Summer travel trends 2026: where the world is going next

For over 50 years, Lonely Planet has worked with travel writers from all over the world to uncover the best places to visit, the most delectable spots to eat and the most unforgettable places to stay. 

We gain a unique understanding of the places where you, our readers, are planning to travel from the guidebooks you purchase. And by comparing book sales in May 2026 to April 2026, we found an affinity for cooler destinations and bucket-list nature-driven adventures, among other travel trends.

So, if you are wondering where your fellow travelers are drawn to this summer, this one’s for you. Discover our most popular destinations for this summer, from Scandinavia to Singapore, and find out why our readers are loving them.

1. Coolcations

It's no secret that the summer in much of Europe comes with sweltering temperatures and large crowds. In response, travelers have started taking “coolcations” – planning summer breaks in destinations that have a milder climate. Of course, the "cool" is relative; these destinations still deliver sunny, warm days, but there's less fear of catching heatstroke while you're sightseeing!

Scandinavia

Guidebook: Scandinavia

In Scandinavia, the days seem to last forever, the forests are lush and green and lakes perfect for swimming or kayaking are found around every corner. On a trip to Sweden, Norway or Denmark, you can fall in love with sauna culture and cold plunges or expand your palate with their unique and timeless cuisines.

From embracing Midsommar culture in Sweden to enjoying Oslo’s summer Jazz festival, there are myriad things to do. Roam bucolic woodlands, navigate Tromsø's fjords, or wander through stunning cities like Stockholm and Bergen, and eat delicious pastries in Copenhagen.

Don’t miss:

• La Banchina in Copenhagen: This canal-side restaurant and wine bar is a fan favorite in the city during the summer. Between dips in the canal, you can sip natural wine and dine on small plates on the dock. 

• Oslomarka on the outskirts of Oslo: This protected forest surrounding the city is the perfect day trip if you are looking to enjoy some nature. Hike, swim and cycle through a truly beautiful landscape. 

• Långholmen in Stockholm: Once a prison island, the city has repurposed Långholmen as a public beach that locals flock to on warm days. 

BC & Canadian Rockies

Guidebook: BC & Canadian Rockies

British Columbia feels like it's right out of a storybook. Gigantic, towering mountains meet crystal-clear lakes and large, vibrant cities perched along a stunning ocean coast. From vibrant Vancouver, you can take a ferry to idyllic Vancouver Island or drive up to Whistler for summer hiking.

Ideal for nature lovers, BC serves up endless opportunities for camping. Due to the region's rather cloudy and often rainy winter season, summer in BC is extra special, as the cities come alive and locals savor every second of the long, sunny days and warm weather. 

Don’t miss: 

• Vancouver Pride Week: From July 25 to August 2, the city of Vancouver hosts its annual Pride Week, featuring loads of events and a fun-filled parade on August 2. 

• Stanley Park in Vancouver: Located along the water, Stanley Park is the heart of Vancouver. Walk the forest trails, cycle along the waterfront or lounge in the grass on a sunny day. 

• Mt Robson: The highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mt Robson offers unmissable activities for nature lovers. Spend time on the Berg Lake trail, a legendary adventure for keen hikers. 

Pro tip: Book BC campsites on the BC Parks website well in advance, as spaces can fill up quickly during the summer season. 

Alaska

Guidebook: Alaska

With nearly 24 hours of round-the-clock daylight and an abundance of wildlife roaming across its dramatic landscapes, Alaska can rival almost anywhere when it comes to summer beauty. You’ll find the warmest temperatures in Alaska during July, but the whole summer season offers warm, comfortable weather. Nature is the focal point of a visit to the Last Frontier state; go white-water rafting, hike through empty wilderness or spend a quiet afternoon salmon fishing.

Don’t miss:

• Fairbanks: In the interior town of Fairbanks, you have a great chance of witnessing the midnight sun, feeling an adrenaline rush while river rafting and even catching a glimpse of the spectacular northern lights well into August. 

• Kenai Peninsula: Only 2-3 hours from Anchorage by car, the Kenai Peninsula offers the chance to get up close to glaciers, take a boat tour to spot whales and glimpse wild brown and black bears. 

• Flattop Mountain: Just 15 miles southeast of Anchorage, this is one of the state's most iconic peaks. On a 3.5-mile round-trip hike, you can get panoramic views of Anchorage, the Cook Inlet, and even Denali on clear days. 

2. Bucket-list nature trips

There are certain places in the world where the wildlife is quite unlike anywhere else. Often remote and difficult to reach, these destinations offer adventures that people dream about for years, if not for most of their lives.

Encountering the wildlife one finds in destinations like the Galápagos Islands, Malaysia, Borneo or in Kenya's wonderful and varied landscapes can be a life-changing experience. And the summertime is ideal for visiting, as for many destinations, this is the peak season for wildlife viewing. 

Ecuador & Galápagos

Guidebook: Ecuador & Galápagos

Travelers are partial to visiting the Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador in the summer, as the location on the equator means you will be visiting during the dry season. In the Galápagos, the wildlife is so abundant and predators so rare that the islands' wonderful creatures tend not to fear humans.

In the mornings, you might catch a local trying to urge a sleeping seal out of their boat, or pelicans that know exactly when the fishermen return to shore, or iguanas that decide to nap in the road and stop the traffic. Animals run the show in the Galápagos, and it's a truly mesmerizing sight. 

Don’t miss:

• Volcán Sierra Negra on Isabela Island: Hike to the top of a shield volcano through a rugged lava landscape that offers abundant opportunities for bird sightings. Getting to watch the fog roll in and out of the caldera is particularly magical. 

• Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island: Spend a day enjoying the stunning white sand beach, where you will come across dozing marine iguanas and small sharks swimming in the shallows.

• Charles Darwin Research Station: No visit to the Galápagos is complete without time spent at the scientific research station on Santa Cruz Island, with its resident giant tortoises.

Kenya

Guidebook: Kenya

Taking a safari in Kenya during the summer brings the promise of plentiful wildlife sightings. In the dry season, vegetation is sparse, making it easier to spot wildlife, and it's easier to locate the herds as they tend to gather around watering holes. Plus, the great wildebeest migration from Tanzania to Kenya is taking place – a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Don’t miss:

• Masai Mara National Park: Connected to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the Masai Mara is part of what could be the world's greatest wildlife ecosystem. Here you can spot Africa's "Big Five" – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo – and stay in stunning tented camps. 

• Tsavo National Park: Together, Tsavo East and Tsavo West make up Kenya’s biggest national park, but this is one of the country's quieter wildlife wonderlands. Touring Tsavo is a great counterpoint to a visit to the Masai Mara, with smaller crowds and the chance to see elusive cheetahs and maneless lions. 

Malaysia & Borneo

Guidebook: Malaysia & Borneo 

Malaysia and Borneo make for ideal lesser-known nature destinations where you can experience some of the best scuba diving in the world, rainforests, and one-of-a-kind wildlife on river safaris (including pygmy elephants, wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and rhinoceros hornbills). Summer is the dry season on Malaysia’s East Coast, making it the perfect time to explore the jungles and marine life.

Don’t Miss:

• Rainforest World Music Festival: This three-day event features concerts, workshops, and storytelling inside the rainforest near Kuching (June 26–28, 2026).

• Fireflies on the Selangor River: Glide through mangrove trees by boat as thousands of synchronized fireflies light up the night sky. If you’re lucky, you'll also see the river glow blue from a rare bioluminescent phenomenon called Blue Tears. June through September is peak firefly season, and guided tours from Kuala Lumpur are available.

• Turtle watching on Selingan Island: July and August are the best months to see endangered turtles lay eggs and baby turtles released into the sea. The experience involves an overnight trip, which typically includes time for snorkeling and beach relaxation (book early as space is limited).
  

3. Festival cities

There are countless reasons to visit a new city this summer, but one of our travelers' favorites is to enjoy the various festivals and cultural events filling the calendar in 2026, from music festivals and rainbow-colored Pride events to the FIFA World Cup. This summer, cities across the globe are serving up festivals and events for every type of traveler, and destinations like Los Angeles and Vienna are trending the most. 

Vienna

Guidebook: Vienna 

The summertime offers a quieter yet still magical time to visit Vienna, compared to the popular – and busy – Christmas Market season. As well as music, arts and cultural festivals that are often free to the public, grand buildings and gorgeous green spaces to enjoy all add to the city's legendary beauty. 

Don’t miss:

• Film Festival on Rathausplatz: During July and August, you can attend free open-air screenings of various operas and lively concerts in front of Vienna's neo-Gothic Rathaus (City Hall). With food stalls from around the world, it's the ultimate sensory experience. 

• ImPulsTanz: Also held in July and August, ImPulsTanz is an international contemporary dance festival that brings together choreographers, dancers and visiting and resident lovers of dance. 

• Donauinsel (Danube Island): This park-covered island, located between the Danube and the New Danube, is often referred to as the city’s summer playground, where you will find residents swimming, cycling, enjoying beach bars and playing volleyball.

Montréal & Quebec City

Guidebook: Montréal & Quebec City

For many travelers, the Canadian cities of Montréal and Québec City are favorite destinations year-round, but they're particularly special during the summer season. Due to the rather harsh winters, these two cities come alive in the warmer weather as locals and visitors hit the streets and parks.

In Montreal, there are festivals nearly every single weekend during the summer, and the city has a tangible European feel, while still retaining all the perks of being in North America. Québec City offers a similar energy, but it's slightly cooler; the only walled city north of Mexico, it's a truly memorable place to spend the summer. 

Don’t miss:

• Montreal International Jazz Festival: Taking place in late June and early July, this Montréal extravaganza is the world's largest jazz festival, spanning 3000 shows, around 500 of which are free outdoor concerts.

• Just for Laughs (Juste pour rire): You can also enjoy the world's largest comedy festival in Montréal in July. The program is made up of free outdoor shows and various ticketed galas.

• New France Festival (Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France): Held in Québec City during early August, you will come across the rather quirky New France Festival, where city residents dress in 17th-century costume, with street theater, historical reenactments and delicious traditional food. 

Chicago

Guidebook: Chicago

One of the best cities in the USA to enjoy in summer, Chicago is jam-packed with all the things that make visiting a new city so spectacular: a truly impressive food scene, loads of festivals to enjoy, a lakefront that would better be described as a city-sized beach, and lovely weather. 

Don’t miss:

• Chicago Pride Fest & Parade: For a party in mid-June, pay a visit to the neighborhood of Boystown –America’s first officially recognized gay neighborhood – which hosts one of the largest Pride events in the US every year. 

• Chicago SummerDance: Every weekend from June to August, across the city's many parks, you can take free outdoor dance lessons and participate in outdoor dancing. It is a great community experience. 

• Seeing the Cubs at Wrigley Field: Few places love baseball as much as Chicago, and there is nothing like catching a game at the iconic Wrigley Field. 

Los Angeles

Guidebook: Los Angeles

Let’s be honest, Los Angeles is always trending. The beaches, the nightlife, the food and the culture in California's biggest city are difficult to compete with (unless you are partial to NYC). Still, the City of Angels has extra appeal in the summer – the weather is hot, the sea is less chilly, and countless summer events are taking place this year, including games for the FIFA World Cup. 

Don’t miss:

• FIFA World Cup 2026: There are World Cup games most days from June 11 to July 19, with eight taking place in the Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium). If you can’t snag tickets, there are tons of watch parties across the city where you can enjoy this cultural phenomenon. 

• Hollywood Bowl season: From June through September, you can catch your favorite musical artists at this genuinely magical venue. It's one of the city’s most beloved seasonal events.

• Griffith Observatory: Another iconic landmark in the city, the Griffith Observatory is free to visit, with telescopes open to the public on clear nights. Plus, the views of the city are unmatched, particularly after dark.

4. Latin America 

This year, even more people are looking to Latin America for their summer adventure. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, Central America and South America are outpacing the rest of the world when it comes to tourism. And it makes sense: destinations like Bolivia are entering their dry season, and Panama's stellar beaches are calling out to lovers of seaside escapes.  

Bolivia

Guidebook: Bolivia

Summer is the most idyllic time to venture to Bolivia, and the country is varied, captivating and totally worth a visit. Exploring is easier during the dry season, when the countryside is less muddy, making it easier to access highland trails. La Paz, the highest capital city in the world, is surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains, and the Amazon Basin is just a 45-minute flight away and home to some of the world's most magical wildlife and nature. And you'll never forget Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat.

Don’t miss:

• Cochabamba: Considered the country’s food capital, this Andean city is also known for having the most comfortable climate in the world. 

• Madidi National Park: Located within the Amazon rainforest, this wonderful reserve is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. 

• Salar de Uyuni: One of Bolivia’s most iconic landscapes, the world's largest salt flat covers 4000 sq miles of blinding white at an elevation of 12,000ft. 

Panama

Guidebook: Panama

Panama during the summer is perfect

for those looking to enjoy some off-season peace and quiet. Since this is technically the country's rainy season, you’ll find fewer crowds and better prices, and while there can be some rain in the afternoon, it is rarely an all-day occurrence.

From the well-preserved architecture of the country's towns and villages to the cultural phenomenon that is the Panama Canal, this Central American nation is often overlooked but it's teeming with adventures and natural beauty. 

Don’t miss: 

• Casco Viejo (Old Quarter): This UNESCO World Heritage site in Panama City is home to impeccably restored Spanish colonial architecture. Be sure to visit the Tantalo Hotel rooftop for fantastic views. 

• Metropolitan Natural Park: Just 10 minutes from downtown Panama City, you can enjoy a jungle within the city limits for free. Look out for unique wildlife such as sloths, toucans and 200 other bird species.

• Bocas del Toro: This laid-back Caribbean archipelago near the Costa Rican border is a paradise for backpackers and surfers; other diversions include snorkeling, dolphin watching and looking for sloths in the mangroves. 

5. Cosmopolitan Asia

The continent of Asia is famous for its fantastic cities. Destinations like Hong Kong and Singapore offer a glimpse of just how dynamic and engaging a city can be. With truly remarkable architecture, impressive green spaces, rich food and culture and unforgettable experiences, it's no wonder people are drawn to these beloved metropolises for summer getaways. 

Hong Kong, China

Guidebook: Hong Kong

Despite the city's warm, humid summer climate, Hong Kong is electric at this time of year, so long as you come prepared for the heat. Always alive and moving, this unique city offers a magic you can lose yourself in. Dine on Cantonese classics like dim sum and congee, shop until you drop, take a hike or embrace the city’s iconic nightlife – whatever you do, you won't quickly forget Hong Kong.

Don’t miss:

• Cheung Chau Island: Spend a day on this car-free island, where you can visit ancient temples, join in the island's windsurfing culture, and try its famous pineapple buns. 

• Dragon's Back (Shek O) Trail: Considered one of Asia's best urban hikes, this ridge walk on Hong Kong Island has ocean views on both sides and it ends at Big Wave Bay beach, where you can cool off with a swim (starting early before the heat builds is recommended). 

• Temple Street Night Market: Be sure to visit this iconic market – after 8pm, you’ll find fortune tellers, street food, dai pai dongs (food stalls) and vendors selling just about anything you can imagine.

Singapore

Guidebook: Singapore

Despite its small geographical size, Singapore is a world leader in showcasing what a city can be. From its famously diverse food scene and impressive modern architecture to its famed cleanliness, this is a city unlike any other.

Thanks to its location, Singapore does not have strong seasons, but summertime is drier, though often hot and humid. Luckily, air conditioning is standard, making it easy to cope with the warm weather while you explore its historic neighborhoods and gardens.

Don’t miss: 

• Peranakan Museum: Showcasing Singapore's fascinating Nyonya/Peranakan culture, fusing Chinese, Malay and colonial traditions, this recently renovated, beautifully presented museum is well worth a trip. 

• Gardens by the Bay: Visit this futuristic botanical garden at night to watch the free Supertree light show at 7:45pm and 8:45pm. Afterward, you can wander between these remarkable artificial "trees" and go inside the Cloud Forest – an indoor waterfall and misty mountain covered in tropical plants. 

• Jewel Changi Airport: If you pass through Singapore's legendary airport, stop to marvel at the iconic indoor Rain Vortex (the world's tallest indoor waterfall), which is surrounded by a rainforest canopy. Ever evolving, Changi truly puts all other airports to shame. 

What was our methodology?

We identified destinations with the strongest month-over-month guidebook sales growth in May compared to April 2026. To ensure accuracy, we applied a minimum base-month sales threshold to exclude statistical noise, with exceptions made for destinations where seasonality naturally suppresses prior-month sales or where growth is driven by a major upcoming event. We hope you enjoy our list!