23 Best Summer Vacations You Should Consider This Year
Visit St. Barts in its offseason. If you’re craving a classic tropical getaway, complete with leisurely beach days and piña coladas, book a weeklong trip to St. Barts. Winter is actually the island’s peak season, which means you won’t have to battle as much traffic in the summer—the roads are small and winding—and coveted dinner reservations will be easier to snag. For an experience that offers the best of both beach lounging and active excursions, book a suite at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa. Located in the secluded but still convenient Grand Cul-de-Sac neighborhood, the hotel is the perfect jumping-off point for those wanting to explore the area by Jet Ski or snorkel around the calm, clear waters (keep a lookout for sea turtles).
Experience sauna culture in Helsinki. Finnish sauna culture isn’t just relegated to the dark, cold days of winter; it’s a year-round activity. You can experience the transformative effects of it firsthand in Helsinki, home to a number of public saunas. Along with its wood-fired saunas, Löyly has a lovely outdoor swimming pool and outdoor terrace. At Allas Pool, you can take a dip in the cold seawater in between sauna sessions. And you’ll need to hop on a quick ferry to get to Lonna’s seaside saunas and terrace.
Split time between Corsica and Sardinia. “Corsica is going to have its moment this year,” says Daryn Schwartz, a luxury and boutique travel advisor with Fora. “With an increase in flights and ferries to the island, we are going to see a big boom in tourism. It’s the perfect off-the-beaten-path destination for a European summer getaway.” Ideal for those who want to experience gorgeous blue waters paired with rugged terrain, the French island is also within proximity to Sardinia, a destination that comes recommended by Suthann. “Sardinia has beautiful untouched sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and wonderful small villages all over the island that specialize in ancient traditions and crafts, from basket weavers to cheesemakers,” says Suthann. “The north side of the island is a short boat ride from Corsica, meaning you could have lunch in a French bistro and be back in time for a pizza-making class for dinner.”