The best destinations for holidays in July

Holiday destinations July: Tips for summer travel destinations

Summer is here. And it's here for real. For most people, the long-awaited holiday season finally begins. You don't know where to go yet? Then here are some inspirations for a relaxing and/or adventurous holiday in July.

Due to the summer weather, you can enjoy yourself almost anywhere in the northern hemisphere in July. Many northern regions such as Iceland or Denmark are particularly interesting now, as it is much warmer here too. You can also immerse yourself in foreign mystical cultures in Bali or experience one of the greatest natural highlights of our planet in Botswana's Okavango Delta.

No matter which continent you want to visit or how you want to travel, there is something for everyone in July. If you have any other suggestions for travel destinations in July, we'd love to hear from you.

In this article you will find:

• The best destinations for the summer holidays in July

• Cheap travel destinations in July, despite the peak travel season

• Inspiration for holiday destinations in Germany

• Tips for short trips and sightseeing in Europe (without crowds)

• The best long-haul holidays for round trips, road trips, adventurers and beach holidays 2021

Of course, if you have any other suggestions, I'd love to hear from you in the comments at the end of the article. I love discovering new destinations through you and travelling to places that aren't too crowded this month!

Looking for more inspiration?

Continue to the best travel destinations month by month

Continue to the most beautiful cities in Europe

Tips to make the most of bridging days to take almost twice as much holiday

Destinations in Germany

Tips for destinations in Germany during the summer holidays are hard to find. Because everywhere is quite crowded now

Nevertheless, I have a tip:

The north of the island of Rügen

Even in the Corona year, the "wild north" of the island of Rügen was relatively pleasant, unlike the rest of the Baltic coast. Up here, we really enjoyed the long wide sandy beaches, the great forests and cycle paths without any big crowds!

Take a look at my tips and highlights for Rügen

In the north of the island of Rügen in Nonnewitz, peace and quiet is also the order of the day during the summer holidays.

Black Forest

The Black Forest is also ideal in the summer holidays. Long days, great hiking trails and plenty of attractions everywhere, even for children.

All tips forExcursion destinations in the Black Forest

Alternative Wolf & Bear Park Black Forest

East Frisian Island of Juist

A little gem is the small North Sea island of Juist. If you want to really switch off, East Frisia is the perfect destination. Of course, the island is popular during the summer holidays. But don't worry, accommodation is limited, the island is car-free and when the day visitors are gone, everything is idyllic.

See my highlights on the island of Juist

North Sea Island Juist Billriff East Frisia

Meiningen-Schmalkalden region in Thuringia

From almost anywhere in Germany, it takes no more than three to four hours by car to reach the pretty town of Meiningen to visit. Especially historically, culturally, scenically and of course culinary there is a lot to discover in Meiningen and Schmalkalden: castles, state theatres, the Thuringian Forest, the Rhön, dumplings and gravy - it's easy to lose track. So here's our handy 10-step plan for this beautiful corner of Thuringia: Ten things you must do in Meiningen!

See all information about the destination:

10 highlights with tips for Meiningen: Between castle romance, Thuringian dumplings & pure nature

A weekend in Schmalkalden: Inspiration and the most beautiful places

Chris at the bratwurst test in Meiningen, Thuringia Town church in Meiningen Half-timbered house in Schmalkalden City breaks in July

Stockholm

One of my favourite destinations for a city break is the Swedish capital Stockholm. I just love this city so much that I've been here 5 times already. Sightseeing, trips by boat to the archipelago or a day trip to Uppsala. Everything is possible. From the weather point of view, too, of course. In July, the days are long and the nights short. Ideal for exploring Stockholm.

Eindhoven and van Gogh city Nuenen

How about not going all the way to Amsterdam for a change, and leaving Eindhoven just after the German border?

Why Eindhoven? Eindhoven is a pretty hip city with lots of architecturally interesting buildings, lots of street art and you can explore all this wonderfully on the good cycle paths. I was thrilled by the diversity!

A few kilometres outside the city is Nuenen, the small village where van Gogh painted many famous pictures. Follow in the footsteps of the famous painter and see the places where his easel once stood.

De Blob Eindhoven

London in July

Why in July? The summer months bring warm and sometimes even hot weather to London. Therefore, July is a great time to get the best out of London's parks, beer gardens and restaurants. Be sure to stop off at one of the many chilled out rooftop bars to enjoy the sunset.

Only the sightseeing is better postponed to another month or booked in advance. Otherwise, be prepared for long waiting times at Madamae Tussauds, the London Eye, London Tower & Co. However, a visit to London is worthwhile even without the big tourist classics.

What to do? For music, sports and festival lovers, events such as Summer Streets on Regent Street, Wimbledon, Pride Parade or the relatively new Citadel Festival in Victoria Park come up during a trip in July. There's definitely something for everyone.

The best tips for a short trip to London Europe in the summer holidays

Bregenzerwald in July

Why now? Of course, many people are drawn to the Bregenzerwald in July. The weather is ideal for activities like hiking, climbing, mountain biking or paragliding.

In the Bregenzerwald you will still find peace and quiet, great nature and delicious food (for example on a culinary hike).

What to do? Explore via ferratas for every level, hike to great peaks or enjoy spa and wellness hotels. There is something for everyone in the Bregenzerwald.

Kanisfluh peak in the Bregenzerwald (Vorarlberg)

Hiking in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of my favourite destinations for rail holidays. Because nowhere in Europe is public transport as good (and punctual) as in Switzerland. Whether it's the Glacier Express to the Matterhorn or the legendary Bernina Express. Every train route is really worthwhile. The mix of train travel, hiking and Switzerland's culinary delights is ideal.

Iceland Round Trip in July

Discover the land of hot springs

Long summer nights, temperatures in the low 20s and relatively dry weather - these sound like good conditions for a road trip. Especially in a country that is otherwise known for its harsh weather. In July, you can really go exploring in Iceland by car. As a rule, even the last small road is finally thawed out and passable with an off-road vehicle.

In Iceland you will find hot springs, stunning volcanic landscapes, ice lagoons, black beaches, countless waterfalls and many other natural spectacles. You can discover all of this on a road trip through Iceland. If you want to stretch your legs in between, you can also go on a half-day or day hike. Afterwards, you can relax in one of the many thermal baths.

As Iceland is an island, you can of course drive around it. You should plan on 1-2 weeks for this, depending on the daily kilometres. Bear in mind, however, that it is light almost the whole day in July. Therefore, sleeping can be a bit difficult due to getting used to it. July is also the peak travel season. With a car, however, you are flexible enough to swap the tourist hot spots for island adventure and relaxation.

How about a road trip in Iceland? With an off-road vehicle, you can drive the last roads that have been cleared of snow and ice in July. Road trips worldwide

Australia Road Trip in July: Northern Territory

You always wanted to visit Australia and avoid the hottest temperatures? Then you are very well advised to take a holiday "Down Under" in July. July is the dry season in the tropical north end and winter in the other regions. The latter, however, is out of all proportion to what we understand by winter.

In the Australian Northern Territory you can experience the "real" Australia. It is extremely sparsely populated. Therefore, you will definitely find the eternal expanses associated with Australia here. Driving for hours without encountering another sign of life? I have only experienced that in Australia.

Highlights are, of course, Uluru (Australia's landmark), Kakadu National Park and Kings Canyon. But that is by no means all. You will also find ancient Aboriginal rock paintings, desert landscapes, mangrove forests, waterfalls and crocodile-free natural pools for swimming (e.g. in Litchfield National Park).

But if you do feel like a bit of city life, plan a stop in the capital Darwin. Here you'll find a huge harbour, delicious seafood and night markets. Mindil Beach is a great place to end the day at sunset. Darwin is also a good base for a road trip through the Territory.

Don't miss the Kakadu National Park! One of the viewpoints along the gorge in Kings Canyon on the Rim Walk Adventures in Europe

Bregenzerwald in Austria

Active holidaymakers take note, because you don't always have to go far away. The Bregenzerwald can be reached very quickly from southern Germany. Here you will find great and affordable accommodation, super mountain panoramas, lots of opportunities to be active (canyoning, mountain biking, paragliding, via ferrata, hiking, rafting, ...) and also to go on enjoyable hikes!

Again and again you go along the wall - sometimes traverse, sometimes up and also down. Always secured, nothing can happen. Paragliding in the Bregenzerwald can be so beautiful (weather permitting).

Insider tip Slovenia: Hiking, rafting in combination with a road trip?

The small southern European country is a great destination for water sports fans. With its many rapids, the Soca River in the northwest of Slovenia is perfect for canoeing or white-water rafting and is one of the country's most popular spots for athletes in the summer. If you don't have any experience with this sport - don't worry: there are extensive courses for beginners to advanced rafters offered in many places.

If you like it more quiet, Slovenia is also a good choice for hiking. The Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps in the north of the country offers a huge number of well-developed hiking trails in a magnificent natural landscape. But you don't have to do without the sea in Slovenia either: In the southwest, the country has 46 kilometres of coastline and wonderful Adriatic beaches, e.g. in Portoroz.

Nature lovers will enjoy the Julian Alps in Slovenia. Piran Bay in Slovenia: It's a great place to stay.

North Brabant in Holland

If you don't want to travel far, the Netherlands is a great place for a holiday in July. Especially if you fancy a mix of nature, cities and a beach holiday.

A city break in the Netherlands is also highly recommended! The classic is of course the capital Amsterdam with its world-famous canals. How about Breda, Oudenbsoch and the beautiful De Biesbosch National Park?

Kitesurfing is also possible on the Dutch Atlantic coast. Like here on the beach of Scheveningen. In Amsterdam, there are many canals that characterise the cityscape. In the Netherlands they are called canals.

Baltic Sea in Germany in July

How about the beautiful Baltic Sea in Germany? In July, the weather is usually perfect. Whether you're driving from beach to beach in a camper van, surfing or kitesurfing, or just leisurely cycling along the sea, it's simply beautiful here!

Top sights and most beautiful place on the Baltic Sea: chalk coast on the island of Rügen! Africa in July

The Okavango Delta in Botswana

Ever since the BBC series Planet Earth, Botswana has been high on my travel list. If the pictures from the Okavango are anything like as beautiful as they are in the documentary series, then nature and animal lovers will experience a true miracle: In July, the annual high water reaches the delta and brings the dry landscape to life.

Besides the Okavango Delta, however, there are many other national parks and game reserves to explore in Botswana. If you want to experience a real sense of adventure, you can plan a round trip through this fascinating and diverse country, just like Katrin. Sleep in a rooftop tent under African skies, drive over sandy tracks and marvel at the natural and animal world along the way. Sounds good? Then let's go to Botswana.

Impressive: The Okavango Delta in Botswana! trin enjoys her coffee on the banks of the Okavango on the way through the Zambezi Region (Namibia) to Botswana.

Kenya and the Masai Mara

Would you like to experience first-hand how the Maasai live in Kenya's Masai Mara? Learn more about their culture, everyday life and living together with wild animals? Of course, you would also like to learn more about the behaviour of animals like elephants, lions, cheetahs or giraffes first hand? Then I can recommend the courses at EcoTraining. Before the big migration of wildebeest from the Serengeti to the adjacent Masai Mara, July is ideal for a trip after the long rainy season.

Why now?

It is not as crowded as in August, you will see a lot of animals, the prices are still okay and the protected areas are not yet overcrowded by cars. It's really nice to spend time in Kenya in July. Even though it gets very cold in Nairobi after the sun goes down, it's worth staying.

You need to know this:

July is the driest month in Kenya, but also the coldest. Pack warm clothes in an onion look to avoid freezing during early morning game drives or after sunset.

Find all the information here:

Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, a breeding station, because Rothschild giraffes are endangered in Kenya. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for elephant orphans in Nairobi Elephants in the Masai Mara with a little baby

Madagascar

On the island off the east coast of the African mainland, the colourful animal world alone is one of the great attractions for holidaymakers: the vast majority of animal species actually live only on Madagascar and are not found in the wild in any other country on earth. The best-known examples of this are the lemur species, such as the katta.

The best way to explore the unique nature of the island is in the numerous national parks on Madagascar. Good tips are the Masoala National Park in the northeast or the Antasibe-Mantadia National Park in the east of the country.

As a tropical island, Madagascar naturally has no shortage of sandy beaches with crystal-clear water. Particularly recommended, for example, is Île aux Nattes, a small island off the west coast of Madagascar. It's the perfect place for you to relax, but also for diving. With a little luck, you can watch whales off Île aux Nattes.

Holiday in July on a dream beach in Masoala National Park, Madagascar. North America in July

Island hopping in Hawaii

The youngest state in the USA is also one of the most beautiful - at least if you like great weather, exciting nature and relaxed people. July is the perfect month for your trip to the islands: while the Hawaiian Islands are warm all year round, the summer months have by far the least rainfall.

Which was my favourite island? Kauai, followed by Maui and Oahu. Big Island follows last but only because when I visited, the volcanoes went into sleep mode. No lava flow.

The best way to discover Kauai is by helicopter. Many places can only be reached by helicopter.

Hiking the Great Trail in Canada

Canada, oh Canada how beautiful you are! I love Canada and nature! Since 2017, there is the longest hiking trail in the world: The Great Trail. It leads from the east to the west coast of Canada through all regions.

How about hiking a part of it? In combination with a road trip from Vancouver, Calgary or Toronto, a perfect adventure, right?

Beautiful Island Lake Canada On Island Lake you can paddle a canoe on crystal clear water with a view of the Rockies. South America in July

Chile - a combination of desert and skiing in July

Would you like a change from the Central European summer? In Chile, you can take just about everything there is to take in terms of weather in July. The country's elongated shape makes it possible: it stretches almost 4,300 kilometres from Cape Horn in the south to the northern border with Peru and Bolivia.

In the middle of the country, you can enjoy winter sports in July. In El Colorado, for example, which together with Valle Nevado and La Parva forms the largest contiguous ski area in the southern hemisphere. Conveniently, the 40-kilometre ski area is only a stone's throw away from Chile's capital Santiago de Chile - the country's cultural centre.

You should also plan a stop in the six-million metropolis. During the day, you can visit the many museums that tell you everything about the country's history. As soon as the sun has set, you can immerse yourself in the diverse nightlife of Santiago de Chile. Also to Valparaiso you should also make a detour!

You can also visit the north of the country! From the oasis town of San Pedro, you can easily explore the Atacama Desert. Atacama Desert desert. As one of the driest areas on earth, it has not only earned the name desert, but also boasts one of the clearest starry skies on the planet. The scenery is spectacular too, including geysers and hot springs - a must for nature fans.

Valparaiso in Chile Atacama Desert: Valle de Muerte Santiago de Chile Skyline Asia in July

Island feeling in Bali

Bali is always a good idea. This saying has been deeply etched in my mind as a slogan in various places since my first trip. And there is some truth in it. Because the island of the gods casts a spell over almost everyone with its mystical temples, lovable inhabitants and beautiful nature. Bali is also recommended for a holiday in July, at least if you can find a cheap flight.

Even though the region around Kuta is overdeveloped in terms of tourism, there are still many beautiful and much quieter places to discover. The best thing to do is rent a scooter and explore the interior. Besides rice terraces, lakes, forests and volcanoes, you can also get a rough idea of what life is like for the Balinese.

You will find plenty of activities. Whether with the family, for the adventurous, those interested in culture or water sports enthusiasts. However, as in many places, the high season on Bali begins in July, so it can get quite crowded. The quietest spots are in the north of Bali. Alternatively, there are several other islands around Bali to discover. These are usually much less frequented by tourists.

Holidays in July: Watching the surfers from the infinity pool - something you can do ???? The rice terraces of Tengalalang near Ubud in Bali Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is one of the most beautiful and most photographed temples in Bali.