The Best Places to Travel in June

With so many islands and coastlines, there is plenty to see and do in Croatia and with the gentle warm temperature of June, it is an ideal time to go. You can hop between the many beautiful islands, enjoy the abundance of seafood in waterfront restaurants, soak up the architecture in Dubrovnik and then explore the stunning inland scenery with forests, mountains and waterfalls. Whether you are after an outdoor adventure, art galleries, sublime food, sun-drenched beaches or historical architecture, Croatia has it all.

Not just the home of sangria, Flamenco, paella and siestas, although all spectacular, Spain has a lot more to offer. Whether it's a visit to the buzzing cities of beautiful Madrid or vibrant Barcelona; a week soaking up the culture of Andalucia, or just soaking up the sun in Mallorca, the variety of landscapes and culture in Spain is truly breathtaking. June brings lovely warm temperatures to enjoy this country at its best.

The ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’, Norway is one of the best places to visit in summer. With the sun hardly setting, long sunlit hours stretch out before you to experience what this magnificent country has to offer. The once frozen snowy roads and mountains are open for you to travel as far and wide as you please, climb vast mountains, and try your hand at mountain biking, hiking, or even white-water rafting. Not forgetting a boat trip through the fjords to take in the most amazing views and pure fresh air.

Sink into the indulgent Italian way of life, where your days are punctuated by sumptuous cuisine served up in spellbinding settings. From plates of pasta looking out at the sea to picnics among picturesque olive groves and vineyards, Italy is a treasure trove of stunning locations in which to devour some of the world’s favorite dishes. Soak up the captivating buzz of cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice, unwind in the heart of Tuscany or relax along the Amalfi Coast. If you’re traveling child-free, make Italy your June vacation destination to avoid the summer crowds.

While June isn’t South Africa’s prime month for a game safari, as the southern hemisphere is in its often wet winter season, its west coast comes alive. Sleepy coastal towns like Hermanus become epic hot spots for whale-watching. Watch the humpback whales on their migration to warmer waters and stroll the quaint fishing villages and rugged coasts. Cape Town is also a fantastic stop for a break from the rainfall, with gastronomic and cultural highlights galore.

Utterly enchanting, Portugal’s popularity never wanes. Wander the cobbled streets of Lisbon, pausing for a morning coffee accompanied by the unmistakable melt-in-the-mouth sensation of a freshly baked pastel de nata. Breathe in the invigorating country air of the Douro Valley, stopping at century-old wine estates to sample fine vintages. Retreat to the coast to soak up the sun, while being spoiled by famous Portuguese hospitality and tantalizingly fresh seafood. This soul-stirring slither of land to the west of Spain has an intoxicating individuality, and June is one of our favorite times to visit Portugal before the summer crowds descend.

Nothing quite beats the English countryside on those early dewy summer mornings as the sun starts to melt away the fog. From the rolling hills of the West Country and Scottish Highlands to the quirky old streets of London and Cambridge, get an eclectic mix of city sights and green hues unique to Britain on a family vacation here. Step back in time with ancient ruins, and have little ones feel like princes and princesses as they walk the old castle halls. This is the best family vacation in June to let your imagination run wild.

With Queensland and the northern region entering the dry season in June, it’s the perfect time to dip your toe into this tropical oasis. Enjoy Brisbane with its strong cultural heart and flourishing food scene, go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands to see otherworldly marine life and sugar-fine beaches, and dare to enter the ancient rainforest of Daintree National Park and stare in wonder at the mystical babbling streams and traditional stories of the Kuku Yalanji people. Truly one of the best places to visit in June for a trip that’ll leave the family in awe.

There are so many rich cultural experiences to incorporate whilst you are in Peru, but in June you can witness one of the most vibrant, the winter solstice festival. Redeemed as one of the most important events in the year, where the ancient Inca capital Cusco comes alive to celebrate the Sun God. The modern-day re-enactment sees hundreds descend the hillsides to watch the procession of ancient mummies through the town, colorful traditional costumes, and a finale of horns, panpipes, and beating drums. A must-see, majestic spectacle for any family looking for a cultural family vacation.

Famous for the incredible Mayan ruins, white sand beaches, and an abundance of colonial history, Yucatan is a fun and vibrant area of Mexico to visit. Outside of the busy high season, June sees less rain and sultry temperatures to allow you to enjoy this vibrant culture to its best. The stunning clear water offers fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, not forgetting the lush dense jungles for a guided hike, all with the hospitality and food you would expect whilst in Mexico. Then head to the Caribbean coast for one of the best beach vacations in June and spend the day on the sand, cocktail in hand.

With a distinct French cosmopolitan atmosphere, St. Barths is where you come for ultra-luxury. Known as the “St. Tropez” of the Caribbean, St. Barths is a favorite amongst celebrities and offers long sandy languid beaches as well as more rugged coastlines for those after a spot of adventure. One of the best tropical places to visit in June, you can island hop to nearby destinations like St. Lucia, or easily spend a week here indulging in the Caribbean hospitality.

Known as the 'land of a thousand hills’, Rwanda allures with green volcanoes, shimmering lakes, and, of course, the famous mountain gorillas. Residing among the bamboo forests in Volcanoes National Park, these majestic primates provide one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife adventures that exist, and June in Rwanda is one of the best times of year to go gorilla trekking. Heading out into the rainforest with the volcanic peaks of the misty Virunga Mountains towering above you, you can watch these gentle giants play, eat, and doze, while contributing to one of the world's great conservation success stories.

A must for those seeking adventure, culture and dramatic landscapes, all in abundance. Off the beaten track, you can spend your days on horseback or exploring on foot, speed down the slopes of Cotopaxi on a mountain bike, stock up on traditional souvenirs at the famous Otavalo Market or simply enjoy spectacular scenery as you peer into the endless azure waters of the Quilotoa crater lake.