July is the peak of summer, and with it comes the quintessential sunny holiday season. But as Tim Hentschel, CEO and co-founder of HotelPlanner.com, points out, the decision-making process for travelers has become far more considered. It's no longer just about the hottest destinations, but a careful weighing of factors like comfort, crowd levels, and overall experience. This shift in perspective is reshaping the travel landscape, with travelers broadening their horizons and mixing classic beach destinations with cooler, more spacious alternatives that offer a different pace. Here's a look at some of the best places to go on holiday in July, according to experts, offering a mix of adventure, nature, and cultural immersion.
Canada
Canada Day on July 1st marks a celebration of independence, and it's also a great month to travel to the North American country. The first of the month sees a spectacular lights and fireworks show at Niagara Falls, while LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa hosts a free all-day event with Canadian musicians and activities. From July 3-12, the not-for-profit Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alberta, celebrates Western heritage and culture, featuring the world’s largest rodeo. For nature-lovers, Canada's great outdoors offer a unique experience. The Rockies provide dramatic natural beauty in July, with long, sunny days for hiking, turquoise lakes, and wildlife spotting for bears and elk. Banff National Park, home to the pristine Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park offer accessible hiking trails with breathtaking views. However, the less crowded Yoho, with its rugged glacier trails, and Kootenay, with its grasslands and rivers, in British Columbia are well worth a visit. The Yukon’s Ivvavik National Park offers arctic hiking experiences in the remote wilderness, off-the-grid wildlife viewing, and a glimpse into the region’s Inuit culture, a traditional way of life still protected and practiced today.
Slovenia
When western Europe is swarming with summer crowds, look further east to Slovenia. With almost 60% of the country covered in forest, it's extremely green. The Soča Valley features an extraordinary turquoise river running through the Julian Alps, which are as beautiful as those in France or Austria but far less crowded. The picturesque Lake Bled will be busier in July, but it's a highlight of Slovenia and probably the country's most iconic image. While Lake Bohinj is the largest natural lake in Slovenia, Bovec, located between the Julian Alps and the Soča River in Triglav National Park, is a perfect base for water-based activities in the summer sunshine.
Montenegro
Montenegro, a Southeastern European country, is a wholly underrated destination that offers a unique mix of beaches along the Adriatic coast, hiker-friendly mountains, bright blue lakes, and pretty, traditional old towns. Sam Bruce, co-founder of Much Better Adventures, recommends packrafting down the Tara, Europe’s deepest canyon with a river cutting through it. Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site without the traffic, is home to immense, dramatic, wild landscapes and some fantastic mountain climbs.
Norway
For cooler temperatures in July, consider Scandinavia. Norway, in midsummer, offers endless light, long days, epic fjords, and wild camping that is completely natural. Fjord kayaking trips are some of the customers' favorites, and people often start planning their return before they’re even home. Hentschel highlights Norway's fjord regions, where July brings long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal destination for travelers prioritizing nature, outdoor activities, and dramatic scenery.
Jersey
If you want to escape any possibility of delays with Europe’s new EES system for travel to Schengen countries, consider the Channel Islands. Jersey offers passport-free travel with a flight under an hour, and its connectivity is rising with new easyJet flights from London Southend Airport. It's a great option for those who want the beautiful beaches but not the long flights.
Puglia, Italy
Puglia, on the southwest coast of Italy, may be hot in July, but it offers a good-value alternative to the well-known hotspots. With its reputation as 'the new Tuscany' in full swing, visitor numbers have increased year-on-year. Puglia retains its rustic charm, rural feel, and 'cucina povera' (peasant cooking) cuisine, offering a more laid-back experience compared to the intensity and crowds of cities like Rome or Florence.
In conclusion, July offers a diverse range of holiday destinations, from the natural wonders of Canada and Norway to the cultural and adventurous experiences of Slovenia, Montenegro, Jersey, and Italy's Puglia. By broadening their horizons and considering factors beyond just the hottest destinations, travelers can create memorable and meaningful experiences this summer.
