San Miguel de Allende is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, great food, pleasant summer climate, and incredible vistas. So, when do you plan to book your trip there? Photo Credit: Jiuguang Wang (https://goo.gl/bDa73z)
By Dennis Powell, e-Management
July 4th has come and gone. While many people limit their days off to Independence Day week, August, and perhaps Labor Day, the e-Management Travel Team knows that July is a great month to travel; so we got together and created our vacation recommendations for summer travelers. Check them out!
Try the San Juan Islands in Washington State. Located approximately 100 miles north of Seattle, the scenic islands are popular in July. Surrounded by pristine blue ocean and made up of spectacularly lush green terrain, summer temperatures on the islands are in the comfortable 70-degree range. The islands are also known for their small towns and villages, vineyards, and fine cuisine prepared from local food sources. Nature and marine life enthusiasts may find orca whale watching fascinating. Known for its annual Tour de Lopez (on Lopez Island), the area is great for cycling. The San Juan Islands may be one of the country’s best kept summer secrets.
Explore La Fête Nationale in France. For those who fancy international travel destinations, France in July is a wonderful option. Americans who enjoy Independence Day celebrations on July 4th should certainly check out how the French party and celebrate their Bastille Day (officially La Fête Nationale). The July 14th holiday commemorates the start of the French Revolution. Events are nationwide, but visitors may want to visit Paris for the Military Parade on the Champs-Élysées. Visitors will love the annual concert on the Champs-de-Mars. As with any big celebration, there are major fireworks lighting the sky around the Eiffel Tower. Traveling on a budget? The has a page for finding deals in France.
Visit the Heart of Mexico. Time magazine picked July as a great month to visit San Miguel de Allende located in the heart of the Mexico and we agree. Named after General Ignacio Allende (a prominent leader in Mexico’s quest for independence from Spain), the town is rich in history and charm. For those who love architecture, the town is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings and edifices. San Miguel offers low humidity and comfortable temperatures during the day and cool nights. Foodies will love a sundry of rooftop restaurants that provide stunning views of the town. July also offers lower lodging costs for budget-conscious travelers. *** Great food, low prices, and amazing views…what are you waiting for, call your travel agent today. J ***
Discover Maui. Ranked at the top of the U.S. News & World Report Best Summer Vacations list, Maui is a great destination for those looking for a happy medium between upbeat nightlife and complete tranquility. First of all, the island has over 30 miles of celebrated beaches. Travelers who enjoy a good game of golf may be interested to know that the island has some of the best courses in the world. Nature lovers may want to take a day trip to Haleakala National Park, the perfect destination for hiking, camping, and viewing stunning sunsets and sunrises. For nightlife and a fine dining, check out Kihei and Lahaina. Each is known for singalong bars, dance clubs, and sports pubs. Visitors can relax in the tiered Pools of Oheo, which are filled by waterfalls.
Enjoy San Francisco. Contrary to popular belief, Mark Twain never said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” Hopefully, that revelation alone should encourage visitors to consider this picturesque city in the summer. Besides, most people don’t go to San Fran for the weather. They go for the variety of options for fun. What’s so great this town? Everything! You get to ride on vintage-style cable cars that are popular with visitors of all ages and backgrounds! There’s the scenic Golden Gate Bridge, perhaps the most famous overpass in the nation. Other tourist attractions include one of the country’s most infamous prisons Alcatraz, the eclectic Fisherman’s Wharf, and the charming Palace of Fine Arts. Traveling with young ones or teens? Check out the Walt Disney Family Museum. Its Tomorrowland: Walt’s Vision for Today exhibition runs from July 22 through December 7, 2015! San Francisco has a little bit of something for everyone.
The Best of July
That’s our shortlist of places to visit in July. The Travel Channel lists other options like Barbados, Provincetown (Massachusetts), and Pamplona (Spain). Those are certainly on our bucket lists! (1) Do you plan to travel this summer? (2) What are your favorite summer destinations? (3) What other times of the year are great times to travel based on your experiences?
Tags: Bastille Day, Champs-Élysées, Dennis Powell, , Eiffel Tower, foodie, France, Golden Gate Bridge, golf, Hawaii, Maui, Mexico, Ola Sage, San Francisco, San Juan Islands, San Miguel de Allende, summer, Tomorrowland, tourist, Travel
A friend once said that we should visit places that are evolving constantly – places that are reinventing themselves, simply because they will not look the same in ten years. I would suggest that many of the well worn, Old World venues can be skipped this summer. We should focus on the places that are evolving. Some cities in China are growing so fast that I can imagine their growing pains! Then there are the American treasures that somehow slip beneath the radar. Places like Arcadia National Park and this will surprise you, some of our well kept, neighborhood parks. Pack a nice, light picnic lunch and take a stroll or a bike ride to a neighborhood park, claim a bench beneath a shaded tree and pause for a spell. You will smell new things, notice different songs by nature’s natural songsters, see squirrels doing their thing with no shame, and life will slow down for you. Holidays are nice if you can afford them but having little or no money is still no excuse for not taking one. Any place that transports you for moment, which offers solitude and solace for a spell, is worth visiting. Maybe our short list of places starts with a place that is only a short distance away!
I really do need to expand my travel horizons and I’m looking forward to it. This article was great article to get me started on my list of places I need to see. Hawaii was already on the list.
1) Unfortunately with moving and work I am not traveling this summer. 2) To be honest I actually prefer traveling at other times besides the summer. It’s the most predictable time to travel and generally way more expensive. 3) I took a trip to Puerto Rico last October and it was amazing weather and the prices for the flight and hotel were also much cheaper than if I had gone during the summer. I don’t actually need a lot of people (tourist) around for me to have a great time. It’s my ME time so I rather have a place almost all to myself lol. But in the research I do for destinations I am interested in, many times the best time is during the spring or fall, definitely not during the high traffic summer season. Thanks for the article!
What a GREAT article Dennis. Vacations are always a good time when planned properly. I travel a lot due to my work, but take FEW vacations. That being said, I will definitely take your advice if an opportunity presents itself and I am able to get on a plane and go somewhere. Like…… Maui! The last time I went there it was in the middle of a hurricane/tornado/storm that forced me to return home on the same day. But thank YOU for sharing this great travel advice!
The San Juan Islands are new to me and sounds like a great new adventure. I will be adding that to my places to go list. Thanks for the description.
I didn’t know anything about the San Juan Islands and at first I thought they were somewhere in Puerto Rico or somewhere. It sounds good reading a blog that teaches you something new.
I am not sure if I will travel this summer, but Hawaii would be my first choice for many reasons than one. It is in Hawaii that the current president was born and the place seems to be a paradise. Above all, a great friend now lives there so I may feel more than at home. Another great time to travel is April around Easter time. The spring weather is fabulous and it’s a best way to “stretch” after winter when everyone tends to be bundled up and locked indoors.
My next destination is likely to be the Caribbean Islands. This has always been on my bucket list for the past 5 years and I hope to make it happen soon either in December this year or April next year.
@Keith Yearwood, thank you for being the first to leave a comment and for kicking off this discussion. You wrote, “Any place that transports you for moment, which offers solitude and solace for a spell, is worth visiting.” I completely agree. Thanks again for supporting our blog once more.
@Brian Hamlett, I agree summer is definitely a busy time for local destinations in the USA because so many families (many with kids and children out of school) like to hit the road. However, the Caribbean and some parts of the world, summer is actually off-season because many (Americans) chose to go to local beaches, national parks, timeshares, and amusement parks due warmer summer temperatures. So definitely check out the usual travel websites or your favorite travel agent if you need to take a break NEXT summer.
Thanks again for stopping by and supporting our blog once more. Good luck with your move.
@Oona Mulkey, I agree that Hawaii is a great place to travel and the best part you get an international “feel” without the need for a passport or going through customs. Thanks again for stopping by and supporting our blog once more.
@Tyrone Spencer, too bad about your Maui experience. I do hope you get a chance to make it back during better weather. Thank you for stopping by and supporting our blog once more. Good luck with your move.
@Claude Everett Bowen, happy that this posting was able to give you new travel ideas. Thank you for stopping by and for supporting our blog.
@Phithi Ngcobo, Hawaii seems to be popular choice among the responders today. The great news for you is that you have friends there to visit. The Caribbean in December is also great–not too hot in most spots. Thank you for returning to your blog and adding your thoughts.
First, the team at e-Management each deserves a paid wk off to go explore one of the destinations listed in this blog. Personally, I agree that we should look at summer travel as broader than the traditional holiday period (even though that extra paid day is a motivator for most) . As I think of my next travel, i’d like to explore NW USA a bit more, even to include another trip to Vancouver CA…that area does have a great summer climate. I plan to travel back to the carribean this year and to other “coastal” areas of the states. I return to my first statement, should e-Management desire a deeper dive into these areas and need a volunteer….1-800-Mic-hael.
I am a great believer in that Travel broadens the Mind ! I love learning & seeing new places, different cultures & cuisines, meeting new people so its too bad that the last couple of years I have been forced to be an “armchair traveller” .. But oh the adventures waiting to happen because I have wanderlust ! I find July too hot to travel abroad & holiday destinations tend to have a price hike due to school hols so can be extremely pricey to travel as a family with children. The other thing being blood thirsty mosquitos ugh ! I am definitely interested in the locations you discuss in your article Dennis. So thank you for the ideas & the great write up. I would recommend a trip to the UK ! So do come visit us !
I have been to 3 of the 4 places you mentioned. I will put the San Juan Islands on my bucket list. Your post makes me want to visit Maui again, except I love to go in November or December when everyone here is digging out of snow and looking pale. Then I come back with a tan
I recently had a friend visit from San Francisco that had never been to my area. I live in the Sierra Nevada Foothills in the outskirts of a touristy town with surrounding touristy towns and near Columbia State Park, CA.
It was a blast going to all the different places and meeting people from different countries that had brought their families here for vacation. We really enjoyed the “staycation” and spent way less money than if we would have went out of town. And it was nice to enjoy our own space and put our dollars into the local economy.
I’ve seen a few on your list… and this was a great walk down memory lane. I’d like to get back to a point of traveling several times a year – UNTIL then – I’ve been finding lots of more local (and drive-able) treasures. I love traveling to experience different cultures. I plan to visit lakes on the East Coast – first stop several right in VA – Lake Accotink (FAMILY FUN) then Lake Anna (ROMANTIC FUN) more to come! 2) I’m not sure I have a favorite – I love so many spots for so many different reasons – give me some luxury, some local culture and an opportunity to experience LIFE and SMILES as a welcomed traveler – i’m golden! Although I don’t get to do it often enough – FEBRUARY is my favorite time as a break from the cold elements of the east coast.
@Melissa Quick, Great ideas. I also take advantage of “drive-able” trips. I prefer the beach or the mountain excursions during the summer from the mountains of Virginia and Maryland, to the Jersey Shores, Delmarva beaches, and the Outer Banks (North Carolina). Thank you for stopping and adding your travel recommendations.
@Stephanie Peck, I complete agree with your statement: “It was nice to enjoy our own space and put our dollars into the local economy.” Great way to save money while connecting and re-connecting to your local resources and treasures. Thank you once again for supporting our blog.
@Fauzia B Karim, the UK has so much history, amazing natural resources, and incredible architecture. My list of places to visit includes the Lake District, Cornwall, London, Manchester, and Edinburgh among other places. Thanks for sharing your tips and for once again supporting our blog posts.
@Michael Smith, I love Vancouver also! I highly recommend everyone to take a visit. Thanks for adding your comments and sharing your sense of humor. lol at “1-800-Mic-hael.” #awesome
Great advice with the ones in the U.S. being easy to reach. To travel is to not look at life the same. And especially Maui or any Hawaiian island its like traveling to an exotic destination but still experience the American way of life.
@Dilworth E Daley, I agree with you regarding Hawaii…exotic and American. Thank you for stopping by.
When I was younger mom and I use to take trips to San Francisco. This one particular time she decided to drive up the coast of California. At that time we had a 1970 something VW bug, yellow convertible. If you’re not from California and you decide to take a visit to California one of the best trips in the world is to rent a convertible and drive up the coast. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a major north-south state highway that runs along most of the Pacific coastline.. The highway is very famous. traveling up the cost, that’s what us Cali folk call the drive, you drive threw many different city’s.. Big Sur, San Luis Obispo to Carmel. I remember stopping in the small city of Big Sur. In the early to mid-20th century, Big Sur’s relative isolation and natural beauty began to attract writers and artists. Mom was a 70s child and very free Spirit so this place was right up her ally. I had to be 12-13 years old and was her right hand man on these magical journeys. We stop at a cafe, had lunch and mom freinded a local, she was very sociable. This person suggested we go to the beach.. So off we went! The ride to the beach was adventurous, over the mountains and through the woods and a few streams later in our 1970 something VW yellow convertible bug.. So we got there and the beach was absolutely gorgeous. There was only one thing about the beach the stranger at the cafe forgot to mention… What a vacation so far!!! Mom was so much fun. So once again we were on a way up the cost. I’m not sure why but from that point mom decided to take a shortcut and go through the California mountains. Such a adventurous lady. If you have a chance to drive this trip, Shortcut threw the mountains, it’s a wonderful drive. So we arrived in San Francisco. Street cars, trolly cars, hills and Victorian style homes. There’s so much to see.. San Francisco is the northeast quadrant of the city anchored by Market Street and the waterfront. It is here that the Financial District is centered, with Union Square, the principal shopping and hotel district, nearby. Cable cars carry riders up steep inclines to the summit of Nob Hill down to fisherman’s Wharf, and Pier 39, where many restaurants feature Dungeness crab from a still-active fishing industry. We drove all around up and down the steepest hills in the world. Don’t forget to visit the famously crooked Lombard Street, North Beach, the city’s Little Italy and Telegraph Hill, which features Coit Tower. A must visit is San Francisco’s Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in North America. We saw all these area.. So much fun! Bonus trip, take the ferry over to Sausalito. Very quaint small Community of Artist, celebrities and off beat house boat loving people..
That was my memories of my early childhood vacation.. My life was so magical and fun!
Safe travels. Get out and explore the world!
@Dennis Clay, thanks for sharing that wonderful story. You have inspired me! #RoadtripThruCali