By KBC Associate 
July marks the peak summer travel season in much of the Northern Hemisphere, where temperatures are sizzling and the days are long. Leisure trips are in full swing, whether you’re on a solo adventure to an iconic city or heading to the beach with family members in tow.
But if contending with stifling heat and crowds isn’t your speed, we recommend dipping below the equator, where it’s winter and the vibes are more about hitting the slopes, cozying up by a fire and making the most of brisker weather.
To spark inspiration for your upcoming vacation, here are the 10 best places to travel in July in the US and beyond.
Rabat, Morocco
Featured in our “Where to go in 2025” list, Morocco surpassed Egypt to become Africa’s most-visited country last year. In July, set your sights on Rabat, the country’s capital. It received a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, and it sits on a breezy perch along the Atlantic Ocean — meaning milder temperatures than its landlocked counterparts of Marrakech and Fez. Somehow, though, it has hovered under the radar.
Unlike more touristy cities’ medinas, Rabat’s feels as if it’s been undisturbed by time. Amble down Rue Souika, the medina’s main artery, and peruse the stalls overflowing with spices, metalwork and leather goods. Sample the ubiquitous street food maakouda, deep-fried potato patties. Explore Kasbah des Oudaias (home to the picturesque Andalusian Gardens), the massive (and mysterious) burial ground Cimetiere Chouhada and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
TPG tip: Overlooking the Bouregreg River, Fairmont La Marina Rabat Sale was the first luxury property to open in the city in 2022. The 274-key hotel channels Moroccan design and culture at every turn, from the contemporary Moroccan restaurant Dahlia to the chic guest rooms and suites. Nightly rates in July start at $542.
Other hotel brands have followed in Fairmont’s footsteps. Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr (from $456 per night) and The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam (from $438 or 80,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) opened last fall. If you’re planning a trip for next year, keep an eye on the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Sale, which is scheduled to open in September in the Mohammed VI Tower (Africa’s tallest).
Milwaukee
Compared to many other U.S. cities, Milwaukee enjoys pleasant summers marked by mild temperatures and cooling Lake Michigan breezes. But July just might be the best time to visit since it’s jam-packed with all kinds of festivals, hence Milwaukee’s nickname, “The City of Festivals.”
Certified by Guinness World Records as “The World’s Largest Music Festival,” Summerfest spans three weekends, beginning June 19 and ending July 5. (Megan Thee Stallion and Flo Milli are among this year’s headliners.) Other festivals you should mark on your calendar are Harley-Davidson Homecoming (July 10 to 13), the Wisconsin State Fair (July 31 to Aug. 10) and German Fest Milwaukee (July 25 to 27).
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The city’s emerging restaurant scene has also garnered acclaim in recent years. Birch is a modern American restaurant that showcases Wisconsin’s wonderfully diverse bounty in dishes that feel very here and now (like crudite with carrot miso dip, wood-fired walleye and steelhead trout crudo). It’s led by 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist Kyle Knall; he and his wife, Meghan Knall, are also opening a French bistro called Cassis later this year.
TPG tip: Book a room at Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, a 158-room lifestyle property in Milwaukee’s hip Third Ward. July rates start at $220 or 38,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Hokkaido, Japan
As one of Japan’s northernmost and largest islands, Hokkaido has long attracted diehard skiers from all over with its thrilling powder snow. (Reportedly, the island sees 80 to 100 days of snowfall every year.) But what you should also know is that Hokkaido holds just as much appeal in the summer.
The city of Furano transforms into a pretty purple paradise when its famous lavender fields hit peak bloom around mid-July. Held between July 18 and Aug. 16, the Sapporo Summer Festival celebrates the season with a Bon Odori dance (Japanese folk dance honoring ancestors) and one of Japan’s biggest beer gardens in Odori Park. Shakotan Fire Festival (July 4 to 6) is a Shinto ceremony filled with lesser-known rituals — such as the Tengu Fire Dance, during which a person dressed as a mountain spirit walks through fire for purification — dedicated to ensuring fishermen’s safety at sea and a plentiful catch.
TPG tip: Though Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is a famous ski-in ski-out resort, it also makes a luxurious home base for warm-weather adventures. July rates start at $267 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Martha’s Vineyard, MassachusettsÂ
Despite the relatively small size of Martha’s Vineyard, the island has more than a dozen unspoiled beaches, six distinct towns and a diverse community. For some retail therapy, check out Vineyard Haven’s independently owned shops such as Lennox & Harvey, a lifestyle boutique stocking hip global brands like Beams and Normann Copenhagen. For memorable meals, head to Edgartown’s The Covington for hearty New American fare (save room for the velvety, almond-studded Honey Pie) and fresh seafood at Vineyard Haven’s Beach Road. Though there’s no shortage of beaches on the island, Chappaquiddick’s East Beach and Moshup Beach in Aquinnah assure a more tranquil vibe.
TPG tip: Check in to Edgartown’s Faraway, a boutique hotel with 58 stylish rooms, an outdoor pool, a shaded sundeck and a sushi hot spot called The Pelican Club. Nightly rates for July start at $773.
Though there’s not much in the way of points hotels on Martha’s Vineyard, you can use your points and miles to fly to Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY) directly from several major East Coast cities on JetBlue, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.
Bariloche, Argentina Â
Beloved by portenos (people from the Buenos Aires area) for weekend getaways, but still largely unknown by foreigners, Bariloche is a postcard-perfect town in the Patagonian Andes. Hugging the crystal-clear glacial lake Nahuel Huapi and cradled by snowcapped mountains, it has heart-stopping natural beauty and four true seasons. Vacationing here this time of year is ideal if you’re into winter sports, as July kicks off the ski season at Argentina’s largest ski resort, Catedral Alta Patagonia.
After a long day on the slopes, refuel with a perfectly grilled entrana (skirt steak) and malbec, as the locals do, at Alto El Fuego. If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in luck: Bariloche is considered the chocolate capital of Argentina. You’ll find popular chocolatiers, like Mamuschka and Rapanui, clustered on downtown’s Calle Mitre.
TPG tip: Since 1938, the stately Llao Llao Resort, Golf & Spa has remained Bariloche’s most luxurious property with an 18-hole golf course, private beach and famous signature afternoon tea. Nightly rates in July start at $330. Book through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts to receive daily breakfast for two, late checkout and more.
Helsinki
Since July brings nearly 18 hours of daylight to Finland’s capital city, it’s easy to spend most of your summer vacation here outside. The blissfully mild temperatures that rarely climb over 80 degrees Fahrenheit help, too. One of the best ways to get around town is Helsinki’s extensive bike paths and user-friendly bike system — bikes are free for the first hour, then 1 euro ($1.13) for every additional 30 minutes. Recommended pit stops include the stunning Helsinki Cathedral, contemporary art museum Amos Rex, the bohemian neighborhood Kallio and Kauppatori, a seasonal open-air market selling traditional foods, from herrings to karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies).
TPG tip: Opened last year, NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa has it all: a convenient downtown address, a striking design nodding to the two historic buildings’ storied pasts, sophisticated rooms and a lovely cocktail bar called Kupoli that spotlights Finnish ingredients. Nightly rates in July start at $200. Book a stay of two or more nights through American Express The Hotel Collection to receive a $100 property credit to use on qualifying dining, spa or resort activities, plus other perks like early and late checkout, when available.
Adelaide, Australia
Winters in the South Australian city of Adelaide are wonderfully pleasant and mild, making it an underrated destination for a July trip. Plus, there’s plenty to do. A fusion of light, art and sound, Illuminate Adelaide (July 2 to 20) enlivens the entire city with more than 130 installations, including the free “City Lights” trail and Adelaide Oval’s drone show. The Winter Reds Festival (July 25 to 27) is a festive gathering featuring cool-climate red wines from over 35 wineries, live entertainment and hearty winter fare. Nature fanatics should book a guided snorkel or dive with Diving Adelaide to witness July’s annual (and spectacular) Giant Australian cuttlefish migration.
TPG tip: With 285 crisp guest rooms and suites, a club lounge, and an indoor pool, the new and centrally located Adelaide Marriott Hotel offers a smart stay for $242 or 33,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in July.
Montreal
Montreal winters are notoriously frigid. Summers, on the other hand, are ideal with long, sun-drenched days. Even better? There’s a festival or celebration happening almost every day. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest jazz festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival takes place between June 26 and July 5. From July 8 through 20, the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique honors the music and cultures of Africa, the West Indies and Latin America by bringing together over 700 artists from more than 30 countries. The comedy festival Just For Laughs returns from July 16 to 27 with headliners Kumail Ali Nanjiani and Fortune Feimster.
TPG tip: The playful Moxy Montreal Downtown opened in April and marks Marriott’s 300th hotel in Canada. July rates start at $426 or 37,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Anaheim, California
To commemorate its 70th anniversary, which falls on July 17, Anaheim’s Disneyland has rolled out a nearly yearlong celebration (May 16 to summer 2026) across both its California theme parks. The celebration offers new festivities, foods and attractions, and it’s appropriately themed “Celebrate Happy.” Don’t miss the “World of Color Happiness!” musical water show inspired by Pixar’s “Inside Out” at Disney California Adventure Park — it will tug at your heartstrings. You won’t go hungry thanks to the more than 70 anniversary food items offered across the theme park, including the new ube sugar-dusted 70th Celebration Churro or the raspberry mousse-filled Celebration Beignet. Fresh off a four-month refresh, “It’s a Small World” has added two beloved characters to Mexico: Miguel and Dante from “Coco.”
TPG tip: Opened last summer, Hilton Buena Park Anaheim is a convenient stay just six miles from Disneyland. In July, rooms are available from $161 or 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Merging culture, history and natural beauty, Dubrovnik offers something for every kind of leisure traveler. History buffs will flip for the UNESCO-listed Old Town and its gorgeously preserved medieval stone walls. Epicureans have a variety of reputable eateries to pick from, such as Croatian chef Marijo Curic’s Michelin-starred Restaurant 360, casual seafood spot Barba and open-air Beach Bar Dodo (ideal for a sunset cocktail and snack). July is high season and it can get crowded. But the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July 10 to Aug. 25), which celebrates Croatian arts and culture citywide, is worth planning a trip around.
TPG tip: A member of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, Sun Gardens Dubrovnik stretches along the Adriatic Sea about 10 miles up the coast from Old Town and features three outdoor pools, understated but dreamy accommodations, and 16 restaurants and bars. Rates start at $333 per night in July.
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