Summer getaways for every kind of traveler
Whether you’re traveling solo or with a multigenerational family, want a beach retreat or road-trip vacation, or seek a tech-free or experiential escape, here are six summer travel destinations that fit every preference.
By Veronica Stoddart | April 27, 2026
Summer is almost here, and with it comes warm, sunny weather, relaxing, carefree days, and a chance to break out of your daily routine. Now’s the time to plan the perfect summer vacation that meets your needs. From a multigenerational getaway in the theme-park capital of Florida to a dreamy beach interlude on the Greek island of Crete, here are six sensational summer trips for every type of traveler.
Extraordinary experiences in Hawaii
With laidback surf towns and endless golden beaches, the island of Oahu offers a rich cornucopia of activities for visitors. By staying at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, you can choose something new to do every day — all without leaving the resort grounds. Welcome the sun with an outdoor morning yoga class, swim in Waikiki’s only saltwater lagoon, plunge into one of five outdoor pools (some with kid-approved waterslides), and sail on a catamaran from Waikiki’s only pier. Slow down and immerse yourself in local culture with ukulele lessons and lei-making workshops that both kids and adults love or indulge in Hawaiian-inspired treatments at Mandara Spa, Waikiki’s largest spa. Come mealtime, there are more than a dozen on-site restaurants and cafes to enjoy, including an authentic starlit luau with live music and dancing.
Beautiful beach getaway in Greece
As Greece’s largest island, Crete boasts some of the country’s most dazzling coastlines — from long sandy beaches to pink-tinged lagoons and dramatic cliff coves. Many are just minutes away from Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa in the lovely seaside town of Chania. Walk to the calm, shallow waters of Nea Chora Beach or take a quick taxi ride to the family-friendly Golden Beach, the sheltered bays of Agioi Apostoli, and the quieter Kalamaki Beach. Back at the resort, swim in perfectly heated indoor and outdoor pools or retreat to your own private pool just steps from your bed. Be pampered at the spa and enjoy a meal and drinks perched on the Mediterranean in any of the resort’s four dining venues. The C Bar, an elegant cigar lounge, is ideal for a nightcap.
Spectacular solo trip in Miami
With its walkable layout, cultural attractions, and standout strands, Miami Beach makes visiting solo during the summer months a breeze. A stay at Hilton Miami Beach gives you easy access to it all. Walk to the scenic Miami Beach Boardwalk and nearby nightclubs, beachfront lounges, and restaurants. Or check out the contemporary pieces at the Bass Museum of Art and the orchids at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Spoil yourself with retail therapy at the open-air Lincoln Road Mall or trendy shops on Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive. After exploring the neighborhood, unwind by the hotel’s main pool, enjoy city views from the two rooftop pools, or work out at the 24-hour fitness center. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, savor parrilla-style steaks and handcrafted pastas at Agador Restaurant followed by tropical cocktails at Savant Rooftop Bar.
Fun multigenerational vacation in Orlando
For your next family vacation, gather the clan and head to the theme park capital of the world to thrill each member of your group. Book a spacious Family Suite at Conrad Orlando, where everyone can enjoy spending time together at the resort’s sunny lagoon and Orlando’s only white-sand beach, complete with paddleboarding and kayaking. Or you can lounge in a cabana by multiple pools, including a kid-friendly splash pad. Parents and grandparents can tee off at two on-site golf courses and indulge in wellness treatments at the Conrad Spa. Complimentary shuttle service to the most popular parks makes transporting your extended family a snap, while a VIP concierge can personalize your park itinerary. Satisfying all generations at mealtime is also easy with five dining venues offering everything from Mexican and Polynesian to Southern Italian fare, including crowd-pleasing pizza.
Awe-inspiring road trip in Zion National Park, Utah
There’s no better way to see the Western U.S. than by car. Base yourself at Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park to explore the towering sandstone cliffs, majestic red rocks, winding canyons, and sprawling deserts of Utah’s first national park, just a five-minute drive away. Enjoy free hot breakfast at the hotel before exploring driving routes in and around Zion that wind through some of its most eye-catching scenery. There’s the 25-mile (40-kilometer) Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, the 5-mile (8-kilometer) Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive, and the 25-mile Kolob Terrace Road, all of which will inspire stopping for a hike or two. After your driving adventures, park your car at the hotel and take the town shuttle into Springdale to explore its shops and galleries. Then return to relax by the outdoor pool and fireplace. Pet-friendly rooms mean your four-legged friend can join the adventure, too.
Serene off-the-grid escape in Sonoma, California
Unwind and unplug amid Sonoma’s majestic redwoods and celebrated wineries. Ditch your devices and immerse yourself in Northern California’s great outdoors in one of AutoCamp Sonoma’s Premium Airstream Suites, custom-designed Airstream Explorer Suites, or Adventure Tents. As a summer vacation that blends outdoor adventure with serene landscapes, there are many ways to experience the best of this seductive destination. Sip prized pinots and chardonnays on AutoCamp-arranged tasting tours. Stroll among the old-growth groves of the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Paddle or float lazily down the Russian River. Take an e-bike backroads ride through the area’s vineyards, country estates, and farms. And soak up the healing benefits of forest bathing with the help of a certified nature therapy guide. Back at AutoCamp, grill fresh locally sourced seafood like wild king salmon over your own fire pit and spend quiet evenings by the campfire for the ultimate in tech-free bliss.
Veronica Stoddart
The former travel editor of USA TODAY, Veronica Stoddart is a multiple award-winning writer with more than four decades in travel journalism. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, AARP The Magazine, Hemispheres, Food & Wine, Los Angeles Times, Frommers.com, and RobbReport.com, among dozens of outlets. She specializes in culinary and cultural travel, cruising, and national parks and received TravMedia’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for Travel Journalism. A travel addict, she has visited more than 110 countries on all seven continents, reporting from many of them. A high-profile expert in travel and tourism, she has served as a frequent speaker or panelist for more than three dozen professional organizations.
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