Summer will be here before you know it, and this is your friendly reminder to book that summer vacation stat. We’ve done some digging, crunched the data and are here to offer you the best destinations for that July vacay. Whether you’re looking for a great deal, perfect weather or a little bit of both, keep reading for our July travel picks. Then start searching for summer flights, hotels and can’t-miss deals.
For budget travelers: Havana, Cuba
Flight prices to Havana, Cuba, have dropped quite a bit in recent months, and July is on track to be one of the most affordable months yet. Average airfares are down 19 percent from the yearly average price. Airlines are still trying to sort out where Cuba fits into their plans with a number of them — including low-cost carriers Spirit and Frontier Airlines — dropping flights and others (including Southwest and American) adding them. What this means for the future travel landscape is yet to be seen, so if Cuba is on your bucket list, there’s no time like the present. Before you go, check out our list of things to know before visiting Cuba and read up on what you should know traveling to Cuba as an American. Once you’re there, explore the history and culture of Old Town, sip rum cocktails and take in live music at a local club, like the Casa de la Musica.
For weather watchers: Reykjavik, Iceland
While many people flock to Iceland in the winter when the northern lights are putting on their show, summer is actually an ideal time to visit Iceland, especially if milder weather (think temperatures typically in the fifties) is more your speed. With 20 hours of sunlight each day (dusk falls around midnight and the sun rises around 3 a.m.), the “midnight sun” offers days ripe with potential and tons of opportunities for exploring. Spend plenty of time outside where there is no shortage of stunning landscapes. Tour the Golden Circle (or rent a car and DIY your own day trip), take a dip in the Blue Lagoon and wander through downtown Reykjavik.
For the best of both: Medellin, Colombia
With temperatures generally in the eighties, July can be a great time to visit Medellin, Colombia. You can’t go wrong with warm, comfortable weather, a vibrant culture and average airfares up to $200 off peak travel times. History buffs (or Netflix bingers with an affinity for “Narcos”) can take a Pablo Escobar tour, coffee lovers can indulge in a cup of some of the world’s best coffee, foodies will relish the local Colombian flavors and all travelers will enjoy chatting with locals, who are said to be some of the friendliest people in the world.
For trendsetters: Warsaw, Poland
A spike in travel searches reveals that Warsaw, Poland, is a hot new travel spot. And getting there from the West Coast just got easier with LOT Airline adding a direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport. Head to this under-the-radar European city this summer before the secret gets out. Explore Old Town Market Square, which dates back to the 13th century and now houses shops, restaurants and street art, and pop into a number of the diverse museums, including the Adam Mickiewicz Museum of Literature, The Museum of Caricature and Cartoon Art and The Neon Museum.
For advanced planners: Southern California
Southern California is a good idea any time of the year, but if you’re looking to save money, July is the time to book that West Coast vacay. For sun, fun and a bit of celebrity spotting, Los Angeles may be your best bet. Book your flights the second full week of July for travel the last week of October to get the cheapest flights of the year. Hit the beach in Santa Monica, take photos at the Walk of Fame and explore the nightlife in West Hollywood. If the laid-back vibe of San Diego is more your speed, book your flights the first full week of July for travel during the last week of October to get the best deals of the year. Enjoy time on the water, take a craft beer tour and hike to Potato Chip Rock. Get more ideas with our 16 things to do in San Diego for less than $5. Or, if you can’t decide between the two cities, rent a car and do both — San Diego is only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from L.A.
Where are you traveling this July? Share with us in the comments, and if you haven’t started planning yet, start your search on Cheapflights.com.
