Image courtesy of Cali Mykonos
Summer holidays (those blissful long weekends) are here. Looking for last-minute trip ideas? Not to worry. I've rounded up some top summer destinations where travelers can avoid crowds and still soak up the sun.
Read on to discover Fora's favorite spots for last-minute vacations this summer.
Under-the-radar American locales for prime vacations this summer
Image courtesy of Hidden Pond Maine
As an alternative to the popular Washington DC, head just over 100 miles southwest to Charlottesville, Virginia. Take in the history at presidential homes including James Madison’s Montpelier, James Monroe’s Highland and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. For top-notch experiences, we love the Keswick Hall, a recently renovated escape in horse country, or The Quirk, a chic option on the downtown mall near shops and restaurants.
Fora Perks at Keswick Hall:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Instead of New York City, escape to Troutbeck, a 250-acre estate in the Hudson Valley. The property has a rich history dating back to the 1700s and has been featured in the writings of American heroes like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Henry David Thoreau.
Fora Perks at Troutbeck:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Instead of Boston, head north to Kennebunkport, Maine, a favorite of American presidents. Hidden Pond offers a fun, local vibe and gives families a feeling of being at summer camp. The property’s treehouses offer a romantic option for couples.
Fora Perks at Hidden Pond:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Image courtesy of The Charleston Place
Those looking for a last-minute family vacation before the school year kicks into high gear can head to South Carolina for a country-city moment. First, enjoy the charms of Charleston while staying at The Charleston Place — an ideal home base. (Read more about how to make the most of your trip to Charleston.)
Next, in Kiawah Island, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is perfect for families with children of all ages.
Fora Perks at The Charleston Place:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Welcome amenity.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
September is perfect for a Caribbean vacation this summer
Image courtesy of Rosewood Baha Mar
September is the Caribbean's low season, which means more approachable pricing and fewer crowds.
Favorite islands among our community include Jamaica and Antigua. In Jamaica, check out GoldenEye for an eco-luxe escape. Another top pick is Skylark Negril Beach Resort. In Antigua, two properties we especially love include Blue Waters Resort and Spa and Cocobay Resort.
Fora Perks at GoldenEye:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Welcome amenity.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Why not embark on a Caribbean cruise? Virgin Voyages is ideal for travelers looking for a hip vibe, and Royal Caribbean is the cruise line for families. For something extra special, check out The Ritz-Carlton’s new yacht expeditions.
Speaking of family vacations, Baha Mar in the Bahamas offers low-season rates and huge water parks that will give kids the feeling of a theme park but offer parents a less chaotic travel experience. A couple of ideal options for families include Rosewood Baha Mar and the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.
Fora Perks at the Rosewood Baha Mar:
$125 hotel / resort credit.
Welcome note & amenity.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade whenever possible.
Fora Perks at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Welcome note & amenity.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & early check-in whenever possible.
Europe never goes out of style
Image courtesy of Canaves Oia Epitome
It’s not too late to sneak in a late-summer European getaway. Even top destinations like Greece have availability for vacations this summer. A few of Fora's favorite hotels around the country where people can still book include The Dolli in Athens, Cali Mykonos, Cosme in Paros, Santa Irini Retreat in Thirasia and Canaves Oia Epitome in Santorini.
Fora Perks at Cali Mykonos:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Welcome amenities.
One complimentary beach club boat transfer.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Canaves Oia Epitome:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & early check-in whenever possible.
Mexico is always a good idea
Image courtesy of Chablé Yucatán
Fora's top international destination is Mexico, and for good reason.
One of my favorite places to stay is Chablé Yucatán. It’s a hacienda bought by a family who did an impeccable restoration on the historic home. The rooms are modern, and there’s an out-of-this-world spa with a big wellness component. Plus, it's only 30 minutes away from the charming town of Mérida, the Yucatán's capital. It’s a great cultural center with so many historic buildings and access to several different Mayan ruins in the region.
Fora Perks at Chablé Yucatán:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & early check-in whenever possible.
I also love Isla Holbox, an island that feels very off the grid — think Tulum before the influencers arrived, with a stunning beach, cool vibe and a place for boating, summer diving with the whale migration and overall relaxation.
Todos Santos is perfect for those who want the beachy feel of Cabo but fewer crowds.