The best places to travel in July

July is one of the most popular times to go on holiday, and it’s easy to see why. Sunny weather across Europe means that finding a great destination is simple, and those who venture further afield to more exotic locations will also be rewarded. We’ve been looking for the best destinations that will help you avoid the summer hordes. Read on for our best places to travel in July.

A cultural jaunt to Florence

Thanks to its glorious weather, southern Italy is always a top choice in the summertime. We reckon that Florence just has to be one of the best places to visit in July, especially if you’re looking to soak up a bit of culture. After all, this is the art capital of Italy, where you can see Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Michelangelo’s David, and other world-famous works. On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than slipping into one of the city’s many galleries to pass a few hours in sweet air-conditioned bliss before heading out to a piazza for a leisurely lunch.

If you’re a foodie at heart, you’ll also love a trip to Florence. By the time July rolls around, tomato season is in full swing, which means pappa al pomodoro and other delicious regional specialities will be at their best.

Our eight-day trip to Italy will let you see the best of Rome and Tuscany as well as Florence. Calling all culture vultures: there’s no better trip for you this July!

Get away from it all with a trip to blissful Bali

Ahh, Bali. Is there anyone who doesn’t melt at the thought of lying in a hammock on a white sand beach, watching the turquoise waters just ahead of you? Well, here’s some good news: Bali is one of the best places to travel in July. During this summer month, it’s the dry season, which means your island getaway won’t be interrupted by sudden rainfall. The humidity is low, so you’ll be able to spend more time exploring and less time sweating — we call that a win-win!

Your trip to Bali can be as adventurous or as chilled as you’d like. If you want to get your heart rate thumping, try whitewater rafting or ATV driving through lush jungle surroundings. Prefer something more sedate? There are dozens of picture-perfect waterfalls and intriguing temples to explore, and there’s always the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest if you feel like making friends with some of the local primates. Add yoga, scuba diving and hiking, and you’ve got an action-packed holiday waiting for you on the Island of the Gods.

Bali is beautiful, but why not stick around to see more of Indonesia by joining our group tour? Over two weeks, we’ll visit Bali, Java and the laid-back Gili Islands, a true tropical paradise. If you want an exotic summer holiday, this is the perfect choice!

A Greek getaway on the island of Corfu

How about one of our favourite picks for cheap holidays in July? Corfu is one of Greece’s biggest islands, so it offers plenty of bang for your buck. Food here is cheap, cheerful and utterly delicious, drinks are wallet-friendly, and even accommodation can be found on a shoestring budget. All this means that Corfu definitely deserves a spot on our list of the best places to travel in July.

What will you see when you’re exploring Corfu? Well, our absolute favourite location is the Blue Caves, a series of stunning sea caves only accessible by boat. The water here is so perfectly clear that it’ll take your breath away! Luckily, there are plenty of spots around the island where you can take a dip and experience that perfect water for yourself. With white sand beaches and plenty of water sports, this is a great holiday destination for sun-worshippers.

We’re planning to spend eight days in Corfu this July, exploring the beautiful sights of this lush, green island. Why not join us for a spot of fun in the sun?

Fall in love with the rugged landscapes of Iceland

Does it seem like our list is all about beaches? Well, if you’d rather do something different on your summer break, we’ve got you covered. Rugged, majestic Iceland may not seem like a traditional summer holiday destination, but believe us — it’s worth a visit. Your inner Viking deserves the chance to come out and play!

A trip in July means you’ll be visiting during the time of the Iceland Midnight Sun, when the days last, well, forever. You’ll want to pack a sleep mask because night doesn’t fall during the summer months. This can make your trip a bit of a surreal experience, which just adds to the dramatic effect as you visit fjords, waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. Yes, there are some beaches, too, but only the brave will dare to dip a toe into the frigid waters. This is a holiday that’s all about stunning, otherworldly scenery, and it’s one you’ll absolutely love.

Our nine-day trip across the Land of Fire and Ice is a great way to see Iceland this summer. We can’t wait to see you as we explore one of the best places to travel in July together!

Discover the magic of Albania

Looking for European warm destinations in July? Well, Albania is still something of a hidden gem. It’s becoming a bit more popular, but it’s nowhere near the same level as its Balkan neighbour, Croatia. Nevertheless, when you go there, you’ll wonder why it hasn’t achieved the same fame.

There’s so much waiting for you in Albania. One of the favourite hotspots is the ancient, ruined city of Butrint, which is every bit as captivating and exciting as Pompeii or the Colosseum. There are also some of Europe’s best beaches, which don’t have the same crowds as you’ll find in other parts of the continent, and luscious forests to discover.

Be the first of your friends to visit Europe’s hottest new destination. We’re going on an eight-day tour of Albania this July. Join us, and you’ll soon see why we’re calling Albania the new Croatia.

Choose your favourite beach on the Costa Brava

We’re heading just north of Barcelona for our next choice. Catalonia’s Costa Brava is a true gem. It stretches for 200 kilometres, and along that length, you’ll find wide, sandy beaches, tiny hidden coves, sleepy fishing villages and elegant resort towns. This is one of the most beautiful corners of southern Europe, and it’s perfect for a summer of discoveries.

If you want to soak up a bit of the local culture, head to Cadaqués, one of the most beautiful villages in the area. This traditional fishing village was once home to the great Salvador Dalí, and his house — packed with a wacky, eccentric collection of all kinds of curiosities — is open to visitors. You can also head south to Barcelona to see the Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou and those other marvellous, world-famous sights.

Our Costa Brava trip mixes the beauty of the coast with the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, giving you the perfect blend of city and sea. We’ll be spending eight days there this July. Are you coming with us?

Trek through the mountains of Peru

Peru may not seem like an obvious choice for one of the best places to travel in July. After all, it’s winter there! In fact, though, this is one of the best times of year to visit. It’s the driest month to see the Amazon Rainforest and the clearest month in the Sacred Valley. That means that Peru has earned its place on our list of good countries to visit in July!

Peru is always a good option for people who want adventure, thrills and maybe even a touch of magic. The awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu, the stunning natural colours of Rainbow Mountain, and the glorious expanse of water that is Lake Titicaca should all be high on your list of places to visit. You’ll want to bring your best hiking gear because a holiday in Peru will challenge your physical prowess. Once you’ve finished tackling these tough mountainous trails, you’ll be ready to head home and show off your newly gained muscles on the beach!

It takes time to see Peru properly. That’s why we’re going on a full twelve-day tour there in July. We’ve got a spot ready for you — are you up for the challenge?

Island fun in Madeira

You can often find superb July holiday deals for a trip to Madeira. If you think you’ve already seen Portugal, think again — this little slice of heaven is completely different from the mainland. Some people visit for mountain trekking, others for the chance to relax on the beach, and some just because they want to pay homage to Madeira’s most famous son, Cristiano Ronaldo. Whatever your reason for travelling to this island, it’s one of our favourite places to visit in July — and we’re sure you’ll soon feel the same way, too.

Madeira is known by its nickname of the Floating Garden in the Atlantic. Want to see why? Well, take a look at the rich green landscapes, dramatic rocky mountains, and dozens of beaches. You’ll also have plenty of chances to admire this floating garden from all different angles, as you can hop onto a boat and sail around, visiting tiny nearby islands or just enjoying the glorious sunset over the mountains.

Our July trip to Madeira offers you eight days of fun, including hardcore hiking and thrilling canyoning. Try it, and you’ll soon see why we think this Portuguese paradise deserves to be called one of the best places to travel in July!

What are you waiting for? It’s time to choose your own adventure for the month of July. From blissful beaches to mighty mountains, we’ve got something for everyone. Where will you be heading to celebrate the start of the summer?