Where to Go: July 2026

If your vision of summer travel involves crowded beaches and tourist-clogged landmarks, it may be time to rethink your plans. Here are seven alternative summer itineraries that blend of-the-moment buzz with a deep sense of place, spanning hot hotel openings, much-hyped cultural moments, and unique destination-driven experiences.

Highlights include a Greek escape inspired by Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” a far-flung getaway to Chile’s Easter Island timed to the South American winter, and a new luxury safari circuit debuting in Botswana’s Okavango Delta just in time for flood season. Read on.

SOUTH PACIFIC

The fearless exploits of Pacific Island heroine Moana are set to captivate audiences once again with the July 11 release of Disney’s “Moana 2.” For an on-theme adventure, families can join Paul Gauguin Cruises on select summer 2026 voyages aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, where a complimentary Moana Explorer Program offers younger guests ages 6–15 immersive activities highlighting the natural wonders and rich cultures of French Polynesia and the wider South Pacific. Developed in partnership with the Te Mana O Te Moana marine education and conservation foundation, the program may include learning about the impacts of water pollution, playing beach “Survivor” games, designing Polynesian-inspired tattoos and natural jewellery, and joining naturalists on snorkeling excursions in pristine lagoons. These family-friendly experiences complement the rich programming and sightseeing already built into the itineraries—whether you choose to sail through the Marquesas, among the youngest and least-visited islands in French Polynesia, on this 14-day journey, or explore the history of Polynesia’s Maohi people with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Marae Taputapuātea archaeological site on Raiatea during this seven-night voyage.

GREECE

One of the summer’s most anticipated releases is Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, an IMAX adaptation of Homer’s epic starring Matt Damon as Odysseus releasing on July 17. While the film was shot across the Mediterranean, travelers looking to craft their own Odyssey-inspired escape should head to Greece, the setting of Homer’s tale, for a five-day wellness journey at the holistic destination spa Euphoria Retreat. Offered June 3–7, 2026, and led by founder Marina Efraimoglou and spiritual advisor Mary Vandorou, the program draws directly from The Odyssey, incorporating text discussions, meditation, dance therapy, spa treatments, and energy movement designed to help guests reflect on their path and identify their own personal Ithaca. After the program, guests can explore nearby filming locations tied to Nolan’s blockbuster, including the omega-shaped Voidokilia Beach and the dramatic Methoni Castle, both within about a 2.5-hour drive.

This July 4 marks 250 years of American independence—and what better place to celebrate than Washington, D.C. ‘s Dupont Circle Hotel, a 1950s landmark long frequented by diplomats, ambassadors, and the capital’s power players? At the glamorous, mid-century–inspired Doyle Bar, a new cocktail menu, Swing Set, debuts just in time for the anniversary, featuring inventive drinks inspired by some of D.C.’s most influential figures. Try Spin Cycle, a nod to famed crisis manager Judy Smith, the inspiration behind Scandal’s Olivia Pope—a fruity, slightly bitter blend of red wine, brandy, juniper citrus shrub, orange, lemon, and lime. Or opt for Beautiful Bird, inspired by Lady Bird Johnson, who championed beautification across America and famously accepted a gift of 3,800 additional cherry blossom trees from the Japanese government. The cocktail is made with hibiscus‑infused Casa Dragones Blanco tequila, Del Santo herbal liqueur, yuzu, jalapeño, and lime. Other DC luminaries featured on the menu include Woodward and Bernstein, Rachel Carson, Josephine Baker, and more.

• Top Suite: For the most expansive city views from the Washington Monument to the National Cathedral, opt for a night in the 3,000-square-foot Grand Penthouse Suite, featuring three scenic terraces, specially commissioned artwork, custom furnishings and a fireplace.

Wimbledon, the world’s oldest—and arguably most prestigious—tennis tournament, returns to London from June 29 to July 12, bringing with it the event’s signature blend of sport, style, and high-society people-watching. To mark the occasion, L’Oscar London has introduced a Wimbledon-inspired afternoon tea worthy of center court. Set within a Baroque-style, Grade II-listed former church in Bloomsbury, the 39-room, Jacques Garcia-designed hotel makes for an elegant base for a Wimbledon stay. As part of the themed tea in the gilded, show-stopping L’Oscar Restaurant, three miniature cocktails will be presented alongside a special strawberries-and-cream sponge cake and infusions from Newby Teas (the world’s most awarded luxury tea brand).

• Did you Know? His and hers bath products in the rooms were specially commissioned by perfumer Roja Dove (they are also responsible for the glorious, scented candles that give the hotel its heady scent). Many guests have visited the Rojo boutique in Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade after falling in love with the products here.

While Botswana’s Okavango Delta is widely known as the ultimate year-round safari destination, the dry season (from May to October) transforms the region into a shimmering labyrinth of channels and lagoons, making it a particularly magical time to visit. July is a standout month, particularly among families, thanks to exceptional wildlife viewing, including large herds of elephants and iconic predators such as lions and leopards, along with the welcome absence of mosquitoes.

This year, look for the debut of two new intimate camps from andBeyond: Sandibe Under Canvas and Nxabega Under Canvas. Set within some of the Delta’s most wildlife-rich concessions, these solar-powered camps are designed for minimal environmental impact without sacrificing comfort. Each camp hosts just three tents, accommodating a maximum of six guests, and features super king beds, double vanities and showers, running water, standing fans, and—new to the Under Canvas portfolio—Starlink Wi-Fi. Interiors draw inspiration from the Delta itself, with earthy green hues, light woods, and woven textures.

Together with the newly refurbished andBeyond Chobe Under Canvas, these camps offer a seamless seven-night circuit through Botswana’s most iconic landscapes. The itinerary includes three nights in Chobe and four in the Okavango Delta, split between Sandibe—where game drives, walking safaris, and community visits offer deeper immersion—and Nxabega, where guests can glide through waterways by mokoro or enjoy catch-and-release fishing.

The “coolcation” trend is drawing travelers to some of the world’s more remote and lesser-known destinations, including Chile’s Easter Island, located more than 2,000 miles off the mainland. One of the most isolated and culturally significant places on Earth, the island is famed for its enigmatic moai statues, rugged volcanic landscapes, and otherworldly, time-forgotten beauty. The South American winter (our summer) is arguably the ideal time to visit. Expect crisp, refreshing days perfect for scaling the island’s lush green hills or volcanic peaks, along with the added perk of experiencing iconic sites like Rano Raraku and Tongariki with far fewer crowds.

• Where to Stay: Immerse yourself in the destination’s rich culture with a stay at Nayara Hangaroa, the island’s only luxury hotel owned by a local family. Chilean designer Paula Gutiérrez channeled the destination’s energy and cultural riches when conceiving the 75 guestrooms, which were crafted out of local materials (cypress logs, clay, volcanic stone) and feature private terraces. Here, a typical day might involve visiting a scenic lookout facing the island’s largest crafter, watching the sunset and eating fresh ceviche at the hotel’s scenic Kaloa Lounge, and unwinding at Spa Manavai, where treatments like cocoa body scrubs and coconut oil massages are offered within a structure inspired by ancient manavai stone enclosures.

Dark sky tourism is on the rise as light pollution increases by an estimated 10 percent each year. One standout destination for soaking up star-streaked skies? Palm Springs, a designated “dark sky” city where street lighting is thoughtfully designed to minimize glare and preserve nighttime visibility. Summer is especially prime for stargazing: the 100-400 billion stars that make up the luminous core of the Milky Way are visible on most nights from around 10 p.m. through sunrise.

• Where to Stay? Located 10 minutes from downtown, at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, Parker Palm Springs offers a particularly dreamy vantage point for stargazing adventures. Guests can take in the cosmos while cuddled up around outdoor fire pits, or they can drive to nearby Joshua National Park, less than an hour away, which is designated as one of the world’s International Dark Sky Parks.

An exclusive stargazing package, “Space Out with the Parker”  includes a two-hour, private stargazing experience by Sky Watcher Sky Tours; a kit complete with a red flashlight, portable telescope, an iPad with SkyView star locator map; and a music mix of songs culled from the NASA Wake-up Call soundtrack. On the culinary side, enjoy a celestial-themed picnic with treats like moon pies and galaxy star cookies, and a bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne (the French winemaker once famously said, “Come quickly, I am drinking the stars”).