Our top picks for trips in 2026
These are the destinations you need to add to your itinerary this year.
Cooler beach escapes, foodie hotspots, long-haul adventure and crowd-free summer sun – these are the destinations people are booking right now.
Short on time? Let us summarise this guide for you.
This article covers 7 trending places to visit in June, including the Polish Riviera for crowd-free Baltic beaches, Istria for a slower side of Croatia, Matera for dramatic southern Italy, Colombia for city and jungle adventure, Vancouver ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sweden for a classic sommarstuga escape and Bali for dry-season bliss.
The Polish Riviera is shaping up to be one of Europe’s coolest summer swaps – literally. Along the Baltic coast, seaside spots like Sopot, Gdynia and Gdansk are drawing travellers looking for beach days without the Mediterranean scorch. Think golden sand, colourful waterfronts and breezy evenings that still call for a light jumper after sunset.
June is the sweet spot. The summer atmosphere is in full swing, but the beaches are still blissfully uncrowded and prices are gentler than peak season. With more direct flights making northern Poland easier to reach, it’s quickly becoming a favourite for travellers who want somewhere fresh before everyone else catches on.
One minute you’re wandering through Gdansk’s storybook streets, the next you’re eating smoked fish by the sea or stretching out on a wide sandy beach. Sopot brings classic seaside glamour with its famous pier and buzzy bars, while the whole coastline has that relaxed, slightly undiscovered feel.
Croatia isn’t going anywhere this summer – but savvy travellers are looking beyond Dubrovnik. Enter Istria, a sun-soaked peninsula packed with pastel harbour towns, vineyard-covered hills and hidden coves that feel a world away from the country’s busier hotspots. Pula is the headline name, thanks to its huge Roman amphitheatre and laid-back coastal charm.
June is one of the best times to visit because everything feels warm, lively and easy. You can spend your days swimming in the Adriatic, wandering cobbled streets or lingering over long seafood lunches without the peak-summer crowds. It’s Croatia with a slower pulse – and arguably better food.
Truffles, olive oil, fresh seafood and local wines all play starring roles here, giving Istria a distinctly Italian flavour despite being firmly Croatian. Add in postcard-worthy towns like Rovinj and Motovun, and you’ve got a destination that feels effortlessly stylish without trying too hard.
Matera looks like somewhere dreamt up by a film set designer. Built into the rocky hills of southern Italy, the city is famous for its ancient cave dwellings and honey-coloured stone streets that glow beautifully in the evening sun. It’s dramatic, atmospheric and completely different from the classic Italy itinerary.
June brings warm days and balmy evenings that make the city feel especially magical. Rooftop restaurants spill onto terraces, little alleyways buzz with life and sunset turns the entire skyline gold. You get all the beauty of an Italian summer, just without elbowing through huge tourist crowds.
There’s something about Matera that encourages you to slow down and soak it all in. Maybe it’s the maze-like streets, the hidden cave hotels or the simple joy of an aperitivo with a view. Either way, it stays with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.
Colombia is becoming one of the most exciting long-haul destinations for travellers who want something vibrant, adventurous and a little less predictable. June is a great time to visit, with comfortable conditions across much of the country and plenty of opportunities to swap classic beach holidays for something with a bit more variety and energy.
Love a city break? Bogotá is a brilliant choice. Colombia’s capital sits high in the Andes, which means cooler temperatures and a refreshing break from intense summer heat. Days here are best spent exploring colourful streets in La Candelaria, diving into the city’s thriving food scene and taking the cable car up Monserrate for sweeping views across the skyline.
For something wilder, the Colombian Amazon offers a completely different side of the country. June’s wetter season brings the rainforest to life, with rising waterways making it easier to explore deeper into the jungle by boat. Expect thick green rainforest, incredible wildlife and the kind of off-grid adventure that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Vancouver is already one of the world’s great summer cities – but this year there’s an extra buzz in the air. It’s firmly in the spotlight as one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and June is the perfect time to experience the excitement before the tournament kicks off. The city feels energetic, optimistic and ready to welcome visitors from around the world.
Summer suits Vancouver perfectly. Long sunny evenings, mountain backdrops and waterfront parks make the whole city feel outdoorsy and alive. Football fans can soak up the growing tournament atmosphere while still enjoying everything Vancouver does best – cycling around Stanley Park, eating incredible food and escaping into nature within minutes of downtown.
What makes Vancouver stand out is how effortlessly it blends big-event energy with laid-back West Coast charm. One minute you’re watching the city come alive ahead of the World Cup, the next you’re kayaking along the harbour or spotting whales off the coast.
A Swedish sommarstuga holiday is summer at its slowest. These traditional countryside cottages are all about lakeside mornings, outdoor dinners and days that drift by without much of a plan. You’ll forget what time it is – in the best way possible.
June is when Sweden truly wakes up. The days stretch on late into the evening, wildflowers bloom across the countryside and locals make the most of every hour of sunshine. It taps perfectly into the growing coolcation trend, offering fresh air and calm instead of crowded beaches and heatwaves.
There’s a lovely simplicity to it all. Swim in the lake, read on the deck, cycle through forests, repeat. Whether your cabin is bright red and rustic or sleek and Scandi-minimalist, the feeling is the same – peaceful, cosy and completely removed from everyday life.
Bali may be a classic long-haul favourite, but June reminds you exactly why people keep coming back. The dry season is settling in, the humidity drops and the island feels bright, green and full of life. It’s the perfect time for sunrise hikes, beach days and dinners under the stars.
What’s changed in recent years is the way people experience Bali. Beyond the beach clubs and infinity pools, there’s a growing focus on wellness, slower travel and proper switching off. Places like Ubud and Sidemen offer yoga retreats, jungle stays and peaceful rice-field views that make everyday stress feel very far away.
Of course, Bali still knows how to bring the fun too. Surfing in Canggu, temple sunsets in Uluwatu and scooter rides through tiny villages all add to the magic. Whether you want adventure, relaxation or a bit of both, Bali makes it very easy to slip into holiday mode fast.
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