Top Summer Travel Destinations 2016

Summer travel began early this year, and I would love it to continue for a few more months. If you want to get away, these top summer travel destinations will help you plan your next vacation.

London, England

We began our European summer vacation with a few days at the Ham Yard Hotel. It didn’t take long for the boys to discover the in-house bowling alley! Between the odd strike and too many gutter balls, we wandered, shopped and toured historic sights including the Tower of London with Context Travel.

Ibiza, Spain

Next stop was Ibiza via a convenient British Airways flight from London City Airport (LCY).  We discovered that Ibiza’s Santa Eulària resort area is a haven for families and anyone seeking a relaxing vacation.

Located an easy 25-minute drive from Ibiza’s airport (IBZ), Santa Eulària’s charming towns, world-class cycling, and 30 km of coastline easily make it one of our top summer travel destinations. Read about what we love to do in Santa Eulària, Ibiza here.

South Tyrol, Italy

Italy’s South Tyrol with its flower-filled alpine pastures, charming villages, and rewarding hiking trails is a destination we return to as often as possible. Read more about why the South Tyrol is one our top summer travel destinations here. This year, we spent a few days exploring Lana and Merano before heading across the valley for a week of hiking, biking, and spa at the Adler Mountain Lodge in the Alpe di Siusi (the largest high alpine meadow in Europe).

While the Alpe di Siusi is more of an alpine experience, Lana and Merano feels like the Mediterranean mixed with mountain resort – orchards climbing mountain slopes, vineyards scattered about, and warmer temperatures. If you visit Merano, be sure to stop by the Monocle pop-up shop for fabulous shopping, espresso, and to chat with Linda, the welcoming shopkeeper.

Vorarlberg, Austria

Vorarlberg, located in the very west of Austria, borders on Switzerland, Germany and the Principality of Liechtenstein making accessibility from many other European countries a breeze. We hopped on a train in Bolzano, Italy and arrived in Vorarlberg before we could finish a game of Uno (a classic card game).

With six diverse regions, there is much to see and do in Vorarlberg, Austria. We had less than a week, so we concentrated our attention in three regions – Lech Zürs am Arlberg, Bregenzerwald, and the Bodensee (Lake Constance).

Lech Zürs am Arlberg

During the summer months, the world-class ski slopes in Lech Zürs am Arlberg become a hiker’s paradise. Wild-flowers compete for space in the alpine pastures. Glacial streams soothe tired feet. Alpine huts reward hungry hikers with alpine cheeses, hearty pasta, and decadent desserts. Plan to stay at the welcoming Hotel Gotthard in Lech.

Bregenzerwald

A fascinating mix of traditional and contemporary architecture, culinary hikes through rolling mountain pastures, and the opportunity to visit alpine cheesemakers await in the Bregenzerwald region of Vorarlberg. Stay at the Hotel Post in Bezau to experience the union of Bregenzerwald’s old and new architecture first hand.

Bodensee (Lake Constance)

Bregenz, the capital city of Vorarlberg is home to one of the most beautiful outdoor stages in the world – floating in the Bodensee. The Bregenz Festival runs from July 20th to August 21st, 2016.  Other summer activities include swimming, biking, boating, touring museums, and riding the Pfänderbahn (panoramic cable car) up to Pfänder for views of Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein.

Zurich, Switzerland

I love visiting Zurich during the summer. On sunny Sunday’s, with not a suit in sight and shop windows darkened, you may wonder where everyone is. Until you arrive at Lake Zurich. Locals and visitors fill the beach clubs and parks, ferries ply the pleasure-boat filled waters, and Monday seems like days away. So much fun!

When we visit Zurich we stay at the Park Hyatt Zurich. Read more what we like to do in the city here.

New York, U.S.A.

New York is an excellent choice any time of year, but summer is our favourite time to visit. Shop, museum hop, eat your way through the city, and walk, run or ride through Central Park. Read more about our favourite New York City experiences here.

This summer we stayed at the Fairmont Plaza Hotel because it was a short stay and we wanted to be close to Central Park. For a less central location, I suggest The Greenwich Hotel or Crosby Street Hotel.

Whistler, Canada

Whistler shines in the summer months and has been one of our top summer travel destinations for over a decade. We plan to return this summer for hiking, biking, and quality family time before the end of summer. From beginner to expert, here are our favourite hiking trails in Whistler Blackcomb.

The accommodation options in Whistler are extensive. Use the Whistler Blackcomb website to find the best place to stay.

Vancouver, Canada

If you visit Whistler, be sure to stop in Vancouver for a few days. Stay downtown and explore the nearby seawall, Stanley Park, and Granville Island. We often stay on the Fairmont Pacific Rim Gold Floor. To discover my favourite places in Vancouver, read this interview.

Where to you like to travel to during the summer months?

Our recent visit to Santa Eulària, Ibiza, and Vorarlberg, Austria was in collaboration with the Tourism Offices. As always, my opinions are my own. If I don’t enjoy a destination or experience, I won’t recommend it.