Summer is just around the corner, so if you haven’t started planning your summer travels yet, it’s time to get going! It’s time to pack your suitcases and get ready for a summer adventure. If you need a dose of inspiration, here’s 12 of the best summer destinations you can visit in 2023.
1. Italy
If you’ve been waiting and dreaming about the next time you can visit Italy, the answer is: you can visit as soon as this summer! From the canal-lined streets of Venice to historic monuments in Rome, there’s plenty to explore. Head to Naples for some incredible pizza, or take a train ride along Italy’s stunning coastline through Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast. Need some inspiration on where to go first? Check out our top 8 destinations in Italy and get busy finding some cheap flights to Italy.
Flights to Italy for summer 2023 starting at $322* one-way and $518* roundtrip
2. Turks and Caicos
Turks & Caicos—a chain of 40 islands in the Caribbean—are known for being some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, with white-sand beaches, incredible scuba diving and snorkeling, and of course, delicious seafood. Visit the Island Fish Fry for a true local experience, or try something fancier at one of the many restaurants. Whether you want a low-key getaway on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean or are looking to pamper yourself for a weekend, Turks and Caicos has something to offer you.
Flights to Turks and Caicos for summer 2023 starting at $145* one-way and $386* roundtrip
3. Croatia
Croatia is the one of our favorite summer destinations in Europe. With Mediterranean beaches, historic cities, national parks and tons of opportunities for swimming and enjoying the coastal Mediterranean weather, there’s really no better time to visit Croatia. Dubrovnik, with the imposing and scenic city walls, is Croatia’s most famous city. However, the nearby Split and the quieter, inland capital of Zagreb are definitely worth visiting as well.
Flights to Croatia for summer 2023 starting at $384* one-way and $690* roundtrip
4. San Diego
Looking to stay stateside? San Diego is one of the best summer destinations in the US. With famously sunny weather (the temperature stays between 65-78°F year-round), San Diego is a great place for a mix of beach days and exploring sights in the city. La Jolla Cove and South Mission Beach are two of the best beaches in San Diego. Whether you want to swim, surf, scuba dive or just catch some rays, there’s lots of great beaches. When you’re ready to explore the city, head to the sprawling Balboa Park. It’s home to theaters, museums, botanical gardens, the San Diego Zoo and more. The South Park and historic Gaslamp Quarter neighborhoods offer some of San Diego’s best dining, shopping, nightlife and more.
Flights to San Diego for summer 2023 starting at $22* one-way and $85* roundtrip
5. Iceland
Looking to beat the heat this summer? Iceland is one of the best summer destinations for anyone looking for something a bit more off the beaten path. Between the mild (but not cold) weather, incredible outdoor adventures, and nearly 24-hour daylight, Iceland offers unlimited summer adventure! Between late-May and early August, the sun hardly sets (ever) in Iceland, offering near 24-hour daylight. You can adventure as late (or early) as you want!
Visit the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing day and make sure to head to the famous Gullfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls (or check out some lesser-known ones). There’s tons of hiking in Iceland’s numerous national parks, plus geysers, volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches, hot springs and more. Take advantage of the midnight sun with a midnight kayaking, hiking or helicopter tour too for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Flights to Iceland for summer 2023 starting at $211* one-way and $414* roundtrip
6. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is often an underrated destination, but it’s gaining in popularity. And, as part of the US, it’s pretty easy to travel to – no passport required. Visit the colorful hotel strip along the coast, bustling beaches, historical downtown architecture and El Yunque National Forest, a tropical rainforest with waterfalls and hiking. Whatever kind of traveler you are, Puerto Rico has something to offer.
Flights to Puerto Rico for summer 2023 starting at $53* one-way and $117* roundtrip
7. Tanzania
Summers (particularly in July-September) are one of the best times to visit Tanzania, especially if you’re looking to experience a safari or see wildlife during your trip. On safaris, late summer is the best time to see herds of wildebeest and zebra during migration season. Although, there’s plenty of other wildlife to see throughout the summer season, too. You’ll also be able to spot leopards, giraffes, rhinos, elephants and more. Besides safaris, you can also explore numerous national forests, waterfalls, rainforests, go snorkeling at offshore islands, see (or hike!) Mt. Kilimanjaro, and more!
Flights to Tanzania for summer 2023 starting at $505* one-way and $970* roundtrip
8. Mexico
As our nearby neighbor, Mexico makes for one of the best summer destinations (or destinations for anytime, really). Want to have an picture-perfect summer weekend in Tulum? Or maybe you’re dreaming of a relaxing week in Cancun or Cabo San Lucas? If you’re more into history and city life than sunbathing on the beach, head to Mexico City. It’s home to plenty of museums, ancient Aztec and Mayan ruins, castles and palaces and more. Whether you’re headed to the coast or enjoying life in the city, Mexico has plenty of adventure, scenic views and delicious food to choose from.
Flights to Mexico for summer 2023 starting at $99* one-way and $205* roundtrip
9. Japan
We’re sure we’re not the only ones dreaming of onsen soaks, sushi eating, and spectacular hiking and shopping. If you’re ready to make your Japan dreams come true this summer, Japan is ready for you. Naturally, with everything from mountains to beaches to big modern cities, summer is one of the best times to visit this country. Need some inspiration? Check out our guide to traveling Japan on a budget.
Flights to Japan for summer 2023 starting at $487* one-way and $802* roundtrip
10. Las Vegas
If you need a weekend away that’s nearby, won’t require a passport and will help you totally escape from your normal life, why not a quick trip to Vegas? Las Vegas is one of the most popular weekend destinations in the US, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you want to pamper yourself, enjoy some world-class entertainment, or go rock climbing (what? No joke, Las Vegas has some of the best rock climbing in the US!), Las Vegas has a lot to offer. Plus, finding cheap flights to Las Vegas is super easy, so planning your summer trip is even easier.
Flights to Las Vegas for summer 2023 starting at $21* one-way and $41* roundtrip
11. Banff National Park
Canada’s Banff National Park is absolute goals for a summer outdoor adventure. Even in the hottest months of the year, July and August, the average highs are only in the low 70s – making it a perfect spot for those who find summer’s heat just a bit too much sometimes. It’s got amazing hikes, views, and activities, and cheap flights from the US. While Banff tends to be really popular in the summer and can book up far in advance and/or can get expensive, the views alone are so good that it’s worth getting around those hurdles for a trip. While there, take out a kayak on Lake Moraine and explore the breweries and cafes of the town. Fly into Calgary and while you’re there, check out one a festival or Canada Olympic Park with their summer off-season activities of downhill carting, mini golf, and mountain biking.
Flights to Calgary for summer 2023 starting at $80* one-way and $178* roundtrip
12. Hawaii
If endless sunshine, miles of beaches and incredible surfing, giant sea turtles, mountains and volcanoes and incredible sunsets are calling your name this summer, where better to go than Hawaii? We’ve seen so many cheap flights to Hawaii, especially from the West Coast, making it a very doable summer getaway. If you want to stay in the US this summer but still need a change of scenery, Hawaii is the one of the best summer destinations. Visit Honolulu for incredible beaches, restaurants and nightlife. Head to Hilo to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or hike (or sail) along the Nepali coast in Kauai. The options are endless!
Flights to Hawaii for summer 2023 starting at $39* one-way and $102* roundtrip
What’s on your bucket list for this summer? Find cheap flight deals and hotel getaways for wherever you want to go with StudentUniverse and make planning your next trip even easier.
