Looking to travel somewhere exotic this summer? The world is filled with far-flung destinations where you can tick off bucket list experiences. From tropical island escapes to European gems, this list will get you started for your summer inspiration.
St. Lucia
If you’re looking for the ultimate tropical location for summer, St. Lucia sets the perfect scene. Book one of the luxury resorts in St. Lucia located atop the volcanic cliffs, where you can enjoy perks like private plunge pools with jaw-dropping views of the Caribbean and the Piton Mountains that rise nearly 3,000 feet from the water.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is not only a strikingly picturesque city, it’s renowned for its medieval charms and as one of the most captivating ‘Game of Thrones’ filming sites. Enjoy beautiful white sand beaches and crystal blue waters along with vibrant city life and Baroque palaces. You might even take a day trip to one of the sparsely populated islands of Kolocep, Lopud or Sipan where you’ll discover an array of unspoiled beaches.
Jamaica
Jamaica is the perfect summertime getaway. Not only are there many resorts and restaurants here, but Jamaica is more than that. A trip here is a cultural experience that reflects the island’s many cultural influences. Jamaica has African, European, and Asian ancestors, and dramatic landscapes marked by waterfalls, mountains, valleys, rivers, and mineral springs. Its year-round tropical climate sets the stage for fun at any time and entices the imaginations of over a million visitors per year.
Barbados
Barbados is a Caribbean paradise. The island nation boasts many gorgeous oceanfront hotels and picture-perfect beaches, including both white and pink stretches framed by clear azure waters, but it draws many visitors for its food and culture alone. The island is widely regarded as the Caribbean’s culinary capital, with everything from fresh grilled fish to fried plantain and macaroni pie.
Albania
Albania is a friendly Balkan State that may not be as well known as its neighbors but it boasts everything from spectacular nature, including amazing beaches, to historic sites and modern urban attractions, including flourishing nightlife. Explore everything from 7th-century ruins to ancient hilltop castles along the seaside and 13th-century towns where you might be the only visitor there.
French Polynesia
If a tropical destination is what you’re craving, you can take advantage of the French Polynesian islands’ tropical isolation, lush vegetation, coral sandbars, and dreamy overwater bungalows. Bora Bora boasts a legendary lagoon encircled by tiny islets with a backdrop of soaring rainforest-covered basaltic peaks. Inside, friendly manta rays and sharks await.
Tanzania
One of the top destinations in Africa for wildlife watching, Tanzania is bucket-list-worthy. The country is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, a destination where you’re practically guaranteed to see the “Big Five,” lion, buffalo, elephant, rhinoceros and leopard.
Turkey
Turkey offers a long list of destinations that go well beyond the famous city of Istanbul, including the town of Göreme in the Cappadocia region, which sits among spectacular rock formations, some of which have been transformed into magnificently decorated churches and homes. A must-do here is to embark on a hot-air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the landscape.
Belize
Belize features exotic wildlife, tropical beaches, vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling and diving, lush rainforests and fascinating ancient ruins. It offers all the ingredients for the ideal summer escape and then some. This Central American country is home to ancient Mayan ruins as well as the Western Hemisphere’s longest barrier reef. It also has the largest cave system in Central America.
Maldives
Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a breathtaking archipelago that offers year-round sunshine, overwater bungalows, and a crystal-clear turquoise sea. Snorkeling and diving are outstanding, and you’ll be able to enjoy powdery white sand beaches too.
Mexico
With its perfect combination of rich cultural heritage, stunning scenery, endless sunshine and beautiful sandy beaches, it comes as no surprise why Mexico is a top vacation destination in summer. It’s a mix of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, luxury resorts and traditional beach vacation spots, with a range of outdoor activities in addition to miles of tranquil beaches, perfect for either a day of relaxation or partaking in thrilling water-based adventures.
Dominican Republic
It’s fairly easy to enjoy the tropics, including stunning white sand beaches in the Dominican Republic. In addition to luxury beach resorts, it features the usual island water sports like diving, snorkeling, surfing, sailing and kayaking along with dolphin watching, zip lining and sightseeing.
United Arab Emirates
Dubai is one of the most popular cities to visit in the UAE. You can visit the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa; Dubai Mall, the second-largest mall in the world home to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo; enjoy desert safaris, sandboarding, and much more.
