Summer 2025 is expected to shape up to be one of the biggest travel seasons to date! In light of new airline routes, fewer restrictions, and a larger group of individuals who are putting more emphasis on meaningful experiences, it is your time to travel. If you’re seeking sunny beaches, culturally abundant cities, or destinations in nature we have rounded up the top places to travel during Summer 2025 for Travellers from the US and UK.
Choosing the best summer vacation isn’t just about selecting a pretty place to visit. It’s about finding the right place at the right time, weighing value with various experiences, safety, and ease of travel. This list reflects hot destinations trend based on travel data, cultural events, accessibility, and popularity. We’ve taken into account which experiences travelers from the US and UK search the most for in 2025: unique experiences, being comfortable with climate, things to do outside, and picturesque scenery for Instagram!
Whether your style is solo travel, couples in need of a romantic getaway, or going on a family vacation; this list will assist you in choosing your next summer escape. We’ve included image prompts so you can easily visualize the destination and generate content for your social media accounts!
1. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Why Go: The Italian coast is an evergreen destination and there is still time to visit before it becomes too overcrowded again in 2025! The Amalfi Coast is magic with its cliffside villages, lemon groves, and turquoise waters.
Top Things to Do:
- Wander through the boutique shops and pastel-colored buildings of picturesque Positano.
- Take a boat to the island of Capri.
- Hike the “Path of the Gods” trail for breathtaking views.
Visit Official Amalfi Coast Tourism
2. Kyoto, Japan
Why Go: Japan is completely open, and Kyoto is a great blend of both tradition and tranquility. There are summer festivals, temples and gardens bursting in color.
Top Things to Do:
- Attend the Gion Matsuri Festival in July.
- Experience Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
- Take a day trip to Nara to feed the sacred deer.
Visit Japan National Tourism Organization – Kyoto
3. Banff National Park, Canada
Why Go: If you love mountains, lakes, and fresh air then Banff in Alberta can’t be beat as a summer break. July and August are warm and perfect for hiking.
Top Things to Do:
- Canoeing on either Lake Louise or Moraine Lake
- Drive the Icefields Parkway
- Soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs
Visit Parks Canada – Banff National Park
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Why Go: Lisbon is a really good balance between culture, beach, and budget. The hilly streets, thriving nightlife, and gorgeous architecture make Lisbon a go-to favorite among European travelers.
Top Three Things to Do:
- Ride the famous Tram 28
- Visit the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery
- Watch the sun set from a rooftop bar in Bairro Alto
Visit Lisboa – Official Tourism Guide
5. Maui, Hawaii, USA
Why Go: Maui has just recovered from wildfires and want to welcome back travelers, support the communities, and to enjoy the beauty once again. Summer is a great time for snorkeling, hiking, and taking road trips.
Top Three Things to Do:
- Drive the Road to Hana
- Watch the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park
- Snorkel at Molokini Crater
6. Reykjavik & Icelands Golden Circle
Why Go: Iceland is beautiful in the summertime, with 24 hours of daylight and mild temperature. The natural beauty presents a paradise for such nature lovers and photographers.
Top Things to Do:
- Visit the Blue Lagoon
- Visit Thingvellir National Park
- See geysers and waterfalls along the Golden Circle
Visit Iceland
7. Barcelona, Spain
Why Go: Art, beach, and nightlife. Barcelona has it all. In Summer 2025, Barcelona will host new open-air concerts, tapas festivals, and fewer tourist restrictions.
Top Things to Do:
- Tour Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and Park Guell
- Relax at Barceloneta Beach
- Stroll down Las Ramblas
8. Queenstown, New Zealand
Why go: It’s winter in the Southern hemisphere which makes it the ideal time to go skiing, snowboarding etc and to see where most of the snow season is in the world while escaping the Northern summer.
Top things to do:
- Ski the Remarkables
- Bungee Jumping or Jet Boating
- Take a cruise through Milford Sound
Visit New Zealand Tourism – Queenstown
9. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Why Go: Besides being a Game of Thrones filming location, Dubrovnik is an authentic fort city on the Adriatic, with sun, history, and crystal-clear water.
Top things to do:
- Walk the city walls at sunset
- Island hop to Lokrum or Mljet
- Meander Old Town’s narrow cobbled streets
Visit Croatia Travel – Dubrovnik
10. Edinburgh, Scotland
Why Go: August is the month of the famous Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival. Combine that with castles, whisky, and dramatic scenery and you have a perfect summer trip.
Top Things to Do:
- Experience the Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
- Hike up Arthur’s Seat
- Visit Edinburgh Castle
11. Cape Town, South Africa
Why Go: South African winters can be mild and perfect for safari and cultural experiences. Lower crowds result in better pricing and more opportunities to see wildlife.
Top Things to Do:
- Hike Table Mountain
- Visit Robben’s Island
- Day trip to Stellenbosch wine country
12. Santorini, Greece
Why Go: With its stunning white buildings, caldera views, and breathtaking sunsets, Santorini has earned its place as one of the top summer destinations in the world.
Top Things to Do:
- Sunset in Oia
- Wine tasting at a cliffside vineyard
- Swim at the Red Beach
Final Travel Tips for Summer 2025
- Book Travel Early: Summer is peak travel season and flights and hotels book up fast.
- Utilize Travel Apps: There are some great apps, like Hopper, Skyscanner, and Rome2Rio, that help plan the cheapest routes to your destination.
- Travel Sustainably: Choose accommodation that is eco-friendly and local experiences, wherever possible. You will be pleasantly surprised just how easy it is to travel responsibly.
- Read and Understand Visa and Entry Requirements: Travel has changed since the pandemic. Post-pandemic travel rules are hard for some, especially in countries like Japan and New Zealand.
- Pack Smart: Layers are always a smart idea, while bathing suits, comfortable shoes, and a portable charger are a must. If by chance you are traveling to either Banff or Queenstown, for example, pack clothes for colder weather as well due to elevation.
Are You Ready to Plan for Your Summer 2025 Trip?
Whether you’re looking for tropical islands or alpine adventures for your 2025 summer holiday, there are places for every type of traveler. Start planning today and bookmark this guide; summer 2025 will not wait!
And let’s not forget that while these twelve destinations are all amazing, there are countless wonderful destinations out there. Don’t be afraid to step off the beaten path, or take an old favorite and do it a new way. With the right perspective, any place in the world can easily turn into the trip of a lifetime.
Related Posts:
- The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025: Explore Th World On Any budget
- Best Solo Travel Destination In Europe 2025
