Debating Where To Go Summer 2024

Well, you have a lot of good choices! I love a lot of those places, but my vote would be Bosnia and Montenegro. Bosnia has scenery galore and interesting history, isn’t yet over-crowded with tourists, and has a lot of outdoor things to do as well. Montenegro has all the same but also has some truly gorgeous beaches and water and easy to access small islands - a great place to kick back and relax. Plus they are relatively inexpensive.

Albania is another great place. Fascinating, beautiful, and varied. I need to get back. It does pair well with northern Greece, which is relaxed but totally different than the island vibe. Thessaloniki might be of interest.

Krakow and Budapest are two of my favorite cities. I might toss Zakopane (or another small Polish city) into a week for Krakow - and end with a week in Budapest.

I would substitute Kyrgyzstan for Uzbekistan, but of course that is my preference. That was one of the most epic trips I've done. For the beach portion, head to Issyk Kul.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/uzbekistan-vs-kyrgyzstan

But based on what you are saying, I think the Balkans would suit. Just my gut feeling based on what you have said. But it will be quite warm.

Just one more thought--if you are a soccer fan, the UEFA championship is taking place in Germany during that time, so that could be an energy you might like. Or it could be something you would want to avoid.

Ireland would work if you are renting a car.

How about Tallinn? They celebrate white nights around June 21.
From Tallinn you can explore the Baltic states with their nice sand beaches, e. g. Pärnu. With English and Russian language you have good chances to travel without any communication problems.

Sweden celebrates Midsummer - very important for them.

Honestly, if you are trying to go to the UEFA match you are probably out of luck as far as tickets and accommodations. It's already May and everything will be expensive.

I'd stay away from Paris and Germany this year unless you like crowds and I think the prices will shock you.

I'd vacation more in Eastern Europe. The Balkans, Slovakia, etc.

Since you mention Spain and Portugal and haven’t been there, I would go there. Plenty to sightsee and plenty of beaches

Portugal you can get your city time of things to do in Lisbon & or Porto, then head south to Lagos, Faro or any of the beach cities. There's a train line that crosses all of Southern Portugal.

Or for two different cultures/experiences, try Southern Portugal and then head to Morocco.

Enjoy & let us know what you decide.

Honestly, if you are trying to go to the UEFA match you are probably out of luck as far as tickets and accommodations. It's already May and everything will be expensive.

I actually checked and found available tickets (good seats) for under $200 (probably because it’s Ukraine vs Romania). And I see hostel availability in Munich.

I’m thinking I could fly Lufthansa from Seattle direct to Munich, spend a day there and see the game then travel to the Balkans. I was thinking Belgrade + Sarajevo + Mostar + Dubrovnik + Kotor.

Another idea was to go to a Greek Island (like Crete or 2 Cyclades islands) and then check out another country. I really want to swim in super blue water

Option 1 would work, but you will lose time to getting from one city to the next with each change. And that’s a lot of changes. Bus options might be a deciding factor in your choice. If you drive, you would need to check out whether or not you can pick up and drop off in different countries - and how much extra that will cost.

You can swim in super blue water in Croatia . . .

MarkK does Norway have anything similar to what you described in Tallinn? Have a friend who will be in Norway then!

Your interests are varied. With 2 weeks, I would pick 2. Then, even if a flight apart is okay. Just look for direct or maybe even discount flights. You mentioned Budapest, but only if the second stop, Greece, maybe, is a nonstop at a reasonable price. Also consider off the beaten path like the coast of Montenegro, unless Greek ruins are your goal. But a city for a week and a 90 min flight to something totally different isn't a bad idea.

Norway celebrates midsummer as well but less than Sweden - there it is the second most important fest after Christmas. So Norwegians come together at Sankthans for bonfires, grill and BBQ but I am not aware of any very special traditions - but Norway is huge and has some local cultures.

Where in Norway is your friend?

In the high North (states Finnmark and Troms, above polar circle) you will have midnight sun which is absolutely marvellous and seldomly at the same time. As hobby photographer I like the "golden" hours with their warm light - normally 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening. Up there you will find 12 hours with golden light.

Do not travel to Lofoten or Vesteralen islands - they are so beautiful at this time that you do not want to leave them anymore. You will also find small beaches everywhere and a lot of inner peace. In Andenes you can do whale watching.

The western fjords of Norway (around Bergen) are beauties with their high fjells and all the waterfalls you can directly drink from.

Maybe you share 1 week in Sweden and 1 in Norway?