Where To Travel In The Summer Of 2023 (2024)

Summer Travel Bucket List

I put out a call to Live And Invest Overseas editors, contributors, and correspondents near and far…

Where should our readers think about traveling this summer?

Here are their top seven recommendations.

This is our LIOS Bucket List For Travel In The Summer Of 2023…

#1: Turks And Caicos

With powder-sand beaches, cerulean waters, and a vibrant coral reef offering spectacular diving opportunities, it’s surprising that Turks and Caicos remains under the radar of most international travelers.

The string of sandy cays that makes up this British Overseas Territory floats quietly in the Atlantic Ocean just southeast of Florida. But, if you’re seeking total relaxation on nearly deserted white-sand beaches, the Turks and Caicos are your ticket… and they’re just a quick flight away from Miami.

The beaches alone justify a trip to Turks and Caicos (TCI). As a result, they’re postcard-worthy: picture white sands lapped by electric-blue waters and nothing to interrupt your view.

TCI is a dream destination for divers, sport fishermen, and lovers of watersports of all descriptions. Just minutes offshore you can reel in blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo… or maybe you’d rather spend your days paddleboarding or wind-, kite-, or parasailing…

Of the territory’s 40 islands, only 8 are inhabited. Island-hopping in a small boat or yacht is an exciting way to discover some of the lesser-known islands. Certainly, with the right permits, you could even sail between TCI and nearby countries, including the Bahamas and Cuba.

TCI is a place to pamper yourself in acclaimed spas and wellness centers… and to indulge in glitzy nights out in the casinos and five-star restaurants. This is a bona-fide luxury destination and you must include it in your Summer Bucket List. In fact, it was named Luxury Destination of the Year at the 2021 Caribbean Travel Awards.

#2: Azores And Madeira, Portugal

#3: Kotor, Montenegro

#4: Ceará, Brazil

Long famous for its miles of golden-sand beaches, it’s hard to imagine going to Brazil and not visiting such iconic destinations as Ipanema and Copacabana. But in the northeastern state of Ceará, the beaches are just as stunning… but without the crazy crowds and prices of Rio.

Brazil has almost 5,000 miles of coastline… but we rate the Ceará’s 370-mile stretch as the best in the country.

The beaches—glorious stretches of virgin sand, swaying palm trees, and otherworldly sand dunes—are precisely what make Ceará one of Brazil’s top domestic tourism destinations.

Also, the beaches range from city beaches with first-rate amenities to isolated outposts where you’re the only person for miles. There are peaceful bays with gentle waters and exposed strips great for ripping around while kite- or windsurfing.

The beating heart of Ceará’s cultural activity is the city of Fortaleza, one of Brazil’s biggest. Despite being home to almost 3 million people, Fortaleza remains a quintessential Brazilian beach town.

Fishermen offer their daily catches from wooden tables set up along the boardwalk as they have been for decades. Men shimmy up trees on the city beaches to bring down fresh coconuts to sell for their water. Therefore, all over the beaches, you see ever-active Brazilians playing volleyball and soccer and practicing yoga.

Ceará is developed for the domestic tourism market, meaning prices are low. Enhancing this, the U.S. dollar is notably strong against the Brazilian real. In other words, everything from eating out to staying at a hotel or buying a beach home of your own comes at a significant discount.

#5: Malta

Malta is a string of small islands in the southern Mediterranean. One of the tiniest countries in Europe, it also has the tiniest capital. Valletta covers less than a half square mile… but what Superbissima (Latin for “Most Proud”) lacks in size, it makes up for in style.

Valletta is a testament to Malta’s rich history: It boasts historical treasures on the corner of every winding cobblestoned street. But this is also a modern European capital with great shopping by day and entertainment at night.

In 2018, Valletta was selected the European Capital of Culture, affording it a facelift and restoring many of its beautiful old buildings. Beyond the city, the gnarled, limestone islands of Malta, Comino, and Gozo conceal an impressive array of caves, scenic sunsets, and some of the most stunning harbors on the planet. Its rugged coastline boasts secluded bays, dramatic cliffs, and tiny coves dotted with ancient forts and quaint fishing harbors.

From the fabled shipwreck of Saint Paul to the legendary naval battles waged in its waters in World War II, Malta claims boatloads of nautical history. Today, though, the Ottoman galleys and British destroyers that once skirted the islands have been replaced by the peaceful, white triangle sails of pleasure crafts scooting by.

These waters are one of Europe’s best sailing locales. With a near-perfect climate and a long sailing season, Malta works well as a sailing location both for experienced “salties” as well as those just starting out… not to mention all the other watersports to avail of here.

Because Malta ticks so many boxes—with its low crime rate, fantastic climate, and friendly locals—it is a country with broad appeal… quintessential Mediterranean Europe. And, notably, it’s the only place you can experience the famed Mediterranean way of life among locals who speak English. This makes Malta a high level entry for our Summer Travel Bucket List.

#6: Salta, Argentina

The trend, when it comes to tourism in Argentina, is to hit the hiking trails of Bariloche and southern Patagonia after spending some time in the country’s cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires.

But there’s another area of this country that deserves your attention this summer. Salta, a province in northwestern Argentina bordering Bolivia, Paraguay, and Chile, stands out for its incredible desert landscapes and Andean and Quechuan cultural traditions. This is a rugged region whose capital city, known as “Salta La Linda” (Salta The Pretty), is a cultural hub with a unique historic flair.

Meanwhile, any exploration of Salta Province should start in the city of Salta, the most Spanish-looking city in Argentina, with a well-preserved historic center of colonial buildings, squares, churches, and parks.

Attending a peña—a folk music concert—is a traditional experience you won’t forget. These involve live music—Spanish guitars, drums, and violins—as well as dancing, and spectators are encouraged to clap and stomp along. More than just tourist entertainment, peñas are an important part of the local culture, reflecting the region’s mixed Spanish and indigenous heritage.

Salta also offers delicious regional cuisine, a laid-back nightlife scene, theatre, markets, exhibitions, festivals, and more. Museums commemorating local history, art, and archaeology provide context for explorations further afield.

The start of summer in the United States corresponds with the start of winter in Argentina. While cold temperatures can be expected in the more-touristed southern parts of the country, Salta Province has pleasant weather year-round.

From June to September, you can expect clear skies and temperatures of about 55°F daily, meaning you can take full advantage of all the outdoor attractions this part of the world offers.

If you’re here at the start of August, you’ll be in town for Pachamama celebrations, based in Andean mythological belief and celebrating Mother Earth.

#7: Caño Cristales, Colombia

The breathtaking colors of the river can only be seen at specific times of the year, when the algae that create the hues are in bloom. You’ll want to time your visit carefully and book with an experienced tour agency.

Kathleen Peddicord
Founding Publisher, Overseas Opportunity Letter