Spring is finally here, and summer is just around the corner! Whether you’ve just returned from spring break or are planning your first vacation of the year, one truth remains the same. That means it’s worth taking a vacation. Head to a local beach town to relax in style, or even pick up a passport and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience. As a writer and frequent flyer who plans his trip three years in advance, I’ve compiled the coolest summer vacation ideas for 2024. Keep reading for tips on how to plan the perfect vacation to one of these trending cities.
Summer vacation ideas that don’t require a passport
Photo by Ken Cooper/PEXELS
new orleans louisiana
It’s no exaggeration to say that New Orleans feels festive. Everyone knows about Mardi Gras, but it’s safe to say there’s something fun happening all year round. Our favorite area to explore is the famous French Her Quarter, but we recommend booking a hotel in the slightly more sedate Garden District, or a haunted house in another part of the city. Luckily, NOLA is very walkable and Uber is readily available, making it super easy to see everything. Get spooked on a ghost tour with Free Tours by Foot (we also offer a variety of non-occult tours!). Dance the night away on Frenchman Street, where some of the city’s best jazz musicians perform.
Photo credit: Pixabay/PEXELS
Napa Valley, California
It’s hard to believe that Napa Valley is only 80 miles from San Francisco and the Bay Area. This region consists of five towns (Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, American Canyon, and the city of Napa) and is sandwiched between two mountain ranges. This means that whether you spend the day in the vineyards or strolling through the city, the beautiful scenery is endless. If this is your first visit, we recommend staying in Napa (commonly known as Downtown Napa). Travelers will love the riverside boardwalk and Napa Valley Wine Train. Charming Yountville, home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, and Calistoga, a Napa-Sonoma hybrid, are both worth taking a day trip to during your stay.
Photo by Allie Feely/PEXELS
joshua tree, california
Joshua Tree was designed with nature girls in mind. Comprised of two distinct deserts, each with its own unique landscape and dozens of picturesque hiking trails. This national park is only a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, so if you don’t live in Southern California, flying to LAX is the best option. Make a list of must-see hikes (we recommend Hidden Valley) and leave early. After a morning hike, cool off at a hot springs hotel (day passes available for $8 to $45, depending on location).
Summer vacation ideas that are just a plane trip away
Photo credit: Ennvisionn/PEXELS
toronto, canada
Toronto is one of Canada’s largest (and most famous) cities. Fun fact: Thanks to Toronto’s expansive skyline, most New York scenes in movies and TV shows are often filmed in Toronto. Air Canada allows you to book up to seven days of free layovers in Toronto, and we think that’s enough to warrant a trip here on its own. One of the most iconic spots to visit is Casa Loma, a 98-room castle that is one of Toronto’s most famous landmarks. Stroll Philosopha’s Walk, a scenic path, and spend an afternoon in Baldwin Village, known for its small shops and gourmet-approved restaurants.
Photo courtesy of Jose Espinal/PEXELS
montego bay, jamaica
Montego Bay is a lazy girl’s best friend. A tropical paradise is every traveler’s dream, but hotels go above and beyond to ensure you never have to (or want to) leave your home. Check into S Hotel and spend the day enjoying the crystal-clear beach, dreamy pool, and delicious on-site restaurants (there are 4 of them!). If you’re feeling adventurous, book a catamaran tour or go rafting on the Malta Brai River.
International summer vacation ideas worth traveling to
Photo credit: Sparks Darby/PEXELS
machu picchu, peru
Machu Picchu is one of the seven wonders of the modern world and you have to see it to truly believe it. To get there, fly into Lima and spend a few days in the coastal city. From there, take a domestic flight (1-2 hours) to Cusco and start heading towards the mountains. Touring the small mountain towns of Peru is no joke. We recommend joining a guided tour. Stay overnight in a traditional hacienda to soak up the surrounding beauty, and consider extending your trip to visit the Rainbow Mountains.
Photo courtesy of Niklas Eichler/PEXELS
cape town, south africa
Cape Town has a little bit of everything: pristine beaches, vibrant city life, and unspoiled natural wonders. It’s a very walkable port town, and every neighborhood has its own unique personality. After admiring the street art in the Woodstock area, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch near the V&A Waterfront. Visit Boulders Beach, where several species of penguins live happily on the beach. Take day trips to the region’s famous wineries, such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Both are just two hours from mainland Cape Town. Spend two days in the Western Cape on an African safari and get up close to some of South Africa’s best wildlife.
Photo provided by: Nhi Uyen/PEXELS
copenhagen denmark
Over the past few years, Denmark’s capital has emerged from a lesser-known destination to a must-see destination for savvy travelers. Copenhagen has been named one of the happiest cities in the world, but in our experts’ opinion, it’s also one of the most beautiful thanks to the famous 17th-century port of Nyhavn. First-time visitors may want to stay in downtown Indre-Bue, which is central to the fun activities and most beautiful parts of the city. If you prefer a more luxurious hotel option, we recommend Hotel Bethel or The Socialist. Stroll along the waterways and explore medieval architecture such as Rosenborg Castle. Stroll through Tivoli Gardens, a small amusement park with beautiful gardens. Support his CPH-based designers like Saks Potts and Gunny to embrace the playfulness of his Scandi-His-Girl-His style.
Photo credit: Haley Sprankle
Santorini, Greece
When you think of Greece, the first thing that comes to mind is Santorini. There’s a good reason for that. The infamous white and blue building has been featured in (almost) all the media surrounding Greece, and for all the girls who grew up watching Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, watching this movie again will make our girls Y2K heart will be happy. The idyllic island exceeds IRL expectations. I’ve heard from others about Santorini’s charms, so I recommend visiting at the beginning or end of the season to avoid the crowds and high prices. Oia and Thira are the most popular towns, but staying on the east side of the island offers a more modest and secluded holiday. We love Imerovigli for its unobstructed view of the volcanic crater. For the best experience, stay in a cave hotel. For a luxury hotel, try Perivolas Hotel, or for a mid-range hotel, try The Architects Cave.
Photo credit: Pixabay/PEXELS
Seoul, South Korea
South Korea may be a small country, but it has a lot to see and do. Use Seoul as your base and plan day trips to other areas of interest. Start in Hongdae, Seoul’s most lively neighborhood. Sample the latest street food and see the latest fashion trends up close. From there, head to Gyeonggi Line Forest Park. Abandoned train tracks are now a 6.0-mile wooded boardwalk. Visit historic Seoul with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, first built in 1395.
Photo by Taryn Elliott/PEXELS
marrakech, morocco
Morocco may seem like a world away, but at a seven-hour flight from New York, it’s actually closer than most parts of Western Europe. Go straight to Casablanca. You should stay for a day or two before you get tired of quoting famous movies. From there, take the high-speed train to Marrakech. It’s an even more beautiful place than Instagram would have you believe. Check into La Mamounia (Anna Delvey’s hotel of choice) and take your time exploring the local market. Spend the morning in Yves Saint Laurent’s beautiful garden, the Jardin Majorelle, and plan to take photos at the famous Ben Youssef Medersa.
Looking for more travel advice? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter so you don’t miss a thing.
Brit + Co may use affiliate links to promote products sold by other companies, but always provides genuine editorial recommendations.
Header image by Taryn Elliott/PEXELS
