Summer Vacation Ideas and Activities

Joshua Aden and Bradley Akin

Summer break is a wonderful time to travel the world and spend every hour of your day with friends and family! Skies will be clear and the sun will shine bright over flower-filled fields, and pools full of people enjoying themselves. You’ll even see millions of people talking about the vacations they planned for summer. People gather pictures and videos for every moment to remember their summer. Many go to the beach, or take trips to big cities and visit historical landmarks. The list goes on, you should never let your summer go to waste, so for those who are unsure of what to plan, here are a few ideas you might want to consider.

When it comes to romance, no place can come close to the allure of Italy. You’ve got the history of Rome, the art of Venice, the modern-day vibe of Milan, the dreamy Mediterranean coastline, the wines of Tuscany, the pizza of Pisa, and more. Since the mid-weather of summer can be unbearable and scorching, you may want to take some time and consider this trip for the beginning of the year. Nobody wants to take their partner out in temperatures above 101, so with the early planning of this vacation, the weather allows you to stroll through the parks and promenades of Italy, without your third serving of gelato melting faster than you can enjoy it.

Columbia has continued climbing the list of “must-visit” countries for curious travelers and their families, and for good reason too. Medellin offers a first-hand experience of art culture, while Cartagena pairs history with the seaside allure. Often, the summer of Medellin is referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring” meaning, hiking the nearby mountains, pretty blooms from surrounding rain forests, and outdoor patios for you to enjoy burgers and steak with your friends. While you’re in the port city of Cartagena, you’ll travel back in time to the 16th century through its quintessential Old Town, which features some of its colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. Plus, the nearby white-sand beaches are never too crowded.

Now for Machu Picchu, summer might be the busiest time of year, but it’s the most beautiful time to see blue skies, lush green grass, and awe-inspiring views. Whether you’re up for the challenge of hiking the Inca Trail or would prefer the Inca Rail, it’s wise to visit the mountains and beautiful landscapes in Cusco, even if it’s only to adjust to the altitude of this city. This small Peruvian town would be considered “post-card perfect,” with a hilltop that lights up at night, a bustling local market, and countless numbers of alpaca stores to splurge on a sweater for the chilly nights. If you’ve been on edge about scaling Huyana Picchu, the mountain in front of Machu Picchu with killer views, opt-in, trust me, you won’t regret it.