In June, it seems almost everywhere is perfect for a holiday; Europe is warm without being too hot, US destinations are still appealing and African countries see some of their best safari conditions.
But perceptions can be deceiving – so much choice can make it almost impossible to decide where to go.
With the travel and aviation industry continuing to face struggles in the wake of the Iran war and the jet fuel crisis, it is harder than ever to pick a holiday spot at the time of year when so many Britons are looking forward to one.
But June, unlike some of the later summer months, is the ideal time to explore certain cities and countries that can verge on unpleasantly hot later in the year.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a crowd-free city break, cocktails in the sunshine or even a ski getaway, there’s something for everyone.
As a travel writer, I’m often asked where is especially good at certain times of the year – and for June, whether you’re seeking a luxury long-haul break or a short-haul weekend away, I’ve got you covered…
The Baltic capital city of Riga has often been called ‘the Paris of the North’
Latvia, one of Europe’s least populous countries, is more often associated with cheap stag dos and budget beer than a glamorous summer getaway – but that’s a mistake.
With an art and culture scene to rival many other capitals (it has previously been dubbed the ‘Paris of the North’), it is worth the reasonably priced flights, from £50 each way.
Comfortable temperatures and great attractions – such as the House of the Black Heads, Riga Art Nouveau Centre and the central market – make for a great weekend away.
Average temperature: 16C
On a budget: Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town
In Riga, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to budget-friendly hotels. Right in the heart of the city centre, you’ll find the Hilton Garden Inn Riga Old Town, a modern hotel just a few minutes’ walk from St Peter’s Church, the Daugava River, and Dome Square.
Doubles from £96 a night, hilton.com
Blow the budget: Hotel Neiburgs
This Art Nouveau-style establishment located on a fairytale-style cobbled street in the Old Town, is a family-owned hotel with 55 rooms featuring hardwood floors and artistic decor. And don’t miss the food – Restaurant Neiburgs has featured in the Michelin Guide for three years in a row.
Doubles from £140, neiburgs.com
Tangier, Morocco
The Cape Spartel lighthouse is one of the best places to visit in Tangier
June is one of the best months to visit Morocco, before it gets uncomfortably hot. Forgo tourist-filled cities such as Marrakech and head instead to Tangier, which has an old-school charm that feels classy and intriguing without being snobbish.
The Kasbah Museum and medina will draw you in with their winding pathways, while sites such as the 300-metre high Cape Spartel, where the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea cross, are truly majestic.
Average temperature: 26C
On a budget: Mamora Bay
Morocco is often cited as a budget-friendly destination, and now more than ever you can get great rates. Try Mamora Bay in the medina, allowing you easy access to some of the city’s traditional aspects.
Doubles from £61 a night, mamorabay.ma
Blow the budget: Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier
One of the best hotels in the country, the five-star Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier showcases Moroccan glamour and hospitality at its finest, with a nod to the golden era of the 1920s.
Doubles from £308, fairmont.com
Montenegro
Sveti Stefan Beach is one of the biggest draws of Montenegro at this time of year
Neighbours Croatia and Albania have been on the rise for years – but it seems Montenegro has not yet got the attention it deserves. The small country has everything you could desire from a summer getaway, whether that’s bathing in turquoise waters of Budva’s beaches, strolling along the cobbled streets of the old town or taking a boat trip to nearby island, the Lady of the Rocks.
Average temperature: 26C
On a budget: Boutique Hotel Moonstar
With a rooftop terrace included, this aparthotel accommodation offers sweeping views of the city at only a 15-minute drive from Jaz Beach, one of the best in Budva.
Doubles from £134 a night, booking.com
Blow the budget: One&Only Portonovi
If you’re seeking real luxury in the heart of Montenegro, opt for One&Only Portonovi. Considered one of the best hotels in the world, this 60-acre resort is as chic as it is tranquil, and prides itself on top-of-the-range dining and wellness, too.
Doubles from £1,059, oneandonlyresorts.com
Bilbao, Spain
With world-renowned food, art and the famous Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao should top your list this summer
At this time of year, Brit-favourite Spain is understandably popular – and this might be the exact reason you’d think twice about visiting. But Bilbao, with gourmet food and cultural highlights to explore, is a quieter alternative to the bustling hubs of Madrid, Barcelona and the Costa del Sol.
Average temperature: 22C
On a budget: Hotel Silken Sirimiri
In the heart of the old town, this well-located hotel is a perfect base for exploring everything the city has to offer. Bilbao’s Guggenheim is only a five-minute tram journey, and the Santiago Cathedral and La Ribera market just a short walk.
Doubles from £106, hoteles-silken.com
Blow the budget: The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
If you’re here for the art, why not stay in the centre of it all? The Artist Grand Hotel of Art overlooks the Guggenheim Museum, is only six minutes from the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, and a short tram ride from the Museum of Sacred Art.
Doubles from £200, hoteltheartist.com
Peru
Rainbow Mountain in the Cusco region of Peru is a bucket-list item for many travellers
June really is the best time to explore Peru; the dry season kicks off, and the country’s astonishing natural beauty really comes into its own. You can visit the Amazon, trek up Machu Picchu and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime views at their very best.
Average temperature: 20C
On a budget: Hotel Antigua Miraflores
Head to Lima’s Hotel Antigua Miraflores for an authentic stay in Peru housed in a mansion that embodies the charm of a colonial-era B&B.
Doubles from £100 a night, antiguamiraflores.com
Blow the budget: Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel
If this is going to be a trip of a lifetime and you’re not looking to save cash, try the Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel, Lima, which promises a real taste of the high life – and don’t forget the rooftop pool.
Doubles from £500, belmond.com
New Zealand
Mount Taranaki in New Zealand is a ski resort you can visit with imposing mountain views
Heading to the southern hemisphere at this time of year might sound counterintuitive, but if skiing and winter vibes are more your thing than sunshine and cocktails on the beach, it’s worth the long-haul flight to one of the countries best known for its snow and scenery.
New Zealand’s ski season typically runs from June to September, but is busiest in July and August – so this really is your window.
Average temperature: 10C
On a budget: Nomads Hostel Queenstown
With a fully equipped modern kitchen and ample ski storage, this clean, bright hostel is just a ten-minute walk from the ski slopes, and has an onsite sauna to help you recover from a day out in the powder.
Doubles from £83, nomadsworld.com
Blow the budget: The Rees Hotel, Queenstown
Sat on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this sophisticated, luxurious hotel has a ski bus stop directly outside the hotel, with the award-winning True South Dining Room onsite for refuelling after a long day pounding the pistes.
Doubles from £194, therees.co.nz
Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s pretty waterfront and town make for an excellent city break
A city break where everything can be explored on foot, beer is excellent, breakfasts consist of fresh breads and jam and the whole aim is to live in a cosy, relaxed style? Count us in. Nyhavn harbour should be at the top of the agenda, followed by Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest theme parks.
Average temperature: 20C
On a budget: CityHub Copenhagen
CityHub Copenhagen is based in Vesterbro, the former meatpacking district buzzing with Copenhagen’s best bars, restaurants, galleries and fashion boutiques – and is unrivalled on price.
Doubles from £48, cityhub.com
Blow the budget: Park Lane Copenhagen
At the Park Lane Copenhagen, you’ll be treated with a calm and contemporary refuge from what is sure to be a busy weekend spent exploring all of the city’s delights.
Doubles from £377, parklanecph.com
Utah national parks
Canyonlands National Park is just one of several standout nature reserves to visit
Deep, burnt-orange rock formations will be seared into your mind after even just a day spent exploring the nature parks across the state of Utah. Immense, imposing and picture-perfect, spots from Canyonlands National Park to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and Arches are worth driving to explore – or visiting in style with a luxury stay.
Average temperature: 28C
On a budget: Needles Outpost Campground
Fancy a spot of camping? Needles Outpost Campground in Monticello, Utah is your gateway to the Canyonlands
RV pitches from £30, private tents from £84, needlesoutpost.com
Blow the budget: Amangiri
Blending right into the scenery, few high-end stays will rival Amangiri, with the glamour of an old Bond film with 34 ultra-modern suites in the desert lands.
Doubles from £3,737, aman.com
Toronto, Canada
Canada in June is always appealing, but this year is set to be even more buzzing than usual
As the footie-mad crowd descends upon this Canadian city, visit and explore for yourself as there will be more happening here than you’ll have time for, from concerts and festivals to FIFA World Cup celebrations.
Markets, the CN Tower, skyscrapers and a growing foodie scene should all be on the itinerary. Canada’s breathtaking Dark Sky Reserves are also breathtaking, and many can be explored by car from Toronto, such as the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre in Port Elgin, less than three hours’ drive away.
Average temperature: 23C
On a budget: Pembroke Inn
Simple, well-equipped and well-situated near downtown Toronto, the Pembroke Inn has everything you need for a base from which to explore this fantastic city.
Doubles from £218, kayak.co.uk
Blow the budget: Hotel X Toronto
Downtown waterfront resort Hotel X Toronto is sleek and stylish – ideal for any city dwellers looking for panoramic views and a glassy, New York-style stay.
Doubles from £370, hotelxtoronto.com
South Africa for safari
Head to South Africa to enjoy an unforgettable safari in June, when temperatures are cooler
South Africa in its prime – from December to February – might be exquisite, but it will also come with a price tag to match. Opting for a June trip, when temperatures are cooler, is the perfect time to go if you’re seeking safari instead of sunshine. The Kruger National Park is the place to be.
Average temperature: 16C
On a budget: Kruger Park Lodge
Simple and equipped with everything you might need, the Kruger Park Lodge is a great place to start your foray into the world of safari.
Doubles from £232, legacyhotels.co.za
Blow the budget: Nsala Wilderness Camp
At Nsala Wilderness Camp, you’ll be treated with the very definition of a luxury safari. With rustic yet stylish rooms and an intimate atmosphere, it is a place to make memories.
Doubles from £622, nsala-wilderness-camp.com.
Kenya
Mombasa is a coastal city in Kenya with markets, beaches and bars to relax in
It’s no surprise Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre, where you can get up close and personal with the creatures, is a highlight of many visitors’ journeys to Kenya, with its truly unique opportunity to meet the glorious animals.
But the capital is not all there is to see here. Outside of Nairobi, Mombasa has a very cool, laid-back vibe, while Diani beach has some of the most untouched white sand beaches you’ll ever lay your eyes on. Safari in the Masai Mara is among the best in the world.
Average temperature: 24C
On a budget: Wildebeest Eco Camp
Wildebeest Eco Camp in Nairobi is close to all the major sights and very reasonable.
Tents from £59, wildebeestecocamp.com
Blow the budget: Fairmont Mara Safari Club
Fairmont Mara Safari Club is glamping at its finest – with an African safari twist.
Private tents for two from £2,049, accor.com
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