Most of my friends are at the age where their kids have finally left the nest and they are ready for some Grown Up Summer Vacation fun! They’ve hung up the Mickey Mouse ears and are school holiday schedules are no longer driving the vacation calendar. Lucky for me I’ve never had to worry about school schedules for my vacation planning and have taken full advantage of traveling when no one else is. Now this group of grownups are turning to their single and free friend for some advice on where to go for the perfect child free summer holiday.
Who said that “summer vacations” are just for kids – grownups need a break too. And with no kids to hold you back you can shift from amusement park trips to meaningful, luxurious bucket-list type adventures. There are places that are perfect for friend groups looking to reconnect while others might be best for couples and some are built for solo fun.
Let’s face it. Your PTO is precious—so why waste it on destinations that feel more like spring break chaos than soul-nourishing escapes? Keep reading to discover where grown-ups are traveling this summer to unwind, indulge, and reconnect with themselves (and each other). One destination on this list might even surprise you!
Best Grown Up Summer Vacation Spots
The search for a great vacation is always top of mind for me. If you are in need of something other than work to occupy your time, let me introduce you to some of my favorite grown-up vacations spots. Think of this list as your blueprint for a summer trip that’s equal parts relaxing, inspiring, and grown-up indulgent. Whether you’re planning a birthday trip, a solo escape, or a much-needed girls’ getaway—these places offer everything you actually want in a vacation.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
I love the Amalfi Coast. Here you can live your best “glamorous life” (in my Sheila E. voice). The stunning cliffs are the perfect backdrop for sunset cocktails. The shops add just the right amount of sophistication for those looking to toast it up with the rich and famous.
The drive here is magical and terrifying at the same time. Check out my blog on Exploring the Amalfi Coast for more details on what to do here. If you’d rather live it up on the water and book a private yacht to live out your dream life, this is the place to do it.
While I always enjoy a great road trip, I’d say forget about driving here. The roads are pretty terrifying. Instead book private transfers to get around the towns or put on comfy shoes and hike it up the hills for the perfect view.
I recommend this destination for pure romance and grown up fun. Here you’ll find luxurious accommodations where you can reenact your favorite romantic sunset scene in real life. Or discover some of the best Italian wines on a wine tasting tour. Stay in Positano or Ravello for ease of access from major ports of entry like Rome. If you want to be away from it all, then take the ferry over to Amalfi for some real luxury.
Santorini, Greece
Most people pop over to Santorini for the day as a stopover on a cruise. Read Island Hopping in Greece for a few points on Santorini. But Santorini deserves more than a few hours. In fact, you could totally get lost here in the dreamy blue waters and picture perfect sunsets.
It’s sophisticated and romantic with just the right amount of drama. The cliffside suites at the Ola with private plunge pools are a great way to start a romantic holiday. It’s the whitewashed fantasy that we all need in our lives.
This one is all romance and perfect for a couples get-away. Book in early June for perfect weather and fewer cruise ship crowds. Staying here overnight will give you the best opportunity to get that iconic sunrise over the Mediterranean before all of the influencers get there.
Lisbon, Portugal
If you are in need of a friend’s get-away, look no further than Lisbon. Lisbon is the perfect mix of city vibe with a cool kid energy and culturally rich history that you can’t get in the US. There are boutique hotels everywhere. I would suggest staying the Bairro Alto or Alfama neighborhood to be right in the heart of everything.
You can dine at one of the many amazing restaurants in the city and end your evenings with fado music at night. Don’t miss rooftop cocktails at Seen Bar in the iconic Hotel Tivoli.
While there is a ton to do in the city, if you tire of dragging yourself up hills and flagging down tuktuks, pop over to Cascais. It is only a 30 minute ride outside of the city and is totally worth it.
If you plan outdoorsy adventures, keep in mind Portugal gets hot in summer. Plan museum visits midday and explore neighborhoods in the early morning or evening. And whatever you do, don’t be fooled by the 10 minute walk on the map. In most cases it’s straight uphill. You’ve been warned.
Lake Como, Italy
Lots of people started flocking here when the world’s most eligible bachelor George Clooney started showing up on local streets. Single ladies everywhere thought they could snatch him up. Well that ship has sailed.
Even still Lake Como is close to paradise for those looking to step away from the bustle of the busy shopping streets of Milan to enjoy a sexy peaceful vibe.
Rent a waterfront villa with friends or stay in one of the picture perfect boutique hotels like the Bellagio or Varenna. This is pure luxury and European elegance. It’s stylish and serene with endless Instagram worthy moments and great for a friends trip.
Kyoto, Japan
People talk a lot about visiting Tokyo but just a quick bullet train ride over to Kyoto can get you set for some real grown-up level vacation fun.
Kyoto is peaceful and full of soul-stirring beauty. Book a traditional ryokan for the night or stay in one of the many modern boutique hotels. Make sure you get your rest because there is a lot of walking here.
For the perfect day, get up early and head to Fushimi-Inari shrine and hike to the top to catch the sunrise. Take the train back into town and have lunch at Nishiki Market. Then dress like a geisha and have a fun photoshoot with your travel squad. I would have dinner at a traditional Japanese restaurant (Just wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off). End your night at a cool bar like Bar Kingdom. It’s the dark, sexy and they make perfect cocktails.
I’d choose this for a friend get-away or you could easily make this a solo trip. A walk through the bamboo forest might be what you need to clear your mind.
Cape Town, South Africa
I love the idea of Cape Town for a friends trip. It’s vibrant, eye-opening and certainly bucket list-worthy. There is so much variety here that everyone will find something to do.
Book a private villa or guesthouse in Camps Bay and take advantage of white sand beaches while you enjoy some time near the ocean. There are also a fair amount of luxury hotels around that are great for a bit of pampering.
Take a ferry to Robben Island to visit the island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Make a day trip out of a visit to Boulder Beach to see the penguins or go to Hermanus to dive with sharks. There is no shortage of activities here.
Once you’ve exhausted your time in Cape Town, head to the wine region of Franschhoek or Stellenbosch for some grown up fun. Check out my blog on Wine Tasting in South Africa for details on how to make this happen.
Provence, France
If the thought of hanging out in the countryside surrounded by lavender fields sounds like a scene from a movie, then Provence is the destination for you.The lavender-surrounded villas are nothing short of magical.
It’s rustic luxury with a poetic touch. Get inspired in the same places that sparked some of the great works of art from Van Gogh. Or act like a local and head over to one of the many farmers’ markets in the area.
This destination screams romance. Rent a car, find a cool spot in the countryside and live out your romantic fantasy with your boo. It is the type of escape from reality that can benefit any great relationship. And because it is the South of France, you can do cool things like design your own fragrance or take advantage of a wine tour of the region. I absolutely love it here.
My Perspective
Grown ups need summer vacations too! And these destinations have grown up vacation written all over them. Prioritize destinations that offer a unique experience tailored to your vibe. Go with friends, go with your lover or go solo. This summer make sure you get what you need.
Remember, grown-up summer travel is about quality over quantity—less chaos, more calm. Whether it’s wine, wellness, or wanderlust—you deserve a trip that feels like a reward.
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FAQs About Best Grown Up Summer Vacation Spots
What makes a destination ideal for a “grown-up” summer vacation?
A grown-up summer vacation destination typically offers a mix of luxury, culture, relaxation, and activities that don’t revolve around family entertainment or nightlife geared toward younger travelers.
How far in advance should I plan a grown-up summer trip to get the best experience?
For most destinations, booking 3–6 months ahead gives you the best access to luxury accommodations and ensures you avoid kid-heavy resorts or sold-out activities.
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