Alternative Destinations to Europe for July to September 2022

Argentina is a fantastic alternative to Europe, with cities steeped in a connection to colonial Spain and vineyards that excel in representing the soil’s nutrients with excellent wine. With a fascinating history and layers of culture, there is much to explore and enjoy.

Recommended for: Wine enthusiasts • Foodies • Nature admirers • Active outdoor adventures

Why Visit Between July & September:

• June to August is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, which provides a perfect opportunity for visiting Iguazu Falls
• Enjoy the unique setting of the salt flats
• Sample famous wines in Mendoza
• Discover the thrill of skiing in Bariloche

Learn more: Argentina Tours & Vacations • Argentina Travel Guide

Brazil is a surprising alternative to Europe with exceptional food experiences and stunning nature tucked inside elaborate cities and in the remote corners of the wilderness.  Brazil embodies the untouched, while still connecting you to the cultural heritage for which European cities are often celebrated.

Recommended for: Foodies • Nature admirers • Active outdoor adventures

Why Visit Between July & September:

• Kayak on the still waters in the Amazon in search of wildlife
• Look out for jaguars over the flat expanse of the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetlands
• Hike famous regions like the Serra Gaucha or Reio Grande do Sul
• Connect to the cultural heritage of cities like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Paraty
• Bask on a gorgeous white-sand beach on the Green Coast

Learn more: Brazil Tours & Vacations • Brazil Travel Guide

Colombia wears its history like a crown and combines its intermingled Spanish heritage with local Andean culture, indigenous history, and natural wonders, making it an unforgettable alternative to Europe. Colombia glows with beaches and jungle, sensational cuisine, and memorable possibilities.

Recommended for: Art admirers • Foodies • History lovers • Nature admirers • Active outdoor adventures

Why Visit Between July & September:

• Explore cobblestone streets winding inside the fortress walls of Cartagena
• Discover the colorful Andean peaks outside Bogota
• Enjoy the endless spring ambiance of Medellin

Learn more: Colombia Vacations & Tours • Colombia Travel Guide

Instead of the alpine peaks or the Greek Islands, Costa Rica immerses you in volcanic mountaintops and tropical coastlines. This exceptional destination in Central America has a myriad of micro-climates for a brand new experience at each new stop. You can enjoy thrilling adventures, fantastic natural beauty, and warm hospitality.

Recommended for: Nature admirers • Active outdoor adventures

Why Visit Between July & September:

• Lounge on quiet gold-sand beaches
• Search for colorful birdlife in the rainforest
• Relax in luxurious accommodations with ocean views
• Take to the trails for exciting hikes through the wilderness
• Indulge in the history and flavor of chocolate during a chocolate-making class

Learn more: Costa Rica Tours & Vacations • Costa Rica Travel Guide

Ecuador and the Galapagos are unique alternatives to a European trip by offering parallel historic cities and unique experiences steeped in the wilderness and wildlife. Whether an alternative to Europe or simply a trip you have always dreamed of, trade the Alps for the Andes to discover how the Galapagos and Ecuador are fascinating for travelers with nearly any interest.

Recommended for: Wildlife lovers • Nature admirers • Active outdoor adventures • Foodies • History lovers

Why Visit Between July & September:

• Bask in the flavors of restaurants that celebrate the roots and essence of traditional cuisine
• Sample the ambiance of Spanish colonial architecture
• Delve deep into the remote island wilderness in search of endemic nature

Learn more: Galapagos Islands Tours & Vacations • Galapagos Travel Guide

Peru was once the seat of power for many prominent Andean cultures and is a spectacular alternative to a European trip. Combine the best attributes of the South American continent into a single country with ancient ruins, remarkable cuisine, artistic architecture, and stunning outdoor activities.

Recommended for: Foodies • History lovers • Nature admirers • Active outdoor adventures • Art admirers

Why Visit Between July & September:

• Trek to the lost city of Machu Picchu
• Sample ceviche along the pristine coastline
• Search for wildlife in the Amazon
• Visit a colorful local market in the Andes

Learn more: Peru Vacations & Tours • Peru Travel Guide

With a rich connection to European heritage yet rooted alone in ancient cultures, Australia is a fascinating enigma that can feel like a microcosm of Europe. Whether as a long-awaited bucket list vacation or as an alternative to a European getaway, Australia possesses dramatic coastlines, cosmopolitan cities, and wonders that spread from the Northern Territory to the untouched wilds of the western coast.

Recommended for: Wine enthusiasts • Foodies • History lovers • Nature admirers • Active outdoor adventures • Wildlife lovers

Why Visit Between July & September:

• Visit exceptional wine regions like the Barossa Valley and Hunter Valley
• Enjoy awe-inspiring landscapes from the Red Desert to Kangaroo Island
• Delight in celebrated cuisine across the country
• Visit the Great Barrier Reef and indulge in tropical sandy beaches

Learn more: Australia Tours & Vacations • Australia Travel Guide

Bali has stunning history, exceptional nature, and delicious cuisine accentuated by opportunities to explore the land and sea. As an alternative to Europe, Bali demonstrates its heritage through art, architecture, preserved temples, and traditional performances. The unique charms of Bali complete an intimate mosaic you must experience to believe.

Recommended for: Foodies • History lovers • Nature admirers • Active outdoor adventures • Art admirers

Why Visit Between July & September:

• Hikes, cycle, or surf to enjoy the thrills of endless possible activities
• Indulge in luxury accommodations that add to the feeling of exclusivity
• Watch the sunrise from the top of a volcano

Learn more: Bali Vacations & Tours

Japan is an easy alternative to Europe, known for its established tourist infrastructure and renowned for its preserved heritage and futuristic perspective. Japan recently re-opened its borders to tourism and requires all trips to include a tour leader for the entire length of your trip. This can significantly increase the price to more than $1,000 per person per day but allows visitors an exclusive view of the famous beauty of Japan before the crowds return.

Recommended for: Foodies • History lovers • Nature admirers • Art admirers

Why Visit Between July & September:

• Witness ancient artistry that contrasts a modernist look into tomorrow
• Enjoy how chefs imbue every dish with exquisite flavor, crafted with exceptional detail
• Explore remarkable hiking trails that crisscross the island nation
• Discover the local festivals that share celebrated and preserved culture

Learn more: Japan Tours & Vacations • Japan Travel Guide

The Seychelles embody a fabled paradise better than any island destination in Europe. As an alternative to Europe, the archipelago spreads across the Indian Ocean with inspiring beaches and spellbinding marine attractions, accentuated by the clear turquoise waters. The confluence of cultures spread across the islands and demonstrates the magnificent mixture of experiences you can have.

Recommended for: Nature admirers • Active outdoor adventures

Why Visit Between July & September:

• Embrace the sea breeze and white sands for which the islands are famous
• Relax with views of lush hills as you delight in ocean-side luxury at beautiful resorts
• Dine in fabulous restaurants

Learn more: Seychelles Vacations & Tours

An East African safari is often on the bucket list for many travelers, and now could be the right time to book your dream African safari. The Eastern African countries of Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda are truly an exceptional experience, and 2022 is a great time to visit.

Recommended for: Wildlife lovers • Nature admirers • Active outdoor adventures

Why Visit Between July & September:

• Search for wildlife that spreads across the wilderness, such as the Big Five or colorful migratory birds
• Combine the famous Serengeti with the gorgeous beaches of Zanzibar
• Visit with the communities that have preserved culture across generations
• Enjoy top-notch service with hospitality that celebrates traditional culture

Learn more: Kenya Safaris • Tanzania Safaris • Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Safaris • Uganda Safaris and Gorilla Trekking

The countries of Southern Africa offer a unique combination of spectacular wildlife safaris and impressive art, history, wine, and farm-to-table cuisine. Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe collectively share inspiring scenery and opportunities to view diverse wildlife, while Mozambique is an exceptional destination for relaxing on pristine sandy beaches.

Recommended for: Wine enthusiasts • Foodies • History lovers • Nature admirers • Active outdoor adventures • Art admirers

Why Visit Between July & September:

• Find exceptional vineyards in South Africa’s Winelands
• Delight in personalized dishes in secluded luxury game lodges
• Indulge in the inspiring grand scenery from Victoria Falls to giant dunes
• Discover elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, and Cape buffalo on game safaris

Learn more: Botswana Safaris • Namibia Safaris • South Africa Tours and Vacations • Zimbabwe Safaris •  Zambia Safaris

Morocco is close to Europe, but its position across the Strait of Gibraltar makes it feel a world away, making it a perfect alternative to a European trip. History feels legendary and lively on the streets of preserved cities, and the landscape undulates from windswept Atlantic beaches to the rolling golden dunes of the Sahara.

Recommended for: Foodies • History lovers • Nature admirers • Active outdoor adventures • Art admirers

Why Visit Between July & September:

• Celebrate cuisine that exudes bold spices and robust flavors
• Discover art as it takes the form of gardens, architecture, and artisan crafts
• Experience the landscape with horseback riding through windswept mountains or on a camel excursion
• Explore the fascinating historic cities through the ancient medinas and vibrant souks

Learn more: Morocco Tours & Vacations • Morocco Travel Guide

The remarkable layers of history are visible in cities, towns, and landscapes across the world. Whether in Bali’s temples or Morocco’s souks, Australia’s rock paintings or Colombia’s colonial streets, you can find captivating history that is intangible and tangible around each corner:

Australia • Bali • Brazil • Colombia • Galapagos/Ecuador • Japan • Morocco •  Peru • South Africa

While it may be the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, the following destinations are a dream for wine enthusiasts. From Argentina’s high-altitude wineries to Australia’s ancient vineyards, and South Africa’s world-renowned Winelands, you can truly indulge in a luxurious wine experience in these destinations:

Argentina • Australia • South Africa

The culinary landscape across these destinations captures an elaborate mixture of prestigious heritage, cultural diversity, and historical flavors blended into contemporary perspectives that celebrate local ingredients. From Colombia’s newly established Michelin-starred restaurant to Japan’s world-renowned attention to detail, these destinations offer the perfect taste for foodies:

Argentina • Australia • Bali • Colombia • Brazil • Galapagos/Ecuador • Japan • South Africa • Peru

Landscape and scenery can create the perfect ambiance in these European alternatives, where the natural contours of a country take center stage. Whether along the stunning beaches of Bali, in the lively rainforest of Costa Rica, or in Australia’s famous Red Desert, each of these destinations creates a picture-perfect alternative to a European trip:

Argentina •  Australia • Bali • Brazil • Colombia • Costa Rica • East Africa • Galapagos/Ecuador • Japan • Morocco • Peru • Seychelles • Southern Africa

From an excursion into Mozambique’s jungles in search of waterfalls to the highlands of Ecuador, Brazil’s untouched Pantanal to Argentina’s salt flats, you can find an outdoor adventure that overtakes the possibilities of a European trip:

Argentina •  Australia • Bali • Brazil • Colombia • Costa Rica • East Africa • Galapagos/Ecuador • Japan • Morocco • Peru • Seychelles • Southern Africa

Art takes many forms, and these countries highlight the multitude of artistic mastery that spans millennia. From Incan ruins to Colombia’s Botero, Morocco’s exceptional mosaics to Japan’s conserved intricate paintings, each of these countries can rival Europe in their preservation and celebration of art:

Australia • Bali • Colombia • Japan • Morocco • Peru • South Africa

Wildlife can take on incredible forms across the world and viewing it in its natural habitat can be a life-changing experience. From the luxuries of Botswana's lodges to the classic adventure of a Kenya safari, the remarkable reserves of South Africa to the legendary expanse of the Serengeti in Tanzania, instead of Europe this summer, visit the following countries for sensational wildlife experiences unlike anywhere else in the world:

Brazil • Botswana • Costa Rica • Colombia • Galapagos/Ecuador • Kenya • Namibia • Rwanda • South Africa • Tanzania • Uganda • Zambia • Zimbabwe • Australia

Whether the summer is the best time of year for your annual vacation or you are traveling to experience your particular interests, our top recommendations for destinations to discover outside of Europe are ideal for all types of travelers looking for a summer trip in 2022.

From remarkable beaches to exclusive vineyards, artistic powerhouses to serene landscapes, you can create your custom trip using Zicasso to find inspiration. If you would like more insight into where to travel this summer, fill out a Trip Request so our Travel Care team can help you decide.