3 best summer bucket list trips
Choose a destination and hotel that will create lasting memories of one of the best summers of your life.
By Paul Oswell | March 20, 2025
Paul Oswell
Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guidebooks/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California, and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.
If you want to plan a summer trip for the ages, look no further than these bucket list destinations. These three cities all have different energies that appeal to a variety of travel styles, and with our expert suggestions, a vacation to remember is guaranteed. Here’s our breakdown of places to consider for an epic summer trip.
Barcelona, Spain
The Catalan capital reaches peak vibrancy in the summer months. The city’s colors, culture, and culinary scene are framed by the striking architectural creations of Antoni Gaudí. Bask in the whimsy of Park Güell or the ethereal grandeur of Sagrada Familia, an awe-inspiring, albeit famously unfinished, basilica. Continue immersing yourself in the city’s evocative architecture at the adults-only Wittmore Hotel, an SLH Hotel, set in the historic Gothic Quarter. Barcelona’s creativity oozes into the hotel, where art is found around every corner, all rooms overlook a vertical garden, and public spaces like the Living Room are filled with conversation-starting books. Flit between multiple bars in the area, sampling tapas as you go, before landing at the hotel’s Contraban restaurant, where you have to experience the innovative menu to understand it.
New York
New York’s famous, never-sleeping dynamism is in full flow during the warm summer months. Whether you’re in town for Central Park's summer concerts, kid-friendly attractions like the American Museum of Natural History, or the Big Apple’s lively nightlife, you’ll love the city rhythms of a New York summer. The ideal urban base camp is Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square, a hotel that’s perfectly placed for walking to Broadway shows, world-class museums, and art galleries. You’re also ideally located for exploring the city’s culinary scene, whether you love Michelin-starred restaurants or lesser-known spots that locals love. Back at the hotel, the eleventh-floor cocktail bar, Highball, has irresistible craft drinks, including an impressive mocktail menu, and delightful small plates to enjoy as you look out over the buzzing cityscape of Times Square.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Summer in Reykjavik is a magical wonderland of midnight sun, dramatic landscapes, and outdoor adventures. Families will love the exciting whale-watching tours, solo travelers can join expeditions for full-day hikes over volcanic landscapes, and couples can find true relaxation in the thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre is an unbeatable launching pad for exploring this otherworldly landscape, located right in the center of downtown Reykjavik. If you’re an adventurer, consider a guided tour of the geysers, waterfalls, and geothermal areas of the unforgettable Golden Circle trail. Between all the excitement, unwind with a creative meal at Geiri Smart, one of Reykjavik’s top restaurants. Located at the hotel, this eatery’s menu is constantly changing to reflect whatever produce and seafood is freshly available.
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