Come July, your social media feeds will be filled with vacation photos of your friends. Imagine it now: sunsets, a secluded beach, ice cream, wine! If you haven't done your partfamily summer planshowever, we have a caveat to deliver as well as possible: you're running out of time. Travel experts tell us summer is shaping up to be another record-breaking travel season as resorts sell out or prices hit your budget. That's why you have to do it now.
We've gathered expert advice for family travel and added some research-based picks of our ownGood Housekeeping Family Travel Awards. Since it is very expensive to fly to Europe with only a few weeks notice, we mostly stick to US vacation destinations. If you want to go big, focus on our suggestions for resorts in Hawaii or cruise ships to Alaska. Otherwise, rely on our recommendations for off-the-beaten paths, like a fun city outside of Atlanta that gives you easy access to both the city's attractions and outdoor activities.
Whether you're craving a cruise or excursion, watching the waves or animals, or listening to live music or the sounds of nature, we've got the place for you. We've even added a few kid-free getaway options in case your camping trip is a sleepover or your grandparents' house. In a month, when you post on your Insta stories, tag us!
1
sand springs, georgia
About 20 minutes north of Atlanta, Sandy Springs has 22 miles of shoreline along the banks of the Chattahoochee River. It is the perfect base for a family vacation that combines city attractions and outdoor activities. Some days you can take the metro to Atlanta to visit the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta. You can even book a tour to see where famous movies take place, such asAvengeancers, they were recorded. Relax the rest of the trip by kayaking, hiking, and exploring one of Sandy Springs' 20 parks. Young children will especially love the fun playground at Abernathy Greenway Playable Art Park.
The 4th of July weekend is a fantastic time to visit Sandy Springs thanks to the huge fireworks display that includes a concert and food trucks.stay inHilton Atlanta Edge Suites, which has family-friendly amenities like free breakfast, in-room refrigerators and microwaves, an outdoor pool, and a free subway station shuttle.
2
Park City Utah
For one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the country, bring your crew to Forum Fest at Canyons Village in Park City, Utah.The four-day party, which begins on June 30, includes live music, activities for children and families, public art exhibitions and nightly drone shows and fireworks.While in town, you can try one of the many epic outdoor activities, including a yoga class in the crater. Kid-friendly thrills include an incredible alpine roller coaster, and teens 16 and up can even sled down an Olympic-sized track. Notable places to stay includeGradski park Waldorf AstoriagPendry Park City.
3
The Elms Hotel & Spa, Excelsior Springs, Misuri
Attention Midwesterners looking for a wellness getaway just a few minutes' drive away: A few days at The Elms Hotel & Spa near Kansas City will refresh your mind and body. Recently renovated, the vast spa on the historic property is known for The Grotto, its relaxing version of a Roman bath. Visit on July 22nd for The Under The Stars Wellness Retreat.The special event includes access to the cave, a 50-minute massage, a gentle yoga session and a sound bath in the Zen garden, ending with a lamp and fire release.Pure happiness!
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4
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Havaji
Maui fulfills bucket-list fantasies year-round, but July is an especially good month to bring the kids.With families making up a large percentage of guests at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in July, they'll be plenty of friends for your little ones to play in the sand-bottom kids' pool and supervised kids' club. "Years later, my daughter still fondly remembers playing with the Japanese children she met at the resort,” says a Good Housekeeping staff member. programs, evening luau and newly renovated rooms.
5
Hotel Perry Lane, Savannah, Georgia
The best hotel in the US according to a recent TripAdvisor report,The Perry Lane Hotel is as charming (and reliable) as Savannah itself. A rooftop terrace with a pool and activities, vintage arcade games and a cookie jar in the lobby attract guests of all ages. As part of the Marriott Luxury Collection, the hotel accepts (and awards) Marriott Bonvoy points. Until August 31st, you can get special prices with the "Vacation in Savana" package.
6
Burlington, Vermont
Thanks to Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express service from New York to downtown Burlington, city dwellers can put this vibrant city at the top of their list for a car-free long weekend getaway.The scenic ride (which is an attraction in itself for train enthusiasts of all ages) takes passengers through the Hudson Valley, the Green Mountains, and finally to the city on the shores of Lake Champlain.Burlington's culinary scene exceeds expectations (Go to Church Street Market!), and biking is a common way to get around for the whole family. stay in the centerHotel Vermont, with luxurious rooms and suites, a fun "bedtime menu" for kids and adults, and windows that open so you can enjoy the lake breeze.
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7
Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, Virginia
Omni Homestead Resort is enhancing its family programming for the 4th of July weekend. A historic estate that serves multigenerational groups has been createda star-studded lineup that includes duck races; social hours; Red, white and blue mixology and, of course, fireworks.This is in addition to the usual activities such as a children's water park and relaxing thermal pools for adults. All rooms have been recently renovated and the color palette is dreamy.
8
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks is the "it" destination for beach vacation rentals, according to the rental platform.Vacasa. Driven by the success of Netflixforeign banks, searches in Vacasa destinations have more than doubled in the past year. Jamie McClellan of Vacasa, who has children ages 2 and 7, recommends itstay in the central part of the region, like Nags Head or Kitty Hawk, for great beaches with plenty of shops and restaurants.So McClellan suggests taking half-day trips to explore other parts of the Outer Banks. "We like the uncrowded beaches on Hatteras Island, which is part of the National Wildlife Refuge," says McClellan. And don't worry about seeing a lot of film crews around:foreign banksit was actually filmed in Charleston, South Carolina.
9
Princess Cruise Line, Alaska
If you can't stand the summer heat, may we suggest booking an Alaskan cruise?Cruising weather is usually best in July with the least chance of rain and high temperatures in the 60s.Few cruises sail to Alaska, but if you've got grandparents and young children in tow, Princess Cruise Lines is a fantastic choice. Supervised children's programs for ages 3 and up make days at sea more fun for the little ones. Teens have their own hangout area, while adults may want to spend some time at a spa or a Las Vegas-style casino. Trips start in Seattle or San Francisco; both tend to have cooler summer weather if you want to add a few days of sightseeing before or after your cruise.
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10
Lexington, Kentucky
Known for its champion thoroughbred horse farms, bourbon distilleries and delicious food, the "Horse Capital of the World" is a fantastic destination for friends or couples. When you get there, you can leave your car parked. Town Branch Commons, a recently completed 8.5-mile greenway, connects the bustling downtown to the historic Bourbon Distillery District.Be among the first guests to stayHotel Manchester, a high-end boutique opening in June. It is located on the former grounds of the first registered bourbon distillery in central Kentucky and has 125 beautiful rooms.
11
Jacksonville, Florida
You might think of Miami and Orlando as Florida hot spots, but Jacksonville is a country on the rise, according to new data fromsky scanner, search engine and travel agency.Located in the northeastern part of the state, the city boasts 22 miles of beaches, cultural attractions and plenty of affordable places to stay.Example: economicHampton Inn by the Ocean in Jacksonville Beachit has sand just for resort guests plus a pool with a waterfall.
12
Divi & Tamarijn Aruba, Oranjestad, Aruba
While summer and early fall mark the Caribbean's hurricane season (boo!), Aruba is spared most of the direct hits because it lies south of the major storm tracks.Booking Divi & Sister Beachfront ResortsmarmosetAruba is the safest thing in the Caribbean this time of year.Located on a mile-long white sand beach, the all-inclusive couple shares a supervised program for children ages 4 to 12. Divi offers multi-room apartments to accommodate larger families.
karen cicero
Karen Cicero is a seasoned journalist specializing in food, travel, home and new product coverage; He visited almost all countries. Watch out Alaska, he's coming for you next! The mother who crosses the border every holiday lives in the same Christmas town: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
FAQs
Where is the best weather in July? ›
Las Vegas, New York, Portugal, Spain, and Indonesia are some of the relatively hotter places in July. Which destination has the best weather in July? Some of the places with the best weather in July are Indonesia, Netherlands, Alaska, Tanzania, and more.
Which state is best to visit in July? ›- Kerala. Kerala | #1 of 20 Best Places to Visit in July. ...
- Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. Mahabaleshwar | #2 of 20 Best Places to Visit in July. ...
- Goa. Goa | #3 of 20 Best Places to Visit in July. ...
- Coorg, Karnataka. ...
- Ooty, Tamil Nadu. ...
- Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. ...
- Udaipur, Rajasthan. ...
- Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.
Topping the list this year is London, followed by Cancun, Paris, Orlando and Rome. Last summer, Orlando, Cancun, Las Vegas, London and New York scored the top-five spots, proving that Americans are ready to resume international travel.
What is the best place for summer vacation? ›Thankfully, India is home to some charming hill stations that are counted as the best places to go for honeymoon in summer. Nainital, Shimla, Mount Abu, Kashmir, Gangtok, Darjeeling, Lonavala, Munnar, Ooty, etc. are the top summer honeymoon destinations in India.
What state has the coolest weather in July? ›Alaska is one of the coolest states in the USA in summer. However, Fairbanks offers very pleasant summer temperatures with average daily highs in the high 60s. The hottest month of the year is July, with an average high of 72°F. There is no humidity.
What states have the coolest weather in July? ›- San Francisco, California.
- Lake Tahoe, California. ...
- Columbia River Gorge, Oregon & Washington. ...
- Cannon Beach, Oregon. ...
- Pacific City, Oregon. ...
- Seattle, Washington. ...
- North Cascades National Park, Washington. ...
- Fairbanks, Alaska. 🌡️ Average summer temperature: 50°-71°F | 10°-22°C. ...
With our travel tips for the right timing, you will be able to avoid the biggest drawbacks when traveling in July, at least by a certain amount. The best time to travel in July is during the third or fourth week of the month.
How can I travel cheap in summer? ›- Fly into Regional Airports. ...
- Skip the hotel and opt for a home instead. ...
- Fly midweek. ...
- Be aware of exchange rates. ...
- Avoid staying in tourist destinations. ...
- Visit national parks for affordable adventure. ...
- Try water parks for budget-friendly fun. ...
- Check local listings for free summer events.
Hawaii, USA
Probably one of the most obvious choices, Hawaii is the pinnacle of warm nights and sunny days. The average temperature in the Hawaiian islands stays right around 80 degrees all year round, but even on a chilly day it only drops to a low of about 70 degrees.
Rank | Country | Percentage of GDP |
---|---|---|
1 | France | 1.2 % |
2 | Mexico | 0.9 % |
3 | United States | 0.4 % |
4 | Italy | 1.0 % |
What are the best and cheapest places to visit in summer? ›
Budget Trips in India
Goa, Rishikesh, Alleppey, Jaipur, Meghalaya, Udaipur, Darjeeling, Pondicherry, Kasol, Pushkar, Nainital, Jaisalmer, Itanagar, Kanyakumari, Ooty, Mcleodganj, Gokarna, Lonavala, Kodaikanal, Khajuraho.
# | State | Average Temperature in Summer |
---|---|---|
1 | Florida | 82.6 °F |
2 | Louisiana | 82.9 °F |
3 | Texas | 84.8 °F |
4 | Georgia | 80.2 °F |
Among major cities in the United States, it is San Francisco which tops the list for having the coldest weather overall in June, July and August.
What state has the prettiest weather? ›California: The Golden State of Weather Bliss
California boasts over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. There's a reason California is known as the Golden State. Because it boasts over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, the Mediterranean climate offers mild winters, warm summers, and abundant sunny days.
San Diego is the textbook example of beautiful year-round climate. It's never too hot and never too cold, with a very minimal amount of that pesky California fog to get in the way—when it does roll in, it burns off pretty quickly in the morning. Winters average at 57° F, summers at 72° F—72° F, people!
What lower 48 state has the coolest summers? ›Coldest States in America
In the lower 48 states though, which state is the coldest depends upon the time of year. North Dakota tops the list of coldest states in winter and fall, based on state-wide average temperatures. During spring, Maine is coldest, while in summer it's Wyoming.
While temperatures fluctuate throughout the year in most U.S. states, there are few states with warm weather that see averages around 70-degree weather year-round. These states include Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico.
What month in summer is cheapest to travel? ›Instead, try traveling during the shoulder season. It's often much cheaper to travel from May to early June and late August through mid-October. The weather is still relatively warm during the shoulder season, and you'll beat the crazy summer crowds. This is when we find the best international flight deals!
What month is best to travel cheap? ›Booking flights in late August or early September will give you the cheapest deals for shoulder season. But January takes the cake as the least expensive month to book flights and travel.
Is Hawaii nice in July? ›
The July weather makes Hawai'i a true tropical paradise, with temperature averages in the mid-80s and lows that never drop under 70°F. Even though July is technically hurricane season, Hawai'i doesn't see many storms of that magnitude, although you may see some rain here or there during your trip.
How can seniors travel cheaply? ›If you're traveling on a budget in retirement, if you plan ahead, you may be able to steer clear of the priciest ground transportation, like taxis and Uber. Consider other forms of transportation, such as: Public transportation – buses, metros, and trains are often the cheapest type of transportation available.
How can I travel without spending too much? ›- Buy groceries instead of eating out. Eating at restaurants all the time gets pricey. ...
- Stay in hostels. ...
- Carry a water bottle. ...
- Skip the alcohol when you can. ...
- Work for your accommodations. ...
- Visit inexpensive destinations. ...
- Travel during off-season.
For the shortest trip, driving is slightly more economical than flying. But for the longer cross-country trip, flying is far cheaper. And keep in mind that this only considers solo drivers. Families or friends traveling in one vehicle can save money by driving, even on longer routes.
What is the hottest city in USA? ›What Is The Hottest Place in the United States? Death Valley, California, recorded a temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit on July 10, 1913. More than a century later, that temperature remains the highest ever recorded in the United States.
What's the hottest place in USA? ›Death Valley is famous as the hottest place on earth and driest place in North America. The world record highest air temperature of 134°F (57°C) was recorded at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913.
Where is the coldest place in USA in summer? ›By almost any measure of coldness, Alaska far surpasses any portion of the Lower 48 states (Contiguous U.S.). Alaska has the coldest winters, the coldest summers, the longest winter, the most freezing degree days, and on and on.
What city is the #1 US tourist destination? ›Year after year, New York City holds the spot of most-visited city in the United States.
What is the easiest place to travel? ›- Mexico.
- Colombia.
- El Salvador.
- Costa Rica.
- The Dominican Republic.
1. Rome, Italy. At number one you voted Rome as the most beautiful city in the world. With its thousand-year-old buildings such as the Forum Romanum or the Colosseum, beautiful piazzas and world-class art – not to mention Vatican City – we are certainly not surprised.
Who is the most beautiful girl in world? ›
- Top Most Beautiful Women in the World Overview.
- #1. Jodie Comer.
- #2. Zendaya.
- #3. Bella Hadid.
- #4. Beyonce.
- #5. Ariana Grande.
- #6. Taylor Swift.
- #7. Jourdan Dunn.
Peak Travel Season Centers on Summer Holidays
Memorial Day weekend (the last weekend in May) Fourth of July weekend (July 3rd to 5th) Labor Day weekend (first weekend in September)
In the United States, depending of the region, summer break is approximately two to three months, with students typically finishing the school year in late-May or early-June and starting the new year in mid-late August or early-September.
What 3 months are in summer? ›The seasons are defined as spring (March, April, May), summer (June, July, August), autumn (September, October, November) and winter (December, January, February).
What beaches are warm in July? ›- Malolo Island, Fiji. Finally ready to just bite the bullet and book a trip to the South Pacific? ...
- Newport, RI. ...
- Montego Bay, Jamaica. ...
- Palm Beach, Aruba. ...
- Shoal Bay East, Anguilla. ...
- Tsilivi Beach, Zakynthos, Greece. ...
- Cornwall, England.
On July 10, 1913, the mercury at Furnace Creek in Death Valley, California, spiked to 134 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the WMO. To this day, it is often cited as the highest temperature recorded on Earth, but is debated by some in the meteorological community.
Is Florida warmer in July? ›In Florida during July and August it is common for the daily temperature range to be between 73° F and 95° F. A range of this size would produce a 19 heating degree-day. Though highly subjective, it was believed that the definition meets the demands of those interested in the length of the state's hot season.
Should I go to Costa Rica in July? ›July is a great month to visit Costa Rica, especially for those seeking lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife. This is the middle of the green season, which means you can expect some rainfall, but also plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures.
Where is the hottest place in USA in July? ›Death Valley is famous as the hottest place on earth and driest place in North America. The world record highest air temperature of 134°F (57°C) was recorded at Furnace Creek on July 10, 1913. Summer temperatures often top 120°F (49°C) in the shade with overnight lows dipping into the 90s°F (mid-30s°C.)
Where is hot in America in July? ›USA weather in July is very pleasant with warm temperatures in most parts of the country. The USA enjoys a warm climate in the summer with temperatures peaking in locations such as Florida and Las Vegas.
Where is it not rainy season in July? ›
July is also the driest month and therefore among the best to visit the Seychelles, Zanzibar and Mauritius. Also for Madagascar this month is generally excellent. Even in the countries of Southern Africa (South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique etc.)
What city is coolest in July? ›Among major cities in the United States, it is San Francisco which tops the list for having the coldest weather overall in June, July and August.
What state has the best summer weather? ›Based on these criteria, California has the best weather in all 50 states. Coastal cities in south and central California, such as San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Santa Barbara, experience only 20 inches of rain per year and temperatures typically between the low 60s and 85 degrees.
Is Florida unbearable in July? ›July is the hottest and muggiest month of the year for Florida. It is smack in the middle of the rainy season and comes with a lot of thunderstorms and extremely high humidity levels.
What is the hottest US state? ›Florida is the hottest state in the US, with an average temperature of 73.4 °F. Louisiana is the second hottest state, with an average temperature of 68.5 °F, followed by Texas, the third hottest state, with an average temperature of 68 °F.
Is it worth going to Florida in July? ›Temperatures across Florida soar in July but you can cool off at the beach or by your villa pool, and there are some great villa holiday deals around this time so a great chance to really make your budget stretch. Additionally, the blockbuster theme parks often have admission price deals on around this time.
What is Mexico like in July? ›July in Mexico is the hottest month with a lot of humidity. The weather makes it perfect for enjoying beach time and cooling down in the waters by swimming and diving in the ocean. It is the rainiest month of the year, but you will still find a lot of sunshine in many cities.
What is Jamaica like in July? ›In July, Jamaica enters the low season and temperatures are the hottest it gets, at 88 - 91 °F. The chance of rain is around the same level as May and June. The ocean temperature is around 82 °F. Nighttime temperatures are around 75 - 79 °F.
How is Aruba in July? ›July highs average 89℉ (31.6℃), with August and September highs averaging one degree more at 90℉ (32.2 ℃). The reliable tradewinds mitigate the heat. Keep cool with snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming from some of Aruba's best beaches. In summer, rainfall averages are less than an inch per month.