How to spend Summer vacation – ideas from travel bloggers

Are you wondering how to spend your summer vacation? Where to go? Well, then this post might be for you!

I have asked fellow travel bloggers for their ideas on how to spend the summer vacation in their country. The diversity in their suggestions is amazing!

If you would like to know what my suggestions would be, then maybe check how to spend a week in the Lisbon area during Summer or a beach paradise 1 hour away from Lisbon.

But let’s see what were the suggestions from these 8 amazing travel bloggers!

How to spend Summer vacation

Suggestion 1 – Aberdeen, Scotland

This is how Victoria from Guide Your Travel, suggests spending Summer in Aberdeen, in her own words:

The best time to visit Scotland is in summer. During the warmer months, you’ll be able to escape the perpetual rain and
actually enjoy the incredible scenery and beautiful landscapes. While most people stick to visiting Edinburgh and
Glasgow, they neglect the highlands and port cities such as Aberdeen.

Aberdeen is often called the granite city and is a great home-base to explore the surrounding highlands and mountains.

What not to miss

You absolutely need to visit Stonehaven, a little fisher town which claims to have the best fish and chips in the country. Stonehaven is perfect for an afternoon of exploring and enjoying the view of the rough coastlines that surround this little town. However, the most exciting part lies a 45-minute hike away. Dunnottar Castle is the subject of many calendars and posters. It’s one of Scotland’s most famous castles and sits on a steep cliff overlooking the crashing waves below.

You can visit this 15th-century castle for a small entry fee or just admire its beauty from the cliffs above.
It seems almost surreal and will make you want to know more about its incredible history. During the summer months
Dunnottar Castle is perfect for an afternoon visit. Scotland’s weather is rarely too hot so you’ll have the perfect
conditions for a hike from Stonehaven to the castle.

Afterward, you can return to Aberdeen for a traditional afternoon tea at Ardoe House, a beautiful hotel and restaurant
perfect for a well-deserved rest. If afternoon tea is not something you are interested in why not visit one of the many
whiskey distilleries in the area or the Brewdog Brewery in Ellon. Here you can see firsthand how Scotland’s world-
famous spirits and beers are crafted and maybe you’ll get a chance to taste them afterward.

Info

Check out Victoria on Instagram as well: @guideyourtravel_.

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Suggestion 2 – Vermont, USA

Krystianna, Volumes & Voyages, suggests spending Summer in Vermont. Check it out:

One of the best summer destinations in the United States of America is Vermont! Located in New England, Vermont is one heavily underrated state. Ever heard of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream? Yeah, that was created in Waterbury, Vermont! You can even come and tour the entire Ben & Jerry’s Factory. In the end, you’re rewarded with a free cup of whatever flavor is being made in the factory that day!

Vermont is also known for its maple syrup. Trust me, it’s the best maple syrup in the world! Be sure to stop at one of many roadside ice cream shops to grab a “maple creemee”, or maple soft serve. It’s so amazing and tasty!

If you’re a fan of cities, you’ll definitely want to make a stop in Burlington, Vermont. Located in the northern part of the state, Burlington is the state’s capital and there’s so much to do there. Walk down Church Street for some shopping or take a stroll next to Lake Champlain, one of the most beautiful lakes in the state.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also be at home in Vermont. There are so many great places for hiking, including Bennington and Manchester. Both of these small towns are very unique and homey and have quite a few hikes no matter what level of hiker you are!

Info

Check out Krystianna on Instagram: @volumesandvoyages.

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Suggestion 3 – St Ives, Cornwall

In Sylvie’s, Travels with Eden, own words, we should visit St. Ives in the Summer. Let’s see why:

One of the best summer destinations to visit in the United Kingdom is Cornwall, in the far South West of England. The county is characterized by a dramatic coastline, picturesque towns, and villages, and delicious local cuisine.

The best place to visit is the town of St Ives, a town famous for its 4 stunning beaches, surfing, and booming art scene. Porthminster beach is backed by palm trees and features white sand and calm waters. Porthminster is also the gateway to the South West Coast path, a 630-mile walk around South West England stretching all the way from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset.

However, if you’re looking for a shorter scenic walk, you can walk from Porthminster to the neighboring village of Carbis Bay for a day trip. The walk should take less than an hour. St Ives has pretty winding alleys and a wealth of independent shops, all with their own character. The most famous of which is the Digey, a small cobbled street linking the shopping streets with Porthmeor beach.

If you’re looking to explore more of Cornwall, Portreath is a fantastic place to visit. This small town is tucked between two cliffs. It’s a great place to relax and live a slower pace of life. There’s some excellent cliff walks with views far out to sea.

Newquay is one of the biggest holiday towns of Cornwall. The town features everything you could ever want for a perfect holiday including no less than 12 beaches scattered around the coast, including the world-famous surfing beach ‘Fistral’. There’s also a booming nightlife as well as plenty of souvenir shops and arcades.

Info

Check out Sylvie on Instagram as well: @travelswitheden.

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Suggestion 4 – Santorini, Greece

Evelina, Evbeing.com, suggests visiting Santorini in Greece during the summer! Check it out:

Santorini is one of the most popular destinations of the Cyclades, the island group in Greece. Santorini, officially Thera, attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. The volcanic eruptions that took place in Santorini two million years ago have formed the morphology of the island. Enjoy Santorini’s breathtaking viewpoints, magnificent sunsets, and sandy beaches. Santorini is considered to be the most romantic island in Greece.

How to get to Santorini

Take the ferry or the catamaran from Piraeus port to Athinios port. The ferry takes 9-10 hours and the high-speed 4-5 hours. Catch a 45-minute flight from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) to Santorini National Airport (JTR).

Neighborhoods to explore

Fira, the capital of the island, Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia, Megalohori, Pyrgos, Finikia, Emporeio, Kamari, Perissa, Akrotiri, Karterados, Messaria, Vothonas, Vourvoulos, Episkopi Gonia, Athinios, Exo Gonia, Monolithos, Agia Paraskevi.

Santorini top beaches

Almyra, Mousakia, Kambia, Kantharos, White Beach, Karterados Beach, Red Beach, Perissa, Vlyhada, Perivolos, Kamari, Ammoudi, Culumbos, Exo Gialos, Vourvoulos, Pori, Baxedes – Paradeisos, Monolithos, Plaka, Saint George, Mesa Pigadia, Akrotiri.

Best time to visit

If you would like to avoid crowds then travel to Santorini the months of May, June, September, or October.

Day trip from Santorini

Visit the volcanic island of Therassia. Take the ferry from Athinios port or the boat from the port of Ammoudi (below Oia) to Thirasia, the journey lasts 20 minutes.

Tip

Visit the island’s famous wineries: Santo Wines, Domaine Sigalas, Artemis Karamolegos Winery, Gavalas Winery, Venetsanos Winery, Estate Argyros, Vassaltis Vineyards.

Info

Follow Evelina on Twitter as well.

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Suggestion 5 – Ontario, Canada

Mikaela, voyageurtripper.com, takes us to Ontario in Canada, for Summer vacation:

With a country as large and diverse as Canada, choosing the best summer destination is bound to be controversial. Yet, I can’t think of anything more quintessentially Canadian than a summer canoe trip in Ontario.

The granite rocks of the Canadian Shield, streaked with white and pink quartz, sparkle in the sunlight. Eastern white pine trees stretch high into the sky, bending to impossible angles under the force of strong winds. The dark lake water glistens and is perfect for an afternoon swim. Central and northern Ontario has long been popular among cottage goers, but even they will tell you no Canadian bucket list is complete without a canoe trip.

There are hundreds of places to go canoeing in Canada, though by far the most popular would be Algonquin Provincial Park. Established in 1893, Algonquin is the oldest provincial park in Canada and protects more than 7500 square kilometers. With over 2000 kilometers of canoe routes and options for self-guided or guided trips, Algonquin attracts half a million visitors each year.

If Algonquin feels a little too big and busy for you, Killarney Provincial Park is an excellent alternative. The white peaks of the La Cloche Mountain Range and the bright blue lakes – some the color of gatorade – long inspired the Group of Seven, some of Canada’s most influential artists. They petitioned the government to protect the area from development and aided in the establishment of the park. Though much smaller at only 485 square kilometers, Killarney has far fewer campsites to ensure paddlers are unlikely to encounter other groups while on their canoe trip.

It isn’t enough just to visit these parks for a day trip – you want to wake up with the sun shining through your tent, paddle to a new destination, and cook s’ mores under the stars. While planning a canoe trip can be a lot of logistical work, a long weekend in the wilderness is worth a little hassle.

For international travelers, Algonquin, Killarney, and dozens of other parks are all within a five-hour drive from Toronto Pearson Airport. The parks are serviced by outfitters you can provide all the gear you will need and even a guide if you haven’t been canoe camping before.

Canoeing under the sun, swimming in a lake, and cooking over a fire – it doesn’t get more Canadian than that.

Info

Don’t forget to check Mikaela Instagram as well: @voyageurtripper.

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Suggestion 6 – Big Buddha, Hong Kong

Rituparna from Travel Around and Explore suggests visiting the Big Buddha in Hong Kong. Let’s see why:

Have you come across the photograph of a huge Buddha statue in Hong Kong? If you haven’t or maybe aware and wish to visit someday, continue to read this post to find how to spend a day at one of Hong Kong’s iconic attractions especially in summers.

Location

The Tian Tan Buddha, famously known as Big Buddha sits on a giant lotus on the top of Ngong Ping Plateau in Lantau Island of Hong Kong. It is the world’s largest outdoor seated statue.

How to get to Big Buddha

Avail the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) to reach Tung Chung Station. Take Exit B.

1. The most scenic way to reach there is a 25-minute cable car ride (one way or round trip) from Tung Chung.
2. You can also take Bus No. 23 (Check Timetable) from Tung Chung Bus Terminus which is just 2 minutes away from MTR Exit B.
3. Take a blue Taxi from MTR Exit D. Hong Kong Taxis are color-coded and allowed to operate in specific islands.

Ngong Ping Cable Car Tickets
It is always advisable to pre-book tickets as there might be a long queue at the ticketing centers in Tung Chung. You may also consider checking Klook.

Main Attractions at Big Buddha

• Ngong Ping Village

It isn’t a ‘true’ village. Ngong Ping Village is a traditional themed village designed to cater to thousands of tourists visiting each year. This area is packed with souvenir shops, fast food joints, and restaurants.

• Tian Tan Buddha

The Big Buddha was cast with 250 tonnes of bronze and built over 12 years. It represents an amicable relationship between nature and mankind. To have a closer look you’ve to climb 268 steps!

• Po Lin Monastery

Built by three monks, this Buddhist monastery came into the limelight after the construction of the Big Buddha. Its majestic architecture will enthrall you.

• Tai O Fishing Village

Don’t miss the Chinese Pink Dolphins at Tai O. Enjoy the boat trip which will take you through the oldest fishing village of Hong Kong and also track the friendly Pink Dolphins. Take Bus no. 21 or Taxi from Ngong Ping Village to reach Tai O.

Places to eat
The Ngong Ping Village has a good combination of restaurants serving Asian and Western cuisine. You’ll find ample options to choose from including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, and Italian. And of course, there’s good old Starbucks and Subway.

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Suggestion 7 – Coron, Philippines

Roneth – The Fickle Feet – suggested visit Coron, in the Philippines. Here’s why:

The Philippines has more than 7000 islands, and one of its famous places for summer destination is Coron, Palawan.

Coron is one of my favorite summer destinations I’ve been to and here are the reasons why. Island hopping in Coron is astounding!

Island hopping is a common activity on the island and tours are available online and on the site. If you want a DIY island hopping, you might have a hard time. The cheapest and easiest way is to plan ahead and book tours. Common Tours are Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D, however, some tour agency offers an Ultimate Tour Package as well.

Most popular sites are Hidden Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Kayangan Lake, and Twin Lagoon.

Mt Tapyas is also a must-visit in Coron. It offers an enjoyable view of the islands. It is an easy hike so everyone can do it!

My number one best reason why Coron is the best summer destination in the Philippines is that it has amazing diving sites which I really enjoyed the last time I visited. Some of the diving sites are also included in the tours, but if you want to dive all day in the dive site of your choice, you might want to have a personalized itinerary.

Coron is an amazing destination, and I recommend it to everyone who wants to visit my country, the Philippines.

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Suggestion 8 – Boston, USA

Emily from Dalton’s Destinations suggests visiting Boston during Summer vacation! Here are her own words:

The vibe in Boston during the summertime is buzzing and fast-paced. Spend the day walking down the streets checking out all the busy shops and restaurants. If you need to find a place to relax, try one of the many parks in Boston.

Best Time to Go:

Boston is a great city to explore any time of year! In the summer the temperatures start rising from June to August, reaching a peak in the mid to high 80s (29 C). Take advantage of the lingering sunlight and explore Boston Harbor at night!

What to Do:

Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is unique to Boston’s rich American history. As you follow the 2.5-mile red brick line, discover 16 historical sites marking the story of the American Revolution and more!

Boston Tea Party Museum

Step back in time and experience the Boston Tea Party firsthand! Even throw your own tea into Boston Harbor!

Fenway Park

Another great way to spend the day is taking a tour of the oldest MLB stadium! Sit in the oldest seats in the house, snap pictures from the famous Green Monster, and even sit in the media room!

Where to Eat:

Of course, when you visit Boston, you must experience their special cuisine! Some of the must-try foods in Boston include lobster rolls, Boston cream pie, Boston baked beans, and cannoli! Take advantage of the summertime weather and choose outside seating!

Luke’s Lobster – Grab a trio combo and taste the delicious lobster, crab, and shrimp roll! Order a clam chowder to complete the meal.

Mike’s Pastries – One of a kind pastry shop, you will spend hours trying to decide on the many different yummy options! (Cash only).

Amorino – A perfect ending to a summer evening? A stop at a delicious Gelato shop!

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Suggestion 9 – Mongolia

And lastly, contributed by Wendy Werneth of The Nomadic Vegan:

Summer is the perfect time to visit Mongolia, as it’s bitterly cold for most of the rest of the year. In fact, even if you come in August you still need to bring some warm clothes and a well-insulated sleeping bag, especially if visiting places in northern Mongolia like Khuvsgul Lake. And since Mongolia remains well and truly off the beaten track, you don’t really have to worry about big crowds during the summer either.

You’ll probably run into a few other groups of tourists at the most popular sights in the Gobi Desert, but certainly nothing like the over-tourism that’s plaguing many other parts of the world. Mongolia is where you go when you want to get away from civilization and commune with nature.

The capital, Ulaanbaatar, has enough cultural sights to keep you busy for a couple of days, but the landscapes of the countryside are Mongolia’s real attractions. Since public transport doesn’t run to these places, the easiest way to see them is by joining a small group tour. These are organized by hostels in Ulaanbaatar and are pretty affordable.

Since distances between sights are long and roads are poor, allow at least a couple of weeks to see a few different parts of the country. Even within the Gobi Desert, there are a number of different landscapes, so it’s worth visiting multiple sights within the desert. Highlights include the huge boulders at Baga Gazrin Chuluu, the flaming red cliffs at Bayan Zag, and the undulating sand dunes at Khongoriin Els.

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I hope you liked these suggestions on how to spend a summer vacation from fellow travel bloggers. I was really happy with the diversity of their suggestions.

How did you like these suggestions? I hope they can be of help in case you are still deciding how you are going to spend your Summer vacation.

Thanks to all the amazing bloggers who contributed to this post!