July is the United State's peak vacation season. Summer is in full swing, and the three-day Independence weekend creates the perfect setting for an extended getaway. Though this timeframe is often the second busiest and second most expensive travel season (behind Christmas), there are still some deals to be had if you wait to take big trips later in the month.
Domestic Destinations
- Cleveland, Ohio
This July will be a big political moment for the U.S. Both major parties are holding their national conventions in late July, but you don't need to be a Republican to enjoy the party that Cleveland is throwing. While it's true that both conventions see their fair share of protests during the week's sessions, these are prescheduled affairs in areas with heavier-than-normal security. Basically, they're easy to spot and avoid. The national spotlight means that the city will be going out of its way to put its best face forward and making great strides to accommodate any and all visitors. Cleveland is also on an energetic uptick from the recent NBA championships, and the downtown core has seen a surge of new investment and revitalization in recent years. On June 30, the newly redesigned Public Square reopened to great fanfare after a lengthy redesign from the team behind NYC's High Line. Now with more than double the residential population from just a decade ago, Downtown Cleveland is bustling with new shops, trendy restaurants, and a plethora of neighborhood bars.
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
While Cleveland hosts the Republicans, Philadelphia plays home to Democrats, as evidenced by the 57 donkeys painted by local artists and placed around the city. Like Cleveland, Philly will also be going out of its way to make sure visitors have a safe and fun time. But the Democratic National Convention isn't the only party happening in the city. As the birthplace of the nation (as well as a temporary capital), Philadelphia throws one of the biggest July 4th celebrations in the country. Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Elfreth's Alley (the oldest residential street in the U.S.) would make for the perfect all-American tour to celebrate the country's birthday. While you're already wandering around Old City, check out some of the best shopping in the state, and taste test the new savvy restaurants in this booming neighborhood.
Adventures Abroad
- London, United Kingdom
You're probably sick of hearing the term by now, but one recent event has made London an attractive travel destination overnight: Brexit. What does that have to do with travel to the UK? After Britain's surprise vote to leave the European Union, the British pound has fallen to its lowest level against the dollar in 30 years. Right now the exchange rate is hovering around £1 = $1.30. Just a year ago, it would take $1.70 to equal a pound. And in 2007, the pound equaled around $2. This incredible drop essentially means that everything in the U.K. is having a 20% off sale compared to last summer. It's basically Christmas in July for Anglophiles. Get ready, Queen Elizabeth. You're going to have some company.
- Isla Holbox, Mexico
All of our locations so far have one thing in common: lots of people. But, sometimes what you want in a summer vacation is a restful break from throngs of people. That's where Isla Holbox comes in. Whereas Cancun, Cozumel, and Isla Mujeres offer Caribbean beaches filled with partiers and cruisers enjoying a port-of-call, Isla Holbox presents a relaxed atmosphere along the Yucatán's Gulf of Mexico coastline. The lack of people also contributes to one of the island's greatest draws: wildlife tourism. Every summer (from around May to October) the waters surrounding Isla Holbox teem with whale sharks who come to feed in the plankton-filled waters. Guided boat tours put you in the middle of the action, and there are even snorkeling opportunities if you want to get even closer. Just becaus the island isn't spring break-central like its southern neighbors doesn't mean it's lacking in accommodations either. There is smothing to fit every budget, from all-inclusive four-start resorts to intimate hostels.
