As the calendars prepare to flip into a new year, you are probably planning your next summer vacation just like you did last year. However, many of you did not eventually take the trip. With the world opening up and travellers eagerly planning their next big adventure, 2025 promises to be a year filled with exciting summer vacation opportunities.
We have your back this time to ensure you make the best of your summer plans. Here's a curated list of some of the best places to visit in 2025 for a memorable summer holiday.
Factors to consider before choosing your summer vacation destination
Before you start packing your bags and booking a flight ticket, here are some things you must consider before choosing your next summer vacation destination
Weather: Ensure your chosen destination offers ideal summer weather for your planned activities. Some countries have extreme heat during the summer and might not be the best destination for you if you are not used to extreme temperatures. In some other places, summer might coincide with the rainy season, which can ruin your fun unless you plan for a staycation indoors.
Budget: Plan your trip according to your financial capacity, factoring in accommodation, food, tour guide, translator, and experiences. Ensure you have a reliable cross-border payment option like Grey to help you transact easily as you travel.
Activities: Choose destinations that align with your interests, whether relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration.
Accessibility and safety: Consider travel restrictions, visa requirements, flight connectivity, and road and ferry access. Confirm if you need to take any health precautions before and after your trip and ensure the region is safe for tourists.
Sustainability: Opt for eco-friendly destinations to ensure your travel has a positive impact.
Top destinations for summer 2025
Santorini, Greece
Santorini remains a premium summer destination with its stunning sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and crystal-clear waters. It is best to visit Santorini between May and September to experience the sunny days and lively island vibes. While it is usually more crowded during the summer, Santorini still promises a memorable getaway experience. You must try out Greek cuisine, especially saganaki and kopania.
Activities
Explore the charming village of Oia
Relax on Perissa Beach,
Visit ancient ruins like Akrotiri and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera
Explore the Caldera Edge
Take a boat ride
Getting there: Fly into Santorini National Airport or take a ferry from Athens.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali, the "Island of the Gods," is a tropical paradise with stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and lush greenery. Summer in Bali is a long, hot, and humid season that runs from the end of December to March. Pack light and loose-fitting clothes, mosquito repellants, and
Activities
Visit temples like the sacred Uluwatu Temple.
Beaches: Cool off at the beach and enjoy water activities like surfing at Kuta Beach
Cruises: Take a local cruise for a relaxing day out and experience the majestic view of the sunset.
Waterfalls: Explore refreshing waterfalls like Leke Leke, Nungnung and Tibumana.
Theme parks: Visit the Aloha Ubud Swing theme park for aerial swings, panoramic views of nature and a butterfly park.
Cultural events: Attend cultural events like the Ogoh-Ogoh parade between February and March, the Chinese New Year, and spend Valentine's Day in one of the most romantic places in the world.
Photography: Take photos of dramatic sunsets, caves, canyons, wildlife, forests, and rice terraces
Tribal festivals: Attend a tribal festival like the Usaba Sambah festival in Tanganan village
Release sea turtles in Kuta: Turtle eggs hatch in the summer. Join the Bali Sea Turtle Society for such an enriching experience and learn about the species of turtles on the island.
Getting there: Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar.
Venice, Italy
Venice's timeless charm, unique waterways, and gothic architecture make it a must-visit destination for a romantic summer getaway. Summer in Venice is warm and sunny, with temperatures in the high 70s and 80s. July is the hottest month, with around ten hours of sunshine each day, but can still experience summer rain. Prepare for a larger crowd in Venice during the summer, which makes it more lively.
Activities
Take a gondola ride through the canals,
Visit St. Mark's Basilica and view the gold mosaics
Explore Murano Island.
Museums and art galleries: If you're a history or art lover, check out the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Gallerie dell'Accademia
Visit the Doge Palace
Getting there: Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Lagos, the cultural and entertainment capital of Nigeria, offers lively beaches, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife.
Activities
Beaches: Lagos is known for its lively beaches. Consider Tarkwa Bay Beach and other private beach resorts if you'd like a quieter experience
Art galleries: Some of our favourite art galleries are Nike Art Gallery, Red Door Art Gallery, Alexis Galleries, Jakande Art Market and Henrimoweta African Art Centre
Lekki Conservation Centre: A nature reserve with raised walkways for viewing animals, a conservation center, the longest canopy walk, and a library.
Visit historical sites: The National Museum in Onika showcases relics from different parts of the country among other historical relevant items like the car Murtala Muhammed was assassinated. The Badary Heriatge Museum is a sobering experience that documents Nigeria's slave trade history.
Attend musical concerts: For classical music, the MUSON Centre hosts regular concerts apart from various Afrobeats concerts by musical celebrities.
Getting there: Fly into Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Experience a perfect blend of tradition and modernity in Kyoto, renowned for its temples, gardens, and cultural festivals. It is usually hot in summer. So, staying hydrated and wearing light and breathable clothing is essential.
Activities
Explore nature at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: See the Saganno Bamboo Grove, Iwatayama Park, and the Hozu River.
Temples: Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine to see its rows of torri gates, vermilion buildings and Inari statues.
Participate in a traditional tea ceremony.
Kawadoko dining in Kibune: Experience traditional dining on platforms over the Kibune River.
Gion Matsuri: A festival that takes place throughout July, featuring processions, traditional music, dances, and food stalls with a float parade on July 17.
Getting there: Fly into Kansai International Airport and take a train to Kyoto.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Banff offers breathtaking landscapes of mountains, lakes, forests and wildlife—experience longer days, warm temperatures and blue lakes when you visit in the summer. You also get to enjoy a good range of cuisine, breweries, distilleries and farm-to-table menus.
Activities
Hiking: Hike to Moraine Lake or the Tunnel Mountain Trail, a short, beginner hike with views of Banff and the surrounding area.
Water activities: Paddle on glacier-fed lakes in a canoe or kayak in the Bow River or Vermilion Lakes. Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, or try fishing.
Biking: Banff has terrain for all types of bikes, including road, mountain, and townie.
Gondola ride: Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for views.
Sunshine Meadows: Ride the sightseeing gondola and Standish Chair to alpine lakes, mountaintop valleys, and across the border into British Columbia.
Scenic drive: Take in the views of the Bow Valley on the Bow Valley Parkway.
Horseback riding: Try horseback riding for an adventure.
Rock climbing: Try rock climbing for something new.
Camping: Camp in the backcountry remote from town or near amenities in Banff.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site: Learn how the discovery of the hot springs led to the national park's creation.
Getting there: Fly into Calgary International Airport and drive to Banff.
Conclusion
Summer 2025 offers endless possibilities for travellers seeking unforgettable experiences. From the sun-kissed beaches of Santorini to the cultural wonders of Kyoto and the vibrant energy of Lagos, there's a destination for everyone.
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