25 Epic Summer Bucket List Ideas for Travel Lovers
Summer is the best time to head out on epic adventures and check some of those bucket list dreams off your calendar.
From the exotic beaches you discover, the hikes you have conquered or the cultural experiences you have submerged in, summer has the potential to make travel lovers all around the world create memories that last a lifetime.
Here are 25 epic summer bucket list ideas that will give you wanderlust inspiration and ensure your next summer is one for the record books.
1. Travel to the Amalfi Coast in Italy
The Amalfi Coast — with its brightly colored, cliffside villages, azure waters and cobbled streets — one of the world’s great dream destinations.
There are days spent exploring towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, not to mention enjoying the local Italian fare.
Or tour the coastline by boat for stunning views, or sit on sun-soaked beaches sipping limoncello.
2. Explore the Fjords of Norway
Summer is the ideal season to explore Norway’s dramatic fjords, with their thundering waterfalls and aquamarine waters.
Cruise up Geirangerfjord or Sognefjord, hike the Trolltunga trail for sweeping views, and visit quaint Scandinavian villages standing in the valleys.
3. Go on a Safari in Africa
Enjoy a summer safari in Africa and experience the excitement of witnessing wildlife in their natural surroundings.
Then explore the Serengeti in Tanzania or South Africa’s Kruger National Park to observe the Great Migration, the Big Five and sleep in cushy tented camps beneath starry skies.
4. Embark on a Road Trip on Route 66
Hit the open road with a classic Route 66 road trip across America.
This classic road trip doles out eccentric roadside sights, historic diners and breathtaking scenery from Chicago to Santa Monica.
And don’t miss a stop at the Grand Canyon for an unforgettable detour.
5. Hike the Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
This bucket list experience will take you across verdant valleys, sun-drenched ruins, and mind-boggling mountain passes to reach the majestic Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.
6. Iceland: Experience the Midnight Sun
Visit Iceland on the summer solstice, to see the midnight sun.
Visit waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, one of the most stunning natural features, and soak in the Blue Lagoon, and drive the Ring Road, which is filled with some of Earth’s most dramatic scenery.
7. Relax on the Beaches of Bali
Mother Nature’s party island: Bali The summer paradise for beach lovers.
Spend your days relaxing on pristine beaches such as Nusa Dua, surfing in Uluwatu, or wandering through verdant rice terraces.
Be sure to soak up the island’s lively culture as well, such as traditional dance performances and temple visits.
8. Go to a Summer Festival in Europe
Summer in Europe, is the season of festivals.
For a once in a lifetime summer experience, feel the buzz of Tomorrowland Belgium or the culture of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland or the iconic La Tomatina in Spain.
9. Discover the Greek Islands
The Greek Islands are a summer travel fan’s paradise.
Don’t miss iconic islands such as Santorini (whitewashed buildings, sunsets), Mykonos (party scene) and Crete (history and breathtaking beaches).
Hopping from isle to isle is necessary in order to discover the diversity of this Mediterranean beauty.
10. Go Whale Watching in Alaska
During summertime and through autumn, Alaska is a paradise for wildlife lovers.
Take a whale-watching tour to see humpback whales, orcas and sea lions in the wild.
Combine this with a trip to Glacier Bay National Park for breathtaking views of glaciers and hiking.
11. Camp in the Sahara Desert Under the Stars
If you are looking for an extraterrestrial summer trip, you should be in Morocco and spend a night in the Sahara Desert.
Camel-back across rolling golden dunes, watch the sunset drench the desert in ochres, and gaze at the starry sky from a traditional Berber tent.
12. Japan Lavender Fields
Japan’s lavender fields explode with color in summer, making for an unforgettable sensory experience.
head to Furano, Hokkaido to stroll through vibrant fields of purple lavender, munch on lavender-flavored snacks and take stunning pictures backed by Mount Tokachi.
13. Swim in Croatia’s Blue Cave
As Croatia’s Adriatic Coast is full of natural attractions, the Blue Cave on Biševo Island is a must-see.
Take a boat tour to witness the otherworldly blue light that fills the cave’s interior, and explore nearby islands including Hvar and Vis.
14. Paraglide Over the Swiss Alps
By paragliding over the Swiss Alps, get the adrenaline rush.
It’s a fantastic place to do this extreme sport, with spectacular views over the snow-covered mountains, green valleys, and clear lakes.
It’s a summer odyssey you’ll always remember.
15. Explore the Streets of Paris
Summer in Paris is magical — filled with blooming gardens and outside cafes.
Walk the Seine, see the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, have a picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens.
On summer nights, a Seine river cruise feels ideal.
16. Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef
Explore underwater wonders at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia during summer.
Snorkel or dive among colourful coral reefs, tropical fish and marine turtles, and visit nearby Whitsunday Islands for more adventure.
17. Experience Costa Rican Waterfalls
Some of the world’s most gorgeous waterfalls lie hidden in Costa Rica’s lush rainforests.
The La Fortuna Waterfall, Nauyaca Waterfalls, and Rio Celeste are beautiful, and you’ll surely enjoy the country side of this Central American gem.
18. Visit Canada’s National Parks
The summer is a great time to visit Canada’s incredible national parks.
From Banff and Jasper in the Rockies to Gros Morne in Newfoundland, you’ll discover amazing hiking trails, aqua-colored lakes and opportunities to encounter wildlife.
19. Sail Through the Caribbean
A summertime sailing adventure in the Caribbean
Visit islands such as St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbados, and experience crystalline waters, colorful coral reefs and luxury resorts.
Get on a boat or catamaran cruise for an elegant touch to your trip.
20. Hike to the Dolomites in Italy
The Dolomites in northern Italy, summer trekking unique.
With its dramatic peaks, lush meadows and quaint alpine villages, this UNESCO World Heritage site is ideal for outdoor adventurers and photographers.
21. Explore the Galápagos Islands
Nature lovers flock to the Galápagos Islands, summer wonderland.
You can snorkel with sea lions, hike through volcanic landscapes, and spot unusual wildlife, from blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises.
It’s one of those bucket list places for wildlife and conservation enthusias.
22. Take a Mediterranean Cruise
Formidable way to hit several hot destinations: A summer cruise through the Mediterranean.
Enjoy historical sites in cities like Rome and Athens, chill on the sandy beaches of the French Riviera, and savor Mediterranean cuisine.
23. Visit the Scottish Highlands
In summer, the Scottish Highlands are abundant with wildflowers, lush greenery and long daylight hours.
Explore Loch Ness, ascend Ben Nevis, and tour ancient castles.
This summer escape can be both restful and adventurous, thanks to the scenic beauty of the Highlands.
24. Compete in the Midnight Sun Marathon in Norway
Running the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø is one of the best #health benefits for fitness lovers in summer.
It runs issuing from the light of the midnight sun; making it a truly special and thrilling challenge.
25. Kayak among icebergs in Greenland
For a unique summer experience, go to Greenland and paddle among huge icebergs.
Glide through peaceful fjords interspersed with massive icebergs and experience the wild beauty of the Arctic scenery.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience, which balances adventure and tranquility, is sure to make your bucket list even better.
Final Thoughts
The summer months are the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone, visit stunning places, and create everlasting memories.
From waterfalls in Costa Rica to sailing the Caribbean and witnessing the midnight sun in Iceland, these 25 epic summer bucket list ideas are sure to inspire your wanderlust and help you create an unforgettable summer.
Instead of dreaming of your ideal summer, start planning now!
From incredible sights to the fullest range of cuisines to try, everything you ever wanted to experience in life, the world is full of wonders to explore, and there is no time quite like now to tick those off your bucket list.
