Top Destinations for Summer Travel
The days are getting warmer in the northern hemisphere and sun-filled adventures await. If you're dreaming up your summer trip, take a look at these top destinations for summer 2013.
Antibes, France
Nestled between Cannes and Nice is the commune of Antibes, a French Riviera jewel which greets visitors with a stunning coastline of beautiful white sand beaches, palm trees and alluring azure waters. The area around Juan-les-Pins and the old part of Antibes features many wonderful restaurants with outdoor dining serving the delicious Provençal cuisine. It's a popular destination for both French families and the fashionable international set.
Antibes and Juan-les-Pins host a number of great summer events, including one of the top jazz festivals in the world and one of the Mediterranean's "most regal regattas." See events.
Average high temperatures: 77°F (25°C ) in June and 82°F (28°C) in July and 82°F (28°C) in August
Nearest airport: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport
Where to Stay: Antibes vacation rentals from €20/night
St Petersburg
From late May to mid-July visitors can experience the "White Nights," nearly round-the-clock daylight, which lights up the main street of Nevsky Prospekt with shades of pink, peach and pale blue long after midnight.
The city celebrates the magically long days with spectacular events including The Stars of the White Nights 2013 Festival (May 24th - July 28th) and the Scarlet Sails event which involves an incredible light, water and fireworks show. Read more - there are pirate ship battles.Average high temperatures: 69°F (20.6°C ) in June and 74°F (23.3°C) in July and 71°F (21.7°C) in August
Nearest airport: Pulkovo International Airport
Where to Stay: St Petersburg vacation rentals from €20/night
London
Summertime is one of the best times of the year to visit London. The warmer weather is perfect for enjoying the Royal Parks and lovely green spaces managed by the City of London. It's also perfect for heading to the ZSL London Zoo or exploring one of the many London farmers' markets. And once darkness falls visitors to London can still enjoy the warmer summer weather by attending an outdoor movie screening at Somerset House.
Summer also brings a number of fun events to the city. These include the Wimbledon Championships,the Trooping the Colour, and the City of London Festival. Get the details and dates for these London events.
Average high temperatures: 70°F (21.1°C ) in June and 74°F (23.3°C) in July and 73°F (22.8°C) in August
Nearest airport: Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport, Luton Airport & London City Airport
Where to Stay: London vacation rentals from £9/night
Aruba
If you've been wanting to take a Caribbean vacation but worried about the hurricane season that affects much of the region from June to November, Aruba is the summer destination for you. The island sits outside the hurricane belt and provides a haven from tropical storms in other parts of the Caribbean. Accommodation on the island can be quite pricey in winter but during the summer you can take advantage of lower prices.
Events in late May and June include the the 5-day Soul Beach Music Festival and St. John's Day. Learn more about Aruba summer events.
Average high temperatures: 90°F (32.2°C ) in June and 90°F (32.2°C) in July and 91°F (32.8°C) in August
Nearest airport: Queen Beatrix International Airport
Where to Stay: Aruba vacation rentals from $50/night
Mykonos
The Greek island of Mykonos is a whitewashed Aegean paradise and one of the great travel meccas. Every summer, it attracts all types of visitors including college students, families, surfers and celebrities, who all come to enjoy the hot summer days and sparkling blue waters.
Spend your time on the beaches of the Southern coast if you're looking for a more cosmopolitan vibe. Head north if you're looking for more tranquility. It's a popular summer travel spot, so travelers planning to head there in August should book their Mykonos accommodation now. Read more about Mykonos beaches.
Average high temperatures: 79°F (26.1°C ) in June and 81°F (27.2°C) in July and 82°F (27.8°C) in August
Nearest airport: Mykonos Island National Airport
Where to Stay: Mykonos vacation rentals from € 30/night
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for families and golf lovers. Families and kids-at-heart will enjoy visiting fun-filled attractions such as the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Both Travel + Leisure magazine and National Geographic named it one of the best boardwalks in the country. Another great fun-in-the-sun attraction is Myrtle Waves, the state's largest water park, which features a 100-f0ot water slide.
Golf enthusiasts can select from any of the more than 100 golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area. And for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer the trails or water to the green, Myrtle Beach State Park offers excellent biking, hiking, fishing and swimming along its mile of stunning beach. Read more about Myrtle Beach and its golf courses.
Average high temperatures: 84°F (29°C ) in June and 86°F (30°C) in July and 85°F (29°C) in August
Nearest airport: Myrtle Beach International Airport
Where to Stay: Myrtle Beach vacation rentals from $20/night
San Francisco
San Francisco is quite a popular summer destination, though travelers should note that summers tend to have much cooler temperatures than other parts of the country. If you've never been to the city before, definitely take a ride on a cable car. Ride over Nob Hill to the Fisherman's Wharf area. Then catch a ferry to visit Alcatraz Island. If the weather is clear you'll get a great view of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Looking to experience the epicenter of San Francisco 1960s counterculture? Head over to The Haight and also be sure to catch a glimpse of the famous Painted Ladies Victorian houses. Visit Golden Gate Park for both its indoor and outdoor attractions or attend one of the great summer events, such as the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival (August 9th to 11th in 2013). Read more about San Francisco.
Average high temperatures: 73°F (22.8°C ) in June and 72°F (22.2°C) in July and 74°F (23.3°C) in August
Nearest airport: San Francisco International Airport
Where to Stay: San Francisco vacation rentals from $25/night
Where are you inspired to go on your summer travel adventures?