Summer vacations 2026

Booking early (between January and April) usually gives you the best choice of destinations and hotels. However, last-minute deals can also offer great value closer to the travel date.

To find the best deals, try booking early, comparing destinations, being flexible with travel dates, and checking package offers that combine flights and hotels.

Flight + hotel packages combine your flights and accommodations in one booking. This helps save money and makes planning a vacation easier.

A typical vacation package includes flights and hotel accommodations. Some packages may also include meals, transfers, baggage, or additional services depending on the offer.

Consider your budget, travel dates, weather preferences, and the type of vacation you want — such as beach vacations, family resorts, weekend getaways, or cultural trips.

The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are ideal for a long weekend, offering stunning beaches within a couple of hours' flight from many East Coast cities. Closer to home, coastal spots like Charleston, San Diego, or the Jersey Shore make for an easy short trip packed with beach time, good food, and local charm. For a bit more energy, Las Vegas remains a favorite for a fast-paced few days that don't require much advance planning.

Some of the most popular summer destinations in Europe include Spain, the Greek islands, Portugal, Croatia, and Italy. These destinations offer sunny weather, beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and a wide range of hotels and resorts.

Affordable destinations often include Greece, Portugal, Croatia, Turkey, and Bulgaria, where travelers can find good value hotels and package deals.

Yes. Popular all-inclusive destinations include the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Greece, Turkey, and parts of Portugal.

Destinations such as Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and parts of Portugal can offer beautiful summer experiences with fewer crowds than the most popular tourist hotspots.

Family favorites in Europe include Majorca, Tenerife, Crete, Rhodes, the Algarve, and the Turkish Riviera, thanks to family-friendly resorts, beaches, and activities for children.

Booking a package can help you save money, simplify the booking process, and provide added convenience with flights and hotels arranged together.

Many vacation packages include family deals such as reduced prices for children, family rooms, kids’ clubs, and all-inclusive resorts designed for families.

Yes. Many destinations offer romantic hotels, beach resorts, and boutique stays that are ideal for couples looking for a summer getaway.

For an effortless summer getaway, look at all-inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya, Mexico or Caribbean islands like Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, or Aruba. These destinations combine warm, reliable summer weather with resorts that take care of everything, from gourmet dining to water sports and evening entertainment, so all you need to do is show up and relax.

Florida tops the list, with calm waters and easy theme park access in spots like Destin and Clearwater Beach. Hawaii is a great option for something more adventurous, and Caribbean or Mexican resorts with kids' clubs are ideal if you want the whole trip handled for you.