The 7 Best (and Most Affordable) Places to Travel in June

• Why We Recommend It: long days filled with the “midnight sun”, gorgeous hikes, surprisingly scrumptious eats 
• Where to stay: Skarungen (from $125/night), Napp Home with a View (from $133/night), Hattvika Lodge (from $433/night) 

You’ve undoubtedly seen the Lofoten Islands all over Instagram in winter when the Northern Lights tend to pop up there. Still, the early summer is the time to see the northern Norwegian archipelago in all its glory. Norrøna Hvitserk Travel, an adventure travel company, runs “The Best of the Lofoten” in these warmer months, a customizable itinerary filled with Sherpa-made trail hiking, boat trips, and lots of wildflowers and wildlife peeping. Each day is set amongst charming fishing villages—adorably painted in red, yellow, and white hues—where you’ll find vibrant, unexpected shops and cafes. There are also picturesque harbors and epic mountain views, which the region is known for, and Norrona Hvitserk arranges your lodging along the way with some pretty impressive vistas of their own. 

When you’re in Lofoten, try the Norwegian specialty Brunost or “brown cheese” (even though it’s not technically a cheese). You should also look to partake in the Norwegian tradition of sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge—the waters around Lofoten are around 52 degrees this time of year, a tad warmer than trying it in the winter. Other must-dos in the region: Visit the picturesque village of Nusfjord, go on a sea eagle safari to Trollfjord, or hit the picturesque beaches of Hauklandstranda and Kvalvika. You can also try something completely new like e-Foiling in the Arctic—the “flying surfboard” is available for guests to book with a master instructor at Hattvika Lodge. If you stop here, you should stay for one of their aquavit-infused cocktails, gourmet seafood, and/or reindeer-forward dinner prepared at the lodge’s stylish restaurant, Fangst.

• Why We Recommend It: parades & celebrations, vibrant new restaurants, well-priced flights
• Where to Stay: Gild Hall (from $294/night), Virgin Hotel (from $333/night), The Bushwick Hideaway (from $159/night) Selina Hotel (from $208/night)

Despite all the controversy surrounding its logo redesign, we still galore! Partake in Pride celebrations the last Sunday in June (but really, all month long!), with unique events already on the books, including Queerapaloiza's day party for QTBIPOC women and a unique "Pride Swim" in the Hudson River along Manhattan's glittering waterfront. Gild Hall, a trendy hotel in town, will also offer visitors a special Pride rate throughout June. And the month also brings with it the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Coney Island's Mermaid Parade (yep, like Ariel mermaids), and Governer's Ball—starring Lizzo, Odesza, and Kendrick Lamar as headliners—which is yet another reason to get to charming Governer's Island apart from an idyllic-weather stroll. If you're looking for a hot summer res in New York, there are plenty to try your luck on—some harder to get than others. Torrisi and Bad Roman top that list as Italian options, but walk-ins are accepted at the bar if you're stealthy. For something French, look no further than Essential by Christophe, which is Michelin-starred chef Christophe Bellanca's first solo restaurant serving up seasonal, creative spins on French fare, including a white asparagus dish that will make you actually like asparagus, plus scallops, spiced duck, poached lobster, and Warm Manjari Chocolate Tart that will knock your socks off. Did we mention many great French wines to choose from, too? If you're coming to the Big Apple, you'll likely want the skyline view, too. Take the NY Waterway ferry across the Hudson to Lincoln Harbor. The beautiful, skyline-filled ride ideal for photo opps is less than 10 minutes, and within walking distance from the ferry stop, you'll find Blu on the Hudson, a sophisticated and stylish new restaurant with gorgeous city views and a handsome, marble-topped bar. The varied menus here include a raw bar and crudo menu, homemade pasta, sushi, and a steak menu with a guest-favorite branzino and wagyu steak.

• Why We Recommend It: flight deals, breathtaking nature, family spot, rustic feel
• Where to Stay: Panorama Resorts (from $108), Private Cabin on the Golf Course (from $312/night), Bighorn Meadows Resort (from $144/night)

Adventure seekers flock to the epic Kootenay Rockies in winter for a family-friendly bowl and "Monster cat" skiing at Panorama Mountain Resort. Come June, the crowds return with visitors enjoying the resort and region before the heat really sets in for a bevy of activities, including alpine yoga, mountain biking, sightseeing chairlift rides and hiking. Jonesing for something unique? Local artist Pat Bavin guides forest bathing walks for an experience that can only be described as tranquil and immersive. Panorama Resort also hosts the Branch Out bike tour each June, which travels down the mountain toward the beautiful Invermere Lake. The event helps raise funds for research into neurological disorders, and for those with little experience in biking, the resort also offers lessons. 

Besides the 43 miles of biking, hiking, and trekking, Panorama is the home of The Greywolf Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course in the majestic Purcell Mountains. Golf enthusiasts can play to their hearts' content and end with all the action in the incredible pools with mountain vistas, and Radium Hot Springs is nearby for those who love to soak. Consider it the ultimate relaxation session after an adrenaline-pumping day. 

For grub, try on-mountain favorites Alto Kitchen & Bar (Pro tip: Try the BBQ chicken pizza) and Ullr Bar, just a short drive away in the town of Invermere, where the atmosphere is buzzy, and the drinks and fried chicken are nothing short of legendary.

• Why We Recommend It: excellent flight deals, robotaxi transportation, new parklands with views 
• Where to stay: 1 Hotel San Francisco (from $424/night), Bright, Modern Garden Unit (from $224/night), The Hotel Castro (from $396/night)

June gloom—overcast skies with cooler temps—is real in SanFran, but don't let that dissuade you from visiting this great American city in the summer months. Also pretty cool? Cruising around San Francisco in June in a Cruise, the robotaxi service that is currently operating in the city from 10pm-5:30am — we'd argue it's the perfectly safe way to get around after a late night out in SF's buzziest cocktail bars, which include Cold Drinks Bar, Alchemist Bar & Lounge and Dento Union. 

You can also get around the city by renting a bike/e-bike from the Sports Basement to take a ride around the marina and northern part of SF, cross the Golden Gate Bridge for a charming lunch in Sausalito, or see the Presidio, where there's a lot of new to experience via the Presidio Tunnel Tops. Designed by James Corner Field Operations, the team that created NYC's High Line, it's a new park in the neighborhood that should be visited. Built over Highway 101, the Tunnel Tops are filled with 14 acres of lawns and fields, scenic overlooks, trails, and picnic areas with primo views of San Francisco and one of her greatest treasures, the Golden Gate Bridge. 

• Why We Recommend It: historical city, art walks, flight deals, gastronomical hub, street art, host city of Latin American Pride
• Where to Stay: Andaz Hotel (from $296/night), Cozy Loft in Roma (from $39 night), Casa Decu Condesa (from $87), Casa Polanco (from $526/night)

Mexico City is where all the cool kids are hanging out lately. The city mixes history and modernity with an incredible anthropological museum, funky art galleries, and boutique shopping. The darling neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma show off the dizzying metropolis in its best light. Sprinkled with everchanging street art, the 'nabes are also home to some of the city's best dining and cocktail experiences. Start yours at Cabuya rooftop bar on the 17th floor of Condessa’s trendiest and newest boutique hotel, the Andaz Mexico City Condesa. Sip cocktails during golden hour and capture those Insta-worthy views of the whole city, then head to dinner in Huset's garden or one of their relaxed dining rooms where you'll forget for a moment that you're in one of the largest cities in the world, or try a Mexican twist on Mediterranean cuisine, Pigeon, also in Roma. For partygoers, Hanky Panky is a secret speakeasy in Juarez with its classy neon-lit interior. The bartenders are experts in their craft and will undoubtedly serve you some of the best cocktails CDMX makes for an unforgettable experience.
Other experiences we love in Mexico City: A visit to the Luis Barragán-designed Casa Pedregal, a gorgeous and pretty funky private residence and gardens that open up for tours to the public. Stay at a hotel like Casa Polanco. They might be able to secure you some coveted tickets to see one of Barragan's other masterpieces, the Capuchin Convent Chapel, a stunning light- and angle-filled chapel. We also love a good weekend brunch at San Angel Inn's lush courtyard that will immerse you into some quality friend and family time and the ability to try out local delicacies.

• Why We Recommend It: lots of history, tech hub, pleasant temps without the crowds, amazing breweries
• Where to Stay: The Junto (from $314/night), Historic Factory Loft at Short North (from $93/night), Elegant Short North Apartment (from $97/night)

Known for its vibrant college culture (go Buckeyes!), art scene, expanding tech industry, and history, Columbus is already undergoing an energetic transformation. The Junto, a lifestyle hotel located in an up-and-coming neighborhood a little west of downtown, will open there prior to June to match the city's crave-able energy. Case in point: the hotel plans to have a poutine window so you can end your evening with late-night naughty eats. Little West Poutine promises to be a curious, crave-able, walk-up window where night owls can indulge in the classic french fry, cheese curd, and gravy treat.

Early risers in Columbus can enjoy day trips to Metro Park for nature-watching, hiking, and zip-lining. Along the Scioto River, Scioto Park offers outdoor fitness classes and — what else? — lots of live music. Columbus is also beloved for its lively festivals this time of year, like the Columbus Arts Festival, which attracts top artists from around the country, ComFest for grassroots events, and the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, full of local and national acts. 
When visiting Columbus, "do not pass go," as they say, without trying the famous Columbus Brewing Company or popping by the Middle West Spirits distillery. When the June weather is glorious in town, you can also try one of the many patio restaurants for a quintessential Midwestern summer meal.

• Why We Recommend It: cultural heritage, nature walks, midnight sun, wildlife viewing.
• Where to Stay: The Alaskan Hotel & Bar ($115/night), Juneau Home with Views (from $625/night), Modern Home in Juneau (from $383/night)

Imagine endless summer days filled with adventure, late-evening outdoor activities, and stunning late-night sunset views. In Juneau, Alaska, where the sun stays up for roughly 18 hours a day in June, this is your reality. One way to soak in nature's splendor here is by boarding Norwegian's sparkly new Prima ship to see Juneau and the rest of Alaska's treasures on a 7-day cruise departing from Seattle, Washington. As part of your trip, you can also take a flightseeing tour or go on a kayaking adventure and witness thunderous cracks of glaciers up close while surrounded by awe-inspiring blue glacial hues. Juneau is filled with wildlife peeping opportunities, too. One such inspiring experience can be had on a guided boat tour, which offers the chance to encounter majestic humpback whales in the surrounding waters. If you're extra lucky, you'll also have the opportunity to spot an orca!
For festival lovers, Juneau has plenty going on in the early summer, including The Sitka Summer Fest, which brings the world's most renowned classical musicians to town. A visit to The Sealaska Heritage Institute is another must in this coastal Alaskan town for those who want to learn about the rich Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures. With over 10,000 years of indigenous inhabitation, Juneau is spoiled with traditional dance performances and cultural workshops, making it the ideal destination to celebrate humanity and nature alike.