A posh Italian resort town, a far-flung summertime ski trip, and other getaways that are perfect for the month ahead.
By Lindsay Silberman, Town & Country
Craving a getaway but not quite sure where to go? Here are five wanderlust-worthy vacation ideas to put on your radar for July.
1
Cartagena
As
long as you can handle the heat (so to speak), planning a trip to
Cartagena in July is a no-brainer. A number of airlines now offer direct
routes—flights from New York clock in at just under 5 hours—and, with
no time difference, visiting the seaside city over a long weekend is
easier than ever. What’s more, you’ll avoid the crowds that flock to the
bustling port during the holidays, and also have your pick of the
litter when it comes to hotels. Among the best? Casa San Agustin, Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa and Tcherassi Hotel & Spa—all located within the walls of the old city.
2
Lake Como
Considering that flight prices to Europe are at an all-time low—and the
dollar is stronger than ever—there’s no better time for a bucket
list-worthy trip to Lake Como. Though you really can’t go wrong any week
of the month, escaping to Europe over the 4th of July holiday has a
particular appeal. Book a room at the iconic Villa d’Este
and you’ll feel right at home: the hotel has been hosting a July 4th
Gala for its American guests to enjoy since the 1920s, complete with a
cocktail party, gala dinner, dance performance, and of course, fireworks
on the lake. Don’t be surprised if your fellow attendees aren’t from
the US—as it turns out, non-American visitors love participating in the
revelry too. It’s like celebrating in the States, only better.
3
Kenya
July marks the beginning of the Great Migration in Kenya, wherein
wildebeests and zebras attempt to dodge the enemy—crocodiles—as they
make their way across Mara River. With cooler temperatures and clear
blue skies, the mid-summer month is an ideal time to finally experience
the Kenyan safari you’ve been talking about for so long.
4
Mount Hutt, New Zealand
It’s entirely possible to get your powder fix in the middle of summer—as
long as you don’t mind flying halfway around the world. (The good news
is that it’ll be well worth the trip.) New Zealand’s ski season runs
from June to mid-October, which, despite being a fairly “off-peak”
travel window for tourists, promises unbelievable conditions for snow
bunnies. Just two hours outside of Christchurch, you’ll find the
country’s stunning southern alps—and plenty of space on the slopes to
take advantage of.
5
Palm Beach
Palm Beach...in the summer? Believe it. If you're looking for a quiet
weekend away but you'd prefer not to leave the country, head to Southern
Florida. "People don't realize it's a year-round destination," says
Nick Gold, the Public Relations Director at Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa,
who adds that during the season, hotel rates drop by 30 to 40 percent.
"I think it's one of the most underrated times to visit. Plus, it's less
crowded than the Hamptons."
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