Time flies faster than normal in the summer, so if you’re typically one to leave making plans to the last minute, there’s no time like the present to figure out where you want to get away this year. It’s not too late for you to book a vacation to one of our planet’s many beautiful destinations next month – especially if you prefer visiting spots that aren’t already heavily populated by locals and tourists. For anyone wondering where to travel in July to avoid crowds, we have a diverse list for adventurers of all ages seeking unique experiences.
Mozambique, East Africa
Mozambique’s sunshine in July isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you can handle the heat, you’ll love the experiences that await you in the East African country. While they continue to recover from decades of civil war, locals have been welcoming curious tourists and introducing them to the wildlife who reside in the “Lost Eden” of Gorongosa National Park. Visitors can partake in a safari experience, or if aquatic animals are more your speed, visit the nearby Bazaruto archipelago islands to do some marine diving on the quiet beaches.
Byron Bay, Australia
In the southern hemisphere, things Down Under are much quieter in the month of July as winter takes over. Those who spent Australia’s summer surfing and tanning in Byron Bay are long gone by then, but little do they know some of the hidden gems in the area get even better when the weather gets cold. It’s an ideal time for whale watching, hiking, touring local farms and exploring the rainforest – all with much less risk of heat stroke.
Laughlin, Nevada
Nevada is a popular vacation spot mostly because of the shenanigans taking place in Sin City, but that’s not the only area in America’s desert worth exploring. If you want to head to Las Vegas without being caught up in the craze on the Strip, consider staying in Laughlin, which is about 100 miles south of the adult playground. It boasts similar hot temperatures, but without the crowds and noise you’ll find in hotels. You can also get a taste of the outdoors with activities like fishing, hiking and kayaking when you need a break from gambling and shopping.
Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy
If our suggestions so far haven’t answered your question of where to travel in July, perhaps a EuroTrip might be the solution. It’s no secret that Italy has become one of the most Instagrammable travel destinations, but there are still some hidden gems throughout the country that aren’t overrun by guests. One of them is Santa Margherita Ligure, a former fishing village that’s comparable to the Amalfi Coast. It’s about 22 miles southeast of Genoa and connected to the city by regional train service. You can spend your days relaxing at the various beaches, dining on delicious local pizza and pasta or taking in the colorful views while walking on authentic cobblestone paths.
Coronet Peak, New Zealand
For any winter sports lovers, New Zealand’s Coronet Peak is a great option for July travel. The park is located on the country’s South Island and is the oldest ski field in the area. Locals are known for being bold and adventurous, so it makes sense that NZ is the birthplace of bungee jumping, though people also like to try out zip-lining and heli-skiing. If you’re not one to hit the slopes, you can still check out views on a gondola ride, which allows you to reach the top of the mountain on foot.
Newfoundland, Canada
It’s not as tropical as some of the islands your friends are flying to this summer. Still, Newfoundland is a stunning destination off the coast of Canada that’s worth considering as you wonder where to travel in July. The province’s capital city, St. John’s, will capture your heart from the moment you fly in, with its colorful houses and historic architecture. You’ll want to wear layers as the weather isn’t known for being hot, but the kind folks all over (and the adorable puffins) will make you forget about the rain, drizzle and fog rolling in. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, small towns like Trinity, Ferryland and Twillingate will happily welcome you to their water-side communities.
Folegandros, Greece
In Greece, the Cyclades island of Folegandros is a prime spot to explore Europe without feeling overcrowded. The main town’s population is under 800, and locals provide boat rides from the beaches there to secluded coves where you can swim in the Aegean Sea. The first ultra-luxe resort in the area is Gundari, which sits on 80 acres of property. Suites there have private pools and the resort spoils patrons with a spa experience taking inspiration from the ancient Greeks.
Bolivia, South America
Bolivia is located in central South America, and is the only landlocked country on the continent; this is partially what makes it a standout if you’re contemplating where to travel in July. Many tourists flock to areas that are near water this time of year, but you can still have a great time without being by the ocean. The middle of summer welcomes occasional rain showers in Bolivia, but you can expect mostly clear skies. Outdoorsy travelers have fun options like climbing and bike riding to keep them busy, or local attractions like La Glorieta Castle and Salar de Uyuni (pictured above) are big hits too.