Are you looking for the best summer vacation ideas? If so, this website is for you. We created this site to share with you the best places for summer vacation for you, your partner or your family.
In this article we share with you top 10 best summer vacation ideas. In our opinion, these countries are among the best vacation destinations in the world. To make browsing our site easy, each idea comes with a short description, interesting places to visit (or simply interesting things to do) and prices of accommodation and food.
Top 10 Best Summer Vacation Ideas
Here are 10 best summer vacation ideas. Since everyone’s different, we can’t say which place is the best, so we listed these ideas alphabetically. If you’re looking for something more specific (such as cheap summer vacation ideas) check out “Articles” at the right.
1. Aruba, The Caribbean
Aruba | source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfreni/
Aruba is a small Dutch island located in the Lesser Antilles, approximately 18 miles north of the coast of Venezuela. Aruba has a dry climate which makes it a very reliable vacation destination – most of the time it’s warm and sunny (Aruba doesn’t get a lot of rain).
Aruba enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean region and generally it’s a very safe place, which makes it a great destination also for family vacation.
Places to visit
- Beaches – Aruba is famous for extraordinary white sandy beaches such as Eagle Beach (frequently voted one of the best beaches in the world) or Baby Beach (it’s no more than five feet deep at any point). Also, make sure to visit natural bridges.
- Underwater – scuba diving and snorkeling are very popular activities in the island. Visit Boca Catalina and the Antilla Shipwreck.
- Arikok National Park – 18% of the island is dedicated to this park. The main attractions of the park are the rough hills of the volcanic lava formation, rocks of the batholithic quartz-diorite/tonalite, the limestone rocks from fossilized coral and a few bays and sand dunes.
Prices
Prices of accommodation starting from: $60
A decent double room: $100-150
Meal for two in a moderately priced restaurant: $20
Street food/meal for two from a local eatery: $10
2. Bali, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Bali | source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adforce1/
Bali is an Indonesian island famous for mountains landscapes, sandy beaches, rice terraces, volcanic hillsides and unique culture. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in this region and offers an enormous range of accommodation ranging from very cheap bungalows to luxurious beach resorts and private villas.
Places to visit
- Beaches – Bali is famous for spectacular beaches such as Kuta, Legian or Seminyak beach. Balinese beaches are famous surfing destinations, so if you want to try this sport, it’s one of the best and cheapest places to do it.
- Hindu temples – one of the Bali’s best-known attractions are countless fabulous Hindu temples. Be sure to visit Besakih, Ulun Danu, Pura Taman Ayun, Tanah Lot, Uluwatu and Pura Tirta Empul.
- Landscape – Bali is famous for outstanding natural scenery. You should definitely see rice terraces and volcanoes (Mount Agung and Mount Batur).
Prices
Prices of accommodation starting from: $20
A decent double room: $40
Meal for two in a moderately priced restaurant: $15
Street food/meal for two from a local eatery: $3
3. Cook Islands, Pacific Ocean
Cook Islands | source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertpaulyoung/
Cook Islands is a small country (about 1.3 times the size of Washington, DC) located roughly half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. The country consists of 15 major islands of which Aitutaki and Rarotonga are the most populous ones. Cook Islands are renowned for outstanding white sandy beaches, beautiful tropical atolls and turquoise lagoons.
Places to visit
- Beaches – the majority of visitors come to the Cook Islands because of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Make sure to visit Tapuaetai, a small island in the Aitutaki island, unquestionably one of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world.
- Underwater – Cook Islands are famous for dazzling marine life. Snorkeling is very good, there are also companies which will take you to the best diving spots.
- Interior – trek through the islands to see wildlife, waterfalls, hills and small mountains.
Prices
Prices of accommodation starting from: $70
A decent double room: $150-200
Meal for two in a moderately priced restaurant: $20
Street food/meal for two from a local eatery: $10
4. Costa Rica, Central America
Costa Rica | source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brucethomson/
Costa Rica is one of the most developed countries in the Americas famous for very diverse landscapes: from Caribbean and Pacific beaches to high mountains, from tropical rainforests to volcanoes. Because of the country’s outstanding biological diversity, it’s one of the most popular destinations for eco-tourists. Costa Rica is definitely one of the best summer vacation ideas for families close to the United States.
Places to visit
- National parks – Costa Rica is famous for one of the most fabulous national parks in the world. A few of the must-visit national parks are: Corcovado National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, San Gerardo de Dota and Braulio Carrillo National Park.
- Beaches – Costa Rica has its fair share of beautiful pristine tropical beaches at both Pacific and Caribbean coasts. One of the most beautiful Costa Rican beaches include: Manuel Antonio, Mal Pais, Tamarindo and Puerto Viejo.
- Arenal Volcano – Arenal Volcano is an active volcano located in north-western Costa Rica. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica famous for fabulous views.
Prices
Prices of accommodation starting from: $50
A decent double room: $100
Meal for two in a moderately priced restaurant: $35
Street food/meal for two from a local eatery: $5
5. Fiji, Pacific Ocean
Fiji | source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adselwood/
Fiji is an island nation located approximately 1300 miles northeast of New Zealand’s North Island. Fiji is a world-class diving destination famous for soft coral reefs. It’s one of the most inexpensive Pacific Ocean countries which makes it one of the best summer vacation ideas for people who want to experience a tropical paradise without breaking the bank.
Places to visit
- Beaches – Fiji has incredible white sandy beaches and they are unquestionably among the most beautiful tropical beaches in the world.
- Underwater – Fiji has one of the most impressive diving sites in the world. Make sure to at least try snorkeling (however scuba diving is highly recommended).
- Resort islands – if you want to have your own private beach, rent a room or a bungalow on a private resort island. There are quite a few of them in Fiji.
Prices
Prices of accommodation starting from: $10
A decent double room: $40-50
Meal for two in a moderately priced restaurant: $25
Street food/meal for two from a local eatery: $5
6. French Polynesia, Pacific Ocean
French Polynesia | source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/loulou/
French Polynesia is an overseas country of the French Republic located in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately halfway between California and Australia. Two most famous French Polynesian islands are Bora Bora and Tahiti. French Polynesia is a very popular honeymoon destination, it’s also a popular tourist destination for more affluent tourists (since it’s a tremendously pricey destination).
Places to visit
- Beaches – French Polynesia is a paradise for beach lovers. White sandy beaches of Bora Bora (such as Matira Beach) and black and white sandy beaches of Tahiti (such as Lafayette Beach or Plage de Toaroto) are among the prettiest beaches in the world.
- Underwater – French Polynesia is a popular diving spot. The sea is very warm (sometimes it even reaches 86°F or 30°C) and you don’t even need to scuba dive to experience the outstanding marine life. Just get a snorkel mask – in many areas close to the shore you can see beautiful multicolor tropical fish.
- Interior – French Polynesian islands are renowned for outstanding tropical natural landscapes. Hike through tropical rainforests, see beautiful waterfalls and get closer to the beautiful lush mountains.
Prices
Prices of accommodation starting from: $100-150
A decent double room: $200-250
Meal for two in a moderately priced restaurant: $75
Street food/meal for two from a local eatery: $20
7. Hawaii, Pacific Ocean
Hawaii | source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dexxus/
Hawaii, the 50th state of the United States, is located in the Central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States. It has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world for many years. Hawaii is famous for fabulous natural scenery, perfect weather conditions for numerous water activities (surfing was born here) and world-class beaches.
Places to visit
- Beaches – Hawaiian beaches have been consistently voted one of the prettiest beaches in the world. Each of the islands of the Hawaii has incredible beaches and beautiful ocean surroundings.
- Landscape – each Hawaiian island has a beautiful natural scenery and numerous hiking trails. See unique fauna and flora of Hawaii, hike through rainforests, see the incredible Hawaiian mountains.
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – the most visited attraction in Hawaii. One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea, and the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, are located in this park.
Prices
Prices of accommodation starting from: $50
A decent double room: $100-150
Meal for two in a moderately priced restaurant: $50
Street food/meal for two from a local eatery: $10
8. Mexico, North America
Mexico | source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/atbaker/
Mexico, America’s neighbor to the south, is one of the most popular among tourists countries in the world. It’s famous for world-class tourist zones such as Riviera Maya or Acapulco, numerous archeological sites such as Mayan or Aztec ruins, incredible beaches at both Pacific and Caribbean coast and many other natural wonders.
Places to visit
- Beaches – Mexico is a perfect place for beach vacation. Visit Riviera Maya for well developed tourist facilities and beautiful Caribbean beaches. If you’re looking for something more tranquil and authentic, consider Pacific coast and smaller resort towns in this area.
- Archeological sites –must-visit sites include: Chichen Itza, Coba, Calakmul, Monte Alban, Palenque and Tulum.
- Natural wonders – Mexico boasts numerous natural wonders such as cenotes at the Caribbean coast, volcanoes, beautiful coastlines and mountains.
Prices
Prices of accommodation starting from: $20
A decent double room: $40
Meal for two in a moderately priced restaurant: $25
Street food/meal for two from a local eatery: $5
9. Philippines, Southeast Asia
Philippines | source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gep/
The Philippines are an archipelago of more than 7000 islands located in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. The country is renowned for outstanding white sandy beaches surrounded by blue and turquoise water, dazzling diving sites and incredible natural scenery. Moreover, it’s one of the cheapest summer vacation ideas included in this website.
Places to visit
- Beaches – if you’re a beach lover, you should definitely visit Boracay island, which has a 2.5-miles stretch of white sand beach, considered to be the best beach in Asia and one of the top ten beaches in the world. Most islands in the Philippines have outstanding beaches.
- Underwater – the Philippines are one of the top three best diving destinations in the world. The best diving sites are located in Anilao, Apo Island, Boracay, Palawan, Puerto Galera and Subic Bay (because of shipwrecks).
- Scenery – the Philippines are home to numerous natural wonders: incredible mountains (such as Mount Apo), coral reefs, exotic flora and fauna and volcanoes (such as Mt. Kanlaon). Don’t forget to visit wonderful rice terraces, such as those in Banaue!
Prices
Prices of accommodation starting from: $15
A decent double room: $40
Meal for two in a moderately priced restaurant: $10-15
Street food/meal for two from a local eatery: $3
10. Thailand, Southeast Asia
Thailand | source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sukhothai.jpg
Thailand is one of the most famous Southeast Asian tourist destinations. It’s renowned for countless ancient Buddhist temples called wats, fabulous tropical islands (such as Ko Samui, Phuket or Krabi) with very well developed tourism infrastructure and a wide variety of accommodations, beautiful green mountains and delicious cuisine.
Places to visit
- Thai islands – Thailand has some fabulous tropical islands. If you’re a beach lover, consider visiting Phuket, Ko Samui, Krabi Province (with beaches such as Ao Nang, Had Yao and Rai Leh and islands such as Ko Phi Phi) and Ko Tao.
- Ancient Buddhist temples (wats) – Thailand boasts many incredible wats, ancient Buddhist temples. They are scattered all over Thailand. The most beautiful wats are located in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
- Bustling Thai cities – make sure to visit Bangkok, the capital of the country and Chiang Mai, de facto capital of northern Thailand. You should also visit Ayutthaya, a historical city which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Sukhothai, a small city famous for the ruins of the ancient city Sukhothai.
Prices
Prices of accommodation starting from: $15
A decent double room: $30
Meal for two in a moderately priced restaurant: $15
Street food/meal for two from a local eatery: $2
Thank you for reading this article. We hope that you like our summer vacation ideas and that you’ll enjoy your vacation in these places!
PS. If you want to save money on your vacation, read our article about how to save money on your summer vacation.