Travel Tuesday is here and something I hold synonymous with summer is summer vacation. Growing up, my family took routine trips to our lake house in Maine but the occasional trips to the Jersey Shore or North Carolina’s Outer Banks was always something I looked forward to. Today, I want to discuss summer vacation but with a twist: your summer honeymoon. Whether you’re planning for summer ’13 or ’14 we’ve compiled a list of the best summer destinations you need to see.
Nice, France
Nice, located on the Mediterranean at the bottom of the alps, has a cosmopolitan vibe commonly associated with the French Riviera. Nice is a common gateway to other locations along the coast and provides easy access for day trips to Monaco and Cannes. Indulge in their fashionable boutiques, world-class restaurants, or stroll along their long strips of beaches. This is the place if you’re looking for a nice summer tan or want to take a hiking trip to the alps. We suggest you stay at: Hotel Villa Les Cygnes, Le Palais de la Mediterranee, or Hotel Suisse.
Bar Harbor, ME
Down east Maine is famous for it’s private islands: Acadia National Park, Chanterelle, or Oar, and breathtaking views for the many cottages and bed and breakfasts that line the shore. Being approximately 3 1/2 hours from Portland, ME, encourages travelers to take scenic drives along the coast or explore the Atlantic shore. We encourage you to head to Atlantic Climbing School if you’re looking for an adventure, go for a hike through Bar Island Trails, or indulge in favorite Maine foods like lobster and clam chowder. Stay at: The Bayview, Atlantic Eyrie Lodge, or West Street Hotel.
Montreal, Canada
Montreal gives travelers a taste of France without leaving the country and provides easy accessibility from the United States. After cold winter weather lifts, Montreal offers numerous summer events and festivals like the Montreal Beer Festival in June, Montreal Jazz Festival in late June/early July, and World Film Festival in late August to mid September. Visit the historic sites, go shopping through their many street markets and sample sales, and eat French food that tastes authentic. Hang up your hat at: Auberge Bonaparte, Hotel le Crystal Montreal, or Chateau de L’Argoat.
Bora Bora, Tahiti
If you want an adventure in a far off place, you can’t go wrong with Bora Bora in French Polynesia. Their incredibly luxurious high class resorts can easily dump your wallet, but not if you travel smart. Bora Bora is a volcanic caldera that includes exotic wildlife like sharks and rays and lends an opportunity to explore the lagoons with scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, and kite boarding. Take a Jeep tour through American WW II bunkers, purchase black pearls, and enjoy Tahitian food at their plentiful restaurants. Take a load off at: Le Meridien Bora Bora, Chez Nono, or Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort.
San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands call home to the Pacific Northwest and reside 3 hours outside of Seattle. Commonly known for rainy, cold weather, Washington leaves the dreary weather for July and August where daytime temperatures rarely get above 70 degrees. Take a ferry from Anacortes, WA but make sure the rent a car or bring your own in order to get the most of the island. Going zip lining at Friday Harbor, go whale watching (we highly encourage this), and take a bike tour. Visitors love to look through local art galleries and bookshops and enjoy the incredibly fresh seafood. Sleep at: Pebble Cove Farm, Rosario Resort and Spa, or Lonesome Cove Resort.
We hope these 5 options have you thinking about your summer honeymoon but if you want a list of more locations you should read Frommer’s Best 20 Summer Vacations in the U.S.A, Travel + Leisure’s Most Romantic Summer Destinations, and Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice List for 2012. Getting ready for summer is exciting but planning for a honeymoon is even more exciting so make sure you plan ahead, get ready for adventure, and make memories!
Happy Planning,
Tat
