The best places to visit in June

June is one of our favourite months to hit the road. Summer is here, which means if you choose the right destination, you’ll have long days, swimmable water and endless sunshine. You’ll be travelling before peak season really hits, though. By avoiding the July and August hordes, you’ll enjoy quieter airports and fewer screaming kids, which should be on every traveller’s list of priorities! Here are our top places to visit in June…

Albania

A sunshine holiday in the south of Europe doesn’t have to mean Spain or Croatia. Think outside the box and head off the beaten track to Albania! This is one of the few places in Europe where you can still lose yourself in the rugged wilderness, nestled between rocky mountains and crystal-clear lakes.

While inland Albania is outrageously beautiful, this Balkan nation is also a great choice for a beach holiday. Head to Himara, which boasts white sand beaches that are as good as any Spanish coastline. It even has a secret gem that you won’t find elsewhere, the remarkable Pirate’s Cave. This sea cave was once a hideout for Ionian Sea pirates, and today, it has become a popular place for adventurous travellers to explore by boat.

There aren’t many places in Europe that still qualify as a hidden gem, but Albania is definitely on that exclusive list! If you’re looking for warm destinations in June, join us on this eight-day adventure across this fascinating country.

Peru

Some people are happy to look for June holiday destinations where they can relax on a beach, cocktail in hand. Others want something a little more strenuous. If you’re in that group, then it’s time to add Peru to your list of the best places to visit in June. At the legendary Incan city of Machu Picchu, this is the coldest month of the year, but don’t panic! Even in Peruvian winter, you’ll still enjoy balmy daytime temperatures of 20°C, and with an authentic Andean chullo hat to keep your ears warm on the trek, you’ll be unstoppable.

June also marks the height of the dry season in Peru, making it a great time to go travelling. This is the perfect moment for eager adventurers to tackle Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Rainbow Mountain — and what a great way to get in shape for the beach season back home!

Our 12-day Peruvian adventure is ideal for anyone who loves a dose of adrenaline on their holidays. You’ll spend your days exploring, trekking and discovering the magic of this South American country.

The Dolomites

When you think of Italy, what comes to mind? A sophisticated city break, sipping wine and admiring Renaissance art? If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, guess what? There’s a totally different side of Italy: the rugged, majestic Italian Alps.

The Dolomites are one of Europe’s most beautiful mountain ranges, with high alpine lakes, craggy peaks and tiny villages where time stands still. June is a great time to conquer these peaks. The snow has (mostly) melted, but you’ll still see some on the higher slopes, particularly in the first half of the month. Spend your days trekking over some of the most beautiful trails in the country. Oh, and this is Italy, so at the end of each hike, you’ll be able to relax with some of the best food and drink in the world.

The majestic Dolomites deserve a spot on our list of the best places to visit in June, and you can come on our eight-day trek through the finest routes. Grab your hiking boots and let’s go!

Corfu

Stressful job? Need to get away from it all? Want nothing more than to lie on a white sand beach and watch the world go by? We’ve all been there. If you’re feeling in need of some serious downtime, then choose Corfu as one of the best places to go in June. This Greek island paradise is the ideal spot to unwind, chill and forget your worries.

Corfu has beautiful beaches at any time of year, but coming in June means you’ll avoid the peak season crowds and have more peace and quiet. The water is already warm enough to swim, and the shops and tavernas have dusted off their tables, ready for the summer. The island is small enough that you can head from coast to coast in one day, enjoying the sunrise in the east before moving to the west for a picture-perfect sunset. This is the ideal holiday for anyone who just wants to relax.

Corfu is one of the best travel destinations in June for anyone who needs to chill, but with our eight-day trip, you’ll also have the chance to do some island hopping and see the sights of Corfu Town and the surrounding area. Don’t worry — we’ll take it easy!

Thailand

Wondering where to go in June for a more exotic holiday? Why not head to the Land of Smiles? June is a particularly good month for exploring the country. It’s the start of the rainy season, which means short, sharp showers and lush green landscapes, the kind you won’t see in the hotter, drier months. In the northern area of Chiang Mai, the rains create ideal conditions for river rafting, while the climate in the south is just perfect for island-hopping and chilling on the beach.

Thailand is one of those epic destinations that has something for everyone: wildlife, world-class beaches, scuba diving and intriguing cities. You could easily spend your entire holiday just exploring Bangkok, wandering from royal palaces to glorious temples to night markets. Of course, there’s so much to do outside the capital, too, from the calm green paradise of Chiang Mai to the lively island parties on Koh Tao.

Our 12-day Thai journey is the perfect introduction to the Land of Smiles. In just two weeks, you’ll see several different parts of the country, including cities, islands and jungle, giving you an excellent early summer adventure!

Portugal

Portugal is one of our favourite countries for a city break, with not one but two world-class destinations to visit. Both Porto and Lisbon make our list of the best holiday destinations in June. They tick all the right boxes for a city break: they’re compact and walkable, with gorgeous historical buildings, great food and the chance to do a spot of shopping.

Which of these two cities will you choose? It’s hard to decide, really. Lisbon is bigger and more exciting and is really one of the best places to visit in June for nightlife. Porto has an incredible old town and great architecture in its Baixa neighbourhood. Its large student population gives it a younger, hipper vibe, and of course, it’s home to port wine, which every visitor has to sample or face a fine. Well, maybe not, but we reckon that’s a law that should be introduced!

In fact, why make a choice? Our Portugal Express tour will let you see the best of both Porto and Lisbon in just five days. If you need a short break, this is an ideal way to feel energised and ready for the summer ahead!

Route 66

In many parts of the USA, July and August can be unbearably hot. That’s why it’s better to beat the heat and head out for an early summer holiday — sorry, vacation. And there’s nothing more iconic than a road trip through the very heart of Americana, along the legendary Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles.

This is a great way to see the heart of America, following endless roads that wind through farmlands, mountains and the desert. You’ll pass classic small towns and large cities, eat in roadside diners, and discover a country that’s a million miles from New York or Orlando.

It’ll take us 15 days to get from Chicago to Los Angeles, stopping at all the most interesting places along the way. Will you be joining us?

Bali

Not sure how Bali got its nickname? You’ll see why as soon as you leave the airport at this next entry on our list of the best places to visit in June. There are statues of gods in almost every street, including enormous, incredibly detailed monuments in the middle of roundabouts. That’s sure to put you in the right mood as you head to Ubud, Bali’s spiritual capital.

This charming city is the ideal place to do some yoga, spend a morning exploring dozens of waterfalls and temples, and trek through the UNESCO-recognised rice fields. There’s also the amazing Ubud Monkey Forest, where hundreds of sacred monkeys are living the primate dream. All this, and we haven’t even headed to the south of the island yet, where you’ll be able to see another side of Bali — one of wild parties and late nights on the beach.

Our best of Bali trip will give you eight days on the island — enough time to party, relax on the beach, and explore your spiritual side. It’s the perfect way to see this legendary destination!

Jordan

It’s all but impossible to visit Jordan in July and August, but in June, the heat hasn’t reached unbearable levels yet. This is a good time to discover the rose city of Petra, the ancient settlement that was lost for centuries in the swirling desert sands. You’ve probably seen plenty of photos on social media of the famous Petra treasury, but there’s so much more to this ancient site, which is far bigger than you might have imagined.

June is also an ideal time for the Red Sea, a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. Head to Aqaba, and you’ll find warm, crystal-clear waters teeming with life. Fancy something totally different? Then go west to give yourself a mud bath and float in the waters of the Dead Sea. There’s nothing like it on earth!

Our group trip to Jordan will take you to some of the best places to visit in June: Petra, the Dead Sea and the mythical Wadi Rum desert. Are you up for the adventure?

Sardinia

There’s great surfing in the north of Sardinia, but it’s not the only watersport on offer. Why not try kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving or even just plain old swimming? They’re all great ways to see the incredibly clear waters around this Italian island — and if you go in June, you’ll be beating the summer crowds.

The Costa Smeralda is the main attraction of this part of Sardinia, where each beach seems to be more beautiful than the one before. It’s not just about the beaches, though! When you’re tired of watersports, find a terrace and tuck into some southern Italian cuisine. You know what that means — all the pizza you can eat and then some!

Let us take you on an amazing eight-day tour of northern Sardinia, where you’ll enjoy some of the best watersports in Europe. Grab your sunscreen and let’s go!