Alena's Top Travel Spots for Summer 2025

As a travel advisor, I’m thrilled to share my curated list of top destinations for Summer 2025. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, these spots offer unforgettable experiences. Here are my recommendations, along with the ideal length of stay to make the most of your trip.

1. Santorini, Greece

This iconic island captivates travelers with its whitewashed buildings, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets. Santorini is perfect for honeymooners, families, and solo adventurers alike and it's popularity for summer travelers is not dwindling, so add it to your list!!  Ideal Length of Stay:  3-5 days. Spend your time exploring ancient ruins, indulging in local cuisine, and sailing along the caldera.

2. Kyoto, Japan

Blends of tradition and modernity, Kyoto has it all. Visit serene temples, stroll through bamboo forests, and experience authentic Japanese culture. Ideal Length of Stay: 6-8 days. This allows time to explore the city’s highlights and take a day trip to nearby Nara or Osaka and even Tokyo!

3. Cape Town, South Africa

A vibrant city nestled between mountains and the sea, Cape Town offers diverse activities—from hiking Table Mountain to sipping world-class wines in nearby Stellenbosch. Ideal Length of Stay: 7-10 days. This ensures ample time for city exploration, wildlife safaris, and scenic drives along the Cape Peninsula.

4. Banff, Canada

For outdoor enthusiasts, Banff is a dream come true! With breathtaking mountain landscapes, turquoise lakes, and endless hiking trails, it’s a haven for nature lovers. Ideal Length of Stay: 4-6 days. Focus on the highlights like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Icefields Parkway.

5. Bali, Indonesia

An all time favorite, Bali’s mix of beaches, temples, and lush greenery makes it an ideal summer getaway. It’s equally suited for relaxation and exploration. Ideal Length of Stay: 8-12 days. Take time to explore Ubud’s cultural heart, unwind on the beaches of Seminyak, and discover hidden gems like Nusa Penida.

• 6. Reykjavík and Iceland’s Golden Circle

Let's go chasing adventure, Iceland delivers with its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and geothermal wonders. Summer offers extended daylight hours for exploration.  Ideal Length of Stay: 5-7 days. Drive the Golden Circle, soak in the Blue Lagoon, and embark on a glacier hike.

Summer 2025 offers endless opportunities to explore the world. Each destination here, promises unique experiences and memories. Whether you're planning a quick getaway or an extended adventure, I’d love to help you craft the perfect itinerary. Let’s make your dream vacation a reality!

 

Contiki is a travel company specializing in group travel experiences for young adults aged 18-35. They offer curated itineraries across various destinations worldwide, focusing on adventure, culture, and social connections.

Contiki provides a range of trip styles, including guided tours, city breaks, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Their packages typically include accommodations, transportation, meals, and experienced tour guides, making travel stress-free and immersive.

Known for fostering a vibrant community, Contiki is ideal for solo travelers, groups of friends, or anyone seeking to explore the world with like-minded adventurers.

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I took a fabulous 7 day trip with Contiki this December, on a sparkly new motor coach, traveling through Germany and Austria, starting our adventure in Frankfurt. We focused on the idyllic Christmas markets of this region with our group of 38 travelers. While we did not fit the Contiki demographics of 'young and social' we definitely left with friends for life!

Key takeaways from my travels with Contiki: the accommodations are 3 star on average, which I can manage on a busy itinerary like this, but they were dreadfully far from the action / center of town. While we often had included transportation into town in the evenings, it was on our own to return back to our lodging if we wished to stay out later than the motor coach. This felt like a large over sight and certainly something Contiki can improve upon.  Targeting younger, socially driven travelers means providing centrally located lodging, in my mind.  Our tour manager was fabulous, she was young, spunky and a true wealth of knowledge. She kept us entertained on our long rides and was always willing to share a personal recommendation or some historical knowledge. She was truly the highlight of our travels and curated much of the unforgettable aspects of this trip.

While this type of travel may not be for everyone, it was certainly a breath of fresh air for me. I found it to be extremely comforting to travel with likeminded socialites like myself. Always willing to go off the beaten path and socialize with the locals and find hidden gems! I left this trip feeling like I had just had the best 7 days at a Summer camp with my besties. Not often do we get to say things like that in this day in age.

If you're thinking a guided tour may be on your horizon, don't over look Contiki. Tailored for travelers aged 18-35, their tours combine bucket list destinations, expert guides, and a vibrant travel community. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, your trip manager takes care of the details so you can focus on making memories.

Contiki offers hassle-free adventures packed with culture, fun, and new connections. Let’s make your next journey the trip of a lifetime with Contiki. 

 

Ready to book or learn more?

https://vincentvacations.com/agents/alenawarfield/travelform

7 Days in Greece - One Suitcase

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We traveled at the end of September and temperatures were ideal, which made packing, relatively easy! Below you will find my quick list of MUST HAVES for your Greek adventure!

• sundresses of varying lengths


• plenty of sunglasses


• at least 3 pairs of comfy - cobblestone friendly sandals


• light jacket or cardigan and a jean jacket for the evenings


• athletic dress / combination for Athens sightseeing and inter- island travel days


• comfortable tennis shoes


• compression socks for travel days


• moisturizing hair products ( the islands are dry! )


• converters ( and or European hair tools )


• small crossbody bags (2)


• two swimsuits


• beach cover - ups ( functional & stylish as the beach clubs are often a walk )

 

I hope this list was helpful for you as you work to pack for your Greek getaway, as always, reach out for all your vacation planning needs: https://vincentvacations.com/agents/alenawarfield/travelform