Seven Unique Summer Vacation Ideas
Welcome to Best Summer Ever , your guide to making the most of the sunny season. Whether you’re dreaming of the perfect summer of going on epic adventures or doing as little as possible (preferably somewhere with good air conditioning), we’ve got you covered, because the best summers don’t just happen. You must do this.
Summer is here and now is the time to start thinking about your vacation plans. A trip to the beach is always a win-win, as are the usual resorts, amusement parks and family events, but what if you branch out and try something new? Here are seven unique vacation ideas to spice up your vacation this summer.
Visit a ski resort
Ski resorts are no longer just for winter skiing. Many ski resorts are open almost year-round and offer a wide range of warm-weather activities, from hiking and biking trails to gondola rides and zip lines. In addition, mountain towns host festivals and events during the summer, such as the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado, the Summer Food and Wine Festival in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and an outdoor concert series held right at slopes
Rent a houseboat on Airbnb
Instead of settling for a lake house, book a stay on the water—literally. Airbnb offers a whole category of houseboat rentals , so you can choose from places like Key West, Texas’ Eagle Mountain Lake, or a cabin right on the Mississippi. Please note that houseboats are usually permanently moored, so you may not be able to take your houseboat out for a pleasure cruise. However, many offer amenities such as stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to enjoy the surrounding water.
Take Route 66
Route 66 is a classic American road, one of the first numbered highways, built in 1926 and later immortalized in pop culture. The route connected Chicago to Los Angeles via Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Although much of the original road has been taken out of service, some sections remain and you can still follow the route on bypass roads. Use the Route 66 Trip Planner to map out classic motels, ghost towns, and unique roadside attractions like Cadillac Ranch and Midpoint Cafe.
Visit an animal shelter (and volunteer if you can)
If you love animals, consider visiting and helping at a shelter that rescues and rehabilitates animals , from cats and dogs to horses, pigs and turkeys. Some shelters, like Best Friends Animal Shelter in Kanab, Utah, offer volunteer opportunities and overnight stays on site.
Hike to an overnight stay in a yurt or hut
Hiking from hut to hut is a classic high-altitude activity in Europe, where you can trek through breathtaking scenery during the day and relax in cozy huts with a hearty meal (and your luggage waiting) at night. There’s also a growing chain of cabins in the US that offer everything from basic basic lodging to full-service restaurants and luxury accommodations. In some areas, you can also link multiple huts together for a multi-day adventure.
Book an overnight stay at the museum
If you have children, consider planning a trip to the museum for an actual night. A number of museums around the world offer overnight stays , which allow visitors to explore the museum after hours, take part in special educational events, and camp in the galleries.
Play tourist in your city
A relaxing getaway is one option for a budget-friendly, no-travel getaway, but if you’re staying at home, consider seeing your city through the eyes of a visitor. Visit popular tourist spots that you usually avoid, learn the history of your city, talk to a stranger in a cafe, spend the night in a hotel, wander the streets – you get the idea. You will be able to see your home with fresh eyes.