Summer is an amazing time, but only if you’re in the right spot. Whether family, a couple get-away, a group of friends or flying solo, you need to know what you want and get to where you want. Maybe you like the summers where you live because you’re lucky enough to live in glorious Hawaii. But maybe you have wonderful winters in your hometown and need to simply just prepare your home for summer to get the best out of the season. Fear not, we have prepared for you a list of the best places for a summer getaway this year, so choose your pick of summer destination. We believe we have a little something for everyone’s tastes.

Koh Samui, Thailand

What is summer without the beach? The first thing you picture upon hearing summer is a hot day by the water with everyone in their shorts, splashing around; the best way to beat the heat. So why not a vacation in beautiful Koh Samui? Go snorkeling, scuba diving or just relax. After that, take a few days to run around Chaweng Beach, Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather’s Grandmother’s Rocks), Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo. Lots to do so don’t let the heat make you lazy.

Seychelles, East Africa

The Indian Ocean holds many treasures, and one of our choices for best places for a summer getaway just so happens to be one. Seychelles is an archipelago of about 115 islands. You choose one to play by the water or just to relax and just laze away the day. But there are so many islands! And what do you do with so many beautiful islands to explore? You go island hopping. Of these, you’ll find the whitest sands on Aride Island, giant turtles on Curieuse Island and the mesmerizing Anse Lazio Beach on Praslin Island. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this.

Bali, Indonesia

Tons of people have been flocking to Bali since they relaxed their visa rules. People from Bangladesh can’t get enough of the place. So why not give it a shot yourself? More than just a summer destination of the beaches you hear of, Bali has everything. Surf in the Legian, there are watersports at the Benoa Beach, and visit the Bali Safari and Marine Park. Visit the Tanah Lot Temple and Uluwatu Temple to realign your spirituality. Step into Monkey Forest which is considered sacred by the locals or climb up Mount Batur to challenge yourself. Bali is among our best places for a summer getaway because it brings you beaches, adventure, exercise and lots of culture.

Iceland

Perhaps the heat is something you wish to get away from. Maybe you just want to relax at a summer destination a bit cooler. Don’t let the name fool you; Iceland is hardly made of ice (you’re picturing Greenland. We don’t get it either). But it is a beautiful place that provides your mind with wonder and fills your heart with tranquility. Go whale-watching, soak in the geothermal spas of the Blue Lagoon, be overwhelmed at Godafoss, visit Reykjavik, the country’s capital and Keflavik to really get a grasp on the rich heritage and lovely people there.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Do you need someplace VERY cold to visit? Of our best places for a summer getaway this year, Zermatt is the coldest. Be prepared to feel the cold when you step out of your cabin but also be ready to take on the mountains. Skiing is a must here, along with hiking and even mountain climbing for the more adventurous. Stand in awe of the Matterhorn peak then slide over for a different kind of awe at the Matterhorn Museum. Visit the Observatory of Gonergrat and walk by the Schwarzee Lake. There is plenty to do in Zermatt, Switzerland and it may take more than one trip to get through it all.

Hamburg, Germany

If you’re the type of person that just wants to roam around but not miss out on your regular luxuries of life, Hamburg is the summer destination for you. Germany provides immense luxuries and Hamburg is up there with the best.  Shop at the Maison Suneve, immerse yourself in Andalusian flamenco at the world class concert hall or just have a chill time at the Braugasthaus Altes Mädchen. For a great escape from your regular surroundings but maintaining your freedoms, step into Hamburg, Germany and have a good time.

Paros, Greece

Our list of best places for a summer getaway would lie incomplete without this last entry. Paros in Greece is one of the most beautiful settlements in the world. A glimpse of the place will render you speechless. You have to go to the Kolimbithres Beach and Golden Beach, camp at Agia Irini, try out horseback riding, and Parikia; a gem among gems. In all honesty, whether a summer destination or just because the world exists, visit Paros and indulge yourself in true experience.

The best summers are the ones you spend away from home. You may love your home, but you need to experience the world in summer. New places and faces add to it. So after you’ve taken a look at our list of the best places for a summer getaway, we hope you manage some time to go to these places. You will not regret it.