Where to go in July

July sees us all jetting off on our summer holidays, but if you’re still looking for some travel inspiration, then check out our top picks, from old favourites to something a little different.

Best for summer sun

As we enter the height of summer, July is the perfect time to visit the Greek islands and really make the most of that Mediterranean sunshine as temperatures can be as high as 32 degrees Celsius. Those looking to work on their tan will be spoilt for choice, and you can’t really go wrong when picking an island to visit, as they’re all home to gorgeous sandy beaches.

Santorini oozes Grecian glamour, with the classic bright white buildings, turquoise skies and golden sandy beaches, but it’s also home to several volcanic beaches which are perfect for those holiday snaps, but we wouldn’t recommend taking a dip there! Red Beach is extremely popular with tourists due to its unique red cliffs and pebbles which formed as a result a volcanic eruption. The reds contrast with the bright blues of the sky and ocean, making it a must-see destination.

If you want to discover Ancient Greece, we recommend heading to Athens or Rhodes to explore the ancient buildings, ruins and statues of Greek mythology. Highlights include the Acropolis of Athens and the Parthenon temple ruins. This is an ancient citadel located above the city of Athens, and here you’ll be able to explore several remains of Greek architecture and discover their history.

The Colossus of Rhodes, a statue of the Greek sun-god Helios is a great photo opportunity for those interested in Greek Mythology, or you can check out some hidden gems such as Monolithos Castle which has some stunning views of the ocean from its little clifftop church.  

Best for gorgeous sunsets

If you want to go somewhere a little different for your summer holiday, then Indonesia offers relaxation and culture in some luxurious surroundings, plus you’re guaranteed hot weather with it being so close to the equator.

If you’ve got time to spare, we recommend island hopping to take in the best of what Indonesia has to offer, but if you don’t, here’s some of its highlights…

Bali is probably the most popular Indonesian holiday destination; known for its white sands, gorgeous sunsets and good vibes, which make it a popular destination for all types of traveller.

While there, you can explore some spectacular temples. Tanah lot is the island’s most iconic temple which sits on a rock formation on the shore of the island. It’s a photographer’s heaven, as you can witness some truly majestic skies as the sun sets behind its silhouette.

Capturing the Bali sunrise from the top of Mount Batur is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have in Indonesia. So if you’re feeling fit, you can make the 3am journey to the summit within roughly two hours, and take in the beauty of Bali from the top of the world.

For those who’d rather kick back and relax, the Gili Islands, located just off the coast of Lombok, offer a little slice of paradise. With turquoise waters and luxurious beachside bungalows, it’s no wonder these three idyllic islands are popular with couples. Not only do they offer an incredibly romantic setting, but there’s so much to do, from diving and swimming with sea turtles, and of course capturing that perfect Ombak Sunset on the famous Datu Swing!

Best for off the beaten track adventures

The USA in July can be incredibly busy in popular tourist cities such as New York, Florida and California. However, if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this is one of the best times to explore some of America’s National Parks while the weather is warmer.

Yosemite National Park in California is located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and boasts towering trees and tumbling waterfalls, as well as some spectacular cliff-top views. Many people also head to Yosemite for skiing, but if you’re not a fan of the cold, July is the perfect time to hike and climb the high altitudes of Yosemite much more comfortably.

Yellowstone is another popular National Park, spanning the areas of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. This volcanic mountain range allows you to explore hot springs, bubbling geysers and dramatic canyons, as well as spot some majestic wildlife including bears, antelope and wolves. You can choose to camp or stay in a lodge, both of which give you a true feel of being in the wilderness but remember to book in advance for a July visit!

And of course, the Grand Canyon in Arizona is a real bucket list experience. We’ve all seen the striking photos of this famous wonder, but there really is nothing like seeing it for yourself.

This is probably the most visited National Park in the USA, so if you want to trek it but avoid large crowds, choose any of the trails other than the South Rim, and you’ll be able to take in the peacefulness that comes with vast nature of one of America’s largest canyons. Alternatively, the Grand Canyon can be discovered via helicopter tour for completely uninterrupted birds-eye views of the deep and winding red valleys.

Ready to find out more or book your next trip? Give us a call – we’ll sort you out.