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10 places to go in July

Wondering where's best to go in July? We’ve highlighted ten top destinations, plus once-in-a-lifetime and unusual trips to book.

Updated: 5 June 2026
Updated by: Aleesha Sharma, Copywriter at Explore Worldwide

July is ideal for long daylight in the north, peak safari viewing in southern Africa, and high-energy family adventures.

With so many destinations to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to begin. We've created this handy guide to help you decide where to visit, taking into consideration the weather, wildlife, activities, and unique highlights.

Read on to find information on:

 

At a glance

 

1. Canada

Ideal for: wildlife
Top trip to book in July: Canadian Rockies & Pacific Coast

 

July is one of the best months to visit Canada as the weather is usually warm, dry, and pleasant. It's the ideal month to explore, with no shortage of wildlife to see, including the elusive black bear of Canada’s Rocky Mountain parks. A trip to Canada wouldn't be complete without a visit to the oldest national park, Banff, known for its iconic landscapes and picturesque trails.

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Two bears wade through a shallow river, surrounded by rocks and lush greenery, partially hidden by trees and bushes. The river flows gently beneath the clear, sunny sky.

2. Costa Rica

Ideal for: wildlife
Top trips to book in July: Costa Rica Wildlife Tour, Highlights of Costa Rica

 

Although the rainy season runs from May to October, this 'green season' is an ideal time to visit. Lush green landscapes are brought to life, opportunities to spot wildlife increase, and fewer tourists are around. A small group tour ensures your itinerary is packed with the highlights of Costa Rica: rainforests teeming with life, a boat trip along jungle waterways, and nature walks in the cloud forest.

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3. South Africa

Ideal for: wildlife
Top trips to book in July: Wildlife Safari in South Africa & Swaziland, South Africa Highlights

 

Between April and October, it's generally warm and sunny in South Africa. July is one of the best times of the year for a safari to spot the Big Five, which is the main highlight for many travellers. Booking a tour can be a convenient option for wildlife lovers. You could combine a visit to the game reserves of South Africa and Swaziland to witness historic battlefields, the largest rhino population in Africa, and wildlife in the vast Kruger National Park.

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Three elephants stand near a calm riverbank, reflecting in the water. They are surrounded by lush green vegetation under a sky with scattered clouds.

4. Botswana

Ideal for: wildlife
Top trips to book in July: Botswana Wildlife Safari, Zimbabwe & Botswana Wildlife Safari

 

July is optimal for wildlife-watching in Africa – as it's the dry season, animals are forced to congregate around water holes and sparse vegetation also makes them easier to spot. Small group tours at Explore offer unique accommodation, including a houseboat, a lodge, and camping amongst the wildlife within national parks and game reserves. All campsites are booked two years in advance to guarantee the best positions.

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A leopard rests on a large tree branch, surrounded by autumnal foliage. Sunlight filters through, highlighting the leopard's patterned fur and creating dappled shadows on the wood.

5. Turkey

Ideal for: families
Top trip to book in July: Family Turkey Coastal Adventure

 

Looking for an active family break to keep the kids occupied this summer? Turkey is the ideal destination for parents and children alike, with its sunshine, blue sea, and ancient history. Our Turkey family trip has three departures in July. On this small group tour, you’ll kayak over sunken ruins, walk in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, and swim every day – bliss.

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6. Sri Lanka

Ideal for: families
Top trips to book in July: Family Sri Lanka & Maldives Adventure, Family Highlights of Sri Lanka

 

If you'd like to take the family further afield for the ultimate adventure during the summer holidays, a trip to Sri Lanka is well worth considering. Start the trip with a busy ten days in Sri Lanka, where you’ll visit an elephant sanctuary, spot wild elephants on a jeep safari, and climb Sigiriya's sky fortress at sunrise. Fly on to the Maldives and enjoy a luxurious and relaxing few days cruising the beautiful atolls on a traditional Dhoni.

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7. Vietnam

Ideal for: families
Top trips to book in July: Family Discover Vietnam, Family Vietnam In Depth

 

Vietnam is another top choice for families looking to travel outside of Europe during the summer. As a family-friendly destination, we have several tour options for departures in July. Get to know the heart of Vietnam on our family discovery trip, setting off from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Marvel at the many sights of Hanoi, including the One-Pillar Pagoda, and try your hand at creating some authentic Vietnamese dishes.

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8. France

Ideal for: walking & trekking
Top trip to book in July: Highlights of Mont Blanc

 

If you're considering taking on a new challenge this summer, a hiking holiday in France could be the perfect option for July. Walking and trekking tours are a fun way of exploring a destination, with the added benefit of boosting your physical and mental health. Our Mont Blanc tour rewards your efforts with incredible mountain views and good use of the extensive cable car system. 

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9. Georgia

Ideal for: walking & trekking
Top trip to book in July: Hiking in the Caucasus

 

For an alternative destination for a hiking holiday in July, consider Georgia. This country sits at the intersection between Europe and Asia, making it a fascinating place to explore. Our Georgia hiking holiday takes you into the mountains, where the temperature is comfortable for walking in July. The mountains are beautiful at this time as they are sprinkled with flowers. After your hike each day, unwind with delicious local food and wine.

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10. Italy

Ideal for: walking & trekking
Top trip to book in July: Hiking in the Dolomites

 

Grab your walking boots for a hike to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomites. In July, Italy becomes a sun-soaked paradise offering a captivating blend of culture, history, and beautiful landscapes. Active adventurers and sun-worshippers will appreciate our hiking tour to the Dolomites mountain range. Navigate your way through fragrant pine forests, across lush green alpine meadows, and amongst towering limestone cliffs.

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Once-in-a-lifetime trips to book in July

  • Simply Japan: Make your way from vibrant Tokyo to historic Kyoto. Along the route, meet snow monkeys, stay overnight in a Buddhist temple, and take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the famous torii gate.
  • India's Golden Triangle: Visit the highlights of northern India all in one convenient trip. Kick-start your tour in Delhi, before witnessing the very best of Jaipur and Agra.
  • Family Amalfi Coast Adventure: Breathtaking scenery and adrenaline-fuelled activities make this coastal Italian adventure an unforgettable trip for the entire family.
  • Trekking in Spain - Picos de Europa: Packed with stunning mountain views, this trek in northwest Spain takes you along cliff-cut pathways, through medieval towns, and across alpine meadows.
  • Family Costa Rica Rainforest & Wildlife Adventure: Get ready for jungle exploration, as this ‘mini Amazon’ is home to an abundance of birds and fish. The beady-eyed amongst you will spot heron, stork, and kingfisher along the way.
  • Classic Peru: You’ll never forget the moment you see an Andean Condor for the first time. Soaring high above the vast river gorge of the deep Colca Canyon, this New World vulture is the largest flying land bird in the world with a maximum wingspan of 3.3 metres!

Unusual adventures to book in July

  • Exotic Java & Bali: The beating heart of Bali’s bohemian culture, this city boasts a plethora of handicraft workshops with skilled artisans. You’ll find yourself immersed in a world of theatre and art, recounting the stories of Balinese tradition and culture.
  • South Africa's Garden Route: Travel via cities, beaches, deserts, and forests on South Africa's most famous road trip. Get a view of Table Mountain from vibrant Cape Town, taste world-renowned wines in the Stellenbosch region, and spot herds of elephants (as well as penguin colonies).
  • Contrasts of Colombia: Get set for a feast of the senses as you immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Paloquemao farmer’s market in Colombia’s capital city, Bogota. You’ll be dazzled by unfamiliar fruits such as lulo, guanabana, and granadilla.
  • Family South Africa Safari & Beach Adventure: Escape to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in the remote tranquillity of our rustic Swaziland camp. Play games amongst the warthogs and enjoy a traditional braai around the campfire, before retiring to your traditional BeeHive Hut for a night in the wild African bush.
  • Hiking the Albanian Alps: Trek in the little-visited Albanian Alps, through the spectacular scenic Valbona and Theth National Parks, before winding up in the cosmopolitan capital, Tirana. Along the way, encounter a traditional way of life, staying in remote villages and learning about the country's folklore.
  • Cycling the Baltic States: Pedal through the Baltic States on this tour of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. On your way, take in the highlights of the enchanting capital cities Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn.


How to choose your July trip

First, think about the main reason for your trip. For example:


Based on this, browse the options below to find your perfect trip.

 

Activity tours


The best options for July: hiking in Mont Blanc/the Caucasus/the Dolomites/the Albanian Alps, trekking in Picos de Europa, cycling the Baltic States.
 

Family summer adventures

 

The best options for July: Turkey, Sri Lanka & Maldives, Sri Lanka highlights, Vietnam discovery, Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand, Amalfi Coast, Costa Rica, South Africa.
 

Wildlife trips

 

The best options for July: Canadian Rockies, Costa Rica wildlife tour, Costa Rica highlights, South Africa & Swaziland, South Africa highlights, Botswana safari, Zimbabwe & Botswana.
 

Culture & discovery

 

The best options for July: Japan, India, Peru, Java & Bali, South Africa, Colombia.

Frequently asked questions about travelling in July

Where is best to go in July for wildlife?

Our top recommendations to see wildlife in July include South Africa, Canada, Costa Rica, and the Galapagos. You could go black bear watching in Canada, try to spot the Big Five in Eswatini, or visit one of the largest orangutan rehabilitation centres in the world in Borneo.

Browse all wildlife tours with departures in July.

Where to go in July with kids?
What are the best places to visit in July for walking and cycling?

 

Plan your July trip now

Whether you're planning ahead or finalising your summer travel plans, July offers plenty of opportunities for adventure.

Beyond the destinations and trips mentioned in this article, we have an extensive range of tours available with departures in July.

Discover all July departures

Other ideas for this time of year

10 places to go in June
Discover our recommended places to go in June.

10 places to go in August
Here's our pick of the best places to visit in August, complete with top trip recommendations including family summer holiday tours.

Where to go? Our recommendations by month
Looking for a trip for a specific time but need some inspiration on where to go? Check out our recommendations for the best place to go by month.
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