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The 5 best summer vacation ideas to try this year

Discover the best summer vacation destinations with options for every type of traveler.

By Alison Cavatore | April 20, 2023

Put away those winter boots — it’s time for summer travel! We’ve got you covered with five of the best summer vacation spots around the world. From unconventional getaways and family-friendly stays to eco-conscious locations and elevated escapes, finding a destination that’s right for you is just a scroll away.

Location: Las Vegas | Traveler type: Outdoor enthusiasts

Fly into Las Vegas but skip the bright lights and opt for a more nature-filled summer travel experience. Unplug and take a road trip to Zion National Park where you'll find a reprieve from the desert sun in Kolob Canyons. Wildflowers bloom here during summer months and with elevations above 8,000 feet (2,438 meters), cooler temperatures prevail. Take an early morning hike or plan an overnight adventure at Joshua Tree National Park to enjoy the solitude of the wilderness, sunsets and stargazing. Joshua Tree’s Cottonwood Spring is one of the best birding spots in the park, so pack your binoculars for a nature show.

Location: Cancun, Mexico | Traveler type: Families

Take the whole family on an all-inclusive getaway to Cancun this summer. Spend your days lounging (or playing) by the pool, building sandcastles on the beach, joining a group fitness class or by exploring a nearby cultural site on an off-property excursion. At Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort, the comforts of home — like two-bedroom suites, kids and teens clubs and a variety of dining options — mean that parents can relax knowing their family’s needs are completely taken care of.

Location: Faroe Islands, Denmark | Traveler type: Eco-conscious

Travel with purpose this summer with a sustainable stay in the Faroe Islands, a North Atlantic archipelago brimming with natural wonders and outdoor activities. In the island's capital city, Torshavn, the Svartafoss Waterfall and the National Museum of the Faroe Islands are just five minutes from Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands. The sustainable property is powered by a natural energy supplier and loaded with green features like an on-site electric car charging station, bulk soap dispensers, under-floor heating from energy consumption, motion-sensor sinks and lighting, plus a menu built from locally sourced meat, fish and vegetables.

Location: Bali, Indonesia | Traveler type: Elevated adventurers

For an elevated escape this summer, choose a majestically serene and otherworldly destination brimming with spirituality and nature. Bali has some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes, wondrous waterfalls and stunning golden beaches. There’s also plenty of culture to take in — from Buddhist carvings and traditional temples to artisan crafts at local markets and heritage sites. Reconnect with nature — and yourself — with a Full Moon Celebration and authentic Balinese ritual at Conrad Bali’s on-site temple before an evening meditation session on the beach after dinner.

Location: Florida Keys | Traveler type: Couples

Couples seeking a vacation filled with lounging on the beach or strolling hand-in-hand through relaxed communities with free-spirited vibes should check out the Florida Keys. This dreamy destination is also perfect for couples looking to engage in outdoor activities like snorkeling and biking along trails in Key Largo or enjoying the vibrant nightlife and local seafood found in Key West. The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton is set on the only private natural sand beach in the area and is a short walk from the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and world-famous Duval Street, which is lined with bars, cafes, shops, galleries and more.

From national parks to beaches and more, there’s a perfect summer vacation destination just waiting to be explored.

Alison Cavatore is the assistant editor for the content marketing team at Hilton. She has written and copyedited for numerous print and digital publications in the U.S. and abroad. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Alison has lived in Miami, Scottsdale, Holland, France, Switzerland and Canada. She currently resides in the Washington, D.C. area.