Where to Go in July

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. July in Canada is an excellent time for wildlife sightings, with both whales and bears present in large numbers.

An exotic archipelago of over 13,500 islands, Indonesia is a kaleidoscope of color 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 snorkeling and relaxation in equal measure.

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 vacation destination, popular with every type of traveler. 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 family vacation.

The Arctic is a magical experience no matter when you go but July is the peak season for wildlife viewing. The Arctic tundra flowers are blooming creating a creating colorful 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.

This side of Thailand is perfect in the summer 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.

The Alps are not just for winter. This wonderful mountain range offers an array of activities from mountain biking to horse riding to rock climbing; its ideal for active families. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dolomites offers dramatic landscapes with lots of sunshine and mild temperatures so its 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-center adventure with the kids in tow.

Zambia is an iconic safari destination with some incredible game viewing and beautiful scenery. Spend the summer vacation 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.