dailynewsnblog
July marks the peak summer travel season in much of the Northern Hemisphere, where temperatures are sizzling and the days are long. Leisure trips are in full swing, whether you’re on a solo adventure to an iconic city or heading to the beach with family members in tow.
But if contending with stifling heat and crowds isn’t your speed, we recommend heading south of the equator, where it’s wintertime and the vibes are more about hitting the slopes, cozying up by a fire and making the most of brisker temperatures.
To spark inspiration for your upcoming vacation, here are the 10 best places to visit in the U.S. and beyond in July.
Rhodes, Greece
Visit Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, in July — especially if you enjoy long, sun-drenched days, minimal rain and the lively atmosphere of peak summer travel. Unlike the well-trodden isles of Santorini and Mykonos, Rhodes offers a bit of everything. While scenic beaches pack the island’s coastline, the east coast’s sandy bays are particularly well-suited for swimming and sunbathing. For Rhodes’ buzzing nightlife, head to Faliraki or Orfanidou Street in Rhodes Town.
Perhaps Rhodes’ greatest draw, though, is its deeply layered history, spanning more than 4,000 years, as is often the case with Grecian destinations. One of the most convenient ways to dive into the island’s rich heritage is aboard Viking‘s Ancient Mediterranean Treasures sailing on its newest ocean ship, Viking Vesta. Shore excursions include expert-guided walks through Old Town Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, as well as a scenic hike to the Acropolis of Lindos, where sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and the charming, whitewashed village of Lindos await.
TPG tip: Amoh, a Luxury Collection Resort, debuted a few weeks ago, heralding the brand’s first property on the island. The 197-key property set on a remote and lush peninsula is a tranquil retreat with exclusive beach access, multiple dining concepts and a spa featuring locally-inspired ingredients and wellness traditions. Rooms start at $566 or 77,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in July.
Philadelphia
It’s only fitting that the birthplace of America will host the country’s most festive Semiquincentennial celebrations. Headlining it all is the 16-day Wawa Welcome America festival (June 19 to July 4), culminating in a spectacular July 4 fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art and a free outdoor concert featuring Queen Latifah. That same day, the city will also host a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match, with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.
Closed to the public since the Bicentennial in 1976, the First Bank of the United States will reopen on July 1 as a modern museum tracing the history of banking in America.
The buzzy Fishtown neighborhood is home to some of the city’s top spots to eat, so these should certainly make your itinerary. Highlights include the always-packed Lebanese restaurant Suraya — where the generous and reasonably-priced “Taste of Suraya” feast is the move — Kalaya, Chef Nok Suntaranon’s award-winning Southern Thai restaurant and Pizzeria Beddia.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
TPG tip: W Philadelphia is a stylish hideaway in the heart of Center City. From the spacious accommodations — kitted out with fun, locally inspired art and furnishings — to the outdoor pool deck with cabanas, perfect for cooling off in the summer heat, the 295-room property covers all the bases and then some. Hidden behind a mirror next to The Living Room bar is Stevens’ Prophecy, a secret salon dedicated to Philadelphia native Grace Kelly. July rates start at $237 or or 42,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Helsinki
With its cool summer temperatures, walkable neighborhoods, and thriving food and arts scene, Helsinki is an appealing alternative for travelers seeking a quieter, more comfortable European escape. According to the recently published World Happiness Report, Finland also remains the happiest country in the world — a title it has held for nine consecutive years.
Next month, in June, Seurasaari Open-Air Museum — a public forested park showcasing rural Finnish history — will unveil a new addition: a 1953 summer cottage envisioned by Erkki Koiso-Kanttila that embodies classic Finnish design through simplicity and efficiency.
Earlier this year, Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall — an Art Deco landmark built in 1928 and the country’s oldest swimming pool — reopened following a major renovation, just in time for summer travel.
Set on the grounds of a former slaughterhouse, Teurastamo has evolved into a lively indoor-outdoor social hub, home to concepts like Palema, known for hearty traditional Finnish lunches, and Helsinki Coffee Roastery. For a special night out, make a reservation at Shii, an intimate 16-seat counter serving exquisite omakase, or Palace, the two-Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Eero Vottonen.
TPG tip: Located in the heart of the city, the Hotel NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa spans two historic buildings — Hotel Seurahuone and the New Student House — while celebrating Finnish design and culture throughout. Highlights include Kupoli, a lively rooftop cocktail bar perched within the Student House’s dome-shaped tower, and USVA by Terhen, a sleek subterranean wellness retreat with a spa, traditional saunas and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Nightly rates in July start at $219. Book a stay of two or more nights through American Express The Hotel Collection to receive a $100 property credit to use on qualifying dining, spa or resort activities.
Gold Beach, Oregon
1 of 2
MBRubin/GETTY
Oregon’s Gold Beach is a smart pick for those seeking solitude, nature and mild summer temperatures hovering around the low 70s. Situated along scenic U.S. Highway 101 and nestled between the Pacific Ocean, the Rogue River and the Siskiyou Mountains, it isn’t the easiest destination to reach — but that’s part of its appeal.
Once you arrive, there are bountiful ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Thrill seekers can book a high-speed jet boat tour with Jerry’s Rogue Jets. If fishing is on your agenda, head to the lower Rogue River or the Rogue River Basin, where the fall Chinook salmon run begins in midsummer. For a slower pace, hike the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor or wander through Otter Point’s striking sandstone formations and tide pools.
TPG Tip: Check in to the adults-only Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge, a luxurious, intimate boutique property featuring glass cabins with panoramic river views and private patios, a dry sauna overlooking the Rogue River and a picturesque outdoor pool. At the lodge’s acclaimed restaurant, executive chef Derek Piva channels his worldly upbringing in Brazil, New Zealand and New York City into hyper-local, ingredient-driven dishes such as seared steelhead trout with sunchokes and crab-flecked cavatelli. (Be sure to say hello to Bombolone, Piva’s pet Pomeranian and Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge’s unofficial mascot.) Nightly rates in July start at $513.
Bariloche, Argentina
1 of 2
IGNACIO PALACIOS/GETTY
Beloved by Portenos (people from the Buenos Aires area) for weekend getaways, but still largely unknown by foreigners, Bariloche is a town in the Patagonian Andes that looks straight out of a fairytale. Hugging the crystal-clear glacial lake Nahuel Huapi and cradled by snowcapped mountains, it has heart-stopping natural beauty and four true seasons. Vacationing here this time of year is ideal if you’re into winter sports, as July kicks off the ski season at Argentina’s largest ski resort, Catedral Alta Patagonia.
After a long day on the slopes, refuel with a perfectly grilled entrana (skirt steak) and malbec, as the locals do, at Alto El Fuego. If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in luck: Bariloche is considered the chocolate capital of Argentina. You’ll find popular chocolatiers, like Mamuschka and Rapanui, clustered on downtown’s Calle Mitre.
TPG tip: Since 1938, the stately Llao Llao Resort, Golf & Spa has remained Bariloche’s most luxurious property with an 18-hole golf course, private beach and famous signature afternoon tea. Nightly rates in July start at $330. Book through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts to receive daily breakfast for two, late checkout and more.
North Queensland, Australia
As the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites converge — the 135-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef — North Queensland is a paradise for nature lovers. July falls squarely in the heart of the dry season, bringing sun-drenched days and low humidity.
The calm seas this time of year yield exceptional underwater visibility for snorkeling and diving. July also falls outside the dreaded jellyfish season (generally November through May), so you can swim without protective stinger suits. It’s also peak season for spotting dwarf minke whales and migrating humpback whales.
On land, the comfortably dry weather creates ideal conditions for exploring the Daintree Rainforest, whether you prefer hiking its trails or taking a scenic drive.
TPG Tip: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas, is a tropical beachfront escape stretching across 360 lush acres. It’s an ideal jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef and other local attractions, while also featuring enough top-tier amenities — including saltwater lagoon pools, an 18-hole golf course and the award-winning Harrisons Restaurant — to make staying put just as enjoyable. Rooms start at $347 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in July.
Tanzania
Perched along Africa’s Swahili Coast, Tanzania boasts unmatched natural beauty and biodiversity. Though the country is a true year-round destination, July is perhaps the best month to visit. This time of year brings peak conditions: cool and dry days with little rainfall, alongside the start of the Great Migration river crossings — a dramatic spectacle in which more than 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles cross the crocodile-infested Mara and Grumeti rivers within the UNESCO-designated Serengeti National Park.
TPG Tip: To stay as close to the action as possible, reserve one of Sayari Camp‘s 15 spacious luxury tents, all of which have plush king beds, stone baths and private verandas. All-inclusive nightly rates in July start at $ 2,250 per person.
Amsterdam
Though July is a popular time to visit Amsterdam, this year the city will be buzzing with even more energy thanks to several major events. From July 25 to August 8, Amsterdam will host WorldPride, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration.
Festival season will also be in full swing, with Julidans, a contemporary dance festival (July 2–14); Nelson Mandela Park’s Kwaku Summer Festival (July 11 to August 2); and the electronic dance music-focused Milkshake Festival (July 25–26). Other notable events include Keti Koti (July 1), Amsterdam’s annual commemoration of the abolition of slavery, and The Weeknd’s performances at the Johan Cruijff Arena (July 16–18).
TPG Tip: A member of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and opened last year, Rosewood Amsterdam is an urban sanctuary for aesthetes, with an exceptional private collection of more than 1,000 artworks — including an art vending machine by Dutch artist Casper Braat in the lobby — graceful interiors by Piet Boon’s studio, and an elegant salon boat for cruising the canals in style.
Related: The best hotels in Amsterdam
Hokkaido, Japan
1 of 2
WATCHARIT PRAIHIRUN/GETTY
As one of Japan’s northernmost and largest islands, Hokkaido has long attracted diehard skiers from all over with its thrilling powder snow. (Reportedly, the island sees 80 to 100 days of snowfall every year.) But what you should also know is that Hokkaido holds just as much appeal in the summer.
The city of Furano transforms into a pretty purple paradise when its famous lavender fields hit peak bloom around mid-July. Held between July 23 and August 16, the Sapporo Summer Festival celebrates the season with a Bon Odori dance (Japanese folk dance honoring ancestors) and one of Japan’s biggest beer gardens in Odori Park. Shakotan Fire Festival (July 4 to 6) is a Shinto ceremony filled with lesser-known rituals — such as the Tengu Fire Dance, during which a person dressed as a mountain spirit walks through fire for purification — dedicated to ensuring fishermen’s safety at sea and a plentiful catch.
TPG tip: Though Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is a famous ski-in ski-out resort, it also makes a luxurious home base for warm-weather adventures. July rates start at $243 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Calgary, Canada
1 of 2
TERENCE LEEZY/GETTY
Billed the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” this year’s Calgary Stampede takes place from July 3 to July 12. Dating back to 1912, the ten-day event draws more than one million attendees from around the world and celebrates the region’s culture and heritage with a thrilling rodeo, exhibitions, a musical festival and over-the-top carnival snacks like pizza slices deep-fried in corn dog batter.
Other ways to take advantage of the city’s brilliant summer weather include rafting down the Bow River, cycling along the Bow River Pathway and exploring Prince’s Island Park, a 50-acre urban green space. And because Calgary is known as the gateway to the Canadian Rockies, a mountain adventure is a must.
TPG Tip: In the heart of downtown Calgary, guests of the dual-branded Dorian, Autograph Collection and Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Downtown can enjoy two distinct stays with shared access to amenities across both properties. July nightly rates start at $241 or 32,000 Bonvoy points at The Dorian, Autograph Collection, while Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Downtown rates start at $166 or 28,000 Bonvoy points per night.
