When most people think of summer travel, they think of beaches and warm weather. And while heading to a warm-weather destination is always a good time, there are plenty of “cool” destinations with nearly perfect weather in June, July, and August – so you should also look north when considering where to go this summer.
To help make planning easier, here are some of the best destinations to visit in summer 2022, from the Caribbean to Iceland.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
VIVO Beach Club at Isla Verde in San Juan, Puerto Rico
For an exotic getaway close to home, Puerto Rico tops the list of ideas for where to go this summer. Its famous beaches, like Playita del Condado and the luxurious VIVO Beach Club at Isla Verde, with a huge sandy beach, water sport rentals, and even a beachfront brewery, rival those further south in the Caribbean.
El Yunque National Forest in San Juan, Puerto Rico
For adventure in San Juan, be sure to visit El Yunque National Forest. It’s one of the most beautiful places to hike in the country, especially if you like the idea of ending your hike with a swim at the base of a tropical waterfall. You can even go horseback riding for an unforgettable experience.
For some underwater adventure, spend a day at the Escambrón Marine Park, where you can snorkel, dive, or paddle across thriving coral reefs and a recreation of the lost city of Atlantis.
Bermuda
Jobson’s Cove, Bermuda
Escape to the famous pink beaches of Bermuda for a memorable summer cruise in the Atlantic.
Bermuda is known for its well-preserved British colonial history and culture, fantastic beaches, and balmy, subtropical climate. Explore the limestone scenery, venturing into the Crystal Cave, where dramatic stalagmites and stalactites line the paths.
One of the best things to do in Bermuda is to relax on the pink-hued sands of the serene beach at Jobson’s Cove, and take a rejuvenating swim in its turquoise warm waters.
St. George’s, Bermuda
If you’re looking for a more cultural or historic experience while on your summer cruise, head to St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find incredible 18th-century churches and other historic structures as well as the Tucker House Museum, where you can see and experience what a typical home would be like during early British colonial times.
Spend the afternoon at the Royal Navy Dockyard, where you can walk through old fortifications and learn about local maritime history at the National Museum of Bermuda.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, Iceland
If summer sees you longing for a cooler climate, head to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, one of the most awe-inspiring countries on earth.
You can’t miss a visit to the famous Icelandic hot spring of Blue Lagoon, powered by geothermal energy. The water is beneficial for your skin and is a milky blue, thanks to the natural silica reflecting the sunlight.
Traveling to the active Geysir Hot Springs is also one of the best things to do in Reykjavik if you want to get up close to powerful geothermal activity without getting wet.
Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Near the Geysir Hot Springs is Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland’s answer to Niagara Falls, ribbons of water cascading through a steep canyon. The multi-colored reflections of rainbow light over the water make for some gorgeous photos, especially during summer in Iceland.
Along with exploring Iceland’s natural wonders, adventure enthusiasts can book a white-water rafting tour to see the beautiful mountain terrain around the Hvitá River.
Barcelona, Spain
Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain
Summer is the perfect time to be in beautiful Barcelona, with world-class sightseeing just steps from Mediterranean beaches.
If you like the work of rule-breaking architect Antoni Gaudí, then visit La Sagrada Familia, a basilica built on an elaborately large scale. It’s been under construction for more than 100 years and is one of the most impressive landmarks in Europe. You can also book a tour of Casa Mila or Casa Battló, two buildings designed by the master architect that feel like walking through a piece of living art.
Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain
Plan to spend a few unscheduled afternoons strolling through the ancient Gothic Quarter, which is full of charming shops and historical buildings, or Las Ramblas, a promenade alive with street entertainment, colorful stalls, and people-watching opportunities. After all, this is one of the best summer destinations in Europe.
Read: Three Days in Barcelona
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Kitts
Arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in the Caribbean, St. Kitts is the epitome of a tropical paradise.
One of the best things to do in St. Kitts is sample local rum, which you can do at the Fairview Great House. Once you’ve found your favorite, walk down the street to tour the Clay Villa Plantation House and Gardens, or opt to lounge on the beach instead.
Cockleshell Beach has calm, blue waters, while South Friars Beach is known as one of the island’s best snorkeling beaches.
Mount Liamuiga, St. Kitts
No matter what you do, try to make time for a visit to Mount Liamuiga, a stratovolcano and one of the tallest peaks in the Caribbean, whose silhouette dominates the island’s landscape.
You’ll gain 3,000 feet of elevation over three miles on this challenging Caribbean hike, but the amazing views from the top are well worth the effort.
Santorini, Greece
Oia in Santorini, Greece
If you’re deciding where to go this summer, why not make 2022 the year you scratch one of your dream trips off your bucket list? Set sail for Santorini, an island so beautiful that it’s become one of the world’s most recognizable locations.
You can’t really go anywhere in volcanic Santorini that isn’t dazzling, but the charming town of Oia, perched on the northern tip of the vast caldera may be the most scenic spots on the island. It’s certainly the most famous, with all-white homes and blue-domed churches lining the narrow streets.
Oia in Santorini, Greece
One of the most famous landmarks in Greece, the town cascades down the cliffside, so nearly every street has fantastic Aegean views.
More than a few artists have found themselves inspired by Oia’s landscape, so there are plenty of galleries in the town if you want to pick up a one-of-a-kind piece of art–or simply relax in a cliffside taverna, tuck into a mezze lunch and take in the views of the caldera and the deep blue sea, hundreds of feet below.
Santorini, Greece
As savvy travelers know, Greece has excellent wine. Be sure to visit Pyrgos, well-known for its wineries and traditional tavernas. For a little extra adventure, set sail on the sparkling blue water into the center of the caldera, visiting sights like Nea Kameni island, where you can hike up to a steaming crater and later, swim in warm water where bubbles of gas fizz to the surface.
The Galapagos
Marine iguana, The Galapagos
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin this summer with the trip of a lifetime to the Galapagos. These islands make up one of the most beautiful and unique destinations on Earth.
Blue-footed boobies
The Galapagos archipelago is famous for its rare wildlife, so be sure to head to San Cristobal Island’s Punta Pitt, a nesting site for colorful blue- and red-footed boobies. For marine life, one of the best places to visit is Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island. You’ll have the chance to look for black-tipped reef sharks, as well as marine iguanas and penguins.
One of the most unique things to do in the Galapagos is to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. This is one of the few islands in the world where the Galapagos giant tortoise lives, and since this reptile is critically endangered, it’s more important than ever to support the station’s research efforts. These gentle animals can live to more than 100 years old.
Read: Unique Summer Vacations Ideas
Galapagos tortoise
Discover all of these fantastic summer destinations—and more—on a luxury cruise vacation with Celebrity Cruises. You’ll travel in style aboard one of our award-winning cruise ships while indulging in world-class dining, impeccable service, and luxurious accommodations.
See all of our summer cruises on our website and book your vacation today.
