Where To Go In June

Things are hotting up in June, so if you’re tempted to jet away, it’s an exceptionally good time. Not only is there a wide choice of beaches and city breaks close to home that will be bathed in glorious sunshine, but across the world, summer events kick in, so there’s plenty to keep us entertained.

From England’s performance in Euro 2024 in Germany to the spectacle of the summer solstice in ancient Mayan sites, here are our favourite destinations this month.

Nashville, Texas, USA

Country music has had a significant lift in profile, thanks to Beyonce’s recent foray into the genre. If you loved Cowboy Carter and want to pay homage to all things Country, it’s only right to get those cowboy boots on and travel to its spiritual home in Nashville. There’s music in the air everywhere you go, not least the honky tonk bars that line the streets. And on 6th to 10th June, the CMA Fest, the ultimate country music fan fair, takes place. It’s your chance to meet Jolene legend Dolly Parton among other big-name country stars in attendance. Leave your fringed leather jacket at home – Nashville touches 30C in June, making for a summery stay.

Chichén Itzá, Mexico

While we think of Stonehenge as the ultimate place to be on the summer equinox, in fact, it’s a major spiritual moment all across the world. The ancient Mayan site of Chichén Itzá, for example, is a focal point on 21st June. At the iconic El Castillo, voted one of the seven wonders of the world, a strange but international phenomenon takes place. As the sun sets, the light and shadows of the structure create the appearance of a diamond-backed snake slithering down the stairway of the pyramid. It’s an incredible sight, and it’s an easy day trip from the tourist hotspot of Cancun – if you can prise yourself away from the white sandy beaches and margaritas.

Essen, Germany

For a good proportion of the UK, June means one thing: the Euro 2024 kick-off. This year, Germany plays host to the major football tournament, and England’s first match takes place in Gelsenkirchen’s Arena AufSchalke on 16th June. The stadium is 30 minutes on public transport from the nearest major city of Essen, which makes that a great base for both football and sightseeing. Here, you can explore the Zollverin Coal Mine Industrial Complex, an enormous 100-hectare area that’s now a Unesco Heritage Site. Or indulge in the Ruhr’s regional cuisine, like Sauerbraten: the region’s version of a Sunday roast. But mostly, it’s a chance to soak up the football-friendly atmosphere, and cheer on teams in the convivial FanZones.

Mallorca, Spain

There’s a reason Mallorca is always popular with Brits. It reliably has all the holiday goodness we crave, from fabulously sunny days to keenly priced food and drink. With dozens of flights a week, it’s easy to get to from most places in the UK. And June is a brilliant time to go – it’s wonderful weather but just before the madness of the summer rush. If the watersports and beach activities aren’t enough to start your summer off right, grab tickets for Mallorca Live. Taking place from 13th to 15th June, it’s a live music festival featuring Blondie, Underworld and the Pet Shop Boys as headliners this year. Or go later in the month for Nit de Foc, a wild street party in Palma. In addition to live music, food trucks and general merriment, there’s the infamous ‘correfoc’: where the ‘devils’ run through the streets with crackers and fireworks. It’s best watched at a very safe distance!

Kiruna, Sweden

One of the best things about summer is the long evenings, and it doesn’t get longer than the midnight sun. Northern Scandinavia is the best place to experience this wonderful phenomenon, and specifically, we reckon it’s a great excuse to visit Swedish Lapland. While it’s more famous for being a winter wonderland, in the sunnier months, nature comes alive. It’s chilly, but skies will be blue all day and night, injecting visitors with plenty of energy for forest walks, white water rafting and finding out about native Sami culture – surely an unforgettable holiday.

Wherever you’re heading this year Switched On’s Travel Insurance offers peace of mind while you’re away from home. All our policies include medical assistance supported by a worldwide network of specialists, whether that’s via in-resort based care provided by Air Doctor for minor illness or injuries, or our 24/7 emergency medical helpline to assist you should a more serious medical issue occur. Find out more on our Medical Support page.