The mountains can't come to you, but you can definitely visit them this summer, if you're looking for some peace and quiet away from the city. From stunning views to outdoor activities and peaceful ambience, mountains provide the ideal setting for a refreshing getaway.
In this article, we have curated some of the best mountain vacation spots for a summer escape.
Best mountain vacation spots for a summer escape
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Summer in the Swiss Alps is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the lakes. With charming villages, clear blue lakes, and endless hiking trails, it's a dream destination for mountain lovers.
Activities
Hiking: The Swiss Alps has hiking trails for everyone, from easy family walks to more challenging alpine climbs. You can hike in the Valais, Bernese Highlands, or Grisons regions. The trail from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg also offers the beautiful views of the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monk.
Biking: You can explore the Alps by bike or e-bike. E-bike tours are a good way to get around quickly and see the villages.
Cycling: The Alps host several summer competitions for road cycling, e-biking, enduro, and downhill mountain biking. You're free to join or just watch the competition.
Lakes: You can enjoy Switzerland's lakes for swimming, sailing, or paddleboarding.
Visit villages: Visit the quiet Alpine village of Randa, which has many hiking trails and is close to the famous resort Zermatt.
Other activities: Try paragliding, canyoning, mountaineering, or horseback riding.
Getting there: Fly into Zurich or Geneva, and take Switzerland's efficient trains to reach mountain towns like Zermatt or Interlaken.
Dolomites, Italy
Dolomites is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a memorable experience of dramatic peaks, serene alpine meadows, and charming villages. Sipping Prosecco definitely tastes better when you are thousands of feet off the ground.
Activities
Hiking: The Dolomites has a vast network of trails, including the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The best time to hike is in the summer when the alpine flowers are blooming.
Cycling: June is the best month for cycling because the meadows are green and snow still caps the higher peaks.
Mountain biking and e-biking
Mountain climbing: If you are an adrenaline junkie, you'll enjoy mountain climbing in the Dolomites.
Historic tours: Visit the Lagazuoi Museum and Passo Falzarego to explore the ruins and history from World War I.
Farm visits and wine tasting.
Food: You can enjoy the local cuisine, which includes hearty dishes and traditional South Tyrolean cuisine
Getting there: Fly into Venice or Milan, then drive or take a train to towns like Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Himalayas, India (Himachal Pradesh)
The Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh are a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Activities
Trek through Spiti Valley
Visit monasteries
Visit Dalhousie: This is a great place for a relaxing vacation, with activities like hiking, camping, rock climbing, and river rafting. Khajjiar Lake, also known as the "Mini Switzerland of India", is popular for adventure sports like zorbing and paragliding.
Explore Shimla: The "Queen of Hill Stations", Shimla has British-era architecture, the Jakhu Temple, and the Ridge.
Go skiing, paragliding or rafting in Manali
Stay in touch with nature at Kufri: Visit the Kufri Fun Campus amusement park or explore the Himalayan Nature Park, home to musk deer, barking deer, goral, and Tibetan wolves.
Getting there: Fly into Chandigarh or Delhi, then take a bus or private car to towns like Manali or Dharamshala.
Stretching across the southeastern United States, the Blue Ridge Mountains are a dream destination for summer vacations alone or with family and friends. With stunning vistas, charming small towns, and plenty of outdoor activities, there's something for everyone.
Activities
Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Hike in Shenandoah National Park
Explore Asheville's arts scene.
Have fun at Splash Valley Water Park: It has activities for all ages, includingbowl slide, flume slide, fountains, leisure pools, and a starter slide.
Explore waterfalls: See the breathtaking Roaring Run Falls, Fallingwater Cascades, Apple Orchard Falls or Bottom Creek Gorge.
Go paddling or tubing at Twin River
Admire arts at the art galleries and museums: You can check out the Taubman Museum of Art for rotating and permanent exhibits, the Virginia Museum of Transportation and the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum of Hollins University.
Other places to visit include Salem Red Sox, Smith Mountain Lake (SML), and Bridgewater Marina.
Getting there: Fly into Asheville Regional Airport or drive from nearby cities like Charlotte or Atlanta.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
If you are an adrenaline junkie, then there is probably no better place to visit in the summer than Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest point. It's a challenging climb with stunning landscapes. Summer is the best time to visit because it falls during the long dry season (late June to October), offering clear weather, little rain and plenty of sunshine.
Activities
Climb Kilimanjaro via popular routes like Machame or Marangu,
Explore nearby wildlife safaris: Tanzania is home to many wildlife sanctuaries. Some are near Mount Kilimanjaro, including the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Enjoy bird watching, primate trekking, animal viewing, and visiting the Chala Crater Lake.
Getting there: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, near Arusha.
Mountains offer a memorable summer escape with exciting adventures and breathtaking views. Whether you are scaling the height of Kilimanjaro or paragliding from the Hilamayas, ensure you have an international payment tool that has your back. Make your travel seamless with Grey, the trusted platform for international payments. Sign up now and enjoy hassle-free financial management for your next mountain adventure!
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