Summer vacation ideas

Need some ideas for your next summer getaway? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re looking for a family friendly adventure or a romantic getaway for two, we’ve singled out the best summer vacation spots around the world.

Book a last-minute getaway, or start planning next year’s summer vacation with our list of ideas. There’s everything from city breaks and beach retreats, to far-flung tropical getaways. You’ll find some great places to stay with options like villas set right on the beach or action-packed resorts near world-famous theme parks.

Here’s some inspiration to help you have the best summer vacation ever…

Go temple hopping in Bali

Bali may be famous for its beautiful beaches, but it’s also hailed as the ‘island of a thousand temples’. In fact, there’s a whopping 20,000 or more temples and shrines in Bali – a testament to its rich cultural and spiritual heritage. For the curious traveler, temple hopping can be a great way to explore the island, with each temple offering its own unique design and history. You’ll have the perfect weather for doing it too, as the months of June to Aug are warm and dry in Bali.

Visit Gunung Kawi believed to be the memorial of an ancient king and his many wives. Or the splendid Tirta Temple where visitors are welcome to bathe in the holy spring water. The golden silhouettes of Tanah Lot and Uluwatu are magical to see, as are Taman water temple and Ubud’s Monkey Forest temple. The Full Day Island Tour is a great-value excursion that includes stops at Mount Batur, Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest, Tirta Temple and Luwak coffee plantation. The 10-hour tour includes private transport and a complimentary 2-hour spa treatment.

The best places to stay in Bali include the lively town of Kuta, the relaxed beach resort of Seminyak and cultural hub of Ubud. From traditional Balinese hideaways to contemporary open-plan villas, there are accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. The private villas are the ideal choice for couples or families. Available in a range of sizes, they are equipped with fantastic amenities such as sun terraces, private infinity pools and extras like private chefs who can prepare meals for you throughout your stay.

Splash your way around Orlando

Summer weather in Orlando can get pretty darn hot, so if you’re visiting at this time it makes sense to seek out the water parks for a refreshing escape from the heat. Orlando’s temperatures can soar into the 90s through the summer months but you’ll stay nice and comfortable enjoying long days at the water parks, most of which are open as late as 9pm.

There are dozens of water parks to choose from: Disney World, Universal, Seaworld and Legoland all have on-site water parks, and more can be found at other locations throughout the Orlando area. You’ll even find water parks at many of the vacation resorts in Orlando, including popular places like Reunion Resort and Championsgate which both offer great value accommodation and an abundance of family friendly facilities.

Top picks for are Disney’s two highly themed water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Ride the Runoff Rapids, Summit Plummet and Toboggan Racers at Blizzard Beach, or up the ante at Typhoon’s Humunga Kowabunga which features a near vertical five-story drop in the dark. From June through August this park also hosts special glow party nights with extended opening hours until 11pm.

Book a villa in Orlando and not only will you be in a perfect location, you’ll also enjoy all the space and privacy you need, with added perks like private pools, hot tubs, game rooms, home theaters and themed kids’ bedrooms. Need more ideas for your summer vacation? Why not gather a group of friends and rent a private villa with its own water park, slide and lazy river?

Soak up Croatia’s summer festivals

Just as popular for its historic sights as for its hip island hangouts, the Eastern European country of Croatia dazzles through the summer. Its gorgeous beaches and enchanting towns are at their busiest and best. The summer months also see Croatia’s popular festival scene spring into life with some of the world’s best music festivals. There’s something for everyone, whether you want a laid-back gathering on the beach or an all-out stadium show starring Europe’s top DJs.

Ultra Europe takes place each July and attracts more than 150,000 revelers to its festival site in Split – the line-up of DJs for 2019 includes David Guetta, Afrojack and Marshmello to name a few. There’s also the famous Hideout Festival held at the start of the month in Novalja for a week of boat and beach parties. Also in Novalja mid-way through July is the hip-hop festival Fresh Island. For something a little different try Outlook Festival in Pula; the stage locations are amazing with urban beats pumping around a well-preserved Roman Amphitheater.

If you fancy a spot of sightseeing between beach parties there are some amazing places to explore including Dubrovnik, with its medieval monasteries and buzzing bars, the ancient city of Split and glitzy A-List hangout Hvar. For sunbathing and stunning views head to the Dalmatian coast. Spiaza beach on Susak is a great spot if you want a desert island getaway, and Zlatni Rat on Brac Island is one of the prettiest beaches in Croatia – you’ll find it pictured in brochures and guidebooks.

Do the Sanibel Stoop

Visit the beaches in Sanibel, Florida and you’re likely to see people doing the ‘Sanibel Stoop’. That’s the term for the hunched-over posture used by the dedicated shellers who comb Sanibel’s famous shelling beaches. A barrier island that lies just off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida, Sanibel is untouched by mass tourism. Together with its sister island Captiva, its a great place to head if you’re looking for summer vacation ideas a little off the beaten track.

For the best shelling, the main spots are Bowman’s Beach located at the western end of Sanibel, Blind Pass situated on the inlet between Sanibel and Captiva, and Lighthouse Beach which extends around the eastern tip of the island and offers good views of Fort Myers. These beaches are home to a huge bounty of jewel-like shells and have  paved walking paths that takes you through the woods and mangroves for easy access to the beach.

These islands are not only famous for their amazing shells, they’re also teeming with fascinating wildlife. Their beaches and marshes are home to numerous species of shore and wading birds. And at the JN Ding Darling Wildlife Preserve you can paddle through the mangroves and tidal waters spotting fish, birds, gophers and other wildlife along the way.

You won’t find much in the way of accommodation on the islands, but nearby Cape Coral is packed with options. You’ll find a good selection of vacation rentals located along the waterfront including private villas with their own pools, game rooms and boat docks.

Hit the surf in Phuket

The Phuket surfing scene is really starting to make a name for itself, with the west coast garnering a reputation as a major surf spot. It doesn’t have the giant waves of places like Hawaii, but the sea off the west coast serves up some pretty large swells through the breezy summer months. At this time the water is still pleasantly warm and the western shores belong to all manner of surfers and body-boarders who delight in the lively conditions.

The best bet for aspiring surfer is to head over to Kata Beach where there are boards, instructors and most importantly, great waves. Known as the surfing capital of Phuket, this beach hosts the Phuket Surfing Contest which usually takes place in late summer. The swell here is up to two metres and there’s a beach break at the southern end of the beach. The ambience here is friendly and many riders congregate at the nearby Surf House which has surf shops, restaurants, bars and a huge surf simulator.

Aside from the surfing, there are many reasons to visit Phuket in the summer. It has a tropical climate so the summer does bring some rain but you can still enjoy a great vacation with plenty of sunshine. The main hub is the resort town of Patong which has a huge sandy beach lined with cafes, restaurants and bars. Its famous nightlife scene features beer and go-go bars, nightclubs and cabaret shows that center around neon-lit Bangla Road.

A visit to Old Phuket Town is a must at any time of year with its amazing temples, eclectic art galleries and colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses. For a different vibe altogether head to the Sirinat National Park in the northwest of the island. Its pine-fringed beaches include Nai Thon at the southern end and Mai Khao Beach which is home to nesting turtles including leatherbacks and hawksbills. In the north past Sai Kaew Beach, mangrove forests shelter birds such as kingfishers.

Go sightseeing in Greece

Still looking for summer vacation ideas? Visit Greece in the summer and you’ll be welcomed by long warm days to spend sunbathing and exploring. Located in southern Europe with thousands of islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas, Greece offers almost limitless opportunities for sightseeing.

Its capital Athens was the heart of Ancient Greece and has so many fascinating things to see and do. The city is still dominated by its ancient landmarks including the towering Acropolis and the Parthenon temple that date back to the 5th-century BC. The Acropolis Museum is where you can see the fascinating artifacts from the area. And the nearby Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounio is another must-visit. For an Athenian night out, head to one of the many outdoor movie venues in the city – they’ll be at their best through the summer months.

If you want islands, Greece has some amazing ones to explore. The largest of all is Crete which has around 600 miles of stunning coastline ranging from the fine-sand beaches at Elafonisi to soaring Mount Ida, which was the birthplace of Zeus, according to Greek mythology. There’s the honeymoon hotspot of Santorini, famed for its pretty cliffside towns and sunken volcanic crater. And on islands like Patmos, Naxos and Paros you’ll find tranquil beaches and unspoilt scenery.

Thinking of booking a summer vacation?

Top Villas offers a wide range of condos and villas in all of these destinations and more. Book with us and not only will you get beautiful accommodation at great prices, you’ll also benefit from amazing round-the-clock customer service plus access to a wide range of travel extras such as airport transfers, attraction tickets or help with arranging a special experience.

Follow our simple online booking process and you can secure your dream vacation home instantly without any phone calls or fuss. It’s easy to check availability, get a quote and book instantly online. Alternatively, submit an enquiry and we’ll get straight back to you. What’s more, if you sign up to our free newsletter you’ll be the first to know about special offers and money-saving tips.