UPDATED: This article was initially printed in April 2018
You’ve determined you need to journey extra this 12 months (good on you), however you’re struggling to decide on your subsequent vacation spot. Surely there’s a neater means than trawling by way of infinite journey mags and guidebooks for the solutions, proper? That’s the place our final month-by-month journey information is available in: your simply digestible checklist of locations to go to, issues to expertise, and wonderful climate to chase world wide.
Oh hello, July! Summer in Europe is lastly in full swing, the as soon as sweltering African warmth is beginning to simmer down and the Americas are drenched in wonderful sunshine. Whether you’ve all the time needed to get off the crushed monitor in Romania, watch the nice wildebeest migration in Kenya, or completely immerse your self in conventional nomadic life in Mongolia. Here’s your information for the place to journey in July.
1. Romania
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Often ignored by travellers, Romania is one in all Europe’s better-kept secrets and techniques. Boasting surprising architectural wonders like clifftop castles and historic picket monasteries, a charming historical past and loads of hearty conventional dishes to sink your tooth into. Plus, as is the case with a lot of Europe round this time of 12 months, July brings with it lengthy sunny days good for exploring the numerous cities.
Visit the capital of Bucharest for a style of recent Romania and take a tour of the gargantuan Palace of Parliament. Escape to the Danube Delta for a peaceable cruise round floating reed islands and luxuriate in a window into native life right here. Make for Maramureş with its folklore, customs and peasant tradition. Or, when you’re feeling energetic, take one of many many hikes the place you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views.
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2. Colombia
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Thanks to exceedingly well-liked neighbours like Peru, the Galapagos Islands and Brazil, Colombia can generally go unnoticed. But, this South American darkish horse would possibly simply shock you! Home to quaint cobblestoned cities, palm-fringed seashores, tropical rainforests, pleasant colonial cities and a lot extra. Colombia affords up a degree of variety that you just received’t discover in lots of different locations.
For old-world appeal head to Cartagena, this heritage-listed city is fairly as a postcard. For pure magnificence head to Tayrona National Park, its secluded swimming holes and lovely climbing trails are to die for. For city exploration head to Bogota, the place the streets are coated in awe-inspiring avenue artwork. For foodie enjoyable head to Medellin, the budding culinary scene right here will get your style buds tingling.
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3. Mongolia
Photo captured by Mikey Sadowski
Still comparatively untouched by travellers, Mongolia is understood for being uncooked and distant. It’s the proper vacation spot for these trying to expertise a slice of nomadic life. Relish the chance to move out onto the sprawling steppes, watch because the native households herd and milk their livestock, and sleep in a ger (a spherical tent). The simplicity of life right here will astound you, together with the generosity of its folks.
A terrific cause to go to Mongolia in July is the normal Naadam Festival that runs from the 11th to the 15th every year. It has existed for hundreds of years however now commemorates the 1921 revolution, when Mongolia declared its independence from China. Competitors partake in wrestling, horse racing and archery, and the opening ceremony is an actual sight to behold with all athletes wearing native costume.
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RELATED: WHAT IT’S LIKE TO ROAD TRIP THROUGH MONGOLIA
4. Kenya
Photo captured by Damian Raggatt
Whilst it’s by no means assured, July tends to mark the beginning of the nice migration when hundreds of wildebeest and zebras make the journey from Tanzania into Kenya. It’s a tense watch as these animals leap throughout the treacherous, crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River in quest of greener pastures. Witnessing this phenomenon can solely be described as a as soon as in a lifetime expertise.
Temperatures in Kenya additionally start to dip round this time of 12 months and the milder local weather encourages wildlife to congregate by watering holes and rivers, making them far simpler to identify. Enjoy taking sport drives by way of the Masai Mara Game Reserve and maintain your eyes peeled for the Big Five. Travellers are additionally in a position to go to a conventional Maasai homestead and meet the native Maasai tribespeople.
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5. Russia
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Considering Russia is the biggest nation on this planet, it appears unusual to suppose it’s nonetheless shrouded in thriller. Over the previous few years, it’s change into a better-travelled vacation spot, with many coming to get pleasure from its vibrant onion-domed church buildings, unbelievable cross-country practice journeys and stick-to-your-ribs delicacies. It’s value saying that it’ll take greater than the one journey to correctly deal with this Eurasian beast.
Educate your self in Russian historical past on the Red Square, house of Lenin’s mausoleum. Make a pitstop on the Golden Ring cities, which performed an enormous half within the formation of the Orthodox Church. Unearth the legacy of Tsar Peter the Great throughout a stroll by way of the streets of St Petersburg. An in a single day practice experience can also be an absolute should in Russia, providing an ideal alternative to work together with the pleasant locals.
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6. The Arctic
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Granted snowy breaks are extra generally taken through the winter months, nevertheless it simply so occurs that the Arctic (and Spitsbergen specifically) is a good place to journey to in July. For people who aren’t acquainted with Spitsbergen, it’s the most important island in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Pristine landscapes, recent Arctic air, spectacular wildlife and tranquillity are just some of the issues that draw folks right here.
Jump in a kayak or strap on some snowshoes and get nearer to nature. Spot bearded seals, walruses, pink-footed geese, Arctic foxes and the majestic polar bear. Climb aboard a Zodiac and cruise calmly by way of ice floes, surrounded by icebergs of probably the most wonderful greenish-blue hues. Feel dwarfed by glaciers and have your breath taken away as big chunks of ice plummet into the Arctic Ocean beneath.
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7. Nicaragua
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Much like Colombia, Nicaragua is steadily overshadowed by different well-liked locations resembling Costa Rica and Guatemala, however this Central American underdog has so much to supply travellers too. Gifted with astonishing pure magnificence, buzzy native markets, centuries-old cities, Andalusian structure and thrilling nightlife. It’s troublesome to know why Nicaragua hasn’t but obtained the popularity it deserves.
Kick off in Granada, a metropolis on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, to discover an abundance of Spanish colonial landmarks. Catch the ferry to Ometepe Island, fashioned by two volcanoes, and when you’re feeling adventurous you may climb to their summits. But, be warned that at 1,700 metres above sea degree on the highest it’s no simple feat. A regionally guided tour of Leon is one other nice approach to spend a day.
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8. Alaska
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If it’s a scorching vacation you’re after, then admittedly the cooler climes of Alaska would possibly imply it’s not the appropriate vacation spot for you. However, when you just like the sound of days spent trekking, kayaking and climbing your means round spectacular nationwide parks in probably the most distant and sparsely populated state in America – you could possibly be onto a winner. Just don’t neglect to pack your climbing boots, digicam and binoculars!
One of Alaska’s greatest highlights must be the beautiful Denali National Park. Spanning a whopping 6 million acres and housing the tallest peak in North America, Mount McKinley. Be certain to maintain a watch out for the wildlife right here, together with moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves. Before mixing issues up a bit of with a go to to Valdez to kayak amongst glaciers, sea otters, puffins and humpbacks.
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9. Andorra
Photo captured by Radek Nowak
Nestled within the coronary heart of the jap Pyrenees, tucked away between France and Spain, Andorra affords up among the greatest snowboarding throughout the mountain vary. Whilst it’s higher recognized for its winter antics, this tiny nation can also be fairly particular in summer season, offering the chance to check out an enormous vary of outside adventures. From ziplining to climbing, there’s an exercise for everybody (even the children) right here.
Hop in your bike and luxuriate in a thrill experience down among the biggest mountain trails on the continent. Hold on tight as you crash over exhilarating rapids on the Noguera River, one of many high 5 European rafting spots. Get your blood coursing as you soar by way of the bushes within the idyllic Cortals Valley. And keep in mind, there’s all the time the quaint little city of Soldeu to discover when you fancy a break from the motion.
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Not trying to journey in July? No worries, right here’s the remainder of the 12 monthsÂ
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
OctoberÂ
November
December
or try our full checklist of month-to-month vacation spot guides.