Summer Vacation Ideas: Best Beaches, Islands and Travel Tips

Whether you dream of white sand, island hopping or a road trip with the family, summer is the best time to travel. This guide brings together our favourite summer vacation ideas: the most beautiful beaches in the world, island and summer destinations, beach hotels and bars, plus practical tips for packing, planning and taking great holiday photos.

The most beautiful beaches in the world

• The most beautiful beaches in the world: St John, Barbados, Aruba, the Maldives and the Bahamas
• The world’s most beautiful beaches
• Amazing natural beaches
• Pink sand beaches around the world: Harbour Island, Budelli, Crane Beach, Elafonisi and Horseshoe Bay
• The most beautiful beaches in Greece: Sarakiniko, Lalaria, Navagio and Myrtos
• The most amazing beaches in Italy
• Anguilla beaches you must see

Islands and summer destinations

• Island destinations for a romantic summer holiday: Bora Bora, Fiji, the Galápagos, the Maldives and Santorini
• Luxurious summer destinations: Musha Cay, Cocoa Island, Fregate Island and Nantucket
• Places to visit for summer: Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Galicia, Fiji, Palau and Positano
• Scenic places for a summer holiday: the Smoky Mountains, Dalmatian Islands, Sicily and Corsica
• Summer holiday destinations: Barcelona, Colorado, Prague, Maui and Cappadocia
• Budget-friendly summer destinations: family cruises, Hawaii, the Bahamas and Mexico
• Smaller American vacation destinations: Hilo, Frenchtown, Astoria and Leavenworth
• Beautiful places in Italy for summer: Capri, the Aeolian islands, Tropea and Lake Como
• Reasons to choose Turkey for a summer vacation: balloon rides, diving, beaches and water parks
• A summer holiday in the mountains: lakes and rivers, cycling and outdoor adventures
• Why a surf vacation is a great idea

Beach hotels, bars and houses

• The most attractive beach hotels: Kangaroo Island, Boracay, Lizard Island and Amalfi
• Beach bar terraces you should see: Menorca, Cancun, Cannes, the Maldives and Santorini

Plan and pack for your summer trip

• Things to bring on a summer vacation
• Accessories to take on your summer vacation: sunglasses, a beach hat, swimsuit, beach bag and flip-flops
• How to prepare for summer family travel: destination, itinerary, packing and kid-friendly activities
• Planning a budget-friendly family vacation: flights, hotels vs vacation rentals and spending wisely
• Family travel, hotel and road trip hacks
• Tips for shopping while on vacation
• Great American road trips for summer: Route 66, New England and the Pacific Coast Highway

Summer and beach photography

• Tips for perfect beach photography: golden hour, avoiding crowds and capturing details
• Tips for summer photography: sun glare, polarizers and picnic photos
• Summer photography ideas: travel images, summer storms, bubbles and silhouettes

Frequently asked questions

What should I pack for a beach vacation?

Pack swimwear, a cover-up, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, flip-flops, a beach bag and towel, a refillable water bottle and a light layer for the evenings.

Prefer the outdoors? See our camping tips, or browse our bucket list destinations.