Where To Head In July

Officially the beginning of the summer season, July is the month where the sun beats down on the northern hemisphere and our holidays begin in earnest. Whether we’re planning to jet off before school holidays, or raring to go by the time they come, things are going to get busy and exciting!

There’s plenty of choice on where to go, whether we want a short-sleeved city break or to don our swimwear to laze on the beach.

While it’s peak season with prices to match, the wide choice of destinations mean we can find budget-friendly destinations like Turkey and Albania if the pricier ones like the USA and Italy need to wait for another time.

Need a bit of holiday inspo? Have a read for our favourite places to go in July 2023.

Antalya, Turkey

On the south east tip of Turkey – so right on the coast but nearer to us – Antalya is a holiday destination with a little something for all. It’s packed full of accommodation from luxurious all-inclusives to self-catering getaways, and they are among the best value for money in Europe. It’s more than possible to while away a full week simply lying on the sandy beaches of the ‘turquoise coast’, but those with energy can explore the city’s old town, Hadrian’s Gate, and the Temple of Apollo in nearby Side. Or go nautical at Antalya’s many habours, where you can hire a boat and spend a day at sea. For something more social, the nightlife at Lara Beach will keep night owls energised.

Seychelles

If the holiday funds have built up nicely, Seychelles is a surefire way to spend it on an unforgettable trip. This dream destination is 115 islands, full of glorious sun, tranquil beaches and luxury accommodation. Its location near the equator means that it can become uncomfortably hot, but July is the coolest and driest month of the year. Expect temps of 27C in the day, dropping to just 23C in the evening – so you can leave your jackets at home as you enjoy a twilight dinner on a remote island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Bliss.

Ilulissat, Greenland

For travellers, Greenland is fast becoming known as ‘the new Iceland’. The chilly country isn’t easy to get to as there are no direct flights from the UK, but those who make the effort will be rewarded with a fascinating, less discovered country. The first place to start is Ilulissat, the most-visited destination in Greeland. Here, visitors can head out on adventures to see the Ilulissat icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that lies within Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the fastest and most active glaciers in the world. It’s also the place to find out about Inuit culture, feast on ice-fresh fish, and grab a water taxi to visit one of its neighbouring islands. Head over in July, and you’ll also catch the midnight sun.

Montreal, Canada

Arguably the most culturally vibrant city in Canada, July is when Montreal goes full steam in its quest for arts and entertainment. Centre a trip around L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, which is the largest pyrotechnic festival in the world. Beginning in July, it runs throughout the summer, with weekly themes to the displays across the Montreal sky. The last two weeks of July sees the Just for Laughs festival, the world’s largest comedy festival, where this year Ali Wong, Jonathan Van Ness and Jack Whitehall are playing venues across the English and French-speaking city. Still not enough to tempt you over? It’s also the month for Montreal’s circus festival, jazz festival, ComicCon, circus festival, Caribbean festival and Heavy Montreal, the metal music fest. Whew!

Lalzi Bay, Albania

If you’re after the convenience of a European beach break but without the hectic July crowds, look no further than Lalzi Bay in Albania. A convenient 45 minutes away from Tirana Airport, it has the balmy weather, white sandy beaches, good amenities and warm waters of the Adriatic Sea, but is notably cheaper and quieter…relatively speaking of course! If you feel like an excursion away from the beach, there’s plenty to see nearby. Start with the ancient city of Durres, 30 minutes away by car. Known as the ‘Albanian Rome’, the second city is crammed with historical delights from its Ancient Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman eras.

Wherever you’re planning on heading on your travels this year make sure to pack a Switched On Travel Insurance policy for total peace of mind. Find out more here.