Just because July in the Northern Hemisphere is the peak of summer and prime school holiday time, don’t assume the traditional beach getaway or cabin rental is the way to go.
Why not spend U.S. Independence Day in a surprising overseas location? Or for another culture-swap twist, venture to Boise, Idaho, to explore the traditions and practices of Basque culture there. Then again, it’s also a fine time to slip on a costume or two to see horse racing and archery at a confab in Mongolia.
You deserve a vacation this month; here are 11 places that are well worth visiting in July.
1. Okavango Delta, Botswana
July is great for: a near-silent safari.
It’s widely known that the Northern Hemisphere’s summer is a smart time to go on safari, as the wintry conditions in the savanna mean that greenery is sparse and so animals are easier to spot. That’s not the case here, the world’s largest inland delta; in fact, the water level here is at its highest now during the supposedly dry season, mostly because the rainfall that deluges Angola’s highlands in summer takes so long to meander down to pool on the plains.
The reason to visit this region in July, though, is that you can explore without revving up the noisy 4x4: There’s an otherworldly magic to gliding over the waters in a traditional mokoro (canoe) in near-silence, eyeballing unfamiliar insects and flowers up close, and seeing animals unaware of your presence nearby.
Where to stay: Tubu & Little Tubu
Luxe operator Wilderness has reopened this twin camp in the Delta’s northwestern Jao Reserve after a gut renovation that entirely reimagined the property but retained one aspect: its reputation as a prime place to easily spot lions and leopards both.
Insider tip
River safari enthusiast and Afar contributor Alexandra Owens says traveling by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe used by the native Bayei people for transportation and hunting, is an integral part of the Okavango Delta safari. She recommends travelers go to Moremi Game Reserve, on the eastern side of the Delta, “for some of the most pristine land.”
Denmark’s northern coast is one of Afar’s best places to go in 2025.
Photo by Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH/Shutterstock
2. Jutland, Denmark
July is great for: experiencing Independence Day through another country’s eyes.
The largest celebration of July 4th overseas takes place in the northernmost reaches of Denmark, in Jutland. Much as we do stateside, locals there celebrate the holiday with a fireworks display and speeches from prominent public figures from both countries (including King Frederik X).
The tradition came from the legacy of a Dane emigrant named Max Henius, who corralled his friends to buy land and gift it to the crown in order to fete the links between his original and adopted countries. If you attend, you’ll be right by Klitmøller, aka Cold Hawai‘i, where a meteorological anomaly creates superb surfing at more than 30 designated spots along Denmark’s northwest shoreline.
Where to stay: Vipp Cold Hawaii
The Danish design brand Vipp is expanding a network of chic, one-room guesthouses around the country and added a cottage on a 2.5-acre plot in Thy National Park last February.
Insider tip
Vipp CEO Kasper Egelund loves mountain biking through the national park and also recommends a Danish ritual: sauna and cold-water swimming. “It’s a tradition rooted in Nordic wellness practices,” he says, “and Klitmøller’s sauna club is located right on the beach with a stunning view of the ocean.”
Providence was founded in 1636.
Photo by Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock
3. Providence, Rhode Island
July is great for: a rebellious revolution celebration.
Rhode Islanders were the OG New England rebels, the first to chafe under British rule long before any tea was tossed into Boston Harbor: In 1772, the HMS Gaspee ran aground here and was promptly torched by angry locals. Commemorate their feistiness with a trip here for Independence Day, and learn more about how Rhode Island played a pivotal role in the Revolution.
Stroll the streets of this city to see superb colonial and Victorian architecture, or enjoy cutting-edge contemporary culture at RISD Museum, which forms part of the arts school founded originally to make it easier for women to study creative fields.
Where to stay: Graduate Providence
There are more than 30 of these aptly named hotels dotted around U.S. college towns—funky, affordable boutique accommodations aimed squarely at students and anyone visiting them. This 294-room outpost is a reboot of the 1920s-built Biltmore Hotel and retained the original sign when it reopened in 2019.
Insider tip
Arnaldo Almonte, managing director of the Graduate, says you should take home a bottle of Dave’s Coffee Milk Syrup, the official state drink. “It’s exactly what it sounds like: coffee-flavored syrup mixed with cold milk,” he explains. Don’t want to check a bag? Sub out a Coffee Milk–scented candle at Craftland or the Landing.
After all, who wouldn’t want to spend time in Tuscany right now?
Courtesy of Zuoranyi/Unsplash
4. Lucca, Italy
July is great for: superstar concerts in a charming setting.
The Tuscan town of Lucca is often overlooked in favor of better-known spots like Siena—which makes Lucca an ideal destination to dodge hordes of visitors in midsummer. Even better, come this month and you can join in the Summer Festival, which has been filling the warm air with music since the late 1990s. Most performances take place in the Piazza Napoleone through July 27, and it’s attracted major names in the past. And this year is no different: Jennifer Lopez, Pet Shop Boys, and Nick Cave are all part of the lineup for 2025.
Where to stay: Grand Universe Lucca
The 55-room hotel right in the heart of the medieval town is a converted palazzo with nicely priced rooms starting at $300 for a single in peak season.
Insider tip
Georges Midleje, regional managing director for Shaner Properties in Italy (including the Grand Universe Lucca), warns not to make the mistake that most tourists to Lucca often do: staring up at the tree-topped Torre Guinigi. “[Tourists] miss Forno F. Casali, a nondescript little bakery hidden on a side street,” he says. “Parting the bead curtain, the patient line of locals tells you something special is being done here.” It’s focaccia: Try either the traditional, salty version drizzled with olive oil or the innovative corn version—he says it’s sublime.
This July, head to the 74-square-mile island of Salt Spring.
Photos by rhfletcher/Shutterstock
5. Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
July is great for: retro creative summertime.
Salt Spring more than deserves the nickname the Island of the Arts. This island, 74 square miles and the largest of the Southern Gulf cluster, is home to countless creatives, who’ll be shilling their wares during summer via the Salt Spring Market in Centennial Park every Saturday.
Visit artists at their workshops during the rest of the week and duck into a winery like Garry Oaks for a tasting (grapes thrive here). Rainfall is far scarcer than in surrounding areas, making the climate more Mediterranean—and with daylight stretching until 10 p.m. or so, you can dine late, much as you might in the southern Med.
Where to stay: Hastings House
- Book now: hastingshouse.com
The harbor-view hotel, walking distance from the town of Ganges, sits on its own 22-acre site with 18 guest rooms—the three-bedroom Churchill Cottage is an ideal standalone hideout.
Insider tip
Hastings House co-owner Bonny O’Conner says to take home something from the gift shop at Lavender & Black, the lavender farm here. She suggests trying any of the Immortelle products, whether lip balm, skin serum, or body oil.
The Great Migration is a near-mythical event among safari lovers.
Photo by Alex Cretey Systermans
6. Maasai Mara, Kenya
July is great for: a magnificent movement en masse.
Starting in July, millions of animals cross the Mara River in search of new grazing ground, trekking from the southern Serengeti to the grasslands of the Maasai Mara.
Of course, this massive movement of herbivores like wildebeests and zebras also lures predators in large numbers, so it’s the ideal time to spot prides of lions and elusive, tree-climbing leopards. It’s also a rare time when you’re not limited to animal-spotting at dawn or dusk; the landscape teems with life, so you’ll likely be able to see some braving the crossing even during the heat of the arid midwinter daytime.
Where to stay: Ishara
- Book now: ishara.ke
A rarity in the region, this safari camp is independently and locally owned and operated. Spend a night at the Starbed, the alfresco sleeping setup with its own soaking tub.
Insider tip
Don’t assume the only way to experience the bush is in a growling 4x4—what about an all-natural encounter instead? Black Tomato specialist Luca Fella recommends his guests book a horseback adventure in the Mara. “There’s something magical about experiencing the open landscapes on horseback,” he says, “where you’re feeling completely immersed in nature.”
July is a rare window for balmy climate in Mongolia, with temperatures in the mid-70s for much of this month.
Photo by Lucy.Brown/Shutterstock
7. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
July is great for: a traditional riff on a triathlon.
For centuries, Mongolians have been competing in the eriin gurvan naadam (three games of men), which this year runs from July 11 to 15. It tests their skills in three categories once crucial to wartime success: wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Come here to see athletes demonstrate their triple prowess in the National Stadium. The festival kicks off with a colorful, energetic opening ceremony filled with songs, dancing, and a horse parade.
Where to stay: Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar
- Book now: shangri-la.com/ulaanbaatar/shangrila
The decade-old, 290-room Shangri-La is within walking distance of many major sites, including the Gandan Monastery. Its superb casual restaurant Naadam Bar (named after the festival) is a great place to try Mongolian food like khuushuur, which are empanada-style pastries filled with beef.
Insider tip
There’s been a cultural renaissance in the capital over the past few years, says Jalsa Urubshurow of Nomadic Expeditions, including the 2022-opened Chinggis Khaan Museum. The exhibits will give a more nuanced view of a ruler whose name has become a byword for marauding in the west.
“It’s a tribute to our national hero, not just as a warrior, but as a visionary leader and unifier,” Urubshurow explains. “The immersive exhibits blend artifacts with storytelling that teaches visitors the global legacy of the Mongol Empire.”
Duluth is a port city on the Great Lakes.
Photo by Nicola Patterson/Shutterstock
8. Duluth, Minnesota
July is great for: adventures in Nordic culture.
This Minnesota town is one of the standout stateside spots for a midsummer trip. This month, in particular, you can immerse yourself in the Nordic heritage that still helps define contemporary culture here via the FinnFest, which runs from July 31 to August 3. Take a language seminar or track your own family history in the region before dancing to folk music and browsing the stalls at the fair. (Look for a few sauna vendors, if you want to make your home truly Finnish-approved.)
If you’re in town a little earlier, check out the Tall Ships Challenge Race, running from July 10 to 13. The event brings a raft of spectacular ships to the newly renovated waterfront. This year, look out for General Patton’s private schooner, When-and-If, among others.
Where to stay: Sheraton Duluth
If you’re spending most of your visit on the waterfront, opt for this affordable four-star hotel. You should be able to score a double room starting at around $235 this month.
Insider tip
Karen Pionk, general manager of Sheraton Duluth, admits she has a “sandwich-loving heart,” so she’ll always head to Northern Water Smokehaus for a Cajun Finn. She adds, “That dreamy combo of Cajun smoked salmon, peppers, and magical cream cheese has me shipping their sandwich kit across the country to my out-of-state kids.”
Basque people originate from mountainous areas of Spain and France.
Photos by CSNafzger/Shutterstock
9. Boise, Idaho
July is great for: a big Basque bash.
A Basque community coalesced in this unlikely Idaho hub in the late 1800s, coming here mostly to be shepherds in the hills. Connection with the Basque country remains a vibrant part of Boise’s identity, and it’s celebrated this month with Jaialdi (which means festival in Euskara) from July 29 to August 3.
The festival of Basque dancing, sports, and music takes place every five years, but was canceled during the pandemic, so this year’s edition will likely be one of the most joyful and energetic in decades. Don’t miss roving street musicians playing diatonic accordions and shaking panderos (tambourines) to perform trikitixa music.
Where to stay: Hotel Renegade
Book now: hotelrenegade.com
Only a year old, this 122-room hotel right downtown is walkable both to the riverbank and the Basque ’hood. Enjoy the rooftop bar’s views over the foothills nearby with a sundowner or two.
Insider tip
Make sure to put your name down at the no-reservations Lively Café. It’s aptly named, according to hotel general manager Jussi Santa. “They are almost always packed, so get a drink somewhere while you wait,” says Santa. “Everything is wonderful, but the harissa wings are memorable.” One ideal place for a drink: the new, password-protected speakeasy Thick as Thieves.
Rent a Strandkorb, or beach hut, to shelter from the sun in Sylt.
Photo by Pixel to the People/Shutterstock
10. Sylt, Germany
July is great for: an upscale seaside spot.
This sickle-shaped island, off the coast of Denmark, is in fact part of Germany. It’s also the place where the toniest among the Teutonic upper class will spend much of the summer.
It’s easy to understand why: It’s a throwback to simpler times, all mudflats, thatched-roof houses, and white-sand beaches. For this July, try to catch Verdensballett, a world-class ballet performed alfresco on July 10. Get there early, around 4 p.m., to nab a prime viewing spot.
Where to stay: Lanserhof
- Book now: lanserhof.com
There’s a summer-ready outpost of this medi-spa on the island, where you can indulge in comfort and try everything from yoga and Pilates to functional training.
Insider tip
Take the Guided Mudflat Hike, says Jan Stritzke from Lanserhof. “It takes you through the unique tidal landscapes between Sylt and Föhr Island,” Stritzke says. “It’s a full-day adventure, and along the way, you’ll hop a boat over to Föhr—sometimes called the ‘Frisian Caribbean.’” While on Föhr, explore the town of Wyk, best on a Sunday during the local fish market.
Crested Butte’s wildflower festival is a 10-day celebration.
Photo by kelsey_sevens/Shutterstock
11. Crested Butte, Colorado
July is great for: frolicking amid the wildflowers.
Around four hours south of Denver in the western Rockies, this town bursts into bloom once the snow recedes, and it remains one of the most glorious wildflower-spotting sites through summertime. Locals celebrate that with the wildflower festival this month from July 11 to 20.
There are workshops on everything from botany to photography, as well as hikes and tours at all levels. You can also use some of the festival’s resources for self-guided hikes around the countryside here, which will be blanketed in waves of purple and yellow thanks to the sunflowers (look for mule’s ear), lupines, and columbine (nicknamed granny’s bonnet).
Where to stay: The Grand Lodge
The ski slope–adjacent property is just as appealing outside the winter season, as it’s close to hiking trails. Expect simple, large rooms with kitchenettes and on-site amenities like an indoor-outdoor pool.
Insider tip
Hotel general manager Heather Driggs suggests lunch at Breadery, with its homemade sourdough pizzas, as well as a snifter or two in the evening at Dogwood, which offers craft cocktails in an old miner’s cabin.
