"I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June." — L.M. Montgomery
We are so close to the official start of summer! The sun is shining, temperatures are climbing, and we’re sure that you have at least started to consider where you want to go for a summer vacation. There is definitely a feeling of positivity in the travel community this summer with vaccination rates rising and more countries announcing plans to open their borders to travelers. For example, the EU just announced they will be allowing U.S. travelers who meet the necessary requirements soon (check out more on that HERE).
There are many places in the U.S. and abroad that need the bustle of summer tourism to pick back up, and we are happy to oblige! Read on for some of our favorite June travel destinations as well as some highlights from our past trips.
1. Amalfi Coast
With a destination as popular as this, visiting earlier in the summer season is better! June is a great time to visit the Amalfi Coast to explore the breathtaking spots like Positano, Amalfi, Sorrento, and Capri. Book your accommodations early to make sure you can properly plan your trip without overpaying. Some places even offer convenient transportation between local destinations.
Make sure you consider:
· A trip to Pompeii – Pompeii is about an hour from Positano and was one of our favorite historical (although very sad) places we have visited.
· Visiting the Blue Grotto in Capri – Take the ferry from Sorrento to visit the beautiful island of Capri. You will likely need a tour to visit the Grotto and it is dependent on the ocean conditions. The famous light that illuminates the inside of the cavern is at its strongest between noon – 2 pm.
2. California
Our favorite June destination in the U.S. has to be California. There is simply so much to see and do whether you visit San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, or anywhere in between. One of our favorite beach spots is Laguna Niguel nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego. California is much bigger than you may think just looking at the map, so make sure you are generous when it comes to travel time.
Here are some additional tips:
· It is often worthwhile to rent a car since there is a lot of driving between destinations
· Plan for different climates (San Francisco can be pretty chilly)
· Get a National Park Pass if you plan to visit multiple parks
· A visit to the Redwoods at Muir Woods is well worthwhile
3. Greece
Greece is ramping up for a big boost of summer tourism. Most people don’t need a “push” to consider a trip to Greece, but it’s a great time to do so before the MANY tourists return! Greece was our last big trip in 2019 before the world shutdown.
We absolutely loved our visits to the following places:
· Santorini – Oia and Fira are both beautiful areas to explore
· Mykonos – Stop by the Mykonos windmills and stroll the winding cobblestone streets
· Athens – Must-see the Acropolis and New Acropolis Museum (of course)
· Katakolon – Visit Olympia to see the birthplace of the Olympic games
4. Get some fresh air in the mountains
If you aren’t a big fan of these popular destinations, or are not ready to travel across the ocean just yet, visit the closest mountain range if you can! In North Carolina, we are very lucky to have easy access to the Appalachian Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. However, we have also been awed by the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada Mountains in the past! June is a great time of year to do some hiking and put your feet up at a relaxing mountain cabin.
These are some great mountain hikes in North Carolina and Tennessee:
5. Puerto Rico
Onto places that will satisfy that “tropical” desire that we are definitely feeling lately. Puerto Rico, specifically San Juan, is a great place to consider for your summer trip! Big pros for U.S. travelers is that no passport is required and you can leave the continental U.S. without having to worry about re-entry requirements. You will likely spend most of your time in Old San Juan and the beaches, but there is a lot to explore in the surrounding areas.
Some of our favorite spots were:
· The fort Castillo San Felipe del Morro
· The pastel streets of Old San Juan
· Day trip to El Yunque Rainforest
6. Mexico
You can’t go wrong with an all-inclusive resort in Mexico! We have had great experiences in Cozumel, Cancun, and Tulum to name a few. We are definitely thinking about planning a trip to one of these places soon (price alerts are set)! There are many great resorts to choose from that offer beautiful beaches, but don't forget the awesome historical sites.
Here are a couple to visit:
Which type of summer destination seems the most like YOU? Let us know your plans for June and beyond in the comments! Of course, consider being vaccinated to keep yourself and others safe on your summer adventures.
Thanks for reading!
Nikki + Pam
