In much of the world, July is synonymous with vacation, and for good reason: It’s peak summertime in the Northern Hemisphere, with greenery (and wildlife) in full display, and festivals of arts and cuisine rolling through many destinations all month long.
The travelers whose reviews you can read below all booked their trips the WOW way: Their trips were optimized for the month of July by the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts (and those whom we are testing for The WOW List). You’ll find even more ideas in the July installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews here.
Seeking suggestions about where to go in July? Click the black button below for our help.
Copenhagen and the Danish seaside to beat the heat and crowds
A rainbow over Copenhagen. Photo: Traveler Lynn Herrick
“We rarely travel to Europe in the summer because of the heat and crowds, but we needed to be in Berlin in mid-July and wanted to add a week in another destination. Denmark was the PERFECT choice. Not too hot (even chilly some days!), reasonable crowds, not too expensive, and very enjoyable. Mads arranged our trip for us and he made it very easy. We did not mind driving in Denmark, so he arranged for a car and put together an itinerary that gave us a flavor of the country. Our college-age kids traveled with us and there was enough to keep everyone engaged.
We loved, loved, loved Copenhagen. The city is extremely walkable and public transportation easy to navigate. Our first morning in town was our WOW Moment and it was perfect. We sailed (electric boat) around the city with a private tour guide and lots of fun snacks.
We traveled to several cities after Copenhagen, visited castles, stayed at an inn that has been hosting guests since 1744, learned all about Hans Christian Andersen, visited museums, enjoyed a ferry ride, and stayed in a charming Danish seaside town with a great spa. We finished the trip with one more fun night in Copenhagen and stayed up late, as the sun seems to last forever.” —Lynn Herrick
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Ireland and Northern Ireland for sheep and soda bread, cliffs and country folk, whiskey and castles
There’s a reason it’s called the Emerald Isle, and it isn’t the wool. Photo: Shutterstock
“It was Jonathan’s strong suggestion that we include Northern Ireland in our itinerary instead of just Ireland, and we are glad that we did. Our experience in Northern Ireland was the soul of our trip, and we could never have understood the country without that experience and the help of our guide for three days while there, Mark. He not only took us through a small Catholic village to watch children learning the Irish sport of hurling, but then took out his equipment so we could all give the game a try on an adjacent field. Every experience with Mark was like that, including his lessons on tasting Irish whiskey at Bushmills and getting me the opportunity to hold the great Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy’s PGA championship trophy at his home golf club in Belfast!
We also spent a morning at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, making (and eating) delicious soda bread, along with other delectables. Like all the folks we encountered, Tracey was an absolute delight.
Galway was our next stop, and we used that as the base for our exploration of the Connemara National Park and the Cliffs of Moher. Another absolute highlight of the trip was the Killary Sheep Farm. It’s on an absolutely beautiful fjord, and it’s fascinating to watch the sheepdogs in action and to participate in shearing the wool off the sheep. Tom, a third-generation proprietor, is eager to share his place, and it helps keep the lights on for these family businesses.
Our last stop was Dromoland Castle. At this point we had been on the move constantly for 10 days, and it was brilliant planning to let us decompress at this gorgeous castle for a few days before returning home.” —Michael Kelberman
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Belize for yacht charters and seafood caught and cooked on site, “fisherman style”
Tobacco Caye is one of many tiny islands along Belize’s barrier reef. Photo: Absolute Belize
“We booked a 7-night cruise aboard the 52-foot Ventana al Mar with our three sons. Our days were filled cruising the sparsely populated southern reef of Belize, stopping at a couple of snorkeling spots each day. Eric, who grew up fishing the same waters we were on, was an expert in everything we found under the surface. He showed us how to find lobsters and how to spear them to eat for our dinners. The reef was beautiful to behold, with tons of colorful fish. I personally saw a large octopus, several manta rays, and a couple of large crabs. I have never seen up close a reef so prolific with abundant life.
Hanna, our chef and first mate, made great breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinners for us each day. My wife and I tend to travel with food in mind, so having great meals deliciously prepared is always a priority. One day we had a BBQ-style lunch on the beach that Hanna and Eric set up from the boat, and another night we had lobster tails and large crabs cooked over a fire ‘fisherman style.’ One night, Eric free-dove down about 50 feet and speared a beautiful hogfish that was served that night (fantastic piece of fish). Everything was delicious.” —John Livermore
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Italy’s Tuscan coast and countryside for breezes, wineries, and Andrea Bocelli
A verdant vineyard in Tuscany’s Chianti region. Photo: Shutterstock
“Normally we would not travel to Italy in July…too hot and too crowded. However, our goal was to see Andrea Bocelli perform at the amphitheater he built in Tuscany called Teatro del Silenzio in Lajatico, his hometown. The theater is ‘silent’ except for the one concert he performs there each year in July, and we felt it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The concert was taking place during the middle of our time in Italy, so we needed an agenda before and after.
Jennifer suggested we start our trip on the Tuscan coast, staying four nights at the Hotel Il Pellicano. This gorgeous, iconic property overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, providing cool breezes throughout the day and evening—a welcome relief from the heat. Heaven in July! We then traveled inland to the countryside of Tuscany for the next four nights, where we would be closer to the Bocelli concert. Borgo Pignano is an elegant country estate close to the hill towns of Volterra and San Gimignano. Again, the temperature dropped in the mornings and evenings, making it very pleasant for al fresco dining and touring.
While at these locations, Jennifer arranged for driver/guides to transport us to several wineries. A standout was Ornellaia.
The Bocelli concert was beyond our expectations. The tickets that Jennifer and her team secured were front and center, five rows back from the stage. It was more than a concert, it was a masterful production with a full orchestra, ballet company, chorus and guest artists, from opera to pop. Magical.” —Susan Ketchum
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Newfoundland and Nova Scotia for icebergs, puffins, and whales
Newfoundland feels tailor-made for boat excursions.
“We told our planner, Jill, we liked comfort but valued friendliness and expertise over all else, and she really delivered. In St John’s, she got the author of a well-known history of Newfoundland to give us a long walking tour, including a stop into an officers’ private club from WW2 perfectly preserved. We saw amazing whales and puffins on a boat tour. We drove to the Bonavista Peninsula, where we stayed at the amazing Fishers’ Loft Inn (what a view) and hiked the Skerwink Trail.
From there we drove to the trip’s highlight, the Fogo Island Inn, which is honestly the nicest, most comfortable place I ever stayed. The Inn was created by a not-for-profit foundation to employ the local community and keep its economy alive. The service is unbeatable—as though your cousins were keeping an eye out for you. The food was great too, and there were more awesome hikes. Don’t miss the boat ride to Little Fogo Island; we saw icebergs and dozens of whales.
The second week, we moved on to Nova Scotia, starting with two great days in Halifax—don’t miss the boardwalk along the waterfront!—and we visited Prince Edward Island (lovely drive). Newfoundland should be on everyone’s bucket list!” —Christina Brown
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Brazil for a balance of nature and city in the temperate winter
Anne Marie Seibel and family in the Brazilian Amazon.
“We just returned from an incredible trip to Brazil planned by Paul. We had our children with us, ages 19 and 16. Paul helped us plan out a trip that balanced the wonders of the Amazon with the big cities of Rio and São Paulo.
Our guide in São Paulo, Maissa, picked us up at the airport after our overnight flight from Atlanta and conducted a tour crafted to our interests. We stopped at a local market, saw the famous murals, found a shop to buy organically grown coffee, visited a street where only musical instruments were sold, and checked off key historic monuments.
The Cristalino Lodge in the Amazon was nothing short of magical. Our guide, Rafael, was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about the animals and plant life all around us. He skillfully guided us along with our boat driver, who knew the river like the back of his hand. In Rio, our guide, Ricardo, helped navigate cloudy weather to adjust our two-day plan on the fly. He received a call as soon as Christ the Redeemer was out of clouds, and we beat the crowds up to the top. The weather held out for our WOW Moment of flying by helicopter over the city. Rain disrupted a planned hike, but we replaced it with two tours that were a hit—Maracanã soccer stadium and Carnival World.” —Anne Marie Seibel
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Colombia for outdoor adventure and local insights
Tracy Reller and her family hiking among wax palm trees in the Cocora Valley.
“Colombia is a beautiful country with incredibly varied landscapes, amazing agricultural bounty (mostly done by hand—saw only one tractor the entire time), wonderfully creative, fresh and delicious food everywhere, and warm locals willing to share their stories.
Boris arranged activities that we either wouldn’t have been able to do on our own or wouldn’t have been the same. For example, we toured two different poor neighborhoods in Medellin with Spanish-speaking neighborhood leaders involved in the graffiti art transforming the neighborhood. It was fascinating to see these communities up close and to hear their stories of the violence and hopes for the future.
Another favorite experience was visiting very different markets used by locals. First, Paloquemao in Bogota—very clean, well organized, items from produce to meats/fish to home goods and flowers, beautifully presented. That was in contrast to the Barzuto market in Cartagena, where we seemed to be the only tourists navigating the dirt-floor, tight winding walkways through makeshift stalls with a French chef shopping for our cooking lesson. It was a sight to see!
We would not have known about some amazing restaurants we visited for lunch that were not even in our itinerary. One of those restaurants, in Bogota, didn’t even have a sign out front, but our guide knocked and was welcomed in. Our guides were wonderful and really added to our experience. They were intelligent, interesting and informative. It’s a gift to get to spend time with a local, get to know them and share details about our lives. We gain a better understanding of a country and its people with a guide rather than just crossing tourist sites off a list.” —Tracy Reller
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Mexico City and Oaxaca for after-hours access and “an immersion in culture”
The architecture comes from a painterly palette in Oaxaca City, Mexico. Photo: Shutterstock
“Our plan was to explore Mexico City after attending a conference and finishing up in Oaxaca. Our guide Jaime, a professor at the University, introduced us to the highlights and historical center of Mexico City. He provided us cultural, social and historical background which made our visit all the more relevant and personal. Jaime made us feel like locals by accompanying us to Lucha Libre, the freestyle Mexican wrestling which was an immersion in culture! The next morning came very early, with an exhilarating, not-to-be-missed balloon ride over the pyramids followed by a delicious breakfast and tour of the Teotihuacan site! Finally, I must mention a true highlight of Mexico City, our private after-hours tour of the Anthropology Museum. The stunning expanse, filled with artistic treasures, could have been overwhelming. Our knowledgeable guide provided us with just enough detail to allow us to walk away with a sense of awe for the culture of Mexico.
Off to Oaxaca. After checking into our hotel that started as a 16th-century convent, we were treated to a Mezcal tasting to learn about the spirit that is taking the world by storm. Afterwards we had dinner of grilled tlayuda, the traditional tortilla that falls into the category of ultimate comfort food! For the next few days, our skilled guide Gabriel immersed us in the culture and history of Oaxaca. From churches, art galleries, museums and historic sights Monte Alban and Mitla, Gabriel’s impressive knowledge of so many subjects became apparent.” —Ken Bohan
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Portugal’s off-the-radar locales for biking, beach shacks, and living like a local, free of crowds
The river Guadiana and the village of Mertola, in Portugal’s Alentejo region. Photo: Shutterstock
“We asked Goncalo and Joana to plan an authentic, off-the-beaten-path look into the south of Portugal and the Alentejo and Lisbon, and we had a perfect time. Portugal is incredible! And it’s possible to beat the summer crowds.
We loved our day in Sintra and the coast at Azenhas do Mar with our guide, Luís, and my son loved spending the day with our cooking teacher, Claudia. We loved our apartment at Lumiares in Lisbon and the breakfasts on the rooftop. One of the highlights was our Costa da Caparica beach day at Irmao. We felt like we were one of the only tourists, and it felt like a slice of life for young Lisboans.
The kids loved to roam on their bikes, and we found our favorite beach and fish shack on the quiet Costa Vicentina. We didn’t hear any English at these beaches, and the water and coves were so unique.” —Gina Schulman
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Singapore and Indonesia for temples, rice terraces, and uninhabited islands
Tracy Reller’s family opted for a cruise to access Komodo National Park, Indonesia. Photo: Shutterstock
“With our younger teenagers happily engaged at sleepaway camp, my husband and I were able to spend precious quality time with our older son in Singapore and Indonesia before he left for college. Two days in Singapore was perfect to see and experience the multicultural city state. Then we stayed at the Four Seasons in Jimbaran Bay, Bali, so our son could surf with a local expert. Next was the 4-day sightseeing/cultural portion of the trip from Ubud. Our days were full of temples, rice terraces, village and market visits, a cooking class, and a volcano hike. One of the most unique and memorable days was visiting our guide’s village, seeing his home, meeting his family, and playing traditional instruments with the community.
Finally, we loved the 7-day Seatrek cruise, from Flores to Bali through Komodo Island National Park, that allowed us to see more of Indonesia’s islands, people, and fauna without the usual logistical issues. The small ship, Ombak Putih, was beautiful, the crew fabulous, the food delicious and activities amazing. We visited local, traditional communities, snorkeled, swam with whale sharks and visited uninhabited islands. I will never forget the gorgeous landscapes, sunsets, and happy, smiling locals.” —Tracy Reller
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Greece for sailing and kayaking, culinary tours and cooking classes
“We especially loved Sifnos for its authenticity and charm.” Photo: Shutterstock
“We spent 3 nights in Athens, 3 nights on Sifnos, 4 nights on Naxos and 3 nights on Santorini. Every detail from the moment we arrived in Athens was expertly planned. From our seamless transfers/ferries and beautiful hotel accommodations to our memorable tours and activities, we had an amazing trip start to finish.
Each island was unique and offered different experiences, including a private tour of the Acropolis and an outstanding culinary tour in Athens, incredible catamaran/boat day trips on all three islands, an intimate cooking class on Naxos, and kayaking in Santorini. We especially loved Sifnos for its authenticity and charm.” —Karen and Ed Hanley
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Malta for medieval architecture, private sailing, and an age-old salt-panning tradition
The Qbajjar Salt Pans on Gozo offer stunning checkerboard views. Photo: Exclusively Malta
“Everything was seamless from the minute we landed in Valletta. Some of the highlights of the trip:
1) Our guide for the Valletta food and culture tour was wonderful, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. She also led us on our visit to the Hypogeum, a subterranean temple thought to be 5000+ years old.
2) Gozo island exploration on ATV. This was something new for us, to explore an entire island on ATVs. We loved it! We saw incredible sites, salt pans, small bays for a quick swim, and a secret spot for an incredible view of Ramla Bay. It was a great way to spend the day.
3) A day on a beautiful yacht with a wonderful captain.
4) Visiting the enchanting medieval city of Mdina during sunset, incredible!
5) Visit with local sheep farmers, who somehow cultivated acres of olive trees on arid landscape, sampling the fruits of their labor with olive-oil tasting and a picnic lunch of local Maltese foods.
6) Private falconry experience with Lawrence. We had a great time as he explained the history of his owls and falcons. Then we were able to handle each one and watch them fly!
7) Enjoying our final day relaxing at the Beefbar beach club, with a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea.” —Jane Banks
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Northern Australia for “vibrant” snorkeling, lush rainforest, and a koala safari
The Great Barrier Reef lies just off the coast of Lizard Island.. Photo: Shutterstock
“My 22-year-old daughter and I enjoyed a fabulous trip to Australia for two weeks with help from Stuart. We loved the Silky Oaks Lodge in Daintree National Park and especially enjoyed the day we spent in the rainforest and sand flats, learning from indigenous tribespeople about their ways of life.
Lizard Island was also unforgettable. We were there during the windy season, so we were unable to take the snorkeling trip we had hoped to the outer reef or pilot the small individual skiffs around the island, but the coral reefs we were able to access snorkeling just off the beaches were vibrant and growing.
We also really enjoyed Spicers Hidden Vale and its koala research center, where our excellent guide ‘Croc’ taught us all about koala conservation, took us to see koalas in the trees, spotted more native species on our safari drive than you could imagine and, best of all, arranged a private picnic supper at the top of a high point from where we could watch the sun set and the stars come out—and later returned to tell us all about the stars and constellations.” —Cynthia Francisco
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Vietnam for low-season moments with locals and “flowers in abundance”
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: “The beauty of the country is simply astonishing.” Photo: Shutterstock
“In my 85 years, I have seen a lot of the world. This trip to Vietnam was among the most wonderful journeys I have undertaken. The weather was hot but tolerable, with almost no rain.
The beauty of the country is simply astonishing—water everywhere; flowers in abundance; the grandeur of Ha Long Bay; the backdrop of mountains and the natural grace of the landscape. The richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture and its history were evident everywhere, from the old city of Hanoi to Chinatown in Saigon. Bustling markets, temple after beautiful temple.
In the beautiful city of Hue, my guide did a good job of keeping my WOW Moment secret until we arrived at the home of Bon and Tchi. Their hospitality was amazing, and the meal we shared was really good! Their grandson proved to be an excellent waiter; and their son was a pleasure to talk to. I very much enjoyed exploring their overgrown backyard, which contained everything from chickens to the elaborate tomb of Bon’s father.
There were unexpected ‘off-road’ moments. In Hanoi, a visit to a gallery of (very impressive) contemporary Vietnamese painting; in Hoi An, a dinner at home with my guide, his wife and two boys; in Saigon, a serendipitous trip through back alleys to an orthodox Jewish Chabad, on the sabbath no less. Though I was not able to do any daredevil Vespa-riding, I did have a spin on the back of a bike in small villages on the Mekong.” —Katherine Albert
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
African safari for catching big cats and the Great Migration
“He was able to predict where we were most likely to see the rare cats—cheetahs and leopards—and we saw them all.” Photo: Traveler Dan Friedman
“Dan arranged the trip of a lifetime for me, my wife, and our son and daughter-in-law. It was a private safari in Tanzania and then a few days in Rwanda and Nairobi. Dan selected great guides for our trip. In Tanzania, our guide, Vienney, was with us the entire nine days we were there. With his deep knowledge, he was able to predict where we were most likely to see the rare cats—cheetahs and leopards—and we saw them all. Often we were the only safari vehicle at the site. While in the Serengeti we witnessed the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras head east to areas with more water—an amazing sight.
From the Serengeti we flew to Rwanda, where Dan had arranged treks to see the mountain gorillas. The treks are arduous, but very worthwhile. It’s an effort, but once you encounter a gorilla family, the experience will amaze you. Their behavior is so much more human-like than I imagined.” —Dan Friedman
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
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