Best Summer Places to Travel in 2026

Summer is considered the most popular period of travel in the world, with the duration of holidays, vivid celebrations, and perfect weather to visit the beaches, mountains, cities, and natural attractions. Whether you want to get away to extreme heat or just have a vacation by the sea or in an atmosphere of rich culture and adventure, a destination that is the right one might make the vacation a lifetime memory. The list of the best summer places to travel in the world and India that are adored by travelers from all over the world is carefully selected and listed below.

The reason why best summer places to travel

Summer holidays enable tourists to experience outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, and cultural events in ways that cannot be experienced during other seasons. Numerous destinations open mountain roads, walking paths, the ferry services to the islands, and national parks, which are usually closed during the rest of the year, attract their visitors in summer, which is the right time to get to know the nature and the local life.

1. Switzerland—A Cool and Scenic Summer Getaway

Switzerland is a good summer travel destination for individuals who want to breathe fresh air, green meadows, and alpine beauty. In summer, the snow melts away to unveil colorful valleys, clear lakes, and beautiful towns such as Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt.

Tourists have access to cable cars, hiking paths, cycle paths, and cruises of the lake. The climate is also favorable, and Switzerland is ideal for sightseeing without experiencing the overheating that most of the countries have.

The best attractions include the Swiss Alps and Lake Jungfraujoch.

Families, nature lovers Ideal for couples and families

2. Bali, Indonesia—Tropical Summer Paradise

Bali is one of the best summer holiday destinations with its beaches, temples, rice terraces, and relaxed lifestyle. Bali has dry weather and clear skies during summer, making it an ideal place to have a surfing, snorkeling, and island-hopping tour.

Bali accommodates any kind of traveller, whether it is the luxury resorts in Uluwatu or a serene holiday in Ubud. Honeymooners and digital nomads are also attracted to it.

Best attractions: Ubud, Seminyak, and Nusa Penida.

Best fitted for honeymooners and individual beach lovers.

3. India, Himachal Pradesh—Best Summer Hill Destination

Himachal Pradesh is one of the most preferred places to visit during summer in India, particularly among tourists who want to avoid excessive heat. Manali, Shimla, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, and the Spiti Valley are destinations with cool climates, views of the mountains, and adventure sports.

The area is ideal in terms of trekking, river rafting, paragliding, and serene nature holidays.

Best sightseeing places: Manali, Shimla, Kasol, and Spiti.

Perfectly suited for families, backpackers, and adventure seekers.

4. Iceland—Land of Fire, Ice and Midnight Sun

Iceland is a paradise place in summer with long daytime sunshine and pleasant temperatures. The renowned Midnight Sun enables the tourists to see waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches nearly a whole day long.

The Ring Road is best driven during summer when one can drive to the remote areas that cannot be visited during winter.

Best attractions: Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, Skogafoss.

Most suitable: Nature enthusiasts, photographers, and road trippers.

5. Greece—Summer Beach Paradise

Greece is one of the most favorable summer destinations in Europe. Its islands, such as Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes, are characterized by the whitish houses, the turquoise seawater, and the golden beaches.

The Greek summer is the best time to go on an island-hopping holiday, get on the beach, and discover the ancient ruins as well as savor the Mediterranean cuisine.

Best sites: Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens.

Best fit: Couples, history people, beach holidays.

6. Canada: Cool Weather and Natural Beauty

Canada has beautiful landscapes and refreshing summers; hence, it is the best summer places to travel when one wishes to have cool weather. Banff and Jasper National Parks are known because of the turquoise lakes, mountain buildings, and the appearance of animals.

Such cities as Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal have summer festivals and outdoor events.

Banff, Jasper, and Vancouver are the best attractions.

Perfect for families, road trippers, and nature hunters.

7. Thailand- Summer Travel Thailand- Summer Travel

Thailand is still considered as one of the cheapest and most adventure-filled summer vacation spots. Millions of travelers visit the country annually due to its beaches, islands, temples, and street food.

Other areas receive light rains, but even the islands such as Koh Samui and Krabi have great beach conditions.

Phuket, Krabi, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai are the most popular destinations.

Best for: Low-end travelers, foodies, and beach vacations.

8. Norway Fjords and Stunning Scenery

Norway is considered to be among the most dramatic places to visit in summer and have outdoor adventures. In summer, there are the green fields, deep fjords, and beautiful fishing villages. 

Tourists are able to have fjord tours, hiking, rafting, and scenic train travel during long daylight periods.

Best attractions: Geirangerfjord, Lofoten Islands.

Best for: Nature lovers and photographers.

9. Japan: Culture, Mountains, and Festivals

The summer in Japan is another experience since it has traditional festivals, culture, and picturesque countryside. Cities might be hot, but some regions in Japan, such as Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps, are pleasant and beautiful. 

Japan is a colorful place to visit due to summer festivals, fireworks, and local food.

Best of the best: Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Mount Fuji.

Perfect match: individuals, lovers of festivals.

10. Australia—Surfing and Urban Life

The summer season in Australia (December to February) is the best summer places to travel of the year to visit the beach and get the outdoor fun. Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and the Great Barrier Reef are the perfect destinations for never-ending adventure and natural beauty.

Best things to see: Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef.

Perfect choice: Beach lovers, wildlife explorers.

(FAQs): best summer places to travel

Where are the top places to go in the world during summer?

Switzerland, Bali, Greece, Iceland, Canada, Norway, and Australia are some of the top summer destinations because they have great weather and a variety of attractions.

Which are the most preferred locations to visit in India during summer?

Some of the best summer destinations in India include Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Kashmir, and the Northeast states.

What country should one visit in summer that will have cool weather?

Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Canada should be on the list of locations where the travelers need to enjoy a cool summer.

Do beaches make good summer destinations?

Summer is the best time to visit beaches in such destinations as Bali, Greece, Thailand, Australia, and Hawaii.

Is it good to take a trip internationally in summer?

Summer is indeed the best time to travel internationally, particularly when it comes to mountain, island, festival, and outdoor expeditions.