Gone are the days of jet-setting for social clout. This summer is about connection over conquest; comfort over chaos. Think regional retreats instead of whirlwind tours, book clubs over bucket lists and cool mountain breezes over crowded beach resorts.
Related: 125 Fun Summer Activities for Families
1. Flight-Free Getaways & Closer-to-Home Escapes
Consider a romantic sleeper train to the Rockies, a long weekend in a restored Airstream in the Hudson Valley, or unplugged glamping just two hours from your city. Coastal train routes like Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner or the Downeaster to Maine are drawing attention for their laid-back charm.
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2. The Rise of Hyperlocal Tourism
Think backyard camping with a twist—fairy lights, gourmet s’mores and a projector movie night—or becoming a tourist in your own town by finally booking that ghost tour or art walk you’ve always meant to try. Local farms and vineyards are offering overnight stays and DIY harvest weekends. Some families are even organizing "progressive vacations" where each household hosts a themed day trip in their area. Urban travelers might book a boutique hotel in their city for a mini staycation, complete with museum visits, rooftop cocktails and no flight delays in sight.
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3. Wellness, But Reimagined
Think forest immersion and deep rest at Shou Sugi Ban House in the Hamptons, a women-led retreat center offering seasonal rituals and wellness workshops in minimalist luxury. Or try The Ranch in Malibu, known for its structured but nurturing programs that combine hiking, nutrition and mindful recalibration. Civana Wellness Resort in Arizona provides customizable stays with a focus on joy and personal growth—perfect for those seeking wellness without rigidity. For something more intimate, Golden Door in California continues to be a sanctuary for transformative healing, with stays limited to just 40 guests and a program designed around individual care.
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4. Cool Escapes in the Face of Extreme Heat
With summer heat intensifying, travelers are actively seeking cooler destinations. “Flagstaff, Arizona, was shockingly cool,” Brown recalls, noting how elevated or northern destinations are trending. “Coolcationing” is on the rise, as travelers look for mountain towns, lakeside resorts or anywhere they can escape the swelter.
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5. Stargazing, Night Experiences & Slow Travel
Think moonlit kayaking tours through bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico, astronomy-themed stays at desert lodges in Utah or Morocco or late-night food markets in Bangkok that double as immersive cultural experiences. Travelers are also leaning into nocturnal wellness, like forest bathing by starlight or guided meditations under the moon. These slower, nighttime activities offer a peaceful contrast to fast-paced sightseeing, allowing a deeper connection with a destination’s natural rhythms and local life.
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6. Book-Inspired Travel & Like-Minded Community Trips
She’s also a big fan of set-cations, which have spiked thanks to the popularity of shows like White Lotus and Emily in Paris. Although The Four Seasons in Hawaii, Italy and Thailand will forever be trending because of this, here are a few more ideas:
Montauk and the Hamptons from The Affair and Succession: For moody beach walks, stylish stays and just the right hint of dramatic escapism.Parisian fashion dreams from Emily in Paris: Book a chic apartment in the Marais and take a styling workshop or vintage shopping tour, channeling your inner Sylvie. And if you really want to splurge, check into Hôtel Plaza Athénée—the ultra-luxe palace where Emily once had to babysit the rebellious daughter of a famous actress.Sicilian escapes à la The White Lotus Season 2: Stay at the opulent San Domenico Palace in Taormina or explore nearby hill towns like Noto and Ragusa, where scenes were filmed.Scottish Highlands for Outlander fans: Tour iconic sites like Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Culloden Moor and the atmospheric Glenfinnan Viaduct—perfect for fans of time travel and sweeping romance.Cornwall's rugged romance from Poldark: Explore the windswept cliffs and turquoise coves of this UK coastal gem, where period drama meets natural drama.New York’s Upper East Side for Gossip Girl nostalgia: Check into The Lotte New York Palace, brunch at the Met steps and walk the same glamorous streets as Blair and Serena.A post shared by Lotte New York Palace (@newyorkpalace)
7. Cruises: Smaller, Slower and More Intimate
Other options gaining steam:
French canal barges through Burgundy or Provence, where just a handful of guests can enjoy vineyard visits, private chefs and bike rides between sleepy villages.Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast by gulet, a traditional wooden sailing yacht where you’ll anchor in turquoise coves, sip wine onboard and dock in medieval port towns.Mekong River journeys through Vietnam and Cambodia, blending cultural immersion with serene riverfront scenery and local cuisine.Lake Lucerne or Lake Como by private charter, ideal for romantic day trips or exclusive overnights with a private captain and onboard aperitivi.Amazonian eco-luxury cruises in Peru or Brazil, with wildlife excursions by day and stargazing from the deck at night. For a truly magical experience, sail with Delfin Amazon Cruises. Their beautifully handcrafted vessels blend artisanal charm with five-star comfort.A post shared by Delfin Amazon Cruises (@delfinamazoncruises)
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