Summertime in Chicago has an energy you can’t experience anywhere else. Because winters are long and can be brutal, Chicagoans go all out, from patio brunches to beach days. Even if it’s one hundred degrees and humid, rooftops will be packed and the beach will be buzzing. Whether you’re a local or visiting for a few days, we’ve got your guide to summer in Chicago, from where to eat to how to escape the heat when it becomes too much. Grab your sandals and let’s get going!

In the northwest corner of Michigan’s mitten, a small town called Charlevoix sits on an isthmus between two lakes, connected by a historic drawbridge. With fewer than 2,500 residents, Charlevoix is a tranquil and idyllic town with a genuine Midwestern spirit. Known as the home of the famous Mushroom Houses and surrounded by lakes, neighboring Petoskey often overshadows this charming Michigan town, but it is worth a visit on its own. From cozy coffee shops to ferry rides, Charlevoix might be slower paced, but there’s plenty to keep you busy during a long weekend getaway. We’d even go so far as to say it’s the perfect small town for an extended stay, encouraging slowing down and reconnecting with nature. 

Summer isn’t for everyone. We know, we know…it’s a small group of individuals. But they exist, nonetheless. So while many people in the northern hemisphere count down the minutes until they can clock out and head to the nearest beach for a straight shot of vitamin D, others count the days until the heat breaks and cooler temperatures blow in. With this in mind, July through September is perfect for those who favor cooler weather to go south…WAY south. The southern hemisphere is in the thick of winter, so destinations like Peru and Australia are much more temperate if the heat isn’t your speed. If staying north of the equator is more realistic, plenty of destinations have milder summers for a “coolcation,” especially in northern Europe and the upper reaches of North America. Regardless of the vibe you’re looking for, we’ve got several fantastic destinations to inspire a cooler getaway this summer. But if the heat is your speed, we’ve got you covered with our summer destination guide. Or perhaps you’re looking for destinations that are good for a digital detox to unplug fully from daily life. 

Summer is here for anyone living in the northern hemisphere! For many, that means it’s time to shut the laptop and head out for a long-anticipated vacation. Whether you’re looking for something that can be planned over a long weekend or a much lengthier adventure, we’ve compiled nine destinations to consider for your summer travels. From Turkey’s Turquoise Coast to the lesser-known Balkan city of Tirana, wildlife adventures in the Galapagos and Serengeti, a tropical escape in the Philippines, and one of the most famous destinations to catch the best DJs in the world, we’ve got a spot for whatever vibe you’re looking for this summer. Take yourself on a solo adventure and slow down to enjoy the sunshine. This time is for you, so make the most of it!  

Art has been inspiring bucket lists for centuries. From the Greek epics to Monet’s paintings of Provence, stories of adventures around the world and descriptions of faraway lands have shown up in every medium. Today, we’re inspired to travel through movies and film. Eat, Pray, Love is a perfect example, as is White Lotus. The impact of movies and film can be so significant that destinations will capitalize on the interest and create tours or experiences dedicated to the filming locations. Harry Potter has done this for the UK, Outlander for Scotland, and Game of Thrones for many places, including Croatia. All of these introductions are a great way to dive into new cultures, traditions, and people - go outside of our comfort zones and discover somewhere new that perhaps we weren’t aware existed before. 

We’ve put together a list of destinations perfect for a digital detox. Whether you’re planning your first trip of this kind or you’ve made a habit of taking these regularly, there’s a destination on here for everyone. Some of them are truly remote, meaning that disconnecting digitally due to lack of cell or internet service will be unavoidable. While for some, that can bring immense relief, others might find it too anxiety-inducing, and that’s ok. The purpose of a digital detox is to create space for relaxation and calm the mind and nervous system. If having service available to disconnect digitally on your terms is a better option, there are plenty of spots on this list that are perfect for that, too. 

Exploring museums isn’t just for bad weather days. They offer a glimpse into different corners of the world at different moments in time. They provide an opportunity to learn visually and interactively and preserve history, art, culture, and stories of the people who came before us. Museums often have educational, preservation, and research programs crucial for everything from civil rights to environmental science to art history. They inspire future pilots, archaeologists, painters, and doctors. They make learning fun and present information in digestible yet impactful ways. 

Washington, D.C., draws millions of tourists annually, but the charming city of Alexandria, Virginia, is a quick drive across the Potomac River. Often overlooked or simply included as a day trip in a D.C. itinerary, Old Town Alexandria is full of history, character, and charm, making it a stand-out destination. There’s plenty to see and do in the heart of this historic neighborhood. Whether you have one day to explore while visiting the larger DMV area or plan to book a long weekend getaway, soak up every bit of this delightful Virginian city. 

Spring is an excellent season to visit many destinations for ideal weather and slower crowds and to experience some of the most beautiful parts of the world while they’re literally in bloom. From the quiet rolling hills of the Cotswolds to ancient ruins in Palermo and cherry blossoms in Kyoto, spring is a chance to see some of these destinations at their very best. Head into the Blue Ridge Mountains to see Asheville’s vibrant art scene. Step back in time to Evora - a city with so much historical significance it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or skip spring altogether and head to the southern hemisphere for a crisp autumn escape where harvest season is in full effect. Regardless of where you end up this spring, slow down and soak up every moment. 

Savannah is a city that knows how to leave an impression. From the unbeatable hospitality to the scores of independent bookshops, there’s something for everyone in this charming Southern town. Savannah’s haunted past pours out of the cobblestone streets and brick warehouse walls, telling the stories of the people who made the city what it is today. People come to Savannah for the stunning scenery, incredible food, and legendary hospitality, but they are left enriched by the city’s vibrant culture. Whether it’s your first or tenth time visiting Savannah, here are some top recommendations for things to do in this historic destination. 

For first-time travelers, venturing somewhere closer to home could make the experience much more comfortable. Lucky for those who live in the continental U.S., there are endless destinations to explore coast to coast. You could say it’s one of the biggest perks of living in the States. Whether you feel the most at home in a big city or prefer something quieter with big open spaces, it’s impossible not to find exactly what you’re looking for, and solo travel ensures you don’t have to compromise for anyone or anything. When it comes down to choosing a destination, ask yourself a few questions. What are you looking to get out of this trip? What are you most excited to see and do? And what do you want to take away from it? 

There’s no escaping the past in Savannah. Every street, stone, and building seems to have a story spanning generations, but it doesn’t keep locals from continuing to push forward into the future. They simply do so while holding a deep respect for the past. Keeping this in mind, for anyone willing to break out of the party atmosphere along River Street, Savannah is a cultural hub waiting to be explored. From a church that acted as a stop on the Underground Railroad to cemeteries with active residents, each site provides a window into the past. Between paranormally charged hotspots, Savannah’s culinary scene provides bold flavors in unique settings, from an old bus station to renovated mansions. Nothing fades in time in Savannah. Instead, the city ties the past and present together so that no matter what, it’s impossible to forget where it all began.