Take vacations, go to as many paces as you can.

You can always make money but you can’t always make memories.

 

Spring may be just around the corner and summer is not that far away, while you likely have plans for kickin’ it around your own neighborhood, it’s also a fantastic time to get away. Unless you live in an absolutely idyllic weather area (Stay classy, San Diego), you’re likely plagued by humid temperatures and its accompanying bug swarms.

This coupled with the fact that your kids (if you have them!) are out of school makes it a terrific travel season. Whether you’re ready to sell your house and travel the world or are simply looking for a bit of R & R, we’ve got your back … but don’t forget the sun lotion there!

Read on for five summer destinations you hadn’t even realized were on your bucket list. When it comes to traveling, no one said it better than Jack Kerouac:

“Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don’t be sorry.”

 

1. Catalina Island, CA

Remember that icky humid weather we were talking about? You’ll almost certainly avoid that during a visit to Catalina, even if you were to go right smack in the middle of August. Virtually anywhere you stay here will be right on the gorgeous Pacific Ocean, so you’ll benefit from those cool sea breezes.

The first decision to make is whether you’re going to hit Avalon or Two Harbors—the only two places to go on this quaint island located 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles. Avalon is a bit more happening, with a lively restaurant and bar scene, hotels, gift shops, and a tourist center with frequent cruise ship visitors. If you’re looking for a sleepier vacay, you’ll want to dip your toes in the sand at Two Harbors. A recluse’s dream, Two Harbors only has a few guest properties, one snack bar, one restaurant, and a general store. In fact, most visitors grab a spot at the local campground.

Once you’ve made your choice between the two island locations, you can plan your ferry ride from the island. If you’re going to Avalon, you can leave from Long Beach, Dana Point, Newport Beach, Marina Del Rey, or San Pedro. If you’re heading to Two Harbors, you have to leave from either Marina Del Rey or San Pedro. If you’re coming to California from out-of-state, you could easily tack on a day or two in any of these departure cities. As for getting around once you’re on Catalina Island, a free shuttle runs every half hour from town to Descanso Beach. If you’re looking to enjoy an alcoholic bevvie (with umbrella, of course) as you take in the breathtaking sunset, you might consider paying the $2/person fee to hang at Descanso Beach Club. As it’s private, you can drink alcohol on the beach. Any which way you do Catalina; this is a destination you’ll likely want to visit again and again.

 

2. Wellfleet, MA

If you’re looking for a family friendly travel destination on the east coast during the summer, Cape Cod is about as ideal as you can get. However, Frommers.com notes that a welcome alternative to the oft-chosen and overcrowded Provincetown is Wellfleet.

If your kids love to splash around, the water in Wellfleet will have them part-mermaids (or mer-men) in no time. Not only are the calmer waters in the bay ideal for swimming and kayaking, but those who like a challenge can hit the big waves on the ocean side for windsurfing and other water sports. Animal-lovers will go wild for the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, while art aficionados can paint the town red at the town’s 20 art galleries. Whatever you do, make sure you get the kids in their jammies one evening to enjoy the town’s ultra-retro drive-in movie theater for their summer double features.

 

3. Bora Bora

You know those memes you see, with the person on a patio of a hut that’s firmly placed in the most gorgeous crystal clear blue water you’ll ever see as you’re sitting there working your day away? Yeah, those are usually from Bora Bora. And, while this is along the more luxurious side when it comes to vacations, you’ll rarely hear anyone say, “Man, I wish I never went to Bora Bora.” Summer is a great time to descend upon this breathtakingly beautiful part of Tahiti. Although other tourists frequent this ideal destination around this time of year, too, you’ll avoid the heavy rain and humidity they get in the first three months of the year.

If you’re going to make the Bora Bora leap, why not do the full shebang and get a bungalow over the ocean like the ones you see in the afore-mentioned memes? YOLO (You only live once)! Even if you’re only able to stay there one or two nights out of a week’s vacation, time spent in one of these is bucket list-worthy and then some.

If you simply can’t afford that, not to worry, as a beach bungalow is a less expensive but also amazing way to spend your time in paradise. The beaches in Bora Bora are well-known as some of the most amazing beaches in the world, so make sure you bring all the right stuff—that perfect bathing suit, plenty of sunscreen, and round beach towels are a must for any beach destination. Don’t forget your reading materials!

 

4. Santa Barbara

As mentioned, California’s coastal regions are ideal summer travel destinations during the summer as they’re rarely ever scorching hot. And Santa Barbara? Wow, this place will just take your breath away. Not only does it have wide beaches with views that will make take your breath away, but it also has culture to boot. And don’t let the fact that it’s a college town sway you either, as Santa Barbara is elegant in every way. With a booming art and restaurant scene and plenty of activities for the outdoor-lover, this place has it all. Wine lovers MUST hit the nearby Santa Ynez Valley. While it’ll be a bit hotter than by the beach during the summer, these often family owned boutique wineries compete (and perhaps beat!) those of Napa and Sonoma.

 

5. Amsterdam

What’s that, you say? Amsterdam?! Yes, that Amsterdam. It’s so much more than the red light district and the Guinness Brewery (not that there’s anything wrong with those!) and, according to The Travel Channel; it’s an ideal summer travel destination.

Festivals are omnipresent, the usual gray skies are a distant memory, and visitors can even peek into the private gardens of those who own the coveted homes along the famous canals during Open Garden Days. Whether you see this mystical city by boat, bike, or on foot, it’ll leave an indelible impression on your soul.

Put these five summer destinations on your to-do list and you’ll have stories to tell (and incredible photos to share) for years to come.

 

Now over to you, tell us…

What is in your travel radar?

Are there any special destinations you are dreaming about?

 

Share it with us in the comments below.

Until next time, hasta luego

Tashi Delek, all the best, todo lo mejor

K 🙂