While Southern Europe remains a cornerstone of July travel, many travellers are broadening their horizons this year. Travel experts have shared their top picks for July 2026, ranging from Canada's vast wilderness to Italy's rustic Puglia region.
Canada's Natural Wonders
July 1 marks Canada Day, with celebrations including a lights and fireworks show at Niagara Falls as part of the Niagara Parks Two Nation Celebration. Ottawa's LeBreton Flats Park hosts a free all-day event featuring Canadian musicians and activities. From July 3-12, the Calgary Stampede in Alberta showcases Western heritage with the world's largest rodeo.
For nature enthusiasts, Canada's Rockies offer dramatic beauty with long sunny days for hiking, turquoise lakes, and wildlife spotting for bears and elk. Banff National Park, home to Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park provide accessible trails with breathtaking views. Less crowded options include Yoho National Park for rugged glacier trails and Kootenay National Park for grasslands and rivers in British Columbia. The Yukon's Ivvavik National Park offers arctic hiking in remote wilderness, off-the-grid wildlife viewing, and insights into Inuit culture.
Slovenia's Green Escape
When Western European beaches become crowded, Slovenia offers a refreshing alternative. Sam Bruce, co-founder of Much Better Adventures, notes that nearly 60 per cent of the country is forested, making it extremely green. The Soča Valley features a turquoise river running through the Julian Alps, as beautiful as the French or Austrian Alps but far less crowded.
Lake Bled remains a must-see highlight, though busier in July. Lake Bohinj is Slovenia's largest natural lake, while Bovec serves as an ideal base in Triglav National Park for water activities in summer sunshine.
Montenegro's Undiscovered Beauty
Montenegro offers serious scenery and adventure, still relatively undiscovered even by seasoned travellers. This Southeastern European country combines Adriatic beaches, hiker-friendly mountains, bright blue lakes, and traditional old towns.
Bruce recommends packrafting down the Tara River, Europe's deepest canyon. Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site without heavy traffic, features immense dramatic landscapes and fantastic mountain climbs.
Norway's Midnight Sun
For cooler July temperatures, Scandinavia beckons. Norway in midsummer offers endless light, long days, epic fjords, and natural wild camping. Fjord kayaking trips are particularly popular, with many visitors planning return trips immediately.
Tim Hentschel, CEO of HotelPlanner.com, highlights Norway's fjord regions for long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures, ideal for nature and outdoor activities.
Jersey: Passport-Free Haven
To avoid potential delays with Europe's new EES system for Schengen travel, Jersey offers passport-free travel with flights under an hour from the UK. New easyJet flights from London Southend Airport enhance connectivity, making it a great option for beautiful beaches without long flights.
Puglia, Italy: The New Tuscany
Italy's heel, Puglia, may be hot in July but offers good value compared to well-known hotspots. Known as 'the new Tuscany', it retains rustic charm, rural feel, and 'cucina povera' cuisine. Hentschel describes it as a laid-back alternative with whitewashed towns, Adriatic coastline, and exceptional local cuisine, delivering an authentic summer experience without the intensity of Rome or Florence.
