Summer is right around the corner and we're all itching to get away and find our next adventure to a land far, far away. Whether you're hoping to escape the heat (looking at you, California), or hoping to travel toward it, we've got you covered with some pretty sweet ideas for summer getaways that will rejuvenate you, inspire you, or give you a total *jolt* from your routine work days.
If you're looking for a great atmosphere, instagrammable food, or plenty of relaxation or adventure, here are a few local and international destinations that never fail to deliver a great time.
Here's to narrowing down your search for your Summer 2019 shenanigans!
Copenhagen, Denmark
For the Love Of...
Architecture + design
Coffee shops
Bustling streets
Old world charm
Visitation in the summer: high season
Weather: average 71°F
Sustainable, modern, bustling and trendy, the capital of Denmark is a must-visit city that is extra lively during the summer months. There's something for everyone in this diverse city, from museums and historic sites, like the National Museum of Denmark, to outdoor activities like surfing and kayaking, to Michelin-starred restaurants and an incredible food scene. You're bound to find something you love. Start your day by indulging the city's contemporary coffee scene, then hop on a bike and ride around like a local in the one of the world's most bike-friendly cities. Stroll through one of the largest pedestrian malls in the world in Strøget and explore the trendy neighborhoods. While you're wandering through this beautiful, picturesque city, make sure to try some local dishes, like Frikadeller, otherwise known as Danish meatballs, or try Smørrebrød, an open-faced sandwich with a variety of delicious (and instagrammable) toppings. If you're looking for a well-rounded trip, Copenhagen is the place to go this summer.
Curious about traveling to Copenhagen this summer? See our upcoming trip dates for Scandinavia 2019 and join us to travel the world!
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
For the Love Of...
Capirinihas
Arts & Culture
Bikinis all day
Nightlife + dancing
Visitation in the summer: low season
Weather: average 80°F
This is hands down one of the best cities to visit if you're looking for a memorable summer getaway. The vibrant city is known for its numerous beaches, namely, Copacabana and Ipanema, which are densely packed year-round with locals and tourists enjoying life in the sun, caipirinha in hand. While the summer months are low season for Rio, the region is still bustling with life, so this mostly just means you'll be landing some pretty sweet deals on flights and accommodations. There are plenty of nearby cultural and historic sites as well as beautiful hikes with panoramic views to fill your days with relaxation and adventure. Visit the iconic Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer, or take a cable car up to Sugar Loaf Mountain for stunning panoramic views of the city. Stroll the bustling streets for markets and shops, and while you're at it, make sure to try some delicious local pão de queijo (cheese bread) or indulge the tropical vibes at a suco bar (juice bar). In any case, you're bound to get a little tan, get a little happy, and definitely bound to return with some great stories.
Joshua Tree, California, US
For the Love Of...
Breathtaking sunsets
Outdoor adventure
Desert wildlife
Remote regions
Visitation in the summer: low season
Weather: average 98°F
If you're looking for summer heat and the perfect desert experience, you'll find it here. With average temperatures above the 90s, you're bound to stay pretty toasty 24/7. The town itself is a dream land for antique lovers and minimalists. You'll see lots of campervans, with the nomads of the future, and lots of classic cars, with old souls of the past. The combination of the old and the modern is infused into the local coffee shops and thrift stores. Of course, no trip to Joshua Tree is complete without entering the National Park itself, which is one of California's protected regions known for its history and unique landscape unlike any other. Everyone knows how difficult it is to land a camp site at Joshua Tree National Park, so strategizing and going during off season is a great way to assure that you'll land a camp site if you didn't book one in advance. Here you'll encounter the beautiful desert wildlife, lots of rock climbers and avid hikers, have tons of photo ops, and be a witness to the region's seriously breathtaking cotton candy sunsets. Get ready for incredible views of the starry night sky, completely void of skyglow. Joshua Tree is a trendy millennial's outdoor dream.
Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
For the Love Of...
Seafood
Quaint towns
Pintxos
Skinny dipping
Visitation in the summer: high season
Weather: average 74°F
Here's a highly underrated destination that is unlike any other region in Spain. The beautiful seaside town of San Sebastian is located right at the border of France and Spain, and has a unique culture of its own that can only be fully appreciated and witnessed in person. The resort town is known for its pinxto bars (like tapas), and is memorable for its surreal sunsets. Spend the day lounging at La Concha beach, skinny dipping your way to the islands, or hiking a trail for awesome views of the town. During the day, stroll Parte Vieja (old town) for shops filled with handmade arts, trinkets and goodies, and stop for a quick drink or pinxto in between. Make sure to try local paella (the best and lots of options!) and ask for a glass of Txakoli, a white wine uniquely found in Basque Country. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind relaxing getaway, San Sebastian is the place to be!
Curious about traveling to Spain this summer? See our upcoming trip dates for Spain 2019 and join us to travel the world!
Amalfi Coast, Italy
For the Love Of...
Stunning views
Rock jumping
Limoncello
Gelatos all day
Visitation in the summer: high season
Weather: average 91°F
Though this region is truly amazing all year 'round, we recommend visiting this major bucket-list destination in southern Italy during the summertime, when the gelato is extra refreshing and the sunsets are extra stunning. Spend your days exploring labyrinths and caves, or basking in the sun along the region's famous beaches. Bring your camera, because you'll definitely want to capture the magical sights of the small, colorful towns, perched on rugged cliffs all along the coast. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a definite must-visit destination for anyone who is ready to indulge beauty, history, nature and elegance, all found in one location. While you're there, make sure to try various gelato flavors, the limoncello (unique to Italian cuisine), and of course, lots and lots of pasta.
Curious about traveling to Italy this summer? See our upcoming trip dates for Amalfi Coast + Puglia 2019 or Tuscany + Rome 2019, and join us to travel the world!
Edinburgh, Scotland
For the Love Of...
Gothic Architecture
Whiskey
Castles
Picturesque alleys
Visitation in the summer: high season
Weather: average 66°F
No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to the country's capital. During the summertime this city is bustling with life as art-lovers from all the world travel in to enjoy one of the largest art festivals in the world, the Edinburgh Festival. With its gothic-style, medieval buildings and architecture, this city is truly a historic and national treasure to behold. During the day, wander the streets of the city and slip into narrow alleys and walkways to travel back in time as you step into hidden churches and old castles that date to as far back as the 12th century. Visit the Edinburgh Castle, a breathtaking structure that sits atop a hill and is visible from nearly any point in the city, or visit the National Museum of Scotland, located in Old Town. In the evening, stroll the lively streets for cozy, warmly lit bars and enjoy a locally made whiskey, gin or beer. If you're looking for local fare, make sure to try haggis, Scotland's national dish, which is described as a hearty meat pudding, or simply pop into any restaurant along the main corridor and you're bound to come across something you've never tried before!
Whether you're looking for a wild adventure, a new cultural experience, or a relaxing getaway, you're bound to encounter great people, delicious food and beautiful scenery at any of these destinations this summer 2019. So what are you waiting for? Let's go!
Still unsure of where to go? Don't want to travel alone? Ready for some adventure? Check out FTLO's upcoming trips for 2019 and sign up to travel with a curated group of young professionals who want to explore the world, just like you.