Don't visit Oslo. That's what the city's new tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign declares.
18.06.2024 - 15:53 / thepointsguy.com
Planning a summer vacation can be tricky, right? Do you stick with the same tried-and-true destinations you've loved in the past, brave the crowds on a European adventure or head somewhere with cooler weather to escape the summer heat?
If you're looking to visit a destination that's a little more under the radar in the summer months, there are plenty of incredible options to consider both here in the U.S. and abroad.
Related: Summer travel checklist: 11 things to do now to make your trip great
In Europe, swap out the throngs of tourists characteristic of the region's most-visited cities for charming destinations like canal-filled Hamburg, Germany, and Norway, where majestic fjords await you. Everyone seems to be going to Tokyo right now, but the northern island of Hokkaido has plenty to offer. And stateside, summer is a great time to head north to Oregon's stunning wine region, the coast of Maine or somewhere in between.
Whatever type of vacation you're looking for, these underrated destinations might just be your new summer go-to.
Norway is an ideal place to visit during the summer months, especially if you hope to escape the heat. In Alesund, summer temperatures are usually below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing for comfortable weather to explore the postcard-worthy town built in the art nouveau style. In fact, there's an entire museum dedicated to the town's architecture; the Art Nouveau Centre, or Jugendstilsenteret, explores how the people of Alesund rebuilt in this style after a devastating fire in 1904.
The town itself has plenty to do, from the Atlantic Ocean Park aquarium, where visitors can gaze at seals, penguins, fish and Norwegian crustaceans, to hiking to the top of Mount Aksla for the perfect photo op. It's also the perfect home base for visiting some of Norway's beautiful fjords, including the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord, which can be visited by various boat and land cruises before returning to rest at the Mr & Mrs Smith-affiliated Hotel Brosundet, a former fisherman's warehouse.
Everybody already knows about California's popular wine regions, like Napa and Sonoma, but farther north, Oregon has its own incredible wine scene — and it's an especially nice place to visit in the summer months. To get there, fly into Portland and spend a few days taking in the city's vibrant culture and food scene with a few nights at the luxurious new Ritz-Carlton, Portland before journeying south to the quaint and charming towns that produce the state's most popular wines.
At The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, book a stay to be pampered at the spa and sleep in upscale accommodations in between wine tastings and vineyard tours at some of the over 500 wineries in the area. In McMinnville, about 30
Don't visit Oslo. That's what the city's new tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign declares.
I've lived in Los Angeles for five years, so I'm about 30 minutes inland from Santa Monica. It's a beautiful, classic Southern California destination with a beach, a pier, and an abundance of classy shopping and dining spots.
The best part of summer cruising is that there are more cruising options than in any other season. Cruises to destinations like Alaska and Scandinavia are highly seasonal; go in the summer, or you can't cruise there at all. Even the Mediterranean is somewhat seasonal, with most cruise lines leaning heavily into summer and moving ships to warmer destinations during the cooler months.
There’s a reason Mark Twain is still incorrectly quoted as saying “the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” While other parts of the country are sweltering, average summertime highs in San Francisco range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making the City by the Bay a refreshing escape from the heat. Those looking to cool down can explore the city’s iconic sites, scenic nature, walkable neighborhoods, exciting culinary scene, and vibrant arts and culture while taking advantage of summer promotions, night markets, festivals and new activities.
The homemade videos came through in quick succession on the camp WhatsApp channel. Seven tiny sailboats with children manning them dotted crystal blue Mediterranean waters. The children were in pairs, seemingly matched according to age. Then there was my little one, the 5-year-old, who had insisted on tagging along with her 9-year-old brother, and the camp had agreed.
The Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA) has largely stayed out of the headlines in recent years, but the 60-year-old organization said that it has never stopped advocating for its travel advisor members, mostly when they have a supplier dispute.
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Start your engines—summer has arrived, and with it, all sorts of new hotel options to explore. There’s a major renovation of a Cape Cod classic with an unbeatable beachfront location. Near Yellowstone, design-forward cabins come with their own private wood-fired hot tub. And on the banks of the Kiawah River in South Carolina, a new Auberge Resort offers some serious Lowcountry R&R just minutes from downtown Charleston, yet worlds away from the hustle and bustle. This summer’s most exciting openings aren’t merely places to rest your head—they really help you disconnect from your home life in order to savor the great outdoors. And isn’t that what summer is all about?
Come July 1, U.S. hotels will need to comply with a California state law that requires upfront disclosure of the total cost — including all mandatory fees — of hotel rooms, among other travel services like short-term rentals and cruises.
All California hotels must disclose surprise junk fees starting July 1 thanks to two new state laws, including one specifically targeting hotel resorts and cleaning fees.
National park vacations continue to be extremely popular, especially during the summer travel season.
It is not too late to fly to Europe in business class this summer at a reasonable price.