Some people spend their entire year planning summer vacations, while others take off for a weekend trip on a whim. Regardless of what type of planner you are, we’ve put together a list of fantastic getaways near and far to fulfill any and all travel itches. International travelers flock to the United States in the summer, and for good reason—just about the entire country is awash in great weather, from typically rainy destinations like Seattle to seasonal beach towns in the northeast.
Asbury Park, New Jersey, is one particularly exciting destination this summer as the Asbury, the area’s first hotel in 30 years, opens in the shore town. Between the hotel’s debut and government investment in the boardwalk after Hurricane Sandy, Asbury Park feels like a completely new destination—though regulars will appreciate that the nostalgic spots remain.
Europe is another popular destination over the summer for travelers of all ages. If you’re planning a multi-generation family trip, look no further than Tuscany, which has tons of flight options, as well as great villas where the whole family can relax under the same roof. For a city getaway, we love Helsinki, which has been on our radar for some time now with young creatives making waves in the design and culinary scenes.
If you’re one of the lucky few with a nice, long summer break, take advantage of the time off with a more far-flung trip, perhaps to Tokyo or Melbourne. Locals from both cities usually flee for places with more pleasant weather. But if you can handle humidity and rain, July is the best month to take advantage of sparse crowds and great deals.
Finally, Brazil is the one destination that can’t be ignored this summer—with the visa waiver, all Americans immediately save $160 between June and September. It’s a great excuse to see the country come alive during the Olympics, but also its awesome natural wonders such as Iguazu Falls.