A 2019 survey revealed that 49 percent of Americans noted they typically take an annual summer vacation. If you’re planning your own trip this summer but aren’t sure where to go, these are the top 10 destinations to consider.
1. Glacier National Park, Montana
For those who recently purchased one of the Calgary homes for sale, Glacier National Park is just a three-hour drive south and offers more than 16,000 square miles of unspoiled wilderness. This vast wonderland that borders Alberta and British Columbia in Montana’s northwest is a nature lover’s paradise. Enjoy camping under the stars or a more luxurious lodge stay along with scenic hikes and abundant wildlife, including rare and endangered creatures like grizzly bears along with bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Don’t miss traveling the 50-mile stretch known as Going to the Sun Road, a breathtaking drive that showcases many of the park’s highlights.
2. Hawaii
Americans who want to enjoy the tropics don’t need a passport to visit one of the world’s most beautiful destinations, Hawaii. Whether you want to gaze up at magnificent waterfalls, snorkel with colorful fish, climb a volcano, or delve into Polynesian culture, the six major islands here offer something for travelers of all types from couples seeking romance to families and adventurers.
3. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is a prime spot for a family summer vacation with 35 miles of sandy beach and a three-mile-long boardwalk that runs along the Atlantic, filled with shops and eateries, many of which serve fresh seafood. Enjoy fishing, surfing, parasailing, kayaking, and cruises, along with cultural attractions like the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and the Virginia Aquarium.
4. Yellowstone National Park
While the crowds are thick around popular attractions like Old Faithful and other geothermal features, with 2.2 million acres and miles of hiking trails to explore at Yellowstone, it’s easy to get away while enjoying the scenery. Watch for animals like bison and elk and check out everything from roaring waterfalls and sparkling lakes to colorful canyons.
5. Iceland
Everyone has been talking about Iceland, and for good reason. If you haven’t been there yet, summer is the time for enjoying the Midnight Sun. The country’s beauty is legendary, and with the sun setting for only around three hours a day from mid-May to mid-August, you’ll have plenty of light to enjoy it. Some tours take advantage of it too, with late-night excursions to places like the famous Golden Circle or the South Coast with its magnificent waterfalls and black sand beaches.
6. Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park, Maine
Providing rugged coastal beauty, Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island. This historic resort town has lots of Victorian-era appeal with grand period mansions that have been transformed into romantic B&Bs, along with art galleries, elegant restaurants and casual eateries serving the region’s famously delicious lobster rolls. Look forward to enjoying the park’s trails for hiking and biking, paddling the rocky coastline in a kayak, or joining a whale watching trip.
7. The Black Hills, South Dakota
The beautiful Black Hills are located at the western edge of South Dakota, a densely forested area that offers a wealth of family-friendly things to do. Ride a vintage 1880 steam train between Hill City and Keystone, visit Mount Rushmore National Park, cool off in the many beautiful lakes and take a wildlife safari in Custer State Park to see pronghorn, elk, bison, wild burro, and more.
8. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Summer is the perfect time to visit Cape Breton Island, home to stunning emerald mountains, idyllic beaches, and pretty lighthouses. Take a drive on the 185-mile-long Cabot Trail, one of the most scenic in the world. It winds alongside seaside cliffs, completing a loop around the northern tip of the island, passing through the Cape Breton Highlands. Along the way, there are trails to hike and lots of little eateries for enjoying fresh-from-the-Atlantic lobster too.
9. The Bahamas
Summer in The Bahamas is the low season with significantly reduced prices and fewer crowds. While there’s a risk of rain this time of year, by going in June or early July, a tropical storm is unlikely, with good odds for warm, sunny weather, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on pristine white sandy beaches.
10. Slovenia
While visiting European destinations like Paris and Rome is going to be pricey, especially in the summer, Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana, is laid-back, inexpensive, and beautiful, nestled in an alpine valley along the Ljubljanica River. Look forward to strolling cobbled streets lined with charming cafes, trendy bars, museums, and art galleries, and visiting the hilltop castle, where from the tower you can take in a gorgeous view of the city and beyond. Famous Lake Bled is just a 40-minute drive away with its emerald waters surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. A fairytale-like setting, it’s home to an islet topped by a gothic church while a medieval castle looms above.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
