Even within our small team, the term “summer destination” takes on vastly different meanings for different people. For some of us, it’s obviously a beach — a place that feels like summer. For others, the perfect summer destination provides a break from the heat (a cool mountain getaway or road trip through a northern state.)
Scroll down to discover all the different places we’re dreaming about this year, and let us know what “summer destination” means to you!
featured image by goop
photo by gray malin
Sydney, Australia
“I’ve been fascinated by all things Australia the past year, from the design, to the food, to the surf culture that makes every day in Oz look like a carefree summer weekend. The next step in my obsession is to actually go there, so this summer I’m dreaming about booking a flight and checking into Watsons Bay Hotel for a 2-week stay – long enough to absorb all that great style, sample all the avocado toasts in the land, and take a few surf lessons, to boot. Of course, it’s all a fantasy because Australia’s summer is actually December through February, so maybe this winter my dreams will actually become reality…” — Camille Styles
photo by the blonde abroad
Marrakech, Morocco
“Ever since I first saw the plaster buildings and amazing tiled mosaic floors, I’ve been dying to make a trip to Marrakech. I’ve had my eye on the perfectly elegant and minimalistic B&B Riad 42 for the stay (this insta-famous spot is a close runner up) and dream of hot sunny days full of vibrant markets, linen and sandals, mint tea and strolling the dusty maze-like streets.” — Hannah Zahner
Maine
“I read some Stephen King as a kid, so Maine has always loomed large in my imagination. The Maine in my mind is trapped in time, peppered with quaint towns connected by winding forest roads. I’d like to follow Goop’s road trip itinerary and end up eating oysters on a dock somewhere for the 4th of July. A bit of Americana I’ve never experienced before.” — Jenn Rose Smith
photo by gal meets glam
St. Tropez, France
“A week in St. Tropez, at the heart of the French Riviera has been at the top of my summer vacay bucket list for awhile now. Everyone has told me that the sun really does shine brighter and the Mediterranean is truly bluer there —(Or maybe that’s just all the chilled rosé that never seems to stop flowing going to their head!) I would head straight to Le Club 55 for a champagne-filled lunch followed by laying out at the beach, and taking in the stunning scenery and charm of the town. My trip could not be complete without a visit to the iconic Chanel boutique which is situated in an old mansion. Oui oui!” — Kat Flour
photo by sotheby’s
Rosemary Beach, Florida
“My husband and I got married in Rosemary Beach, Florida a few years ago and I haven’t had a chance to go back for a visit. Since a beach vacay is always at the top of my list, I’m dreaming of recreating certain elements of that special weekend like roasting marshmallows around a beach bonfire, sipping rosé poolside at The Pearl Hotel and riding bikes along scenic 30A.” — Caroline Pinkston
photo by wanderlust chloe
Petra, Jordan
“While you can’t travel between Israel and most of its neighboring Arab countries, the border that Israel shares with Jordan has been open since 1994, affording Israelis the ability to visit the incredible archeological site of Petra. I’ve travelled to Tel Aviv many times, but this summer I’m hoping to take a day trip from there into Jordan to behold the ancient Rose City. Dating back to 300 B.C. and carved into pink sandstone cliffs, Petra’s narrow gorges and hidden temples seem like the perfect place to lose track of time.” — Chanel Dror
photo by marcus nilsson for condé nast traveler
Oaxaca and Mexico City, Mexico
“Since I basically want to move into JM Drygoods, I’m dying to go where owner Michelle Teague scores most of her goods: Oaxaca. I’d love to spend a few days exploring the markets and snagging unique items for my home and closet. Then I’d take the short flight to Mexico City to eat as many street tacos as possible while saving room to dine at Pujol, which has been on my list since binge watching Chef’s Table season 2.” — Caroline Pinkston
The Greek Islands of Mykonos and Rhodes
“Let’s be real, I’d pretty much take any Greek island for my summer vacation. But I’m fascinated by travel writer Rachel Howard’s stories that reveal the unique character of each island. With Rachel as my guide, I’d start my trip in Mykonos for the people watching and partying, then downshift to Rhodes for a few quiet days at Casa Cook.” —Jenn Rose Smith
image by travel sign posts
San Sebastian, Spain
“Ever since reading The Sun Also Rises in high school, Hemingway’s retreat to San Sebastian has always been a dream of mine. In addition to laying on the beach with a stack of (Hemingway) novels, I’d sip cortados, soak up the architecture, and hop from one pintxo bar to the next, eating all the octopus, jamon, and crusty grilled bread in site.” — Camille Styles
photo by david crookes for condé nast traveler
Zambia & South Africa
“I’ll admit that Africa wasn’t always at the top of my bucket list, but ever since one of my best friends Katherine became a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia, I’ve been dying to visit. She has since stayed to live there permanently, doing amazing work at a honey company, and she raves about all the beautiful sites there are to see in her new home country (like the awe inspiring Victoria Falls!) When we finally make it out there, I’ll be sure to add on a trip to Cape Town, South Africa, where the beaches, cuisine and music are totally calling my name.” — Chanel Dror
photo by paper n stitch
Richmond, Virginia
“While most people are dying to spend time on the water during the summer, I love exploring cities — there’s a certain kind of je ne sais quoi that you can only experience in a city during the summer. I’m a history buff, so Richmond, VA has been on my list for a while. Richmond has a long, rich history starting in the early 1600s and it officially became a town in 1742, so the old buildings and history tours are plentiful! I also love to eat, especially on vacation, and, ever since Bon Appetit posted about Richmond’s up and coming food scene, it has cemented its spot in my ‘Must Travel To ASAP’ list.” — Rachelle Shuttlesworth
