The 7 Best Places to Travel in July

• Why We Recommend It: peaceful with plenty to do, family friendly, gorgeous home rentals, quality restaurants that are scene-y or a downright party
• Where to Stay: Home in Water Mill (from $500/night), The Hamlet Inn (from $179/night), East Hampton Beach House with Pool (from $1,250/night)

Expedia’s recent Vacation Deprivation report reveals global vacation deprivation levels have reached a 10-year high and that Gen-Z and millennials are most affected—hey, that’s us! Come the summer months, whether you’re local or coming in from afar, Hampton’s sun-soaked beaches and charming, shoppable villages are ideal for a long weekend trip to reset and recharge, offering travelers the right balance of peace and quiet without too much peace and quiet (read: boredom).

Here's what's on the agenda: family-friendly sand and swimming at Coopers Beach in Southampton, a surprising art tour at Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, which features contemporary and historical pieces, lots of al fresco dining filled with seafood towers or casual lobster rolls at Bostwick’s Chowder House. New and bound to be buzzy this summer: Maison Close Montauk, an outpost of the Soho, NYC French restaurant that’s always a party; and Talya, which a rep described to us as a “Mediterranean restaurant concept infused with Greek provenance and bearing delicate nuances of coastal-French whimsy.”

You’ll want to look your absolute best since you’ll be going out in the Hamptons. If you need a touch-up in July, Jeuveau and UnionDerm are branding a Jitney to celebrate the opening of their latest location in the Hamptons’ Water Mill. During a unique pop-up event on July 14, guests are invited to enjoy local grub and wine, talk to brand reps, and have the opportunity to be treated with Jeuveau for a midsummer skin pick-me-up.

• Why We Recommend It: favorable weather, discounts and deals, ancient mountain carvings
• Where to Stay: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula (from $479/night), Da Nang Mikazuki Japanese Resorts & Spa (from $79/night), Superior Room Pool View Balcony (from $42/night)

For those seeking a summer escape that offers pristine white sand beaches, massive shopping centers, and world-class cuisine around each corner, few places rival Danang. Nestled in the heart of Vietnam, Da Nang has plenty of cultural attractions, such as the iconic Dragon Bridge (which is illuminated at night and spouts fire and water on weekends!).

July marks the last night of the Danang International Fireworks Festival (7/8), which will make you feel like a kid again. So will the newly renovated InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, offering a package with complimentary admission to Bana Hills, the exciting amusement park with its own awesome cable car ride. We also found other hotels in the region in July with very favorable rates (as low as $52/night) and pool-view balcony rooms on Airbnb for as low as $27/night.

The city has a moderate climate in July, with average temperatures hovering in the low 90s, and flight prices (considering how far you’re traveling) are relatively low for prime summer months. If you’re worried about the heat, keep in mind that, like much of the South Central Coast of Vietnam, Da Nang’s sea breezes and shady trees offer a refreshing break from the sun.

Beyond its natural beauty, Da Nang also boasts a variety of intriguing historic sites—including the Marble Mountains, a group of five limestone and marble hills with Buddhist and Hindu shrines scattered throughout. From Da Nang, you can also explore well-preserved and varied architecture and cultural traditions in the ancient city of Hội An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

• Why We Recommend It: eclectic shopping, beautiful views, interesting people
• Where to Stay: The Blake (from $337), El Prado Home (from $188/night), La Doña Luz Inn (from $204/night)

Cradled in the valleys of the picturesque Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos, New Mexico, is a must-visit for tasting the American Southwest’s solitude and eclectic spirit. (If you make it there in winter rather than summer, it also has incredible and well-renowned steep skiing.) Home to a funky mix of galleries and retail, Taos is famous for art collectors, both amateur and professional in nature, and the historic Taos Plaza has local works for sale that will suit any taste, not to mention decor stores and fantastic clothing options you won’t find in the mall.

Julia Roberts famously owns a ranch in Taos. Still, the locals respect privacy and leave her alone mostly because Taos is where most people — as a local shop owner explained — ”run away to hide from something.” This certainly adds to the intrigue, and there are plenty of things to escape into, like Taos’s many outdoor activities in the summer, including hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and hot air balloon rides.

Have some extra time? A massage at The Blake’s soothing spa will get you in the right blissful mood to soak in all the red rocks. You can also escape into the rich history and culture of the region at its many educational sites, including the Millicent Rogers Museum and the Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest communities in North America with adobe buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Also on tap for this July: Laughter Yoga, which encourages you to giggle a little — for therapeutic purposes. You’re also formally invited to explore the region’s stunning vistas from all angles but bookmark the West Rim Trail or the aptly named Sunset Park for a spectacular sunset hike or brisk walk.

• Why We Recommend It: historical city, walkable, ghost tours, flight deals, gastronomical hub, Victorian architecture
• Where to Stay: The Perry Lane Hotel (from $405/night), River Street Inn (from $205/night), Planters Inn (from $189/night)

Despite being three centuries old, Savannah still thrives thanks to the perfect combination of incredible historical sights and ghost-fueled tours! In fact, The Perry Lane Hotel was just voted #1 TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice in the country, thanks to its charming location in the historic district and just an 11-minute stroll to Forsyth Park, where the old oaks and Spanish moss trees create a dream-like setting. The park features a French-inspired fountain installed in 1858 and is where plenty of July’s outdoor events happen, such as the Summer Concert Series.

A short walk in the opposite direction leads you to the City Market, around since the 1700s and still going strong as a hub for trading, shopping, and mingling. Belford’s is one of the many restaurants in the area that’s an award winner for its mouth-watering selection of beef and seafood. If you continue to wander the market, you’ll find six street-level galleries and an upstairs Art Center where you can meet local artists and watch as they create their works. Several museums, such as the Telfair Museum or Ship Of The Sea Maritime Museum, are also within walking distance for history buffs.

Savannah proudly claims to be America’s most haunted city and to stroll downtown is to find yourself in a tunnel to the past as you’re surrounded by Victorian-era homes and 22 picturesque squares where tour operators compete to take you on the town’s famous Ghost Tours! Are they kitschy? A bit, but they’re also wildly entertaining, and there are plenty of options to pick from. Whether you’re a walking tour enthusiast or instead take a funeral car tour through the most macabre locations of the city, there’s a special tour tailored just for you.

• Why We Recommend It: walkable and historical island, mesmerizing sea views, island hopping, cruise friendly, party atmosphere
• Where to Stay: Yi Hotel (from $487/night, offering 30 percent off for their recent opening), Mykonos Blu (from $419/night), A Little Hidden Paradise (from $217/night)

If your explore page looks anything like ours, you must be overwhelmed by Mykonos pics come the summer. They say if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em — and July is certainly the month to go and stroll through the labyrinth of white Cycladic houses and other architecture on the island, which is freckled with colorfully painted shutters and the most inviting ocean views. Alongside inexplicable beauty, Mykonos is full of enough mythological lore and fun party vibes to make the experience of going there feel like a walk — or swim — through paradise.

The first step in this maze is to explore the winding alleys of Chora, with its delightful squares, traditional churches, and charming cafes and restaurants. Head to Matogianni Street for shopping and stop by Kazarma for the gorgeous views and a menu that embodies European and Greek cuisine. Then, make your way to snap some pics at a quintessential Mykonos stop, Little Venice, which will be busy with influencers but so worth it. Overlooking it, you can see the iconic windmills of Mykonos (Kato Mili). Snap pics at the Paraportiani Church — a cluster of five chapels and the most photographed church in Greece, and then head to Ano Mera, the second-largest settlement on the island. The relaxed village is home to the beautiful Panagia Tourliani, a 16th-century marble monastery. Into Greek mythology? A must-see while in Mykonos is Delos, the UNESCO World Heritage Site said to be the birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis that’s a quick, 30-minute boat ride from Mykonos.

Dazed from all this rich history? Get off your feet and onto a towel at one of the island’s plentiful beaches, including the tranquil Platis Gialos. Seeking out nightlife? Paraga Beach is home to 3 beach clubs, making this small beach a party traveler’s favorite. Its most famous venue is Scorpios, but Kalua and SantAnna are also great spots to let loose and celebrate life Dionysus-style!

• Why We Recommend It: Yellowstone vibes, access to pristine nature, food festivals
• Where to Stay: Summit Hotel (from $350/night), Big Sky Condo (from $191/night), Studio Near Lifts (from $100/night)

Big Sky, Montana, remains an attractive getaway long after the ski slopes melt. Just a few miles north of Yellowstone National Park, this mountain community boasts spectacular scenery and a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including dozens of hiking and biking trails. In the summer, you can enjoy horseback riding and rafting down the Gallatin River, where wildlife sightings are common. Moose, elk, wolves, and even grizzly bears are among the species that call Big Sky home.

Alongside its majestic, outdoorsy appeal, Big Sky contains a still-growing central business district with plenty of boutique shops. One is Rhinestone Cowgirl, where you can perfect your cowboy or cowboycation-style. We also highly recommend the Blue Buddha sushi lounge and a pre or post-dinner cocktail from the attached speakeasy bar, Drunken Monk. Or, spend some time experiencing authentic Western hospitality and learning about the region’s rich history at local cultural centers, such as the Crail Ranch Homestead Museum.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, reconnect with nature, and embark on an unforgettable Great West adventure, Big Sky awaits you. If you time it right in late June / early July (6/29-7/2), you can participate in their newly minted Savor Big Sky food festival. The events will combine grub and the great outdoors, and attendees will have the opportunity to sample from top wineries, distilleries, and breweries, hiking excursions, scenic chairlift rides, and epic alpine views.

• Why We Recommend It: gastronomical hub, religious and ruin sites, art history, modern art
• Where to Stay: Sonder (from $261/night), InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace Hotels (from $1,051/night), Luxury Passetto Walls (from $228/night), Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel (from $582/night)

When in Rome, do as Romans or as world travelers would do. A TripAdvisor survey including participants from the U.S., U.K., Australia, Japan, and Singapore revealed Italy as a top international destination as part of their Summer Travel Index. Whether it's residual White Lotus energy or not, it's pretty easy to see why the boot gets so much glory, which is always apparent in Rome. Currently boasting the best airfare in and out this July, the city is overflowing with history, culture, and stunning architecture. Seeing the Colosseum IRL is just the tip of the iceberg, and we love that other notable landmarks like the Roman Forum and the Pantheon are totally free to visit. Galleria Borghese offers yet another trip through history, this time through the lens of art. But the modern art scene in Rome is also just as appealing and best on display at MAXXI, a contemporary art museum focused on 21st-century Roman artwork.

Regarding sweets, a stop for gelato at Giolitti is non-negotiable. For dining, the newest addition to Rome's booming gastronomical scene includes the crowd-pleasing Scarpetta. A modern Italian American-style restaurant in Rome? Strangely enough, yes — and it's already being described as a "maximalist Roman dream with a New York twist." The restaurant is inside the gorgeous InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, where the splurge-worthy suites have Roman arches. Also operated by Scarpetta/LDV Hospitality, you can head up to the rooftop bar, Charlie's, for an excellent start to a night out with exclusive live music and DJ sets with a side of Aperol Spritz!

For outdoorsy travelers, take a day trip to the stunning and often overlooked beaches like Sperlonga and Santa Marinella — both just a quick train ride from Rome; or explore the ancient port of Ostia Antica and the charming lake town of Castel Gandolfo, well-known as the summer residence of the Pope. But whatever you do before you leave, throw a coin at the Trevi Fountain for good luck - and to ensure you'll come back to this fantastic city. —With additional reporting by Beatriz Verneaux