12 of the Hottest Travel Destinations To Visit This Summer

The long underrated “heel” of Italy, Puglia has emerged as one of Italy’s hottest vacation spots over the past few years. And it’s no wonder the region is becoming such a popular summer destination—it has an extensive and diverse coastline that’s characterized by towering cliffs and gorgeous sandy beaches. Beyond balmy beach days, there are plenty of other activities to do in Puglia: Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Alberobello and Matera or learn how to cook local cuisine.

Catastrophic wildfires in West Maui devastated Lahaina last year, putting a large portion of the island off-limits for travelers. This year, the Maui community is focused on recovery, rebuilding, and encouraging travelers to return. Now, most of Maui is open to visitors who can journey along the Road to Hana, snorkel with sea turtles in Maunalua Bay, and watch the sunrise from the top of Haleakala Mountain.

Considered to be Poland’s cultural capital, Krakow is a must-visit summer destination thanks to its UNESCO–listed Old Town with its well-preserved medieval architecture. Visitors can dig into culture at the city’s museums, dive into the local culinary scene on a food tour, and learn about a darker chapter of history with a day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

In the center of New Zealand’sNorth Island, within easy reach of Auckland, Rotorua is the ideal base for travelers ready to explore the area's dramatic landscapes. A geothermal paradise, the town itself is known for its spectacular geysers and colorful crater lakes. Travelers can get up close and personal with many of the region’s hotspots, like the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and at Whakarewarewa, where you can also learn about Maori culture and enjoy a traditional hangi, a meal cooked in the valley’s thermal vents.

Salvador da Bahia features a sparkling coastline and pastel-colored historic center. But it’s all about the culture in this Brazilian hub, which is steeped in Afro-Brazilian history, from music and dance to food. Learn more about the history of enslaved people or take a walking tour of the city, which was the first capital of Brazil.

Chiang Mai is a year-round traveler favorite for its temples, markets, street food, and access to adventure. While summer is the rainy season in northern Thailand, you’ll see fewer crowds and experience the best conditions for kayaking, white water rafting, and visiting waterfalls. Don’t miss taking a day trip to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.

Learn about the rich history, culture, and art of the Haida nation by visiting Haida Gwaii, an archipelago in British Columbia known for its strong Indigenous heritage, monumental totem poles, longhouses, abundant wildlife, and dramatic scenery. Consider taking it all in with a rejuvenating cultural retreat, which offers historical insights and culinary experiences, an immersive way to experience the area's local culture and natural wonders.

A delightful city that is filled with culture, history, and tasty food, the “Paris of South America'' is always a good idea. However, budget-conscious travelers are finding Buenos Aires, especially appealing right now due to a very favorable foreign exchange rate. Although June through August is winter in the southern hemisphere, you’ll avoid crowds and the stifling heat that characterizes Buenos Aires summers—and you can always turn up the heat with a tango show or a wine tasting.

Over recent years, South Korea has emerged as a cultural juggernaut, thanks to the success of media like Squid Game, Parasite, and the band BTS, among others. But the country’s intriguing cultural output isn’t the sole reason to visit its capital. Visitors to Seoul can explore the UNESCO–listed Changdeokgung Palace, take a day trip to the DMZ, and sample Korean cuisine on a food tour. And if the city's frenetic pace gets overwhelming, head outdoors for a hike in nearby Seoraksan National Park.

With long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and abundant options for outdoor activities, summer is the best time to visit Juneau. Visit Mendenhall Glacier and challenge yourself with a guided hike across the ice. Then, take to the water on a whale-watching boat tour to spot some of the hundreds of migrating humpback whales that pass through these waters between April and November.

One of the oldest cities in the US, Boston is the perfect place to learn about the nation’s past. Boston winters can get extremely cold and snowy, but strolling around Boston in the summer is a delight. Watch the city’s past come to life on a walking tour of the Freedom Trail that leads you to 16 different historical sites. Summer also brings one of the country’s biggest Fourth of July festivals, Harborfest, to the city. And it’s not summer in Boston without catching a baseball game at Fenway Park.

There’s so much more to the Spanish island of Tenerife than the sprawling resorts that cover its Costa Adeje. The biggest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is an adventure hub where you can explore the rust-colored lunar landscapes of UNESCO–listed Teide National Park and climb Mt. Teide, the highest point in Spain. You can also spot whales and dolphins on a wildlife-watching tour or explore Anaga Rural Park, home to laurel trees, a gorgeous coastline, towering peaks, and charming villages.