And just like that we are in Spring! Yikes…where did the time go? If you just realized you haven’t even started to plan your summer travel, you are going to want to read this. In your lifetime, you will only get to plan about 50 summer getaways (if you are lucky). That’s considering the first 20 years, we are relying on our parents or some school curated trip to fill our summer travel plans. But as an adult, the decisions are all on you. For most of us, there are places we have been dreaming about seeing. The ultimate travel bucket list. A well-curated bucket list not only fuels wanderlust but also builds confidence and cultural appreciation.
Travel can transform your life and expand your horizons. So you don’t want to waste the few summers you have with poorly planned escapes. Imagine a journey that transforms your life—a summer travel destination that goes from a dream to unforgettable adventure.
In this post, I’m sharing 10 destinations that should make your summer travel bucket list. If you get started now, you can make at least one of them happen this summer.
10 Must-Visit Destinations for Every Traveler’s Bucket List
I’ve been to quite a few places and many of them are definitely worth more than one visit. Your mood, your age and heck even your travel squad can guide where you choose to travel. Sometimes we need a break from the city life and other times, we need to amp up the volume on our lives. Whether you’re chasing art, adventure, or authentic local flavors, each of these destinations has something extraordinary to offer.
These 10 destinations are handpicked for their unique charm, cultural significance, and life-changing experiences.
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
If you want to debunk everything you thought about Iceland, go in the summer. The summer brings mild temperatures averaging around 50-59°F and bonus you get extra long daylight hours to enjoy it thanks to the Midnight Sun.
June’s extended daylight provides ample time for exploration and photography making it an excellent time to visit.Â
While most people visit in winter to experience the Northern Lights, I would recommend you go in the summer to experience unique natural phenomena like geysers, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes that are hard to find anywhere else in the world. The waterfalls are in full flow and the entertainment doesn’t stop since you have so much time to enjoy. It’s mind boggling to walk around at midnight with no signs of darkness.
Now, thanks to more flight routes on Delta, United, American and IcelandAir, getting there is easier than ever. If you really want to experience the northern lights, check out my blog Chasing the Northern Lights for some tips on experiencing this natural phenomenon.
2. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo occupies a special place on my list and admittedly I would travel there again and again. The food, the culture, the efficiency makes it hard to beat. While spring time in Tokyo can bring unbearable crowds, summer tends to slow down just a tad.
Here you can experience the fusion of futuristic tech and ancient traditions, from Shibuya’s buzz to Senso-ji’s calm. Check out my blog The Tokyo You Should Know for some inspiration.
Tokyo is the jumping off point for most visits to Japan. It’s incredibly easy to get to and is incredibly easy to plan a full visit around this one city. That said, the bullet train makes it convenient to visit other places. In fact, you could be in Kyoto in 2 hours or further traveling on the most efficient train system in the world.
3. Cape Town, South Africa
When it’s summer in the northern hemisphere, it’s winter in the south. If you are into wine tasting and whale watching, that’s when you want to head to Cape Town.
The summer months for us means pleasant weather with fewer crowds in places like Cape Town. The prices are a lot better as well. Rent a car and take a scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula to capture some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see.
You should know that June to November is the best time to spot the southern right whale migration where they move from Antarctica to breed and calve in the warmer waters. And if you are up for wine tasting, the harvest season ends in May. So the winter months are a quieter time to visit, offering a more relaxed and intimate experience.
4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Most people think of Rio and immediately visions of Carnival and beach parties come to mind. But don’t sleep on heading south during the northern hemisphere’s summer to experience a more relaxed Rio.
June marks the start of winter for Rio and with that comes milder temperatures and lower prices. Enjoy some of the more traditional festivals in June and July and get the opportunity to really connect with the locals.
Once you finish visiting the iconic landmarks of Rio, I would suggest you take a few days to explore Bahia for the Black experience you never knew you needed.
5. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is the unexpected escape that every traveler should experience at some point in their lives. Dubrovnik offers a rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes.​
Walk along the ancient city walls then take a break to experience the stunning Adriatic coastline. This destination has experienced a tourism explosion over the past years so it might be hard to miss the tourist crowds.
Try visiting before peak tourist season which happens in July and August to find fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations. In June, Dubrovnik experiences comfortable temperatures averaging in the low around 70°F, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
6. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is my go to for a great mix of wellness with a bit of energy. Check out my blog Journey of Wellness and Renewal for the details on my experience. Here you can embrace both spiritual wellness and the party vibes.
The country is small but packs in a lot of cultural traditions that are worthy of exploring. The country is deeply religious which shows up amidst lush rice terrace and temples.
While wellness may bring you to Bali, don’t leave without a little adventure hidden in cities like Ubud and Seminyak. Hike to amazing waterfalls in the morning and spend the evening partying it up at one of the many beach clubs around Seminyak.
Visit from April to October for the perfect summer vacation weather. You should know that from June – August everyone and their cousin will be in Bali. If Bali is on your list, make this an early summer travel destination for the best experience. I was there in June and the weather was beautiful in the mornings and evenings but that afternoon steam was challenging for anything other than relaxing by the pool with a cocktail in hand. And I was ok with that.
7. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul has been a hot destinations for some time now. It is culturally rich and landmarks like the Hagia Sophia will blow your mind. This is the one of five cities in the world that straddle two continents. That means you can check off Europe and Asia from your bucket list in one trip.
More than that, the city is an incredible mix of history and modernity. Spend the morning at the bazaars and afternoon exploring one of the serene mosques. Just be prepared for the traffic because it can be brutal.
Of course you could always take a ferry ride on the Bosphorus to see Istanbul from a unique perspective. And if you get tired of the buzzing city, take a short flight over to the coastal town of Bodrum for a more relaxed vibe. Insider tip: they also have vineyards near Bodrum.
8. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Many folks head to Tanzania to do a safari adventure, but I would encourage you to take the short plane ride over to Zanzibar to experience the Indian Ocean.
Here you can relax on pristine white-sand beaches, explore historic Stone Town and indulge in the island’s famous spice markets.
Â
You can even go to one of the turtle sanctuaries around the island and swim with the turtles. Just be careful because if it’s feeding time, you might get an unwelcome nibble.
I took advantage of low tide to head out to one of the beautiful sandbars and sink my feet into some of the purest sand I’ve ever seen. In the summer, the temperature hover around 82°F and there is practically no rainfall. It is an idyllic beach destination to occupy a spot on your summer travel bucket list.
9. Sydney, Australia
Heading all the way to the other side of the world for a summer break might seem a bit outlandish. But if you are going to do it, make Sydney the destination you visit.
Take a tour of the Sydney Opera House, stroll around Bondi Beach or if you are feeling particularly brave, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge. The rush of feeling like you could fall into the busy traffic below is enough to make your heart stop. But just think of the great photos you’ll get for your social media feed.
Combine city tours with some inland adventure for the ultimate escape. Spend the day hiking in the Blue Mountains or go further out to explore the vineyards of Hunter Valley. If you want to stay local to Sydney, there is no shortage of things to explore. Hop a ferry and do the coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi Beach. Trust me it is well worth it.
10. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has emerged as a top destination, ranking third among European travelers and ninth among North American tourists in the most recent Summer Travel Trends Report.
It helps that Lisbon is super easy to get to and really easy to navigate. While it is one of the most hilly cities I’ve explored, the public transportation is clean, efficient and reliable. And did I mention the food scene.
Lisbon has an incredible array of amazing restaurants with award winning chefs. You can eat your way around the city experiencing everything from seafood to mouthwatering pastries.
While Lisbon is a gem itself, there are few jewels close to the city that you also should explore. Take a day trip to Cascais to explore a beautiful seaside community. Of if you have more time, head down to the vineyards about 1 hour away from Lisbon.
The best part about Lisbon is the weather. Average highs range from 79°F to 81°F and the rainfall is minimal. In summer you can expect endless days of sunshine, approximately 10 hours per day giving you ample opportunity to explore.
My Perspective
Wherever you choose to go, make sure your summer travel is something that enriches your life. Break away from your norm and do something that excites you. Each of one destinations listed here offers a different perspective that can inspire you.
Decide what you need from your holiday, secure the best airfare then get started with your plan. If you plan well, you can hit more than one this summer. A well-planned bucket list ignites passion and transforms travel dreams into reality.
Ready to start your adventure? Subscribe now to get more travel tips and inspiration to make your travel dreams a reality.
FAQs About Must-Visit Destinations for Every Traveler’s Bucket List
Q: What should I consider when choosing destinations for my bucket list?
A: When choosing a destination, consider those that offer a mix of cultural richness, natural beauty, and personal growth opportunities. It’s also important to balance well-known landmarks with hidden gems to create a diverse travel experience.
Q: How can I make the most of my visits to these destinations?
A: To make the most of your visit, you should ensure you research local customs. Take advantage of guided tours and immerse yourself in authentic experiences. Prioritize experiences that align with your passions and remember that even small adventures can be life-changing.
Discover more from TwoBlackTravelers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
