australia

Though it’s winter in Australia, the northern regions enjoy mild enough temperatures for outdoor adventures.

Places like Cairns, the gateway to Queensland’s tropical north; the charming village of Port Douglas; and Hamilton Island offer perfect conditions for swimming and exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Also not to miss: The Whitsundays, a stunning collection of 74 tropical islands just off Queensland’s coast, adjacent to the reef.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home to the iconic red sandstone monolith once known as Ayers Rock, is an ideal destination at this time of year.

Singapore

One of the world’s smallest and most densely populated nations, Singapore consists of one main island and more than 60 smaller islands off the coast of the Malay Peninsula.

Don’t be fooled by its size – a wealth of activities awaits. The city is home to Pulau Ubin, an island featuring diverse habitats and wildlife, as well as the Southern Ridges, a 6.2-mile stretch of lush green spaces that connects some of Singapore’s most popular parks and gardens.

Wellness treatments and massages are available at the Deverana Spa located within the Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore Hotel.

Dining and drinking options are limitless, from the 49 restaurants featured in the 2021 Singapore Michelin Star list to numerous hawker centers serving affordable, authentic local cuisine.

Israel

A sacred land for many of the world’s faiths, Israel boasts a wide range of captivating attractions.

Among these are the Red Sea resort town of Eilat, the Dead Sea, and Masada, a mountain fortress that served as a stronghold for the Jews during their battle against the Romans.

Other highlights of this small nation, roughly the size of New Jersey, include the holy city of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv – a vibrant Mediterranean metropolis – and the Sea of Galilee, famously associated with the biblical story of Jesus walking on water.

Israel is renowned for its abundant breakfasts, offering a variety of dishes such as vegetable salads, hummus, cheeses, fish, eggs, breads, and pastries.

For a diverse range of cuisines, head to Tel Aviv, a vibrant city that blends cultures from across the globe. The newly opened five-star David Kempinski Tel Aviv, a beachfront hotel on the city’s boardwalk, is receiving exceptional reviews.

Greece

With few travel restrictions and an increasing number of direct flights from the US, Greece – especially its islands – is becoming an even more appealing destination this summer.

Santorini and Mykonos frequently top travel wish lists, while Crete, the largest Greek island, makes a perfect addition to either. Zakynthos is home to some of Greece's most beautiful beaches, and on the mainland, the Peloponnese Peninsula is renowned for its ancient ruins and contemporary wineries.

New hotels to check out in Mykonos include the Kalesma Mykonos and the Cali Mykonos, opening in July. However, Greece travel expert Katy Link from Embark Beyond cautions travelers to be careful of fake hotel listings online.

France

This always-popular European destination is offering a range of exciting attractions beyond Paris this summer. In Marseille, the Cosquer Mediterranée will open next month – a full-scale replica of the prehistoric Cosquer cave, adorned with ancient paintings and engravings.

Astronomy enthusiasts can visit observatories in the French Alps’ International Dark Sky Reserve, the country’s third and newest reserve. Wine lovers can enjoy the Bordeaux Wine Festival in June, while jazz fans can catch the Jazz à Juan festival in Antibes Juan-les-Pins in July, featuring performances by John Legend, Trombone Shorty, and Van Morrison.

Great Britain

The Platinum Jubilee celebration of Queen Elizabeth II, which kicked off in February, will continue into the early autumn. Special events on June 2 include the Queen’s Birthday Parade in London and the lighting of beacons at Buckingham Palace and across the UK.

The Tower of London is creating a vibrant field of millions of flowers, marking the first permanent transformation of its moat into a natural landscape. There will also be special exhibits featuring portraits of the queen, her Coronation Dress, Robe of Estate, and outfits worn for her Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilees at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

Items showcasing the queen’s love of animals and nature will also be on display at her country estate, Sandringham.

Panama

The Panama Canal, one of the modern wonders of the world, is the crown jewel of this Central American nation. Built in the early 20th century, it revolutionized global trade by connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, significantly reducing shipping times.

Nearby, the historic district of Panama City, Casco Viejo, which dates back to 1673, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nature enthusiasts will find Baru Volcano National Park in Chiriqui province a must-visit. This towering peak, the 12th highest in Central America, is famously known as the only place where both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can be seen on a clear day.

Off Panama’s Pacific Coast in the Gulf of Chiriqui, Coiba National Park offers incredible biological diversity and world-class diving opportunities. For a unique experience, visitors can stay at Islas Secas, a private-island eco-resort in the park.

Great Lakes

Viking River Cruises is unveiling its new expedition ship, the Octantis, this month. This is the company's first vessel designed specifically for adventure cruising.

The Octantis will host 378 guests and offer a range of amenities, including lecture halls, a fitness center, an outdoor terrace, a spa, pools, modern Scandinavian design, a research lab where passengers can engage in scientific exploration, four restaurants, and two six-passenger submarines.

Great Lakes cruise itineraries, departing from Thunder Bay, Ontario, to Milwaukee, are still open for bookings. These sailings will take place in late May, late June, and both early and mid-September.

Walt Disney World

This iconic destination, which began its 50th anniversary celebrations last October and will continue through March 2023, is introducing several exciting new attractions.

The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser promises an extraordinary two-night, immersive journey, where visitors can experience a bespoke adventure deeper into the Star Wars universe than ever before.

Upon arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort terminal, guests will board a launch pod and meet up with the 100-cabin Halcyon starcruiser. There, they can engage with characters, enjoy galactic cuisine, wield a lightsaber, explore the ship's bridge, systems, and controls, visit its engineering room, and take a special transport to the planet Batuu.

This month, World Discovery at Epcot will debut Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a thrilling roller coaster that rotates 360 degrees and immerses guests in an intergalactic chase through space and time with the Guardians of the Galaxy.

New York

As always, the Big Apple is rolling out new accommodations for visitors. Recently, the Hard Rock Hotel New York opened in midtown Manhattan on West 48th Street, celebrating the area’s musical history by hosting live music performances throughout its public spaces, a tribute to the recording studios and music shops that once filled the street.

The hotel also boasts a 34th-floor bar and lounge, a New York Yankees-themed steakhouse, a Rock Shop, and curated guest playlists.

Opening on August 2 in midtown Manhattan, the luxurious Aman New York will occupy the renowned Crown Building on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street. This 83-suite hotel will offer Italian and Japanese dining options, a wine library, a garden terrace, a jazz club with live music, and an expansive 24,800-square-foot spa featuring a 65-foot indoor pool.

The Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York is set to open in August, blending Parisian elegance with Tribeca’s trendy vibe. The property will feature 97 rooms and suites with French Art Deco design, an outpost of the historic Fouquet’s brasserie, a spa, rooftop terrace, and a Cannes screening room.

The Wall Street Hotel, a boutique luxury establishment housed in the early 20th-century Beaux Arts Tontine building, is scheduled to open next month.

Montreal is known for its vibrant festivals, with the summer 2022 lineup offering something for everyone, as highlighted on the city’s official website.

Montreal’s summer 2022 festival calendar is absolutely packed, offering a wide range of events throughout the season, according to the city's tourism site.

The city’s festival scene includes events such as the Festival Go Velo for cycling enthusiasts, the three-week Montreal Fringe Festival, the MURAL festival showcasing global graffiti artists, a spectacular fireworks competition with top pyrotechnic teams, a renowned jazz festival, an outdoor circus performance event, Montreal Pride, and a fashion and design festival.

Montreal is a city that proudly celebrates its bagels, so visitors should make sure to take time out from the festival buzz to taste these local delights. Some of the top bagel shops to visit are the famous St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel, which are known for their friendly rivalry.