Best places to travel in July – cities, weather, prices

Summer brings sunshine and a perfect opportunity for adventure. Some of the best places to travel in July 2026 are Croatia and Spain for beaches, Norway and the Alps for wildlife, Japan and Scotland for cultural experiences and festivals. Let’s see what attractions each of these places has.

The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Start with the old walled city of Dubrovnik. Visitors can take boat tours to the islands near the coast. However, it is equally interesting that the town has historic streets known from the Game of Thrones series.

Another old town, Split, has a Roman palace in the center. Trogir, in turn, features centuries-old castles and cathedrals.

Accommodation

Budget-friendly hostels or simple guesthouses cost €30 to €60 per night. Mid-range hotels and apartments cost between €80 and €150. Luxury places need €200 or above.

Pro tip: Summer attracts many tourists, so book accommodation early.

Food

Eat at konobas (traditional taverns) for about €15-€30. The restaurant’s price is about €30 or more. Also, you should try grilled fish, seafood risotto, and Peka (meat or seafood cooked under a bell-shaped lid).

Flights

For trips to the Dalmatian Coast, tourists usually arrive at Dubrovnik (DBV) or Split (SPU) airports.

• Tickets from the USA cost $700-$1,200 for a round-trip in economy class – these usually involve layovers.
• However, European flights are from €200 to €500, depending on the departure and airline.

Sydney, Australia

While the top part of the world is hot, Sydney is nice and calm. The days are warm, and it is great for walks. Nights get a bit cool, perfect for some rest.

Sydney’s best places to travel in July

Start with the top sights: the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Harbour Bridge. Walk across the bridge for great views.

Next, go to Bondi Beach. Swimming might be too cool, but walking or looking around is a good time. Also, take a boat ride to see the city from the water. For culture, Sydney has many museums and art galleries, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the White Rabbit Gallery, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Accommodation

• If you have a small budget, look for hostels or guesthouses in places like Kings Cross or Glebe (€15-€40 per night).
• For mid-range options, there are hotels and serviced apartments in the city and nearby, priced from €55 to €150.
• For a high-end stay with great views, opt for top hotels (€170 and above).

Food

Sydney’s food is varied. For example, I enjoyed simple meals at Chat Thai for €10-€20. At AALIA Restaurant, expect to pay €50+. I also recommend trying fresh seafood at Darling Harbour or checking out the food places in Surry Hills and Newtown.

Flights

You can get to Sydney Airport (SYD) from the USA for $900-$1800, often with stops. Tickets from Europe cost €800-€1,500, usually with one stop.

The Canadian Rockies (Jasper National Park)

July family trip plan

• Start a family trip with drives along the Icefields Parkway. This road has views of glaciers.
• Next, ride the Jasper SkyTram up the mountain for views with minimal hiking.
• Many easy hiking trails are located near lakes and valleys, ideal for families with kids.
• Also, take a wildlife-spotting tour to see animals like elk, deer, and even bears from a safe distance.
• Then, visit the small town of Jasper, which offers family-friendly activities like Jasper-Yellowhead Museum to learn about the area’s past.

Accommodation

You can stay at hotels or lodges within the park to easily access the attractions. Or, rent a home or cabin for more space. But for a special touch, try campgrounds (book ahead).

• Budget-friendly camping costs from €10 to €30.
• Mid-range hotels or cabins cost from €100 to €200.
• Higher-end stays cost €150+.

Food

Meals at cafes in Jasper are about €10-€25. Fancy dining costs €30+. Many places also offer hearty Canadian food and kids’ menus. Meanwhile, packing picnic lunches is a good idea too.

Flights

The nearest big airport to Jasper is Edmonton International (YEG). A five-hour scenic drive by bus or train from Edmonton will get you to the park. This also includes shuttle services.

From the USA, flights run from about $400 to $800. From Europe, expect to pay between €600 and €1,200 for a round-trip ticket.

Yellowstone National Park, USA

July in Yellowstone National Park has warm days and cool nights, which is great for sleeping under the stars.

Best places to travel in July for camping

There are many campgrounds in the park. There is a camp near Old Faithful. Here, you’ll wake up close to this famous geyser.

Next is Hayden Valley – great for wildlife watching, particularly bison and elk. But if you want quiet, camp near Yellowstone Lake with its pretty views and fishing spots.

Camping information

Camping fees in the YNP vary:

• Tent sites cost $20 to $40.
• RV sites with hookups range from $40 to $80 per night.

You can book spots up to six months in advance on the National Park Service website or recreation.gov. But book early, as summer spots fill up fast.

Pro tip: Be aware of wildlife. Keep your meals appropriately stored so they don’t attract animals. Use bear-resistant containers for safety.

Food

Campgrounds have picnic tables and fire rings for cooking. I suggest getting groceries before entering the YNP, because choices inside are limited and pricey. Some campgrounds have small stores.

There are some great local restaurants, such as Old Faithful, Canyon, and Grant Village.

Flights

The nearest airports to the park are:

• Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN) in Montana,
• Jackson Hole (JAC) in Wyoming,
• West Yellowstone (WYS) in Montana (small and seasonal).

For Americans, flights run between $300 and $700. For Europeans, it’s €700 to €1,400 with one or more stops.

Additionally, renting a car on Kayak or other services from any of these airports would be a good idea if you want to see the park fully.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Best places to travel in July to experience lively festivals

The Fringe Festival starts in August, but Edinburgh is lively before then with other celebrations. The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival takes place mid-year. Visit iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Mile, soaking in the festival atmosphere.

Where to stay

Keep in mind that prices vary widely during festival season, but they are primarily general:

• Hostels are around €20-€40.
• Budget hotels are between €60 and €120.
• Mid-range places range from €150 to €250.
• Luxury options are over €300.

What to eat

There are plenty of pop-up food stalls and street vendors during the festival. Prices at casual cafes are €10-€20, fine dining – € 30 and up. Don’t forget to try Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties.

How to get from the US and Europe

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is connected to many international cities.

• From the USA – $600-$1200 for a round trip, often including layovers.
• From Europe – €150-€400.

Kyoto, Japan

Best places to travel in July to discover Kyoto’s rich heritage

First, visit Kyoto’s old temples and shrines. Fushimi Inari Shrine has thousands of red torii gates.

Next, see the bright, golden Kinkaku-ji Buddhist temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Wander in old gardens like Ryoan-ji Temple‘s rock garden. And I strongly suggest joining a tea ceremony to see the rituals and etiquette.

In July, there are summer festivals like Aoi Matsuri at Kamigamo Shrine and Gion Matsuri at Yasaka Shrine, both of which have free entry.

Where to stay

By type:

• For an authentic experience, choose a ryokan (Japanese inn) with tatami mats, futon beds, and delicious meals.
• For classic lodging, Kyoto also has modern guesthouses.

By price:

• Guesthouses or hostels run from €15-€40.
• Ryokans or hotels are between €60-€100.
• Ryokans or international hotels exceed €180.

What to eat

Try Kaiseki (multi-course high cuisine) for about €60 per meal at a restaurant. Enjoy ramen, udon, or tempura for around €5-20. Also, sample local sweets like matcha desserts and Kyoto pickles. Nishiki Market (“Kyoto’s Kitchen”) is a great spot to taste local treats.

How to get from the US and Europe

The closest big airport is Kansai International (KIX) in Osaka. But Kyoto is easy to reach by train, including the Haruka Express, which offers free Wi-Fi.

From America, economy-class flights are $800-$1,500. From Europe, it’s €700-€1,300 for a round trip.

Svalbard, Norway

The Arctic’s best places to travel in July

Start your Arctic adventure with a tour to see wild animals. You might spot big polar bears, walruses on ice, and many seabirds. Then, take a boat ride to see glaciers and the rugged coast. If you like to hike, go on guided walks for views of Arctic flora and fauna.

Beyond that, visit Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town.

Where to stay

Accommodation prices vary:

• Budget-friendly options, like guesthouses, start at around €85-€125.
• Mid-range hotels could range from €150 to €250.
• For an exclusive night at a higher-end place, expect to pay €300+.
• Expedition cruises offering accommodation also vary in price – €800-€2000 per person for 3 days.

Pro tip: Wear multiple layers. The Arctic weather can change fast, even with 24-hour daylight.

What to eat

Eating at small cafes costs around €15-€30 per meal. Fancy restaurants may charge more than €35. You can also try reindeer and seal meat, or go for international cuisine. Due to its remote location, food in Svalbard is more expensive than on the mainland in Norway.

How to get there from different continents

Flying to Svalbard Airport (LYR) from the U.S. is $900-$2000, often with stops in Oslo or Tromsø. From Europe, round-trip tickets are about €500 to €1,200, with a stop in Norway.

San Sebastián, Spain

San Sebastián July attractions

• Try San Sebastian cake. These bite-sized cakes, similar to tapas, are a staple of Basque cuisine.
• Next, explore the local markets, such as La Bretxa Market.
• Take a walk in the Old Town, hopping from bar to bar, each offering its unique selection of pintxos.
• Also, for a more formal dining evening, San Sebastian has numerous Michelin-starred restaurants.

Many pintxos bars operate on a self-service system. You grab what you want, pay at the end, and go to town.

Where to stay

Consider hotels or guesthouses in the city center or the Old Town, or check accommodation in beachfront neighborhoods. 

• Hostels or budget guesthouses – €40-€80 per night.
• Medium-range accommodation – €100-€200.
• Higher-end lodgings – €250 or more.

How to get there

For Americans, flights to Bilbao Airport (BIO) are $700-$1,400. For Europeans, round-trip flights vary from €150 to €400. From Bilbao, buses or trains go to San Sebastián often.

What to eat

A pintxo costs about €2-€5. Try local treats like bacalao al pil-pil (cod in a pil-pil sauce) and tarta de queso (a Basque-style burnt cheesecake).

Eating at many bars runs from €40 per person. For a great meal at a traditional spot or a Michelin-star restaurant, prices start at €50.

Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia)

Best places to travel in July for affordable adventures

Explore the ancient temples, such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia or the ones in Hue, Vietnam. Additionally, enjoy tasty and cheap street food. Try pho in Vietnam, Pad Thai in Thailand, and Amok in Cambodia.

Where to stay

• Hostels often cost €5-€15 per night.
• Budget guesthouses can be found for €15-€30.
• You can even book mid-range hotels for less than $50, especially outside popular tourist hubs.

What to eat without emptying your wallet

Traveling in Southeast Asia is attractive because of the cheap and yummy food. A meal from a street stall is between €1 and €5. Even in local restaurants, you can have a tasty dish for under $10.

Getting there

Flights to Southeast Asia from North America start at $700. A round trip from Europe starts at €400.

For cheap flight deals, fly into Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City.

Pro tip: To keep travel dates and spots in Southeast Asia flexible, watch for reasonable rates.

Wrapping up

So many destinations are ready for you to visit in the middle of summer. You can find your perfect trip whether you like beaches, mountains, or city life. Consider your interests and budget – picking the best places to travel in July will be easier. Numerous locations offer fun, rest, culture, or low-cost trips.

Meanwhile, staying in touch is key when you plan to go abroad. If you’re a frequent traveler, a digital nomad, and need mobile internet abroad, an Ohayu eSIM is a good option. Get a travel eSIM online for one country or choose a Global plan if you plan to visit two or more countries in one month. You can install it before the trip and activate it to connect to the supported local mobile networks when you arrive in the destination country using airport Wi-Fi. No need to search for SIM card stores or register with your ID; it can be installed online on most compatible devices.

So, choose your travel destination, organize things properly, and prepare for a fantastic summer. Enjoy your travels.

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Article by Allison Reed

Editor in Chief at Ohayu

Allison's secret passion during the last 10+ years is travel journalism. She loves to pack up, leave the comfort zone and discover new destinations and cultures to later have good memories and share her adventures. She covers digital nomad trends, global mobility, and travel tips.

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