It’s hard not to feel a frisson of excitement at the mere mention of summer holidays. This is the season where everything seems possible and our mood soars. Long, bright days are ripe for exploration and the perfect excuse to escape everyday life on an overseas adventure.
Our trips for summer are all about getting off the beaten track, discovering new places and embracing nature’s natural wonders in the cooler, fresh air of more northerly climates. Busy beaches and packed resorts give way to wide-open spaces and wilderness where you can hit the reset button on life.
Road trips in the Nordics under almost 24 hours of daylight, action-packed adventures in Canada or cruises into the High Arctic on a wildlife-filled extravaganza are all possible. Perhaps you’re more inclined to unwind on a leisurely Lakeland self-drive in Finland, where great swathes of lakes and forests lead the way to inner peace.
Read our recommendations for five of the best places to visit this summer that offer something special.
Summer in Iceland
Compact in size, epic in experience, Iceland punches well above its weight in terms of adventure. The extraordinary natural beauty, plentiful activities and seemingly endless hours of daylight make it among the most exciting summer holiday destinations you’ll find.
Picture yourself driving round a bend in Road 1 to be greeted with the sight of a 60m waterfall cascading over a cliff. Or boarding a beautiful wooden schooner to head out into Skjalfandi Bay in search of humpback whales. Imagine gazing out to the open ocean whilst bathing in the geothermal waters of the Sky Lagoon or hitting the trail, exploring newly formed volcanic landscapes on foot.
Drive through natural wonders
Choose a week-long road trip along the south coast taking in the classic Golden Circle route, waterfalls galore, black sand beaches and the glacial lagoon.
You might follow the waymarked Arctic Coast Way in North Iceland on a well-paced self-drive covering 900km. Mighty Dettifoss, the whale watching capital of Husavik, Lake Myvatn and the Arctic Henge project at Melrakkasletta.
With two weeks to play with, go all out for an immersive drive around Iceland, following the country’s ring road full circle. An overdose of sensational scenery awaits including hidden fjords, glaciers, waterfalls and picture-perfect fishing villages.
Discover more about what you can expect from a summer road trip in Iceland >
Volcanic features
You needn’t be a geologist to get excited by volcanoes and geothermal wonders. Witnessing the power of our planet in the raw is mesmerising and humbling. Iceland has an abundance of volcanic features from geysers to bubbling mud pools, basalt towers to cavernous magma chambers. Take a dip in a natural hot spring whilst hiking the highlands or soak your cares away at a carefully cultivated geothermal lagoon.
But it’s the recurring volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula that offer the potential of a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. If your trip coincides with one of these fissure eruptions, you may be able to witness it on the flight into Keflavik airport or book a helicopter flight for something truly special.
Canada Summer Holidays
Epic scenery, incredible wildlife, cultural treasures, and the promise of a big adventure – that’s what awaits in north America’s scenic powerhouse, Canada. Getting in nature is at the very heart of a Canadian adventure making it a perfect summer destination. This is the time for some serious wildlife watching, be that whale watching off the Atlantic or Pacific coasts or heading to one of the British Columbia’s iconic wilderness lodges for a grizzly (bear) encounter. The annual salmon run, which takes place from late August to early October offers the gold standard of viewing opportunities but is also supremely popular. Consider staying earlier in the season for an immersive wilderness experience.
West coast road trips
Summer holidays in Canada cry out for a road trip. Journey through the forest-clad mountain ranges of the Rockies, where head-spinning views seem to greet every bend in the road. The scenic splendour provides the backdrop to activities from bear watching to horse riding; hiking to canoeing. Combine with BC and discover endless beaches and ancient rainforests in Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island as well as learn about First Nations culture with traditions dating back 12,000 years.
Venturing into the Yukon is the an off beaten track alternative. Answer the call of the wild and explore a vast and beautiful wilderness with two moose for every human. The neighbouring US state of Alaska makes the perfect partner for a epic fly drive.
Atlantic coast journeys
Meander through the eastern provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island on a Maritimes exploration dining on seafood, delving into cultural sites and, you guessed it, taking in the stunning scenery! From marvelling at the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy to strolling around old town Lunenburg, a UNESCO world heritage site; hitting hiking trails in the Cape Breton Highlands to samples Digby scallops in PEI.
You might fall under the spell of Newfoundland, one of the best places in the world for spotting humpback whales. Take in charming fishing villages, witness ancient geology in Gros Morne National Park and uncover Viking legends at L’Anse aux Meadows.
Summer Holidays in Norway
Sheer-sided fjords, jagged peaks, picturesque villages and the longest coastline in Europe. Norway, with its striking landscapes, never fails to impress and suits a slow type of travel. Whether by road on a leisurely self-drive, on foot on the abundant hiking trails, sailing through the magnificent fjords or riding the train on spectacular rail routes, there are plenty of options for discerning travellers.
Fjords and charming towns
Norway is top of the heap when it comes to fjords. Well over 1000 of them contribute to the country’s long coastline. Even the capital, Oslo, sits at the head of a fjord. But it is the area known as Fjord Norway that proves so irresistible. Take a easy-going self-drive featuring big name draws such as the UNESCO world heritage site of Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord, ride the famed Flåmsbana railway into the picturesque village of Flam or cruise the immense coastline from Bergen all the way to the North Cape. Here the midnight sun reigns from mid-May to late-July.
Majestic landscapes under the midnight sun
If the energising effect of long hours of daylight sound appealing, then head north to the majestic Lofoten Islands where distinctive glacier-carved peaks and tranquil fishing villages share your attention with unexpectedly, white sand beaches. Drive around this stunning part of Norway or visit as part of an epic rail odyssey, letting the train take the strain.
Senja is a stunning island near Tromso, a little-known gem for hikers in search of truly breathtaking scenery. Driving between remote island retreats, tackle stunning day hikes on mountains and coastal walks.
Scenic cruises
Coastal cruising is as synonymous with Norway as its magnificent fjords. The famed sailing route from Bergen to Kirkenes in Norway’s far north has been operating for over 130 years, transporting goods and travellers from port to port. Hugging the fjord-indented coastline, the journey offers a blend of laidback leisure time on board soaking up the scenic vistas and visits ashore to explore historic towns and enjoy local experiences. Choose to sail with long-established Hurtigruten or opt for Havila’s new hybrid ships.
Arctic Summer Trips
There is something serene and captivating about the vast expanse of ocean and islands that make up the Arctic. From Svalbard to Greenland to the highest latitudes of Canada, this seemingly inhospitable environment is alive with wildlife and plant life during the summer months. The scenery, with its gentle palette of blue, white, brown and green, is simply majestic and provides the backdrop for tales of extraordinary human endeavour.
Small ships, big adventure
Though not the only way to visit Svalbard and Greenland, small-ship expedition voyages are the most immersive way to experience these extraordinary places. Ranging from around 7-29 days in duration, voyages offer an informal, informative and inspiring way to explore.
Journey around Spitsbergen in search of wildlife where you’ll be sure to unleash your inner ornithologist among the abundant birdlife. You can also become a citizen scientist, getting involved in hands on scientific research, which contribute to global projects.
Gain an insight into Inuit culture as you cruise through the great fjord system of Greenland’s Scoresby Sund or journey along the dramatic west coast to Disko Bay with spectacular Ilulissat Icefjord.
Brimming with adventure and history, follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorers on a passage through the Northwest Passage – a legendary route through Canada’s Arctic islands connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans – that once seemed impossible.
Land-based breaks
If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, but still like the idea of getting off the beaten track this summer, a land-based stay in Svalbard or Greenland may be for you. With the midnight sun allowing plenty of time to explore the rugged landscapes, these holidays offer much for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Explore Svalbard’s impressive landscapes and remarkable wildlife under the midnight sun from your base in Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s administrative centre and the northernmost city in the world. Perhaps stay in cool coal miners’ cabins or the modern and stylish Funken Lodge. As well as heading out on mountain hikes and discovering the archipelago’s own wildlife and plant species, hop aboard electric fat bikes to explore the town’s 25km biking trail, kayak on the scenic Adventfjord and enjoy unusual husky sledding on wheels along the Arctic Coast.
In Greenland, take your pick of South, West of East coast breaks depending on whether Viking heritage, immense icebergs or Inuit culture are your main motivation for visiting. Of course, it’s much more nuanced than that, but it’s a starting point.
Finnish Summer Escapes
Finland is well known as a winter destination with the snow-laden forests and fells of Lapland. By contrast, long, lazy summer days don’t immediately spring to mind, but that is exactly what a Finnish summer entails. If you love the outdoors and the freedom of self-drive, Finnish Lakeland is a summer haven. Stay in idyllic accommodation overlooking lakes or nestled in forests, sample tasty local food and indulge in that most Finnish of all Finnish experiences – the sauna!
Unhurried self-drives
You set the pace on a road trip around picturesque Lakeland. Go all in with nature, swimming in lakes, hiking forest trails and foraging with local guides or combine pottering in national parks with time in the region’s charming cities. From exploring medieval castles to boat trips in search of the rare and endangered Saimaa ringed seal, meandering through forested islands to feeling the heat in a sauna, you’re sure to return relaxed and recharged.
Houseboat adventures
Find your inner calm while gently cruising the waterways in your very own floating summerhouse. Explore villages, beaches and wherever floats your boat as you embrace the pleasure of slow travel. Onboard features include a private sauna, outdoor deck and a barbecue for alfresco dining in the long evenings.
Feeling inspired?
Browse our itineraries using our Holiday Finder and then get in touch with our experts to create your perfect holiday. You can talk to our team on 01737 214 250 or if you prefer a virtual face-to-face, request a video chat when you enquire.