July is the vacation season, and while some people spend the entire year planning what they’re going to do, having so much time and so many options can make it a daunting task. With kids on vacation and beautifully summer weather in many parts of the world, a getaway at this time of year is perfect. From a month long vacation in Tokyo to a simple week trip on safari, here are the best places to visit in July.
1. Tuscany, Italy
July in Tuscany is known for its hot weather, which makes it ideal to lounge about at a classy Tuscan villa. Why not hire some bikes and go cycling around beautiful rolling hills or explore beautiful castles and wander through olive groves?
2. Baden Baden, Germany
Known as the perfect German town for rest and relaxation, it’s no secret why Baden Baden is at the top of every family’s European bucket list. Experience the annual Summer Festival and watch endless operas and piano concertos.
3. Napa Valley, California
While visiting Napa Valley at any time of the year will be adventure, July is particularly fun. With warm temperatures, most of the vineyards are bursting with fruit at this time of the year, making for some very pretty pictures. More than that, July is well known for the ten day Napa Valley Festival filled with wine tastings, cooking classes, and special delectable menus.
4. Wales, UK
Wales is well known for its outdoor activities at this time of the year. From an underground trampoline park, zip-lining, to hiking and surfing, there’s fun to be had by all outdoor enthusiasts. It’s also festival time, so be sure to visit the annual Gower Festival and the international food and drink festival!
5. Madeira, Portugal
While Portugal is a picture perfect place to wander around, Madeira is well known for its local fortified wines. Be sure to taste Blandy family wines which are said to be the best in the region or try some of the more traditional wines available. Don’t miss the Funchal Jazz Festival, which runs for three days.
6. Budapest, Hungary
Known as one of the cheaper Hungarian cities to visit, Budapest attracts some of the biggest crowds during this time of year, and with good reason why. July is one of the hottest months in Budapest, which means that there are tons of things to do. Visit the many markets, concert halls, and museums, or enjoy the Summer Festival with tons of performances, concerts, and dance shows.
7. The Seychelles
These Indian Ocean islands are some of the most sought after holiday spots in the world, making the Seychelles perfect for a summer vacation at this time of the year. Imagine sandy white beaches, clear blue waters, and endless wildlife all around! Relax on secluded beaches, or wander around the world famous granite boulders.
8. Kenya
July is one of the best times to visit Kenya, as it’s the time of the Great Migration. Known as one of the greatest shows put on by nature, this is the perfect time to see Kenya’s majestic sweeping plains filled with the Big Five, flocks of birds, and grazing gazelles. At this time of year, the wildebeest make the great migration from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara, so be sure to bring your cameras and book a stay at one of the many hotels offering great views.
9. Tokyo
There can never really be a bad time to visit Tokyo, but July is one of the better times, with less tourists around. Temperatures heat up quite a bit at this time of year. Tokyo is always filled with things to do – from dining at some of the world’s top restaurants to bar hopping to gaming!
10. Hvar, Croatia
Highly influenced by Roman and Greek cultures, the Croatian island of Hvar is filled with gorgeous fortresses, beautiful beaches, and family-run wineries. Soak in the sun and glamour!
11. Botswana
Botswana’s Okavango Delta forms one of the world’s largest inland deltas, and it’s also the best place to experience an African water safari! Go motor boating around the Delta or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try a traditional canoe or mokoro! You’ll be able to drift in near silence through the reeds, and spot some hidden plants and animals. Since this is the dry season, the lack of rains means big game will be concentrated around watering holes. Visit the Chobe National Park for one of the best on land safaris around.
12. Riviera Maya, Mexico
If you love underwater adventures, then the Riveria Maya in Mexico would make a perfect July vacation spot. Whale sharks arrive at the Riviera from June to mate, but July is peak season. It’s one of the best times to see these majestic creatures up close, and even swim alongside them. Be sure to stick around for the annual Whale Shark Festival.
13. Fiji
July is the best time to visit the Pacific islands of Fiji! The water is clearest at this time of year, making the archipelago one of the best places to dive in the world! Explore beautiful reefs, swim among thousands of fish species, or just snorkel at one of the many beaches!
14. Mozambique
Mozambique has some of the best tropical weather in July, making it ideal to explore national parks or journey on a tropical safari experience. Head to the Nacala Coast and beachside town for some picturesque views of faded architecture and crumbling artefacts scattered all along the coastline. Better yet, relax along the white sandy beaches, which are crowd free at this time of year.
15. Bhutan
June is the start of the rainy season in South East Asia, which often means fewer crowds! Asia can be pretty crowded during peak time, so it’s perfect to exploring the many temples and monasteries of Bhutan.
