Where to go in July

Whether you seek a tropical island getaway or a family adventure in the theme park capital, July opens up a world of possibilities for travel. Here’s a guide to where to travel in July with tips and advice on things to do and the best places to stay. 

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is one of the most famous of Indonesia’s 17,000 islands and has been a popular vacation destination for decades. It’s one of the few islands that manages to combine great shopping, dining and nightlife with amazing natural wonders, ancient Hindu temples and a unique spiritual vibe. Located in the Indian Ocean just 2 miles east of Java and a few hours by plane from Perth, Bali attracts every kind of holidaymaker, from backpackers on a budget to loved-up honeymooners and families who vacation in style.

Bali has a tropical climate and strictly speaking, July is their winter. Don’t let that put you off, though, as it’s actually one of the best times to go. Winter is the dry season in Bali so skies will be clear, the sea will be warm and daytime temperatures still hover pleasantly in the low 80s (around 27c). Because you won’t be limited by rain you can pretty much take your pick of amazing things to do, and at just 95 by 69 miles the island is relatively easy to get around.

July is a great month for a beach-based vacation in Bali, and there are so many great beaches, each offering its own perks. Amed Beach on the east coast has black sand and is a big hit with divers, thanks to its coral reef and multiple shipwrecks. Kuta Beach is the most touristy on the whole island; it’s where first-time surfers and young party-goers tend to hang out. Sanur Beach has a traditional ‘fishing village’ vibe and is popular with families, while if you want solitude you should head to Green Bowl Beach on the island’s southernmost tip.

Bali’s main tourist areas are in the south of the island, close to Kuta and Seminyak. Kuta is the busiest and most touristy resort, and it’s where you’ll find the majority of shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Seminyak is more upmarket with plenty of luxury Bali villas and a great selection of stylish boutiques, restaurants, and watering holes. Ubud is the island’s cultural capital where there are frequent musical dance performances, as well as museums and art galleries, plus regular workshops for silverwork, wood carving, and painting.

Further north there are sprawling national parks, forested volcanoes, and picturesque terraced rice paddies. In the northwest, just off the West Bali National Park is the offshore Menjangan Island – one of the best dive sites in the world.

Orlando, United States

If you’re wondering where to go in July for vacation, Orlando is the perfect destination for a fun-filled family adventure.  The year-round sun is a major draw and so are the world-famous theme parks, the shopping malls, the golf courses, and the nightlife. You can’t go wrong for beaches either, with some of America’s finest beaches near Orlando.

July can be one of the best times to visit Orlando when school is out and the kids are raring to go. It’s likely to be hot, but you can easily cool off at the beach or the water parks, and there’s the added perk of being just in time for the city’s wild 4th of July celebrations.

You’ll find favorites like Disney World and Universal, popular with young and old alike, as well as Legoland, Aquatica, and Gatorland.

If you want a break from the parks you can explore the ‘other’ side of Orlando – the one that the locals know and love. There’s Downtown Orlando, the region’s business district with its iconic skyscrapers, bustling shopping plazas and lovely parks and gardens. Slightly further afield there are fantastic places to visit on day trips from Orlando, including the world-famous Kennedy Space Center, and the stunning Florida Everglades.

If golf is your thing, there are dozens of world-class golf courses in Orlando, including 3 signature-designed championship courses at the popular Reunion Resort near Disney World. There are 2 top Greg Norman-designed courses at Champions Gate Resort, and there are a whole host of other great golf courses in Orlando.

Love a bit of retail therapy? There are ample opportunities for shopping in Orlando with top malls and shopping districts around every corner. In fact, there are more shopping malls in Orlando than in any other city in the state. International Drive is another top spot for shopping, and it’s also home to the i-Drive 360 complex where you can ride the iconic Orlando Eye Ferris wheel.

Phuket, Thailand

Located in the Andaman Sea just off Thailand’s southwest coast, Phuket is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Asia. There are forest-fringed mountains in almost every direction, plus great beaches and an array of fantastic resort towns and points of interest.

Phuket is a top destination for a vacation in July. It has a tropical climate and the summer does bring rain but you can still enjoy a great beach holiday with plenty of sunshine. Average daily temperatures reach around 84F in July with around 70% humidity, making it feel hotter still. For surfers, the sea off the west coast is perfect in July with larger swells from the breezier days and pleasantly warm water.

There are some fantastic resorts in Phuket, whether you want to be in the heart of the action, or located in more peaceful surroundings away from the crowds. The main hub for shopping and nightlife is the town of Patong on the island’s popular west coast. Patong is home to a great beach with wide sandy bays, lots of sun loungers, and an array of water sports rentals. In the evening the nearby town lights up with bustling bars, great restaurants and lively nightclubs.

Just north of Patong is the much quieter Kamala Beach area, a secluded bay and fishing village backed by rich rainforest. This area may not top the list of well-known vacation spots, but its quiet pace and laid-back vibe make it an ideal choice for a relaxing July vacation. Other great areas to check out include Koh Kaew, just north of Phuket Town along the island’s east coast. This area has lots of shops and amenities, it also has some great beaches although it is best known for its 2 marinas, the Boat Lagoon and the Royal Phuket Marina.

Away from the tourist crowds are the tranquil resorts of Nai Yang, with a white sandy beach just a stone’s throw from the Sirinat National Park. Also the exquisite Layan Beach area and Rawai Beach where you’re likely to see fishermen tending to their nets and boats.

Croatia

Just as popular for its ancient treasures as for its hip island hangouts, the Eastern European country of Croatia is dazzling in July. With its sapphire seas, dreamy coastlines and enchanting archaic towns, Croatia is magnificent all year round, but it’s at its busiest and best in the summer months.

July sees Croatia’s popular festival scene spring into life with some of the world’s best music festivals happening in the summer. There’s the Electric Elephant festival which kicks off at the beginning of July with 4 days and 4 nights of live music and boat parties on Obonjan Island. There’s also the Fresh Island Festival, one of Europe’s most renowned beach festivals, set against the backdrop of stunning Pag Island.

If you prefer sightseeing to beach parties you’re in the right place, with an abundance of ancient walled towns offering an alluring respite from the sun. Tops spots include Dubrovnik, with its medieval monasteries and buzzing bars, the Roman city of Split and glitzy A-List hangout Hvar.

For swimming, sunbathing and relaxing, there are hundreds of beaches, bays and secluded coves along a coastline that stretches further than any other in the Med. The best advice is to head to the Dalmatian coast in the south, where the best beaches are to be found. Spiaza beach on Susak is a great beach if you want a desert island getaway, and Zlatni Rat on Brac Island is one of the finest beaches in Croatia – you’ll find it pictured in countless brochures and guidebooks.

Greece

Visit Greece in July and you’ll find sunny skies, sparkling indigo seas, and ancient islands where gods and giants were once thought to roam. The summer is prime time to go, with long warm days to spend lazing on spotless sands, exploring old towns or checking out fascinating historic sights.

The largest of the Greek islands is Crete, which boasts more than 600 miles of stunning coastline. Other popular islands are Corfu, Rhodes and Kos, all with miles of beaches and lively nightlife scenes. Santorini, Mykonos and Skiathos offer a more upscale vibe. While lesser-known islands like Patmos, Naxos and Paros are home to quiet towns, tranquil beaches and unspoilt scenery.

Greece is more than just the islands though. The mainland is jam-packed with an abundance of attractions and sights that will make your jaw drop. There are world-famous archaeological sites like the Acropolis in Athens, Ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese region, and Ancient Delphi built on the slopes of Mount Parnassos in Central Greece.

There are endless buzzing towns and cities too, plus great beaches, gorgeous countryside and endless opportunities for sightseeing.

If you’re wondering where to go in July for your vacation and need advice on the best places to head then contact us today. Additionally, our dedicated concierge team can arrange any added extras you need such as great-value car hire. You can see all of our Luxury villas here.