Having visited Niagara Falls, Canada in August, I can say it is a nice time to visit. Though it was somewhat crowded, the weather was great. There is a gift shop, restaurants with views of the falls while you dine, and boat rides available to get an up-close experience. The Niagara SkyWheel and Skylon Tower offer pretty overlooks as well. Besides just that, this city offers a Butterfly Conservatory, Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino, Niagara Wine Trail, Clinton Hill, hot air balloon rides, ziplining, shopping, and so much more!
Croatia
Photo by Naval S
With how beautiful Croatia is, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one spot! On the top of my bucket list there is Plitvice Lakes, consisting of 16 lakes that are connected by waterfalls and streams. Dubrovnik is a city on the sea that is plentiful in the culture, history, and shopping. Golden Horn Beach, Krka National Park, Velebit Mountains, and Cres Island are all lovely at this time of year as well.
Stockholm, Sweden
Photo by Pedro Szekely
The weather in Stockholm, Sweden is pleasant in August, with lower chances of rainfall. Taking a ferry ride of the archipelago to Fjäderholmarna will present you with cute cafes and shops. If you ride to Grinda, you can play volleyball, on the clear-water beach, kayak, or take a hike. Cycling around Stockholm is an ideal way to explore the city waterfront and historical landmarks. The Stockholm Culture Festival takes place in August too, with music and craft workshops.
Banff National Park, Canada
Photo by Viktor Push
Besides some crowds, August is the best month of the year to visit Banff, Canada due to the weather. It is absolutely gorgeous, including Cascade Gardens, Glacier Fed Lake, Cascade Mountains, Peyto Lake, and Lake Louise Summer Gondola to easily access these majestic mountains. Biking, canoeing, rock climbing, and white water rafting are amongst some other activities that visitors enjoy.
Berlin, Germany
Photo by Giuseppe Milo
August 12th-13th, 2024 is the proclaimed the Night of Shooting Stars, where up to 100 shooting stars are visible in the sky between 2am-4am. August 26th to 27th is when Long Night at the Museums take place, with 75 museums around the city staying open until 2am, with only one ticket and shuttles for transport. The city has theatrical performances, sporting events, food tours, street art, and observation decks. And you can’t forget to see the Berlin Wall Memorial!
This past April, I took a visit to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina with my sister. It was an absolutely gorgeous location, and we would both love to visit again! Here’s what we did after arriving at the Savannah/Hilton Head airport and picking up our rental car.
Day 1
The first area we stopped in was Bluffton, South Carolina. We got lunch at Cahill’s Market then headed over to Calhoun Street. There, we walked around the block, window shopping at a few boutiques. Then was our Publix trip for essentials and groceries for some meals.
Next up was our Airbnb on Hilton Head Island. We stayed at a condo in The Dunes. It has a pool right next to our place, so of course we unpacked and walked over to take a swim.
After drying off and getting ready, my sister and I went exploring. We took the walking path covered in palm trees across the street to Alder Lane Beach (pictured above). It was very pretty and the water was actually relatively warm, especially compared to the beaches up north! The last part of our day consisted of taking a drive around, exploring and finding a unique location called The Bank. It is an outdoor venue offering a brewery, bar, a creamery, and 5 restaurants. When I was visiting, they had live music, as well as, a vendor event going on, and yard games such as cornhole. I highly recommend stopping here!
Day 2
After stopping at Carolina Crumbs for a quick breakfast, it was back to Alder Lane Beach for a couple of hours. Wanting to try out other beaches as well though, we drove over to Folly Field Beach. While it was nearly the same as the other one, I do think I liked Alder Lane Beach better.
For dinner, we ate outside at The Sandbar (the pulled pork tacos are an excellent option). Since it was raining that evening, we didn’t have much else to do besides go shopping. So, I drove down South Forest Beach Drive to the Sea Pines Community, which (apparently) has an admission fee. But, we enjoyed perusing through it, viewing all of the gorgeous mansions. At South Beach Marina (pictured above), you can find shops, such as The Salty Dog T-Shirt Factory and a few restaurants too.
Day 3
At Healthy Habit, I ordered an acai bowl, which is where I discovered that I love acai (it was my first time trying it). Because the rain had stopped, it was the perfect day to take a little journey to Harbourtown, located in Sea Pines. It is a cute mini town set along the water, with stores, a cafe/bakery, and a lighthouse, which costs $7/person. However, the panoramic landscape at the top is beautiful!
The community even has its’ own hiking trails. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve will take you down boardwalks that lead to a lake with picnic tables. It is a wonderful spot to stop and have lunch.
Our condo neighbor actually recommended going to Fish Haul Beach (pictured above) when the tide was low, so we did and it was worth it! My sister and I were surrounded by sand and very shallow, clear water, making it easy for her to find a few seashells. Close by was a cute lunch spot called Lucky Beach Bar & Kitchen, which was good.
We were hoping for the Village at Wexford to have a few more stores we were interested in, but didn’t see much. So, we moved onto Shelter Cove. Though not too many shops there either, we both got a drink at the Poseidon restaurant/bar.
Day 4
Every Tuesday, Hilton Head has a farmer’s market, hosted by the Coastal Discovery Museum. It was smaller than expected, but had some nice people and interesting vendors!
The Frosty Frog Cafe is a great spot for having an outdoor lunch. They are quick (perfect, since we were on a time crunch), and both liked the wraps we got.
Next up on the agenda was our dolphin tour we had booked. I was worried that we may not see them, but we saw them a good bit! The boat ride out to the bay was cold, yet relaxing, and the tour guide was very friendly and informative. I definitely wouldn’t mind taking another one if I went back.
When the tour was over, we went on a walk around the Shelter Cove park, and headed back to the condo. We took another dip in the pool, showered, and played a round of mini golf at Legendary Golf. They have an easier course and a more challenging one. Our challenging one was pretty tough, but still fun!
Day 5
This was sadly our last day in South Carolina. After checking out of the Airbnb, we got coffee from Sweet Al’s Cafe in Coligny Plaza. Of everywhere else on the island, this is the spot I would recommend for shops. There are a decent amount of them, some great for finding souvenirs.
That was about all we had time to do so we could catch our flight on time. But the both of us would absolutely love going back there. Everyone was so kind and the island itself was immaculate. It’s a perfect April/May vacation for a 4-5 days!
I hope this gave you more insight on Hilton Head Island. Thanks for the read! (:
A summer in the Adirondacks is bound to be a good one, whether it be spent boating, hiking, camping, swimming, at the beach, or at a distillery. It is suitable for either families or friends, offering a drive-in movie theater, museums, ziplining, fishing and more!
Delaware Beaches/Ocean City, Maryland
Along east coast, you will find multiple beaches starting at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, connecting all the way down to Ocean City in Maryland. There are three different boardwalks in that area filled with rides, games, shops, dining, and activities such as mini golf and Ripley’s Believe it or Not! At night, you can walk over to Seacrets for dancing or head to Dewey Beach for bar hopping. I also recommend Fish Tales for good drinks and dining on the bayside!
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Photo by Douglas Muth
Since Minnesota is usually frigid in the winter, I would say that August would be a good time to take a mini vacation there. Of course, the Mall of America is a must-visit. Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and Chain of Lakes are great outdoor options as well.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Photo by Ben Schumin
Having visited Virginia Beach in August before, I would go during that month again. I went solely for the Luke Bryan concert at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater. However, I made the most of the trip by laying out on the beach, exploring First Landing State Park, spending the day at Ocean Breeze water park, and watching the fireworks over the ocean.
Jersey Shore
I’ve been to the Jersey Shore many times. I can say that Wildwood has a nice boardwalk and Seaside Heights is cool if you watched the Jersey Shore reality show. If you visit the Shore Store, you might see Danny, who will give you a tour of their house from the show for $10, if there are no guests staying at that time. Atlantic City would be the best for casinos such as Bally’s or concerts. Last August, I attended Tidalwave Music Festival, staying at the Tropicana (pictured above), and this year will be seeing Illenium at Harrah’s!
July is a wonderful time of the year to visit the Seychelles Islands, located off the coast of East Africa. It boasts an average temperature of 80 degrees with little rain, and the surfing conditions at Anse Intendance are top tier. Praslin Island is enjoyable, as it is has nightclubs and luscious jungles with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Meanwhile, Cote d’Or is ideal for sunbathing, volleyball, and water sports. If you’re feeling like taking a more upscale approach one night, you could even take a sail in a luxury yacht!
Greenland
Photos by James Petts
If you’re looking to have an adventurous hike, cruise along the bay filled with icebergs, or discover Viking ruins in the town of Qassiarsuk, July is a great month to do so. You also have the opportunity to see the black sand beaches of Disko Island, take a tour of the museums in Ilulissat, step into the hot springs at Uunartoq, or even have the chance to view the midnight sun!
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Photo by Luca Sartoni
July is recommended for exploring the vibrant region of Amsterdam. It offers wine and cheese cruises along the canal, walking tours of the Anne Frank House, open air museums in Volendam, the Red Light District, and the Amsterdam Ice Bar! Activities could be riding a bicycle, taking a walk along the beaches, or attending one of the festivals that occur.
Kenya, Africa
Photo by Esin Ustun
At a maximum temperature of 75 degrees, July is a perfect time to catch a flight to Kenya. A safari is likely the main reason why someone would want to visit Africa, but that’s not the only reason to go! There is colonial architecture, the beaches, markets, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Hell’s Gate and Mount Kenya are well-known national parks to stop by as well.
Montreal, Canada
Photo by Dean McCoy
The summer festival season of Montreal draws in tourists for shopping, music, and eating. The Montreal Completement Cirque,includes an 11-day circus, and the Mural Festival lasts for 10 days, displaying urban art and digital installations. At the Jardins Gamelin, you will find outdoor performances, karaoke, and yoga all for free! The La Grande Roue observation wheel will give you 360 degree views of the city, or trek to Mont-Royal Lookout.
Seattle is full of festivals during the month of July, including the West Seattle Summer Fest, Timber Outdoor Music Festival, and Kirkwood Wine Festival. Besides that, a visit to the top of the Space Needle is recommended, along with the Olympic Sculpture Park, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and tickets to Dining in the Dark at the Lotte Hotel.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Photo by Domenico Convertini
Though summer may be peak season in Bar Harbor, Maine, it is still a great time to visit! Acadia National Park, Bar Island, and Cadillac Mountain are popular stops for hikers. Meanwhile, Agamont Park is home to movie nights on Wednesdays in July right on the water. The Bar Harbor Music Festival takes place during this month as well, hosting more than 2,300 aspiring instrumentalists, singers, and composers.
Glacier National Park, Montana
July is peak time for visiting this location too. However, the days are warm and the nights are cool, which is a bonus. Even with that being the case though, there’s always still a chance of snow any time throughout the year! As for trails, Hidden Lake, Lake McDonald, and Iceberg Lake are all beautiful. Plus fishing, camping, and bus tours are available throughout the park if you want to do more than just hike.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Photo by Doug Kerr
The waterfalls, wildlife, and sunshine are three great reasons to go to the Great Smoky Mountains in the midst of summer. White-water rafting, ziplining, and horseback riding are all fun-filled activities, other than visiting sites such as Clingman’s Dome or The Chimney Tops.
Anchorage, Alaska
Photo by Luke Jones
Anchorage is a good option during the summertime, with various locations to visit and numerous activities to partake in. You could try the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, Anchorage Trolley Tours, Alaska Botanical Garden, Crow Creek Historic Gold Mine, paddleboarding in Mirror Lake, or the beach at Point Woronzof. Or, visiting during the 4th of July will allow you to catch the fireworks, carnival, and parade in downtown.
With it typically being in the 70s in Fiji during the month of June with hardly any rain, how could you not want to visit? Especially if you are intrigued by kiteboarding, surfing, or marine life sightings. Going to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, walking down the Lavena Coastal Walk, dipping in the Sabeto Hot Spring Mud Pool, and touring the Garden of the Sleeping Giant are other fun activities to try! Not to mention the amazing Volivoli Beach, Natadola Beach, and Blue Lagoon.
London, England
Photo by Phil Fiddyment
With the weather being warm, June is, unfortunately, peak season. But for good reason! There are ample places to see, such as the Thames River by boat tour, or the famous tower of Big Ben and Kensington Palace via the classic red double-decker buses. The London Gallery Weekend, London Open Gardens, Zoo Nights at the London Zoo, and musicals at the theatre are exciting events that occur in this month.
The Swiss Alps
Photo by Artur Swaszewski
Though the average temperature in June is 70 degrees in Switzerland, you can still get a view of the mountain peaks topped with snow and marvelous lakes, such as Lake Lugano or Maggiore. Other than hiking to the beautiful sights, you can witness them by cable cars at Mount Pilatus, paragliding in Interlaken, or railroad tours throughout multiple cities! The Street Artists Festival and International Jazz Festival take place in the nearby cities.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Photo by Janice Waltzer
In June, the temperature in Rio is usually in the 70s and 80s with low chance of rain. In Tijuca Forest National Park, you will find the widely known Christ the Redeemer landmark, along with waterfalls, caves, and wildlife. Ipanema Beach and Jardim Botânico are pretty tourist sights as well. In Santa Teresa, you can walk along the cobblestone streets to view the art galleries, eateries, and craft stores. Unique sports such as “foot volleyball” (a combination of volleyball and football) and frescobol (similar to tennis yet with small wooden bats) are played here.
Capri, Italy
Photo by Jimmy Mallinson
Capri, Italy is a nice place to visit in June, since the weather is around 80 degrees and the water is warm enough to swim in. This summer month is ideal for sailing along the Amalfi Coast during the day and hitting the clubs at night! A must-see would be the Blue Grotto, which is a sea cave that gives the water a blue glow. And, at the highest point of Monte Salaro, which can be traveled to by chair life, you will catch amazing views of Capri and Mount Vesuvius.
See any you cities that peak your interest for the month of June? Let me know in the comments below.
Lower risk of rain mixed with warmer weather draws people to the Caribbean during May. Bimini is a laidback island with less tourists than other locations in the Bahamas, such as Nassau. It is fitting for someone looking to snorkel on the gorgeous beach of Honeymoon Harbour during the day and clubbing at night! Tourists typically rent golf carts or bikes for traveling around the island, and jet skis and small private boats for recreation. You could get a glass-bottom kayak as well, to ride along the mangrove creeks or book an excursion to swim with the dolphins, which I highly recommend doing in the Bahamas!
Vienna, Austria
Photo by Luca Sartoni
The climate in Vienna in May is milder than the summertime and less rainy than April. Each year, during Mother’s Day weekend, this place hosts the Genuss-Festival Food Fair, which has gourmet Austrian food and wine. Or, you could just grab your wine from Cobenzl Winery, which provides visitors with pretty views of the city. At the end of the month is the Steffl Kirtagthe Fair with 50+ food, drink, and craft vendors, and the International Music Festival too!
Venice, Italy
Photo by Luca Sartoni
The fifth month of the year is reportedly one of the greatest to visit Venice, because of the ample sunshine and a good opportunity for sight-seeing or riding in a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs. Those interested in architecture may want to attend the International Architecture Exhibition, which takes place at this time. The most popular attractions in the city are the St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, the Riva delgi Schiavoni promenade, or the Venetian Lagoon.
Provence, France
Photo by Julian Fong
Spring is a wonderful season to explore Provence, either walking or cycling. In late May, you can encounter the bright lavender fields as they start flourishing. Or, being the historic center for soap-making in France, L’Occitane de Provence allows visitors to book a tour of their factory and gardens. Other than that, visitors may go paragliding atLa Roque-Esclapon, white water rafting in the Gorges du Verdon or hiking at Parc National des Calanques.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Photo by Luca Sartoni
Again, a pleasant climate along with less visitors is why Copenhagen is an attractive choice for May. For those who love the sight of beautiful, blooming flowers, Tivoli Gardens and Bakken, as well as, the Tulip Festival are available for tourists to visit. At the beginning of the month, the Copenhagen Salsa Festival is celebrated, and at the end of the month, the Copenhagen Carnival is an end-of-the-month event with 120 bands and 2,000 dancers!
Are you considering one of these destinations for your May vacation? Let me know in the comments below.
Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park – Photo by Mark Collins
Denver, Colorado is at the top of my list because I am visiting there this upcoming May. The reason I chose this month to go is becaue, unlike mid-July, it is not too hot, and the prices for travel are slightly lower. A few of the locations that I plan to visit include Red Rocks Ampitheater, Golden Gate Canyon, Emerald Lake at Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver Pavilions, Idaho Springs, Cherokee’s Castle, 88 Drive-In, and the Beacon RiNo nightclub.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Photo by John Tuggle
An average of 76 degrees makes for the perfect time to attend the Hangout Music Festival, the Hot Air Balloon Festival, or take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico. Kayaking, bicycling, hiking, riding segways, or golfing are some popular outdoor activities there as well. A one-of-a-kind attraction to try would be Alligator Alley, where you are able to hold a baby alligator!
Springdale, Utah
Zion National Park – Photo by G. Lamar
Visiting this region in the month of May would be preferred for those who enjoy hiking. That way, the excessively hot temperatures in the middle of summer can be avoided. Around that area are major sights including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. A few hours east of those are Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. You can also stargaze at Natural Bridges National Monument!
Marco Island, Florida
Photo by Ines Hegedus-Garcia
Typically with 80 degrees weather in May and smaller crowds, Marco Island is a fantastic pick! Kayaking on Ten Thousand Lakes, strolling along the pretty beaches that are known for shell-finding, going to world-class golf courses, fishing, and riding on waverunners through mangrove islands are just a few things to do while you’re vacationing there.
Manhattan, New York
Photo by Samuel Loannidis
Looking for a good time to stroll through the massive city of New York? May would be your best bet with the daily climate being approximately 70 degrees. For picnics in Central Park, you can go to Cherry Hill by the Bow Bridge or Great Lawn. Washington Square Park will have the blooming cherry blossoms at this time. On some nights, The Rooftop Film Club on top of the Skylawn Embassy Suites will present outdoor movies. Or you can make your way to the Little Island at Pier 54. The Ninth Avenue International Food Festival, the VOLTA Art Fair, and Japan Day are all celebrations that take place in New York during May. The possibilities there are nearly endless!
Not yet too hot, Vegas is a good spot to go, with the afternoons typically being in the 70s, and sometimes getting up to the 80s by the end of April. The streets are less crowded, giving the opportunity to better explore the Neon Museum, take a ride on the gondola at the Venetian, the High Roller, and the Fremont Street Experience. Right outside the city, you can hike through the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Nashville, Tennessee
When I fly to Nashville for a long weekend trip in the beginning of April, the weather was about as good as it could get! The average being 70 degrees at that time and closer to 75 at the end of the month makes it perfect for strolling along Broadway and hitting all the country bars! Being a Luke Bryan fan, his bar, Luke’s 32 Bridge, was one of my favorites. I also really liked Ole Red, owned by Blake Shelton, because of the city and sunset views on the rooftop. The Grand Ole Opry, the Johnny Cash Museum, and Country Music Hall of Fame are good for when you need break from drinking!
Atlanta, Georgia
Photo by Jonathan Geiger
The average daily high temperature in Atlanta in April is 71 degrees, which is nice if you want to attend the Georgia Renaissance Festival, Monster Jam, the Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival, the Atlanta Film Festival, Illumine, or the Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes! For rainy days, good options could be Imagine Picasso: The Immersive Experience, DIGATL: Atlanta’s First Digital Art Gallery, or the Trap Music Museum.
Orlando, Florida
During the month of April, Orlando weather is warm, yet not too hot, and the crowds aren’t too bad. If visiting Disney World, you will get to enjoy the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, or the Universal Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnival at Universal Studios. At the Promenade Plaza Stage, local and regional bands will be performing Tuesday through Sunday. And, Megacon is occuring from the end of March to the beginning of April!
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Photo by G. Lamar
Being in the 60s, April is one of the better times to take a hike at the Grand Canyon. Though you may want to skip the first week, due to the spring break crowds. Most days during this month have a low chance of rain and clear skies. Bright Angel Trailhead to Indian Garden Campground and Rim Trail to Trail of Time are popular hikes in the South Rim. Meanwhile, North Kaibab Trail to Roaring Springs and Widforss Trailhead are recommended hikes for the North Rim.
Which of these places is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
Fewer crowds combined with 60 degree weather in March should draw you to San Diego, also named America’s Finest City. It’s a nice time to sit on the beach and bask in the sun, or get a glimpse of the green foliage and spring time flowers blooming. For EDM festival goers, you may want to try out the CRSSD Festival at the beginning of the month. If that’s not your style, you could also give the Spring Busker Festival a whirl. There, you would witness professionals from across the country displaying their unique talents from sword swallowing to knife throwing. Not to forget the San Diego Zoo, which has been acclaimed by many visitors as the best!
Miami, Florida
Having personally visited Miami in March, I can say that it is an amazing time to go! The weather is beautiful with clear skies and a daily average of 75 degrees. For my stay, I relaxed on the beach, went on a boat ride, made a trip to Barton G. for dinner, Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, the Superblue museum in Wynwood, and rode around in a slingshot, which was one of the highlights of the trip. Of course I stopped into one of the nightclubs, since Miami is known for that, as well as for hosting Ultra Music Festival, and Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest, which both take place in March.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Photo by Reinhard Link
St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix is right around 78 degrees at this time of year with low chance of rain, making it spectacular for swimming in the ocean. Tourists on those islands like participating in snorkeling, hiking, fishing, golfing, ziplining, parasailing, boat rides, and kayaking too!
Fairbanks, Alaska
Chena Springs – Photo by Kodachron
Fairbanks, Alaska may be frigid in March, but it is said to be the best time to marvel at the aurora borealis in the Borealis Basecamp igloos with transparent roofs. It can be seen on most nights when the sky is dark and clear. Polar bears and moose are also more likely to be seen on guided wildlife tours during the spring. The Chena Hot Springs is an excellent spot for seeing ice sculptures or taking a soak. Ice fishing is also an option, for those that it may interest.
Dallas, Texas
Photo by Maciej Kraus
During the day, Dallas will reach an average of 71 degrees, while at night, it will drop to around 48 degrees. If you’re looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you may want to attend the Dallas Mavs St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, the North Texas Irish Festival, or grab a drink at one of the pubs! For basketball fans, March Madness will be returning to the American Airlines Center in Dallas for the regional round of the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship at the end of March. And, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is where you can check out for the Dallas Blooms Spring!
Where would you visit in March? Let me know in the comments!
![Virginia Beach sunrise [06]](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50067430141_9fd91fbef7_z.jpg)
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