The Best Places to Visit in July

An exotic archipelago of over 13,500 islands, Indonesia is a kaleidoscope of colour and culture. Clear, blue seas lap deserted beaches and gentle breezes carry scents of flowers and spices. This is a country of diverse beauty, from the rice paddies of Bali cut into the hillside like giant steps, to mighty volcanoes soaring through the clouds, and lush rainforest, where the endangered orangutan swings between branches. The weather is near perfect in the summer months – Indonesia in July lends itself to island hopping adventures filled with snorkelling and relaxation in equal measure.

From emerald lakes and snow-capped peaks to thrilling wilderness areas teeming with wildlife, Canada is an intoxicating adventure playground waiting to whisk you off your feet. For those who love the great outdoors, the country offers a wealth of activities to help you get off the grid, from hiking to kayaking and everything in between. But for us, the stars of the show are the wild animals that have made this their home. Holidays in July in Canada is an excellent time for wildlife sightings, with both whales and bears present in large numbers.

Head to the north and the east of Sri Lanka for one of our favourite holidays in July. While the south experiences monsoon season, the northern and eastern regions are a flourishing sight of lush tropical jungles, palm-fringed beaches and incredible wildlife viewing. Get off the beaten track in the North Western Province and explore local villages that seem untouched by time. In Kandy, stay in a charming city nestled in the jungle with a rich history, then venture out to the hill country and journey through traditional tea plantations in an emerald sea of green.

This often-overlooked gem is a haven for travelling adults and couples. Naturally lending itself to more mature crowds, the Seychelles is an incredible archipelago offering boutique castaway retreats, island hopping amongst secluded private islands, and diverse lush vegetation. Indulge in world-class spas, dine al fresco under the stars, discover eclectic bustling markets in Mahé and embark on unique sailing adventures that open up a world of breathtaking natural beauty.

In California, the summer is in full swing; this is the time to explore its larger-than-life redwood trees, its wild and wonderful coastline, its rolling vineyards and of course, the vibrant cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Join the dots between California’s many highlights as you trace its spectacular coastline in an air-conditioned car for a holiday in July to remember.

Picture low-lying farmland, purple lavender meadows, winding coastal roads and dazzling beaches. Add the towering heights of the snow-capped Alps and you’re well on your way to discovering the diversity and beauty of France. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the UK and with usually warm, sunny weather in July, France is a classic summer holiday destination, popular with every type of traveller. The variety knows no bounds – from glitzy Riviera towns to charming fishing ports, and picturesque hilltop villages to sprawling mountain resorts.

Dubrovnik, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, oozes history at every turn. The ancient city walls encircle the stunning Old Town, where the limestone streets are perfect for exploring. The main pedestrian street, Placa, has many cafés and shops with narrow cobbled streets branching off up the hillside, along with beautiful churches, museums and monasteries. All of this with the stunning blue Adriatic Sea beyond the city walls makes for a perfect summer holiday.

The Alps are not just for winter. As one of the best holiday destinations in July, this wonderful mountain range offers an array of activities from mountain biking to horse riding to rock climbing; it's ideal for active travellers. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dolomites offers dramatic landscapes with lots of sunshine and mild temperatures so it's perfect for these outdoor pursuits. Pair the great outdoors with a city break in Venice for a dose of culture, or choose to relax on the shores of Lake Garda for the ultimate twin-centre adventure.

Zambia is an iconic safari destination with some incredible game viewing and beautiful scenery. Spend the summer holiday ticking off Zambia's highlights on a whistle-stop adventure through the country's most renowned safari hubs and of course, the mighty Victoria Falls. With plenty of activities to choose from, younger guests are sure never to get bored on this action-packed itinerary where no day is the same.

This side of Thailand is where to travel in July for a summer family holiday and Koh Samui is the archetypal tropical island, with beaches of powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. The essence of island hopping is a laidback adventure, complete with stunning white sand beaches, warm tropical breezes and never-ending turquoise waters. Thailand captures this laissez-faire attitude perfectly and the ideal combination is Koh Phangan and Koh Samui on the exotic east coast.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Africa aficionado, Tanzania never fails to wow. No two days are the same – landscapes, ecosystems and animal sightings vary hugely from place to place, as vast plains give way to dramatic craters and tranquil lakes come into view on the horizon. Experience untamed wilderness in the Selous, come face-to-face with chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains or witness the Great Wildebeest Migration tear across the Serengeti plains. Tanzania is one of the best places to go on holiday in July, with the wildebeest herds seen en masse in the north of the Serengeti, as they make their way towards the Kenya border.

The Arctic is a magical experience with July being the peak season for wildlife viewing. The Arctic tundra flowers are blooming creating a colourful landscape to spot arctic foxes, arctic hares and of course the polar bear. This is also an excellent time to head across Baffin Bay and to West Greenland where you can go in search of whales, minke, humpback, fin and even blue whales can be found in the Arctic Ocean.