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For many of us, Summer is the time of the year to rest, relax and go on a ravishing vacation. Whether it’s out of state, to another country or in our own backyards, there’s a special Summer place for every gurlie.
We’ve narrowed down 5 destinations that offer a variety of perks, including sightseeing, activities, amenities, dining and fantastic weather.
1. Bonaire
We selected Bonaire, which is a Caribbean island in the Leeward Antilles north of the coast of Venezuela, because it’s a hub for scuba diving, snorkeling and other underwater activities.
Its coastal location offers a range of divine seafood dining options at just about every restaurant and resort. However, if you’re not a seafood person, there’s still plenty that the island can offer you. There’s a good price range depending on your budget too.
Some of the top sightseeing areas include the Bonaire National Marine Park, Klein Bonaire Island, the Donkey Sanctuary, and the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary. This makes it a fitting place for the family, friends, couples and all the solo gurlies.
The community is friendly and the island is generally safe. In fact, many tourists have found themselves deciding to move there.
2. Jeju Island
Not everyone thinks of South Korea when they imagine a Summer island getaway, but to overlook Jeju Island would mean missing a true gem. The beaches, hiking, botanical gardens, cultural attractions and water activities make it a can’t miss visit.
Whether it’s hiking the famous Hallasan Mountain or enjoying some delightful tea at the Osulloc Tea Museum, there’s a draw for all kinds of travelers.
Plus, there’s no missing the popular food, including the black pork that’s actually located at the famous Black Pork Street. The seafood, especially the eel, is noted as a delicious dish on the island.
Jeju Island is also known for its unique citrus fruit called a Hallabong, which is a hybrid mandarin orange that is native to Jeju Island.
The Jeju Island community is warm and welcoming. They maintain a largely independent government apart from the rest of South Korea. The locals are loyal to one another and their rich cultural history.
Be prepared for a warm and humid Summer on this island that may have some rainfall.
3. San Diego
San Diego, a city in the state of California in the United States, is a beach city known for sunshine, ocean views, nightlife and lots of outdoor activities. With a blend of both city life and nature, there’s a wealth of variety in this Southern California city.
Some opt for the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND, Seaworld or one of the many other family-friendly theme parks in the area while others stay close to the historic Gaslamp Quarter for restaurants and nightlife (or some people do both).
The La Jolla Beaches are particularly luxurious with plenty of resorts and water excursions. There’s also the famous Old Town San Diego that is the oldest neighborhood in San Diego with Spanish deco buildings and some delicious authentic Mexican cuisine.
You also won’t want to miss Balboa park, which is known for gardens, performances, museums and a science center.
4. Cyprus
Cyprus, an island country in the eastern Mediterranean Sea located southeast of Greece is a blend of cultural richness and stunning island getaway magic.
Summer is a particularly special time in Cyprus (not just because of the amazing weather and assortment of water activities) but because of the many arts and cultural festivals that take place, including the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama.
Another perk to this island is the longer Summer season. While many places are cold by September, Cyprus is still warm.
The food there is also a cultural fusion of Middle Eastern cuisine that includes Greek and Turkish dishes. Cypriots are friendly and welcoming of tourists as well.
5. Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is located in Lake Huron, which sits between the United States of America’s state of Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas.
One of the things that people love about Summers on this island is that it’s virtually a car-free environment where people bike and hike to get around in weather that doesn’t generally get hotter than 80°F.
Known for horse-drawn carriage tours, famous fudge, kayaking and fishing, there’s something for everyone. Plus, Summer is a time for the Lilac Festival in June and the Fudge Festival in August.
The people of Mackinac Island are friendly and eager to tell visitors about their island community.
Which destination are you adding to your travel list?
Did any (or all) of these Summer destinations catch your eye? Let us know in the comments!
