The best places to visit in July 2024

Looking to break away from the routine and embark on an exciting summer adventure? July offers a prime opportunity to explore a diverse range of destinations, each with its own unique allure and activities. Whether you're dreaming of lounging on sun-kissed Mediterranean beaches, spotting wildlife in the lush tropics, or marveling at the Arctic's pristine landscapes, this month has something extraordinary in store for every traveler.

As temperatures climb in the northern hemisphere, so do the chances for unforgettable experiences. Picture yourself immersing in vibrant summer festivals, hiking through serene national parks, or wandering cobblestone streets in historic towns—all while enjoying warm weather, minimal rain, and endless possibilities.

1|Montreal, Canada

July is a popular time to visit Montreal.

Tourists come for summer events and free attractions. The month starts with the International Fireworks Competition and Canada Day celebrations. Events like Carifiesta, ComicCon, and the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival happen throughout July.

Montreal’s Canada Day celebrations mark the beginning of summer fun. Highlights include the Sainte Catherine StrCirque du Soleileet Fair, the largest in Canada, and Just for Laughs, the world’s biggest comedy festival. The Cirque Festival also offers lots of street entertainment, featuring performers from and the National Circus School. If festivals aren’t your thing, July is still a great time to explore the city and enjoy delicious food at Time Out Market Montreal.

Discover the best things to do in Montreal.

• Canada's largest food truck festival

Les Premiers Vendredis, a major Montreal event with over 40 food trucks, is one of Canada's biggest gatherings of its kind.

Why go:

Held from Friday to Sunday at the beginning of each month, Les Premiers Vendredis is a highlight of the summer, offering a three-day celebration of food and culture. This year, it spans across the Olympic Park Esplanade and Quai de l'Horloge in Montreal's Old Port, showcasing a variety of delicious new vendors.

• Experience the world's largest inflatable theme park!

This touring inflatable park, covering 25,000 square feet, has announced its Canadian tour dates, and Montreal is included in 2024.

Reasons to go:

Picture a massive bouncy playground spanning 16,000 square feet, towering 32 feet high. It features basketball hoops, climbing towers, a giant slide, a ball pit, cozy seating areas, and even a 20-foot tall climbable rabbit. Plus, there's an exciting obstacle course stretching over 300 meters with 50 different challenges.

Don't miss the Sport Slam inflatable, a sports arena packed with goals, nets, hoops, various balls, special climbing areas, and an epic battle zone!

• Discover the city's latest rooftop gem with a hidden garden!

Terrasse Alizé, nestled atop one of the city's top hotels, is a secret oasis in the city center (and our new go-to spot for happy hour).

Why be there:

This rooftop terrace, heated and covered for all weather conditions, serves impressive cocktails and features a menu crafted by renowned Chef Jean-Sébastien Giguère.

Don't forget to try the beef tacos with pico de gallo and salsa verde made from ingredients grown in the restaurant's garden.

2|Cape Town, South Africa

Planning a Cape Town trip to see whales?

July kicks off whale season here, so it's best to plan early.Southern right and humpback whales are most likely seen at this time. While the city experiences peak winter with mild temperatures, the best whale watching months are from July to September when migratory southern right whales visit. Don't miss visiting the new Time Out Market Cape Town.

Hermanus, a nearby seaside town known for the world's best land-based whale watching, is a popular destination. Despite July being winter, Cape Town remains a top tourist spot with attractions like Robben Island, the Artscape Theatre, and Zeitz MOCCA offering rich cultural experiences.

Discover the best things to do in Cape Town.

• Take The Cable Car Up To Table Mountain

The modern rotating cable car swiftly transports visitors from the lower station to the top in approximately 5 minutes. Operating daily, trips depart every 10 to 15 minutes.

Worth attending:

This is a highly recommended activity because the cable car ascends the mountain's side, offering spectacular panoramic views from the top. It's an ideal location to witness stunning sunsets over the city and the surrounding landscapes, making it a memorable experience for visitors to Cape Town.

• Go On Safari

Overland journey to observe wild animals for wildlife viewing and big-game hunting.

It's worthwhile to participate:

It is one of the few places in the world where you are able to see every member of the African Big 5 (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard) in one place in their natural habitat. South Africa's pristine Big 5 safari status is largely owed to its outstanding conservation areas and national parks.

• Visit The Cape Winelands

TheCape Winelands District, a must-do when visiting Cape Town. Rent a car for a few days and spend two to three nights in Franschhoek, a charming town just over an hour from Cape Town.

Why you should visit:

Stay at La Cotte Farm in the Winelands and experience wine tasting aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram. South Africa offers excellent and affordable MCC, similar to champagne, distinguished by where the grapes are grown.

3| Hoi An, Vietnam

July is the best time to visit Hoi An because the central coast of Vietnam enjoys dry and warm weather, while the rest of the country experiences monsoon rains. This makes it perfect for enjoying the region's beautiful beaches, UNESCO-listed cities, and national parks.

Additionally, the Lantern Festival on July 19th transforms Hoi An into a magical spectacle, with lantern-lit streets showcasing Chinese temples and ancient teahouses. The combination of favorable weather, cultural festivities, and stunning landscapes makes July an ideal time to experience all that Hoi An and its surroundings have to offer.

Discover the best things to do in Hoi An.

• Visit Hoi An Ancient Town

A beautifully preserved town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring stunning architecture.

What makes it worthwhile to go:

Hoi An's Ancient Town is a maze of cobblestone streets filled with wooden houses and old temples. Each building is special, and together they create a memorable experience. Walk around to see the mix of Chinese, Japanese, and French architecture.

Start with a photo at the Japanese Bridge, then pass by French colonial shops and walk along the canals. Visit the Tan Ky family home, Chùa Ông pagoda, and the Chinese Assembly Hall.

• Hoi An Night Market

A vibrant lantern market in Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO Heritage Site, famous for its shopping and food. The market’s colorful lanterns and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit spot for tourists.

Why visit:

Hoi An’s night market is a favorite for photographers and food lovers. Stroll under the paper lanterns, find souvenirs, and enjoy street food like chicken, prawn, pork, or veggie skewers with spicy peanut sauce. Afterward, take a romantic boat ride at the Bridge of Lights.

• Fujian Assembly Hall

The Fujian Assembly Hall is a beautifully ornate Chinese hall and shrine, rich in history and culture. It showcases the elaborate architecture of Hoi An’s Old Town and holds spiritual significance for the locals.

Worth to go:

Built in 1690, this traditional temple, also known as Fukien Assembly Hall, has served various purposes, from a social hub to a temple for Thien Hau, the sea goddess. Today, it’s popular for those seeking prosperity or fertility. Visitors can admire the ornate gate, colorful courtyard, and decorative dragon statues. It’s one of Hoi An’s top attractions, capturing the charm and cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4|Singapore

Singapore is a food lover's paradise year-round, but July is the best time to visit. The Singapore Food Festival takes place, celebrating the island's multicultural cuisine with cooking classes, fine dining, and street food events. To escape the heat, enjoy shopping at Orchard Road's air-conditioned malls during the Great Singapore Sale, which offers fantastic deals all month.

July to September sees fewer tourists, and the city's luxurious hotels and restaurants are eager to host visitors. You'll experience the diverse cultures of Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities and enjoy events like the Singapore Food Festival, Singapore Heritage Fest, and the Great Singapore Sale.

Discover the best things to do in Singapore.

• Stop and smell the roses at Singapore Botanic Gardens

A stunning 165-year-old tropical garden designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Worth going:

This expansive garden offers plenty to explore. Watch elegant black swans glide on the swan lake, discover fossilized trees in the Evolution Garden Walk, or let children play at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. On weekends, enjoy outdoor concerts at Symphony Lake. The garden features art and natural history galleries, as well as cafes and restaurants for relaxing meals.

Don’t miss the National Orchid Garden, boasting the world’s largest orchid collection with over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, including Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim.

• Surf, snow and skate at Trifecta

Singapore’s first surf-snow-skate facility in Somerset, operated by The Ride Side.

Why you should visit:

Trifecta in Singapore lets you surf, snowboard, or ski with advanced technology like wave pools and virtual reality snow arenas. Whether you're new to these sports or experienced, you can take lessons or get a season pass for unlimited practice. Trifecta also has a free skate bowl for skateboarders and surfskaters to enjoy.

Don’t miss Trifecta’s diverse events, including art exhibitions, live music sessions, and DJ nights. Visit Butter, a café and bar collaboration with Two Men Bagel House, for a complete experience.

• Visit Sentosa Sensoryscape

A 350-meter-long pathway in Sentosa adorned with sensory gardens and captivating night experiences.

Why is it worth it to go:

Perfect for Instagram photos, Sentosa Sensoryscape features six unique gardens designed to stimulate all your senses with soundscapes, fragrances, light displays, and tactile elements. It’s also a convenient walkway connecting the north of Sentosa Island to its southern beaches.

5|Wisconsin, USA

July is Wisconsin's hottest month, drawing many to the shores of Lakes Michigan and Superior. Door County, known as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest," is popular with its charming villages and busy beaches. For peace, visit Washington Island or Newport State Park.

For a quieter getaway, head northwest to Lake Superior, where you can swim or fish in glacial lakes in Vilas and Oneida Counties. Bayfield, with its Victorian buildings, is the starting point for the Apostle Islands, a group of mostly wild islands with stunning cliffs.

July in Wisconsin is packed with events, from specialized festivals to traditional summer fairs. Don't miss the Iola Car Show & Swap Meet in Waupaca County for a thrilling automotive experience!

Discover the best things to do in Wisconsin.

• Explore the Apostle Islands and Bayfield

A beautiful archipelago in Lake Superior, known for rocky hiking trails,historic lighthouses, and stunning sea caves that attract kayakers.

Why it's important to go:

Explore the dramatic landscapes, hike along rugged trails, and kayak through mesmerizing sea caves. Experience unique activities such as visiting historic sites, enjoying local shops and restaurants on Madeline Island, and attending cultural events like concerts under the Big Top Chautauqua tent in Bayfield.

• Drive The Wisconsin Great River Road

A scenic route that runs parallel to the Mississippi River for 250 miles along Wisconsin's western border. It features 400-foot-high sandstone bluffs and charming historic river towns.

Why you’ll like it:

Experience the Wisconsin Great River Road, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and towering sandstone bluffs, engage in outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and birdwatching at state parks and wildlife refuges along the route, and immerse yourself in a cultural experience by exploring historic river towns, browsing antique shops, savoring local cuisine such as catfish, and staying in century-old inns and B&Bs.

• Visit Lake Geneva

Located near the Wisconsin-Illinois border, it's a popular destination known as the "Newport of the Midwest" for its opulent lakefront mansions. The Geneva Lakeshore Path offers a 25-mile walkway circling the lake, passing by luxurious estates.

Good idea to visit:

Experience Lake Geneva, where you can take scenic strolls along the Geneva Lakeshore Path for glimpses of opulent estates and beautiful lake views, all while soaking in an elite atmosphere with great restaurants, shops, and year-round activities favored by the Midwest's elite.

Each of these destinations are unique.

From the vibrant festivals of Montreal to the whale-watching splendor of Cape Town, and the cultural richness of Hoi An to the culinary delights of Singapore and Wisconsin's scenic wonders, July promises diverse and unforgettable experiences.

Whether you're drawn to urban excitement,natural beauty, or cultural immersion, these destinations offer something special for every traveler seeking adventure this summer.

Visit our FAQ page or contact a Vacation Consultant to learn more about PERX and the travel benefits we offer to airline employees.

P.S. Share the fun with friends and family who want to travel with you and book additional rooms at the same discounted rate!

Remember that parents of airline employees are eligible to travel on their own at the discounted rate too. Tell them about PERX!