Several signs lately seem to indicate that summer 2021 will be the season of travel's big comeback. The European Union has all but officially confirmed the reopening of borders by June. Vaccinations continue to rise, and with them, vaxication planning. Restrictions—on curfews, gatherings, restaurant capacity—are lifting. And while things are still very far from returning to normal, there are several options available for a safe holiday break. For those who are determined to go to Europe this summer, Montenegro and Iceland are among the countries that are currently ready to welcome Americans with unique cultural experiences and breathtaking vistas. Prefer to remain stateside for now? How about salmon fishing in Alaska, or an in-person classical concert (at last!) in the Berkshires? Or California—always a good idea. Below, 8 destinations to consider for a perfect July getaway.
1 Montenegro
This picturesque Balkan country is open to Americans who can prove they are Covid-negative, antibody-positive, or have been fully vaccinated. The luxe One&Only brand of hotels just opened its first European outpost in Montenegro. Perched at the entrance of Boka Bay, with panoramic views of mountains and the shimmering Adriatic Sea, the One&Only Portonovi has private beaches, a Chenot spa, and a Michelin-starred chef, and is the perfect spot from which to explore the area's many charming Medieval towns and hidden gems (think ancient citadels, monasteries tucked inside caves, secluded lagoons and coves).
2 Chebeague Island, Maine
After closing for more than a year due to Covid-19, this Maine island, located in Casco Bay and just a 25-minute ferry ride from Portland, is welcoming visitors again just in time for summer. Holding court from high on a hill is the 21-room Chebeague Island Inn, which has been around since the 1880s. Take your pick from a myriad of summer-perfect activities: tennis, golf, fishing, lawn games, bike rides to the beach, reading and games on the wraparound porch, bonfires, and so many seafood feasts, courtesy of the hotel's award-winning chef Matt Ginn.
3 Beverly Hills, California
As if the Beverly Hills Hotel wasn't already enough of an A-lister's oasis, the property's spa has recently been given a refresh by Alexandra Champalimaud, the same master designer who restored its iconic bungalows last year (#5, once favored by Elizabeth Taylor, is pictured here). Done up in soothing turquoise and gold tones, and inspired by the flora and fauna of California, the new spa is sure to make you forget all of your troubles, if even just for a few hours.
4 Ketchikan, Alaska
Cruise ships won't be back this summer, meaning it's prime time to explore Alaska's famed Inside Passage, a highly trafficked cruise route, while it's still relatively empty. Plus, less manmade pressure on the environment means wildlife watching and fishing are at their peak. Ketchikan, located at then southernmost end of it all, is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World." Stay at the Salmon Falls Resort, a paradise for those who love to fish (those who prefer dry land can still enjoy the spoils). Best of all? Ketchikan is just a 90-minute flight from Seattle.
5 The Berkshires, Massachusetts
For classical music buffs who haven't been able to step foot inside a concert hall since the B.C. (before Covid) era, some good news at last: Tanglewood will be back this summer. The Boston Symphony Orchestra's annual summer festival is socially distanced by design (open-air venue, expansive grounds for picnicking), and its location in the beautiful Berkshires region makes it an all-around perfect July getaway. Add in a little self-care, too, by staying at the Miraval Berkshires, where the robust wellness programming includes equine therapy, meditation, yoga, and beekeeping.
6 Iceland
Make like Succession's Kendall Roy and retreat to middle-of-nowhere Iceland for deep detox and adventure (sans filial pathos, obviously). Deplar Farm, located on a converted sheep farm in the remote Northern Troll Peninsula, is just the kind of place where UHNWIs like the fictional Roys might go to unplug from the world. There are just 13 rooms sprawled out over 28,000 square feet of space and itineraries are tailored to each guest's preferences—think fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, whale watching, kayaking through fjords, and, for the first time in 6,000 years, viewing lava flow from the recent Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption. You could also opt to take full advantage of Deplar Farm's state-of-the-art spa facilities, which have flotation tanks, indoor and outdoor saunas, and a geothermal pool with the most spectacular views of the landscape. Plus, 24 hours of daylight in the summer should be reason alone to put Iceland at the top of the list.
More: A First-Timer’s Guide to Northern Lights inIceland: When, Where, How (Plus Expert Tips)
7 Telluride, Colorado
For those who believe ski destinations are actually much better in the warmer months, head to Telluride. Nestled in a box canyon and surrounded by the peaks of the San Juan Mountains, this former Victorian mining town is a summer adventurer's paradise. Stay at the recently refurbished Madeline Hotel, an Auberge Resort, where the extensive list of activity offerings—helicopter tours, private horseback riding trails through the backcountry, 4x4 off-roading through the mountains, a via ferrata, golfing against the backdrop of the Rockies, trout fishing—will definitely keep you busy.
