Traveling in summer can get pretty chaotic. Schools are on break, everyone seems to be flying somewhere, and airports are packed. For this reason, you need to be prepared, and Kiwi helps you do just that, with tools to compare routes and travel dates to find cheap flights .
Get ready to plan your summer vacation with these fun holiday ideas for every type of traveler.
Quick Answer
Short on time and want to know the best summer destinations immediately? Here’s a quick list.
- For solo travelers: Lisbon, Budapest, Barcelona, Bali, Split, and Phuket
- For couples: Santorini, Amalfi Coast, Maldives, Paris, Prague, and Kyoto
- For families: Algarve, Cancun, Tenerife, Banff, Swiss Alps, and Yellowstone National Park
The right trip option for you really depends on the amount you’re willing to spend, how flexible you are with dates, and how you prefer to travel. A good way to weigh up your options is to experiment with different times, days, and itineraries to uncover cheap flights using Kiwi.
How to Choose the Right Summer Vacation
There are five main factors that will ultimately end up shaping your summer plans.
Your budget
Different countries and regions come with very different price tags, and summer only pushes prices higher. Decide on your budget first, then narrow down your options from there. Western Europe tends to be more expensive, while Eastern Europe often gives you better bang for your buck. A trip to the US can add up quickly, while Central America is usually far more affordable in comparison.
Weather
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean it’s going to be sunny. Do some research on the weather conditions at your preferred destinations, or you could end up stuck in your hotel watching Netflix every evening. Think of places like sunny Spain or Bali in the middle of its dry season if you want reliable conditions.
Crowds
Everywhere is busier in summer, but you can be smart about it and avoid the worst of the overtourism. That doesn’t mean skipping major destinations like Paris or Banff entirely. Instead, stay in less touristy areas, explore early in the morning, and be strategic with your timing.
Another way to beat the crowds is by being a little open with your dates. This goes for midweek flights especially. Tuesday takeoffs are often cheaper than Saturday departures. Even booking on a Sunday can sometimes get you a better deal, as it’s widely regarded as one of the best days to book flights .
Travel companions
Not every destination works for every type of trip, so think about who you’re traveling with. When you’re on your own, you’ve got total freedom to do what you want. But with kids, places like the Algarve that are designed for families make things a lot easier.
Purpose of your trip
People go on a trip for all kinds of reasons, even if it’s just to take a break. Work out what you’re after this summer, and it will make planning easier. The Swiss Alps are ideal for a nature escape, while Santorini’s a go-to for couples wanting to reconnect.
Best Summer Destinations for Solo Travelers
European Cities for Summer Exploration
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s cobblestoned hills, buzzing nightlife areas like Bairro Alto, and cheap-and-cheerful tascas make it a hit with solo travelers. The 2km stretch of Carcavelos Beach offers excellent surfing conditions. When hunger strikes, Alfama Doce is always a reliable option for pastel de nata at only a few euros.
Budapest, Hungary
If the idea of late-night thermal bath parties, ruin bars, and accommodation so cheap you’ll question whether they’re even real sounds like your thing, Budapest should be at the top of your list.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s seaside location on the Med has always been a draw for people traveling alone. You can easily fill your days checking out Gaudí’s iconic sights like the Sagrada Familia. Hostels here are super social, with bar crawls most nights and beds starting at about €10 if you time your booking right.
Beach Destinations for Relaxed Solo Trips
Bali, Indonesia
Bali sits right at the center of the digital nomad scene, which is why it’s such a popular summer hangout for solo travelers and one of the best places to visit in July . Thanks to its smoothie bowl cafés, hip coffee shops, and trendy villas, Canggu is a major base for longer stays. If you prefer something quieter by the ocean and better value, Lovina Beach in the north of the island is a solid choice.
Split, Croatia
Croatia’s second-biggest city, Split has a super cute old town that’s even been featured in hit shows like Game of Thrones, plus a really interesting history for people into that kind of thing. Use the coastal city as your base to explore nearby islands like Hvar, or head out for big summer events like Ultra Europe.
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket might be right in the middle of its rainy season once May rolls around, but that shouldn’t put you off. Since it’s one of Thailand’s pricier summer destinations, the monsoon period can actually be a great time to visit. You’ll find fewer crowds, better accommodation deals, and beaches like Freedom Beach are far less busy. You might even get a clean shot of the Big Buddha without the big tour groups in the background.
Best Summer Vacation Ideas for Couples
Romantic Beach Getaways
Santorini, Greece
Sunsets in Oía, boutique hotels with balcony jacuzzis overlooking the caldera, and romantic yacht dinners; yep, that’s Santorini. Out in the more rural parts of the island, wineries are made for slow afternoons and a relaxed glass of Greek wine. And if you’re hoping to come away with nice pictures, photography sessions are easy to arrange so you don’t miss a thing.
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What is the best day to book flights?
There’s no universal “best day” to book flights, but Sundays often show slightly cheaper fares in Europe. Flight prices fluctuate constantly based on demand, seasonality, and route competition.Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be cheaper days to fly, not necessarily to book.
Read the guideAmalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is one of those summer getaways that has so much for couples. This 50 km stretch along Italy’s western coastline is dotted with postcard-worthy villages like colorful Positano, as well as nearby islands such as Capri. If you can’t afford to stay in any of the main hotspots, consider more affordable nearby options like Sorrento instead.
Maldives
The Maldives is one of the world’s leading honeymoon destinations, but it also happens to go through its monsoon season in summer. That means overwater bungalows, candlelit meals by the beach, and 5-star resorts often come at a fraction of the usual price. To get some good deals on cheap beach holidays , it’s worth considering multi-airline routes rather than sticking to a single full-service carrier.
City Breaks for Couples
Paris, France
Paris is about as romantic as it gets. With landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, world-famous galleries such as the Louvre, and charming cafés like Café de Flore, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular spot for proposals. Go for an evening cruise on the River Seine, and if you fancy it, book a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge for a memorable night out.
Prague, Czech Republic
In recent years, Prague has become a low-key favorite for couples heading on a city break, especially for summer vacations. The Czech capital really has it all: fairytale castles, a mix of architecture from Art Nouveau and Art Deco to even some Brutalist designs, walkable streets, and great value for money. Walking across the Charles Bridge is completely free, Letná Park is well-suited for a picnic, and you’ll be able to share beers at U Sudu for around CZK 44 (€1.82) a glass.
Kyoto, Japan
Just a two-hour bullet train ride from the buzz of Tokyo, Kyoto is full of ancient temples, peaceful gardens, and traditional teahouses. Spend your days snapping photos together beneath the Fushimi Inari Shrine or getting lost in historic districts like Higashiyama. If you time your visit for July, you might also catch Japan’s most famous festival, Gion Matsuri, and see the grand procession of floats up close.
Family-Friendly Summer Vacation Destinations
Budget-Friendly Family Beach Vacations
Algarve, Portugal
In southern Portugal lies the Algarve, dotted with Blue Flag beaches, rugged coves, and a wealth of family-friendly resorts with kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and much more. Water parks like Slide & Splash are a spectacular day out for the whole family. Praia da Marinha lives up to the hype with its dramatic cliffs, azure waters, and bright white sands where the kids can spend hours building sandcastles.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun has long been associated with all-inclusive trips, particularly among families from the US seeking summer vacations. It’s the kind of destination that works so well when you have youngsters you need to keep entertained. You’ll have unlimited access to beaches like Playa Chacmool, all your meals are included, and there are evening shows to keep the kids entertained. If you have a big budget, Hyatt Ziva Cancun is worth the splurge. For something more reasonably priced, check out Aquamarina Beach Hotel Cancun, which often has good summer deals.
Tenerife, Spain
I can’t tell you how many of my childhood summers I spent in Tenerife. This Spanish island, tucked away off the west coast of Africa, has volcanoes, laid-back areas like Los Cristianos, and stunning black-sand beaches, including Bollullo Beach.
Tenerife is blessed with fantastic weather throughout the summer, with average temperatures between 21°C and 28°C. Be sure to set aside at least one day for the famous Siam Park water park, which has some epic slides and a huge wave pool that the kiddos will enjoy.
Outdoor Adventures for Families
Banff, Canada
At the heart of the Canadian Rockies is Banff, a true slice of wilderness in western Canada. You’ve probably already seen photos of the glistening Moraine Lake and the snow-capped peaks standing proudly in the distance.
For an active family getaway, Banff is best accessed via Calgary. From there, you’ve got a few ways to get to the national park, including the scenic Rocky Mountaineer train, car rentals, or bus services. FlixBus offers direct routes from Calgary Airport.
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Few places in Europe have hiking trails as good as those in Switzerland during the summer. The Bernese Oberland has some lovely treks that the little ones can tackle, including a short 6 km route to the idyllic Bachalpsee. In central Switzerland, the Stoos Fronalpstock viewpoint provides stunning views over some of the country’s finest lakes. As for where to stay, Interlaken is Switzerland’s adventure capital, with all sorts of activities ranging from river rafting to paragliding.
Yellowstone National Park, USA
Yellowstone was the first national park ever established, spanning 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, and is one of the best places to visit in August . It’s home to more geothermal features than anywhere else on Earth. This includes the vibrant blue colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring and the Great Fountain Geyser, which erupts every 9 to 15 hours.
There are campgrounds, lodges, and RV sites inside the park, so it’s easy to stay overnight and spend a few days in nature with the kids.
Ready to Plan Your Summer Vacation?
June, July, and August are hectic months on the travel calendar, so it’s all the more reason to start planning early to get the best flight deals. If you’re willing to play around with dates and destinations, you’ll open up a much wider range of options.
Kiwi is the tool to use for anyone serious about getting real savings on their summer vacation. With us, you can compare multiple routes using virtual interlining fares, combining a few legs with different carriers rather than sticking to one airline. For longer trips, our NOMAD feature lets you combine multiple destinations into a single itinerary, giving you the option to visit a handful of places for less.
