The Best Summer Trips You Need To Plan
For cities in the Northern Hemisphere, summertime brings a much-needed reprieve to cold temperatures that ward off tourists during winter. Conversely, below the equator, warm weather destinations cool off and settle into a more temperate winter season. These weather conditions make the following spots worthy of your coveted summer trip.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Join in the celebration of National Day of Iceland in the nation’s capital, Reykjavik. Summertime in Iceland means midnight sun. Summer days run long into the night, with each averaging 20 hours of daylight. Bright skies and warm weather are great incentives to trek to Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Marvel at the gorgeous landscapes of volcanoes, glaciers, and the 60-foot Skógafoss Waterfall. A trip to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without a stop (and soak) at the iconic Blue Lagoon.
South Island, New Zealand
South Island is a prime spot for outdoor adventures. During these summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, you can snag great off-peak rates. The South Island has hot springs and incredible ski slopes with stellar views, as well as access to the country’s signature extreme sports like ice climbing. It’s also home to one of the country’s most iconic places, Milford Sound. This World Heritage Site is a glacier-carved fjord surrounded by waterfalls, mountains, and forests.
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
If you love to hike during your summer vacation, you must visit the Swiss Alps. There are more than 40,000 miles of marked hiking trails that take you through deep gorges, forests, and grasslands. The most famous trek is the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc, which typically takes 10-12 days. You can also enjoy activities like fishing, horseback riding, thermal spas, and cheese making. Be sure not to miss out on the Swiss chocolate!
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Anchorage, Alaska
Visiting one of the coldest cities in the world during winter is not ideal. So instead, head to Anchorage, Alaska, during the summer when temperatures stay comfortably between 50 and 65 degrees. If you hold out until late August, you can catch a glimpse of the northern lights. Otherwise, take a dog sled ride on a glacier, hike Portage Pass, visit an animal sanctuary or take a trip to go salmon fishing.
Gobi Desert, Mongolia
The Gobi Desert is located in Asia and covers parts of southern Mongolia and northern China. Visitors will enjoy beautiful landscapes and exciting adventures during the winter months. While you are there, make sure that you ride a camel and climb one of the largest sand dunes in the world — the Khongor sand dunes. Temperatures in Mongolia are cold to freezing most of the year, but summers are far more bearable.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen makes a strong case for itself. Ride coasters and a carousel at Tivoli Gardens amusement park. Meet the real-life Little Mermaid, a century-old bronze statue of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale at Langelinie Pier. Do not forget to snack on world-renowned pastries and lunchtime smørrebrød. The Danish Riviera just outside the city offers gorgeous coastal views and access to a sprinkling of other Danish islands like Fyn, home to picturesque gardens, manors, and castles.
Photo credit: Pexels
