Summer Holidays: 5 Destinations to Consider

The summer season is particularly ideal for travel, but it can be challenging to avoid the most tourist-heavy spots. To give yourself the best chance to truly relax and recharge, it’s important to carefully choose your destination. Additionally, travel costs tend to be higher during this time of year, so applying a few strategic tips can help you get the best prices and make the most of your holiday budget.

In this article, we present 5 destinations to consider for your summer holidays if you're looking to get away or travel affordably.

While Mexico is well-known for its stunning beaches, the country is also a land of adventure for travelers seeking discovery. Summer is particularly hot and humid in the south, but it's an ideal time to explore central and northern regions. There are countless hiking routes available, offering breathtaking scenery.

To explore Mexican nature, you might consider visiting the Nevado de Toluca volcano. This relatively challenging hike rewards you with stunning views at more than 4,500 meters above sea level.

If you have several days, you can also venture out to the Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre), a system of six deep canyons located in the state of Chihuahua, in the northwest. For a more relaxed experience, you can ride the famous “El Chepe” train through the canyons.

Mexico is also known for its aquatic adventures. Scuba diving and snorkeling are particularly popular here. Among the best diving spots is Playa del Carmen, where you can explore the Mama Viña, an old shrimp boat south of the Barracuda reef.

You can also visit Isla Mujeres to see whale sharks—just a 20-minute ferry ride away.

Finally, the Dos Ojos cenote is one of the most popular cavern snorkeling sites. Spanning over 80 km and located 22 km from Tulum, this site offers a truly unique cenote experience not to be missed. Expect to pay between 400 and 600 MXN for this activity.

The budget you’ll need for a trip to Mexico varies depending on your travel habits and desired level of service and comfort.

Accommodation
You’ll find options for all budgets: youth hostels, private rooms, or luxury hotels. A night in a hostel costs between 250 and 400 MXN, depending on comfort and location. A private room usually ranges from 500 to 800 MXN. For an Airbnb studio, expect to pay between 500 and 1,000 MXN per night.

Food
Prices can vary significantly depending on where you eat. Street food is especially popular in Mexico and offers an affordable way to discover local flavors. Expect to pay 15–25 MXN for a taco and 35–60 MXN for a torta, a traditional Mexican sandwich. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will typically cost between 150 and 300 MXN per person.

Transportation
There are several ways to get around—buses, metro systems in major cities, or colectivos, the popular shared vans found throughout the country. To travel economically, budget between 50 and 150 MXN per day. If you’re looking for more comfort, plan for 200 to 400 MXN per day.

Iceland is also a must-visit destination for adventure lovers and explorers. Summer is an ideal time to go, with milder weather from June to August, clearer roads, and the chance to experience the midnight sun.

Iceland is perfect for road trips, and you can easily rent a vehicle to explore the country independently. A classic itinerary consists of a full tour around the island in 7 to 10 days. This is a great way to discover Iceland’s black sand beaches, glaciers, volcanoes, and fjords.

However, a few tips can help you plan your road trip and avoid unnecessary stress.

First, make sure to choose a vehicle suited for your trip. If you plan to drive on F-roads, a 4x4 is essential. Book your vehicle well in advance to get better rates, and consider extended insurance for peace of mind, as Icelandic roads can be rough on cars.

Famous for its breathtaking landscapes, Iceland offers many hiking trails to experience its stunning natural beauty.

The Laugavegur Trail is one of the most popular treks in Iceland. Stretching over about 55 km, it features colorful mountains, hot springs, and volcanic deserts. Ideal for intermediate to experienced hikers, the full trail takes around 4 to 6 days to complete. There are several huts along the way, but be sure to reserve your spot in advance.

For more seasoned hikers, the Fimmvörðuháls Trail covers around 25 km and features 26 waterfalls, recent lava fields, and a crossing between two glaciers. Allow 1 to 2 days to complete this route.

If you're looking for an easier trail, head to Vatnajökull National Park, where you’ll find several accessible hikes. One example is the 2.5 km round trip to the Skaftafellsjökull glacier on a flat trail—perfect for beginners!

Regardless of the difficulty or trail, make sure to bring sturdy waterproof shoes, layered clothing, and a backpack with a rain cover due to Iceland’s unpredictable weather. A headlamp can also be useful, even in summer.

Iceland is a relatively expensive destination, but with a bit of planning, you can keep your expenses in check.

Accommodation:
An Airbnb room typically costs between 10,000 and 16,000 ISK per night. Camping is a much more affordable option, especially in summer when the weather is milder (around 15°C on average). A campsite usually costs between 2,000 and 2,500 ISK per night. For more comfort, consider renting a car with a rooftop tent or a camper van.

Food:
Dining out costs between 3,000 and 6,000 ISK per meal. To reduce costs, buy groceries at local supermarkets like Bónus, Krónan, or Nettó. If you do, budget around 1,500 to 2,500 ISK per day per person.

Transport:
Although driving is the preferred option for tourists, several bus services operate throughout the country, allowing you to explore at a lower cost. Expect to pay between 10,000 and 30,000 ISK per day for a car or camper van. A bus ticket costs between 8,000 and 10,000 ISK. Hitchhiking is also quite common in Iceland, and the ride-sharing app Samferða is another alternative for getting around.

Overall Daily Budget per Person:

• Budget travel: 10,000 to 14,000 ISK

• Comfortable travel (hostels, occasional dining out): 18,000 to 25,000 ISK

• Premium experience (guided activities included): 25,000 to 35,000 ISK

Colombia is famous for its paradise beaches, Amazon rainforest, and colorful villages. In summer, the weather is especially pleasant, with some chances of rain depending on the region and average temperatures ranging between 27°C and 32°C. It is also considered mid-tourist season, meaning fewer crowds and more affordable prices.

Colombia’s natural landscape is incredibly diverse and perfect for hiking. If you’re looking for a long trek, you can take on the Ciudad Perdida Trek, which leads to an ancient city founded in 800 A.D. The journey takes 4 to 6 days on foot through tropical jungle to reach the site.

Tayrona National Park is another must-visit on the Caribbean coast, offering jungle trails that lead to stunning beaches where you can swim and camp.

For a unique experience, head to the Tatacoa Desert, famous for its striking red earth. You can enjoy beautiful sunsets there and stargaze once night falls.

Thrill-seekers will love Colombia, which offers several top surfing and diving spots such as Palomino on the Caribbean coast, and Taganga, a small fishing village in the Magdalena department.

For even more excitement, visit San Gil, Colombia’s adventure sports capital! There, you can go canyoning, paragliding, rafting, or spelunking.

During your stay, you'll have the chance to try many traditional Colombian dishes. One of the most popular is the arepa, a cornmeal cake that’s often stuffed and widely available at street markets for a very reasonable price.

For a full meal, try the bandeja paisa, a hearty dish of rice, beans, meat, avocado, and egg. Typically served on a tray due to its generous size, it’s considered Colombia’s answer to France’s cassoulet.

And for dessert or an afternoon snack, grab some empanadas, deep-fried pastries filled with meat or cheese—hugely popular across the country.

Colombia is known as one of the most affordable countries in Latin America.

Accommodation costs vary depending on your preferred comfort level. For budget options, expect to pay between 40,000 and 80,000 COP per night. For something more comfortable (like an Airbnb room), prices usually range between 90,000 and 180,000 COP.

As for food, street food is readily available and budget-friendly. Plan for about 20,000 to 35,000 COP per person per day. If you dine out occasionally during your stay, expect a daily food budget of around 40,000 to 70,000 COP per person.

For a two-week trip (excluding flights), you should plan for a budget of around 2.6 to 3 million COP per person to cover lodging, food, transport, and a few activities.

If you're looking for adventure and exotic experiences, Brazil is a top destination to consider! Although it's wintertime in Brazil, the weather remains particularly pleasant in some regions. In cities like Rio, Salvador, or Recife, temperatures typically range from 25°C to 30°C, making it perfectly possible to enjoy the beach, sunbathe, and swim.

Brazil’s natural landscapes are one of its greatest assets, offering a stunning variety of sceneries.

You can go trekking in Chapada Diamantina, a region known for its breathtaking waterfalls, canyons, caves, and natural pools. To make the most of this spectacular area, it’s recommended to spend at least three days hiking. Several routes are available, including the Vale do Pati trek. If you're short on time, guided tours can offer a condensed visit to the highlights of Chapada Diamantina.

Mountain lovers shouldn’t miss Pico da Bandeira, Brazil’s third-highest peak at 2,891 meters. Keep in mind that temperatures can drop significantly—especially in winter—so be sure to bring appropriate clothing and gear for a safe and comfortable ascent.

No trip to Brazil is complete without a visit to the Amazon Rainforest. There, you can admire Brazil’s incredible wildlife, including sloths, squirrel monkeys, pink river dolphins, parrots, and more.

For relaxation, there’s nothing better than unwinding on a paradise beach—and Brazil has no shortage of them. Even during winter, the weather is perfect for swimming and lounging.

Jericoacoara is an ideal village to rest, try kitesurfing, and enjoy a more authentic Brazilian experience. Note: access requires a 4x4 as the roads are not paved.

Near Salvador, head to Praia do Forte, famous for its coral reefs and sea turtles. You can go snorkeling, biking, and even spot whales if you’re lucky.

If you're staying in Recife, take a trip to Porto de Galinhas, located about 1 hour south by car. It's a great spot for snorkeling, diving, or exploring nearby beaches by buggy.

Finally, don’t miss Arraial do Cabo, located about 2.5 hours from Rio. Its turquoise Caribbean-like waters make it one of Brazil’s most stunning beach destinations. If you’re spending time in the Rio area, this stop is a must.

Brazil is known as one of the most affordable destinations in Latin America. With smart planning and economical choices, your expenses can remain relatively low.

Accommodation:

• A bed in a hostel dorm costs between 60 and 100 BRL per night.

• For a private Airbnb room, expect to pay between 150 and 250 BRL per night.

Food:

• Street food is widespread and budget-friendly, with meals ranging from 10 to 25 BRL per person.

• Self-service or buffet restaurants usually charge between 30 and 50 BRL.

• At a standard à la carte restaurant, expect to pay between 60 and 120 BRL per person.

Transportation:

• Domestic flights between major cities range from 250 to 600 BRL, depending on the route and booking time.

• Car rentals cost about 120 to 200 BRL per day, depending on the vehicle type and insurance options.

• Intercity buses are a slower but more economical alternative.

Estimated cost for a 2-week stay (excluding airfare):

• 2,800 to 4,200 BRL for a budget-friendly trip.

• 5,600 to 8,400 BRL for a more comfortable experience.

July and August are ideal months for traveling to Indonesia, as it’s the dry season on the main islands such as Bali, Java, and the Gili Islands.

Indonesia is a perfect destination for beach lovers, thanks to its many white-sand beaches.

Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida island is a must-see. It's just a 45-minute boat ride from Bali, and nearby you can hike up the famous T-Rex-shaped cliff to enjoy stunning views—and maybe even spot manta rays swimming below.

Pink Beach, located in Komodo National Park, is another highlight. Known for its naturally pink sand due to red coral fragments, it’s a top spot for snorkeling, where you can admire colorful tropical fish.

Gili Trawangan is another popular beach destination, easily accessible from Bali. It has a festive atmosphere and is pedestrian- and bike-only. It’s also a great place for snorkeling and diving, where you can see turtles, coral reefs, and exotic fish.

Indonesia is a fantastic choice for nature lovers and hikers, with trails suited to all levels.

On Java, Mount Bromo is a beginner-friendly hike with a round-trip of 2 to 3 hours, offering spectacular views of three volcanoes: Bromo, Batok, and Semeru. Many opt for a night hike to catch the sunrise from the summit.

For more experienced trekkers, consider climbing Mount Rinjani on Lombok island. This 2 to 3-day trek offers breathtaking views of the Segara Anak crater lake. However, you must be in good physical shape and accompanied by a guide, as it’s a challenging hike.

To escape the tourist crowds, explore the rice terraces of Sidemen in East Bali. In just a few hours, you’ll walk among palm trees, temples, and tiered rice fields. You can hire a guide or walk independently—this trail is very accessible, even for beginners.

Indonesia is a very affordable destination, especially for European travelers. The largest expense will likely be your plane ticket. Prices also vary by region, with higher costs in touristy cities and zones.

Accommodation:

• Hostel dorm: 100,000 to 200,000 IDR per night

• Guesthouse: 150,000 to 300,000 IDR (private room)

• 2–3 star hotel: 250,000 to 500,000 IDR, depending on location

Food:

• Local eateries or Warungs: 15,000 to 40,000 IDR per dish

• Modern restaurants: 40,000 to 70,000 IDR

• Tourist-focused restaurants: 70,000 to 120,000 IDR

Transport:

• Scooter rental: 60,000 to 90,000 IDR per day

• Gasoline: ~10,000 IDR per liter

• Taxi apps (like Grab): 10,000 to 30,000 IDR for a short ride

  • Motorbike taxis are often half the price

• Ferries are widely used between islands. A trip like Java to Bali takes about 1 hour and costs around 10,000 IDR

Estimated 2-week budget (excluding flights):

• Backpacker budget: 7 to 10 million IDR

• Standard comfort: 12 to 18 million IDR