Best Summer Destinations 2024

Have you shivered your way through winter dreaming of sipping cocktails at exotic beach locations or visiting iconic tourist destinations in sun-kissed cities around the world?

Well, now the warmer months are just around the corner, so it’s time to book your summer vacation for 2024!

In this post, we want to help with your travel planning by showcasing some of the best summer vacation spots you can visit for your holiday this year.

It doesn’t matter if you want to check out famous cultural and historical landmarks, hit up some of the world’s hottest nightclubs, enjoy delicious gastronomic experiences or simply just relax by the pool at a five-star resort, you’ll surely find some inspiration with what we suggest.

Top Summer Travel Destinations for 2024

When it comes to the best places to travel in the summer, the world is your oyster!

With travel infrastructure being the way it is, more international destinations than ever are becoming easier to get to via a flight, train, road or boat. For this reason, there is such a wide range of choice of where to go for summer vacation now, that some people could struggle to decide.

That is why we have put this list together – to give them a helping hand.

Several factors were taken into account when drawing up this list of holiday hot spots, including how many people visit them each year, what unique experiences they offer, their overall standard of facilities and amenities and their suitability for different types of travel requirements.

Subsequently, if you find yourself asking what is the best place for summer vacation? You should find a suitable answer below.

European Destinations

Comprising 50 countries, Europe is a fascinating destination rich in history, beautiful landscapes and charm. 

Below are some of the best places to visit in summer, on the world’s second smallest continent.

Greek Islands

Home to around 200 inhabited islands, the Greek Islands is a place where ancient villages, world-class museums and sacred monasteries share landscapes with bewildering beaches, alluring coastal caves and remote, sheltered bays.

It is also a destination where you can enjoy some of the best food in the world, party till dawn and discover more about what life was like here over 3000 years ago.

Within the Greek Islands, some of the most popular places to go in the summer include Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. All of which feature stunning scenery and beautiful Cycladic architecture that will immediately intoxicate you.

The best way to get there is to fly or take a ferry. Try to time your visit between May and September when the Mediterranean weather is most pleasant.

French Riviera

Alternatively known as the Côte d’Azur, the glitzy French Riviera lies on the country’s scenic Mediterranean coast.

Back in the 18th century it was known for being a health retreat for aristocrats and notable artists. However, today, it is famous for housing the glamorous beach resort of Saint Tropez, and the Cannes Film Festival which takes place annually in May.

It is also where you’ll find the independent microstate of Monaco and the vibrant city of Nice, which resides on the rocky shores of the Baie des Anges.

If you want to channel your inner James Bond, head to the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Moreover, art lovers should visit the charming town of Antibes, to see the wonderful Musée Picasso – which details the life and works of Pablo Picasso.

Tuscany, Italy

If you are into art, wine and beautiful countryscapes, Tuscany is one of the best places to travel in summer.

Centrally situated within Italy, be sure to harness your spirit of adventure by hiring a car and driving around the spectacular landscapes that Giuseppe Pietro Bagetti immortalised in his famous paintings.

There are over 100 wineries in the area, which is famous for its Chianti and the Sangiovese-based wines, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. You can also make your way to Siena and Florence, where you’ll be able to see Renaissance architecture and art, like Michelangelo’s ‘David’ statue and the stunning Siena cathedral.

Elsewhere, Tuscany’s diverse natural landscape incorporate beaches on the island of Elba, the Tyrrhenian Sea, the imposing Apennine Mountains, and acres upon acres of scenic olive groves.

Barcelona, Spain

Summer vacation destinations don’t come any better than Barcelona. The capital city of the Catalonia region in Spain came to the world’s attention in 1992 when the city held the Summer Olympic Games.

If you love football a tour of the Nou Camp, Barcelona FC’s home stadium is a must. However, if you are not into sport, there is plenty of architecture and art to captivate you.

The incredible Sagrada Família church and Park Güell should be top of your list, while the MUHBA, includes several Roman archaeological sites worth seeing.

There is also a fantastic beach, and several outstanding restaurants and nightclubs within the Barrí Gotic and Port OIimpic districts, respectively, you should check out.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

If Tuscany doesn’t grab you, then maybe the Amalfi Coast will. Contained within a 50 km stretch of southern Italian coastline, this stunning region skirts around the Sorrentine Peninsula and is home to 13 cities and towns strung together like pearls on a necklace along the UNESCO-listed shoreline.

It is a popular destination for summer trips and boasts a rugged coastline full of small beaches, terraced vineyards, sheer cliffs, and colourful lemon groves.

Make sure you visit Positano and Amalfi, where you can go hiking or join boat tours to the Isle of Capri. Also, find a restaurant that serves traditional Gnocchi alla Sorrentina – the ultimate Amalfi Coast comfort food!

Caribbean Destinations

Don’t fancy Europe? Then, how about the Caribbean?

Here are some wonderful places to visit to immerse yourself in the laid-back vibes of a summer vacation by the beach.

Jamaica

Jamaica is home to over 50 different beaches, so if you are looking for summer travel destinations where you can soak up some vitamin D, the ‘heartbeat of the world’ is an excellent place to do this.

Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril all have wonderful stretches of sand lined with bars, eateries and plush resorts, where you can spend lazy days. The latter is a noted spot for snorkelling and diving, while you can book tours for rafting and zip-lining at all of these places too.

If you are into reggae music, you’ll want to visit the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, the nation’s capital. Alternatively, venture up to the Blue Mountains to marvel at the beauty of its lush rainforest topography.

Bahamas 

The Bahamas is an island country that forms part of the Lucayan Archipelago. Although it is much less busy than Jamaica in terms of tourist numbers, it is still one of the more popular places to go this summer in the West Indies.

The nation is home to world-famous Cable Beach in Nassau and the spectacular, white-sand beaches at Paradise Island and Exuma. All of which are terrific places to soak up the tropical sun and enjoy a cheeky cocktail under the shade of a palm tree.

It also accommodates the world’s third-largest barrier reef system, which is resplendent with stunning coral reefs, rusted shipwrecks and visibility of up to 20 metres. So, it is a prime destination for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Turks and Caicos

If you are looking for summer trip ideas you might not previously have considered, then how about Turks and Caicos?

This spectacular archipelago consists of 40 low-lying coral islands scattered around the Atlantic Ocean.

The British Overseas Territory is located just southeast of the Bahamas. It is best known for the incredible Grace Bay Beach, which is regularly ranked among the best beaches in the world.

To visit it, you’ll have to make your way to the island of Providenciales (aka Provo). Once there, you can get pampered in luxury spa resorts and treat yourself to exceptional dining experiences. You’ll also have easy access to the nearby 14-mile barrier reef, should you want to go scuba diving.

Aruba

Promoting itself as ‘One Happy Island,’ Aruba is a tiny Caribbean paradise just off the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao and the peninsula of Paraguaná in Venezuela.

It is renowned for its glorious weather and superb beaches, including the magnificent Eagle Beach and in recent times has emerged as one of the best summer destinations you can visit in the Caribbean.

Aruba is also highly regarded as a hot spot for shopping, golf, and nightlife, offering plenty of world class retail outlets, championship standard golf courses and top-notch nightclubs.

However, its biggest attraction is arguably the spectacular Arikok National Park. It features rugged deserts, massive green cacti, and imposing limestone cliffs that have been pounded smooth by trade winds and raging waves over many years – to Instaworthy effect.

Asian Destinations

Given its central location, Asia is easily accessible from most parts of the world.

Here are some notable destinations you should consider there.

Bali, Indonesia

Often referred to as the ‘Island of Gods’, Bali enjoys a well deserved reputation for being one of the best summer vacation spots in Asia.

Unique and unmatched, the jewel of Indonesia offers visitors a sensational blend of historic temples, pristine beaches, incredible cultural experiences, sumptuous food and some of the best nightlife you could ever hope to experience.

There are several top destinations to visit here including Ubud, Seminyak, and Kuta, all of which are fascinating places to explore. 

Our advice is to just pick one and tour it extensively. That way you’ll at least get to experience a part of Bali in a qualitative way.

Maldives

If your idea of the perfect summer vacation is to do nothing but relax in the most idyllic destination possible, then Maldives is the place for you.

As the smallest country in Asia, the Maldives lies about 750 km from the mainland. But what it lacks in style it more than makes up for in brilliance as a holiday destination.

This place is famous for its five-star luxury resorts and iconic overwater bungalows that offer guests the ultimate state of relaxation. Spend your days sunbathing on day beds, reading, listening to Spotify and enjoying a range of water-based activities.

If you are on a limited budget, don’t rule the Maldives out. You’ll be surprised how many good budget-friendly travel options there are available.

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is one of the most popular summer destinations you can visit in Thailand. 

Here you can spend your days swimming and sunbathing at the immaculate Patong Beach. You can also visit historic temples like Wat Chalong and explore Old Phuket Town where Thai, Chinese and Portuguese cultures spectacularly meet. 

One of the major drawcards of Phuket is its magical sunsets, best seen from the Promthep Cape, on the southern part of the island. As the bright neon lights start to illuminate the darkness, head out to Patong, for delicious food, vibrant markets and an endless choice of bars and nightclubs. 

When you fancy moving on or feel like a day trip, Phi Phi Islands, Ko Bon, James Bond Island and Kahi Nai are all great options.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Last, but not least is the Great Barrier Reef. So big, you can see if from space, the world’s largest coral reef system stretches for 2300 km from Bundaberg in Queensland, all the way up to the tip of Cape York Peninsula.

It is home to over 900 islands, 1,500 species of fish and 600 different types of coral, making this Australian UNESCO World Heritage site one of the most fascinating places to go in the summer.

When visiting the Great Barrier Reef you can choose to explore it in many ways including scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, glass-bottomed boat viewing, semi-submersibles and both helicopter and scenic flight tours. All of which promise bucketlist experiences.

Conclusion

We hope this list of the best countries to visit in the summer has helped you finalise your choice of holiday destination for 2024.

As you have read, we’ve covered plenty of options, each offering something different and unique for the tourist.

So, whichever one has appealed to you the most, why not start the process of booking it right now?