Summer is peak traveling season in some of the most coveted destinations, so you may have to venture off the beaten path to avoid the crowds. That means looking beyond European capitals and wanderlust mainstays to find an adventure that’s all your own.
We’ve gathered some of the best under-the-radar spots for an unforgettable July trip.
One of the least-explored regions of Italy awaits in the heel of its boot. Nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Puglia’s relaxed lifestyle, idyllic beach towns, and delicious food will enchant even the most experienced European travelers.
Perfect for: Architecture aficionados and beach bums
Average June Weather: 66 - 82 degrees, 3 days of rainfall
What to do
It may be the smallest country of mainland Britain, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in natural beauty.
Perfect for: Hiking lovers
Average June Weather: 54 - 68 degrees, 17 days of rainfall
What to do
With its lush mountains, stunning beaches, and buzzing gastronomy scene, the Basque country might just be the best Spanish community to visit during the country’s overcrowded, overheated summer season.
Perfect for: Foodies and jazz fans
Average June Weather: 61 - 78 degrees, 11 days of rainfall
What to do
There’s more to Southern France than chic beach towns. Head inland to Provence for a glimpse of the lush lavender fields and Provençal countryside, a favorite for impressionist painters like Van Gogh and Cézanne.
Perfect for: Aspiring artists and lavender lovers
Average June Weather: 64 - 86 degrees, 4 days of rainfall
What to do
Known best for the mussels that bear the island’s name, this Canadian destination is best enjoyed in the warm, dry month of July.
Perfect for: Getting active in the great outdoors
Average June Weather: 55 - 71 degrees, 14 days of rainfall
What to do
Big Sur, the 90 miles of Pacific coastline along the St. Lucia Mountains in California, is perhaps the most laid-back and breathtakingly beautiful part of California.
Perfect for: Nature and road trip enthusiasts
Average June Weather: 54 - 68 degrees, 1 day of rainfall
What to do
One of the oldest cities in South America, Asunción is surprisingly unfrequented by travelers. July is the coolest month of the year in Paraguay, making it a better time to visit than their humid, rainy summer season.
Perfect for: Trendsetting travelers
Average June Weather: 55 - 77 degrees, 7 days of rainfall
What to do
White sand, clear water beaches consistently put this tropical archipelago on the top of the list for honeymooners, but there’s plenty to do for any type of traveler.
Perfect for: Beachside seclusion
Average June Weather: 73 - 82 degrees, 20 days of rainfall
What to do
Japan’s northernmost and second largest island, Hokkaido, is the country’s last frontier. You’ll find serene landscapes in its six national parks, eat fresh seafood in its markets, and fall in love with its capital, Sapporo.
Perfect for: Ramen fanatics and vista seekers
Average June Weather: 63 - 77 degrees, 16 days of rainfall
What to do
Vast and rugged, Genghis Khan’s stomping grounds are not for the faint of heart. And while you’d struggle to fit all the wondrous nature of Mongolia in one trip, it’s worth a try.
Perfect for: Unkempt adventure and nomadic travel
Average June Weather: 52 - 77 degrees, 14 days of rainfall
What to do
Europe
Puglia, Italy
One of the least-explored regions of Italy awaits in the heel of its boot. Nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Puglia’s relaxed lifestyle, idyllic beach towns, and delicious food will enchant even the most experienced European travelers.
Perfect for: Architecture aficionados and beach bums
Average June Weather: 66 - 82 degrees, 3 days of rainfall
What to do
- Soak up some sun along the beaches of Ostuni, Fasano or Isole Tremiti
- See the ancient, dome-roofed trulli houses in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Explore the 11th century Basilica di San Nicola and 13th century Castel del Monte
- Roam the caves at the ocean-side Zinzulusa Grotta and underground Castellana Grotte
- Meander through the Baroque buildings and cathedrals of Lecce
- Learn about Puglia’s Greek past at the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto
Wales
It may be the smallest country of mainland Britain, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in natural beauty.
Perfect for: Hiking lovers
Average June Weather: 54 - 68 degrees, 17 days of rainfall
What to do
- Hike the mountains, caves, glaciers, and ancient cottages in the Snowdonia mountain range
- Ride the mountain ponies in the rolling pastures of Brecon Beacons National Park
- Wander the historic castles and idyllic fishing villages along the Pembrokeshire Coast
- Get lost in the parapets, towers and gatehouses of the enormous, seaside Caernarfon Castle
- Cross the Menai Strait to the South Stack Lighthouse, which dates back to 1809
San Sebastián, Spain
With its lush mountains, stunning beaches, and buzzing gastronomy scene, the Basque country might just be the best Spanish community to visit during the country’s overcrowded, overheated summer season.
Perfect for: Foodies and jazz fans
Average June Weather: 61 - 78 degrees, 11 days of rainfall
What to do
- Eat at one of the city’s 16 Michelin starred restaurants; the most per square meter in the world
- Hike Monte Urgull or Monte Igueldo for views of the sea and city below
- Try as many pintxos (tapas-like snacks) as you can in Old Town, Parte Vieja
- Spend an afternoon at the Tudor-style Miramar Palace, where the Spanish monarchy summered
- Celebrate jazz music and culture at the International Jazz Festival during the third week of July
Provence, France
There’s more to Southern France than chic beach towns. Head inland to Provence for a glimpse of the lush lavender fields and Provençal countryside, a favorite for impressionist painters like Van Gogh and Cézanne.
Perfect for: Aspiring artists and lavender lovers
Average June Weather: 64 - 86 degrees, 4 days of rainfall
What to do
- See and smell the lavender fields of Sault valley that bloom every July
- Watch Bastille Day fireworks in Aix-en-Provence on July 14th
- Cross the medieval Pont d’Avignon arch bridge
- Spot wild, white horses and vibrant flamingos in the Camargue Wetlands
- Tour the scenes of some of Van Gogh’s most famous works in Arles
The Americas
Prince Edward Island
Known best for the mussels that bear the island’s name, this Canadian destination is best enjoyed in the warm, dry month of July.
Perfect for: Getting active in the great outdoors
Average June Weather: 55 - 71 degrees, 14 days of rainfall
What to do
- Golf the rolling greens at one of the 25 courses on the island
- Rake and fish your own seafood for an uber-fresh traditional dinner
- Relive “Anne of Green Gables” at Green Gables Heritage Place in the picturesque P.E.I. National Park
- Cycle across the island on the Confederation Trail, the old P.E.I. railway turned nature paths
- Relax among the red sand dunes and sandstone cliffs at Cavendish Beach
Big Sur, U.S.A.
Big Sur, the 90 miles of Pacific coastline along the St. Lucia Mountains in California, is perhaps the most laid-back and breathtakingly beautiful part of California.
Perfect for: Nature and road trip enthusiasts
Average June Weather: 54 - 68 degrees, 1 day of rainfall
What to do
- Hike amongst the ancient redwoods —the world’s largest trees — at Limekiln State Park
- See a waterfall that cascades directly onto the beach at McWay Falls
- Watch the sun set over Keyhole Rock and the purple sand beach at Pfieffer Beach
- Take a moonlit tour to the Point Sur lighthouse, in operation since 1889
- Meet fellow literature lovers at the Henry Miller Memorial Library bookshop and cultural center
Asunción, Paraguay
One of the oldest cities in South America, Asunción is surprisingly unfrequented by travelers. July is the coolest month of the year in Paraguay, making it a better time to visit than their humid, rainy summer season.
Perfect for: Trendsetting travelers
Average June Weather: 55 - 77 degrees, 7 days of rainfall
What to do
- Honor the country’s past at the National Pantheon of Heroes
- Check out the after-dark light show at the presidential Palacio de López
- Learn about local history, politics, and culture at Museo del Barro
- Eat asado-style barbecue with the locals in the colorful Loma San Jeronimo neighborhood
- Travel to the Jesus and Trinidad Jesuit Ruins, 17th and 18th century missionary colonies
Africa and Asia
Seychelles
White sand, clear water beaches consistently put this tropical archipelago on the top of the list for honeymooners, but there’s plenty to do for any type of traveler.
Perfect for: Beachside seclusion
Average June Weather: 73 - 82 degrees, 20 days of rainfall
What to do
- Rock, climb, or zip line on Mahe Island
- Explore the 750 million-year-old granite boulders along the country’s best beaches
- Snap pictures with 300- to 600-pound tortoises at Curieuse Marine National Park
- Smell fresh vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon at Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden
- Swim and snorkel at one of the countless dive sites, like Anse Volbert and Beau Vallon
Sapporo, Japan
Japan’s northernmost and second largest island, Hokkaido, is the country’s last frontier. You’ll find serene landscapes in its six national parks, eat fresh seafood in its markets, and fall in love with its capital, Sapporo.
Perfect for: Ramen fanatics and vista seekers
Average June Weather: 63 - 77 degrees, 16 days of rainfall
What to do
- Try Japanese beer at a free tour of the Sapporo brewery
- Ring the “Bell of Happiness” at the Mount Moiwa Observation Deck above the city
- Play among the contemporary sculptures of Moerenuma or “Art” Park
- Eat pre-karaoke ramen in Susukino, the entertainment and nightlife district
- Lounge in the hot springs of Noboribetsu in nearby Shikotsu-Toya National Park
Mongolia
Vast and rugged, Genghis Khan’s stomping grounds are not for the faint of heart. And while you’d struggle to fit all the wondrous nature of Mongolia in one trip, it’s worth a try.
Perfect for: Unkempt adventure and nomadic travel
Average June Weather: 52 - 77 degrees, 14 days of rainfall
What to do
- Join the crowds at the annual Naadam (“Games”) Festival in mid-July, where Mongolian warriors compete in horse racing, archery, and wrestling
- Hear the “singing sands” of the Gobi Desert’s Khongoryn Els dunes
- Watch the sun set on the Flaming Cliffs at Bayanzag, the site of the first dinosaur egg discovery
- Meet the monks of the Gandan Monastery in capital Ulaanbaatar
- Explore the landscape and archaeological remains of Orkhon Valley Complex, originally settled over 60,000 years ago
