The 7 Best Places To Travel This Summer, According To An Expert

Yahoo

17 hours ago

Whether you're looking to explore a new country or visit cities and towns within the U.S., summer is the perfect time to travel with your friends, family or even by yourself.
While traveling is an unmatched experience, there's a lot of planning and decision-making to be done before booking a flight or hopping in your car. The first is where exactly you want to go and what experience you want to have. Are you looking to enjoy the sun or escape it? Do you want to relax on the beach or explore historic cities and see stunning sights?
To help make this decision a bit easier, we spoke with a travel expert to map out the best places to travel this summer. From budget-friendly trips to explorations across the pond, here are seven places to consider visiting.
Bali is quite a popular destination to visit, but you shouldn't overlook the rest of Indonesia when planning your trip. Exploring Indonesia can entail 'epic boutique yacht cruises around the Komodo Islands with a full staff and only six cabins, or lesser-known islands like Sumba and Lombok, where the Indonesian culture is still thriving and the crowds are swarming,' said Athena Livadas, a luxury travel adviser and owner of Páme Travel.
What's more, hospitality rates are cheaper than those you'll find in Europe. Plus, you'll be dining on delicious foods you won't find elsewhere. 'Think fresh acai bowls in the morning and funky cocktails with Korean barbecue for dinner,' Livadas said. 'It's also easier to navigate than people expect, with apps like Grab (Asia's Uber) and lots of domestic flight options. Summer is the perfect weather, with dry days and warm water.'
When traveling to Portugal, you'll find a strong mix of value, variety and ease. 'You can travel the country by train or rental car and experience everything from the vineyard-covered hills along the Douro Valley to the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the coastal escapes of Comporta and Algarve and the surf town charm of Ericeira,' Livadas said.
In fact, she's sending a large, multigenerational family with grandparents, kids and grandkids there this summer because of how well it works for everyone. 'Some of the family-friendly hotels even offer free child care,' she added.
You can't go wrong with traveling to Greece in the summer, whether you're exploring Santorini or enjoying all that Mykonos has to offer. It's one of Livadas' best-selling destinations, and for good reason.
'For travelers who want something a little less touristy and a little more affordable, I always suggest places like Zakynthos in the Ionian Islands of the Chalkidiki region in the north, where the Greeks go to escape the crowds,' she said. 'You still get the Mediterranean magic, incredible food and classic Grecian vibes, just with fewer people, better rates and more availability.'
Montenegro is a destination that tends to fly under the radar compared with its neighbor Croatia. 'The Bay of Kotor is stunning and there's a really cool blend of culture, history and luxury happening there,' Livadas said. 'It's perfect for someone who wants that coastal Europe vibe but has already done Italy and Greece.'
What's more, when visiting Montenegro, it's a quick one-hour drive over the border to Dubrovnik, Croatia, which has many well-preserved buildings, shops and restaurants to explore.
Puerto Rico offers year-round appeal and often has more affordable hotel rates and deals on flights. It's the perfect location for those who want to get away without spending a fortune on airfare and lodging.
In addition to this, it's a U.S. territory, meaning you don't need a passport to travel there. This 'makes it both accessible and cost-effective,' said Davelyn Tardi, director of public relations at Discover Puerto Rico. 'Puerto Rico also has direct flights from several major U.S. cities, including New York, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, and Chicago, making it easy to reach.'
Slovenia borders the north of Croatia and has all the charm of the Swiss Alps but at a lower price than Switzerland. It's worth the visit while it's still under the radar.
'The Julian Alps and Karawanks mountain ranges in the north offer incredible hiking, whether you want to do a multiday hut-to-hut trek or opt for a luxe stay near one of the region's stunning lakes,' Livadas said. 'It's also super accessible, with Venice just a two-hour drive away.'
If you're looking for an amazing trip that's different from any other vacation you've taken, try the unique experiences of traveling to Peru. The country has something for everyone, including picnics with alpacas and luxury five-course dinners.
'It's dry season there during our summer months, so it's a great time to visit Machu Picchu and explore the Sacred Valley without rain,' Livadas said. 'The food scene is insane, the culture is rich, and it feels like a true bucket list destination that still offers great value for the experience you get.'
Traveling may be getting a bit more expensive as the U.S. may be heading toward a recession. If you're planning on traveling this summer, Livadas says it's important to use your reward points wisely.
'Save them for flights, not hotels and make sure you're transferring them to airline loyalty programs instead of redeeming through your credit card portal,' she explained. 'You'll get way more value that way, especially on international or business class flights.'
In addition, Livadas suggests breaking the journey into two legs. 'Instead of searching for one expensive ticket, look for deals into a major hub like Singapore, spend a night or two, and then book a separate, regional flight with a budget carrier to your final destination.' While it takes a little extra effort, it can end up saving you hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars.
If you're embarking on a longer trip, consider mixing your hotel stays with vacation rentals. 'Staying in a home for part of the trip can help save money on meals and give you more space to spread out,' she said.
If you're traveling with a friend or your family, splitting the cost of a larger villa reduces your per-person price significantly. Sharing costs with others can also help make private tours and other excursions affordable, Livadas shares, as it 'opens the door to exclusive experiences that might be too pricey to do solo.'
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