At a time of year where everyone seems to be heading off somewhere, you may be trying to decide where to go on holiday this July. With school breaks across much of Europe and North America, many popular short haul destinations can become crowded, making long haul travel a more attractive option. So, whilst these destinations may not immediately spring to mind when you think of a traditional summer holiday, they all have something unique to offer in July.
Whether you’d like a relaxing beach escape, or a bucket-list adventure, here are our recommendations for the best long haul holiday destinations in July.
July Chapters:
| Calgary, Canada | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 6564 Miles |
| Journey Time | 9 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT -7 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Air Canada, Lufthansa, British Airways |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Delta Marriott Calgary Downtown, Holiday Inn Express |
| Visit the Calgary Stampede |
There is arguably no better time to visit Calgary, as the city hosts its famous Stampede each July. Earning the (unofficial) title of the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, the Calgary Stampede is a traditional rodeo with festivities that extend far beyond that. Over ten days, the Calgary Stampede consumes the entire city and Calgary comes alive with music, food and entertainment.
What primarily defines the Calgary Stampede, is that it hosts the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. The event attracts the best athletes and animals, who will then compete across seven rodeo events: bull riding, bareback, barrel racing, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling and saddle bronc. Whether or not you’re familiar with these events, you can expect a fantastic show, as cowboys and cowgirls compete in a furious display of skill and grit. The action begins each day at 13:30, with each event building up to Showdown Sunday.
The Calgary Stampede, however, is so much more than just the rodeo. Since 1912, the Calgary Stampede Parade has kicked off the festivities, showcasing colourful floats, marching bands, and, of course, the horses. Crowds flock to the streets, so you can be right in the heat of the action, or head to the city’s +15 Skywalk for a bird’s eye view of the parade.
A key element of the Stampede is celebrating and educating visitors about First Nations culture. Traditional dancing and cultural performances take place throughout the event, or you can visit Elbow River Camp. Since the first Calgary Stampede, Elbow River Camp has welcomed visitors, telling traditional stories, selling beautiful jewellery and art and showcasing dancing and drumming.
For families, or just your inner child, there is a huge fairground, with everything from classic games to adrenaline-inducing rides. The food at the Stampede is also not to be overlooked. Amongst the carnival treats and Canadian staples, the Stampede is known for its legendary pancake breakfasts. With organised events and small-scale pop-ups, there are hundreds of these breakfasts that take place during the event, serving free pancakes, breakfast sausages and maple syrup.
Following the day’s festivities, every night at 19:30, the Calgary Stampede puts on its evening show. With four main music stages hosting genres like rock, hip hop, country and pop, dance performances, acrobatics and a spectacular firework show to conclude the evening, the atmosphere is electric.
Situated within the province of Alberta, Calgary makes the perfect hub for visiting the Rocky Mountains. Why not pair a visit to the Calgary Stampede with a Calgary to Vancouver road trip through the Canadian Rockies, or a luxurious rail journey on the Rocky Mountaineer.
Travel Tip: Tickets to the Calgary Stampede go fast so make sure to get yours in advance. You can book your tickets directly with Freedom, as well as your flights, hotel, car hire and additional destinations, creating your perfect Canada holiday.
| Top End, Australia | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 8590 Miles |
| Journey Time | 21 Hours (including one stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +8.5 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront, Cicada Lodge Katherine |
| Visit Australia’s Top End |
Situated within the Northern Territory, Australia’s Top End boasts some incredible landscapes and a rich culture. The area consists of the state capital of Darwin, World-Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, the remote Arnhem Land and the breathtaking Katherine region. Boasting vastly different scenery and climate to the Northern Territory’s arid Red Centre, the tropical Top End makes for a magical and unique destination.
July sits right in the heart of Australia‘s winter, so the Top End is at its coolest. Yet, with daytime temperatures of 22°C to 30°C, it is the perfect weather for exploring some of the region’s incredible landscapes. July’s weather also tends to be very dry, but make sure to pack some layers for the colder evenings.
Most travellers begin their Top End adventure in Darwin, a laid back city that offers a blend of the cosmopolitan and the natural. Hop between the city’s many museums and galleries, showcasing everything from Aboriginal art and culture to WWII history. In July, the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are in full swing, vending local crafts, delicious food, boutique clothing and gifts.
To discover the natural wonders surrounding Darwin, you could choose to take a cruise of the Darwin Harbour, exploring the mangrove forests, spotting marine life and witnessing a famous Top End sunset. An hour and a half’s drive from the city, you’ll find Litchfield National Park, famous for its waterfalls, making for stunning freshwater swimming spots (no crocodiles here).
The landscapes of Kakadu National Park are similarly spectacular. A World-Heritage site, the park is brimming with wildlife. July is a time where bird populations are particularly active, and Kakadu National Park boasts around 280 diverse species. The park is also home to crocodiles, best encountered on a jumping crocodile cruise. The park is also home to incredibly well preserved Aboriginal rock art, that is some of the oldest in the country.
Heading south to Katherine, you can cruise through the striking Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, taking in your magnificent surroundings and spotting crocodiles sunbathing on the banks of the river. Nitmiluk National Park can also be experienced by hiking, swimming, fishing, four-wheel driving, or heli-touring.
To truly experience the Australian wilderness, a tour of Arnhem Land is fascinating. The remote 90,000 square kilometre reserve is one of the last untouched regions in Australia, and access is restricted. Discover its towering escarpments, explore cliffs and caves adorned with Indigenous rock art and learn about the ancient, spiritual significance of the region.
Travel Tip: You probably associate the Top End with its breathtaking natural beauty, and whilst there is plenty of that, Darwin is also a hub for arts and culture. Why not take a walking tour of the city’s street art, and get stuck into the Darwin Fringe Festival that takes place each July? Enjoy comedy, music, theatre and more in this celebration of the arts.
| The Okavango Delta, Botswana | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 7830 Miles |
| Journey Time | 16 Hours (including one stop and transfers to your safari lodge) |
| Local Time | GMT +1 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Qatar Airways |
| What Hotels to Stay? | Camp Okavango, Pom Pom Camp, Okuti |
| Visit The Okavango Delta |
Known for its incredible wildlife and its meandering waterways, the Okavango Delta offers a safari experience like no other, and July is regarded as one of the best times to visit. With July marking the dry season in Botswana, the floodwaters of the Delta become a crucial water source for wildlife, making for some of the best wildlife sightings, as herds gather at these waterways.
Thanks to the high waters of the Delta, July is also one of the best months to experience a trademark mokoro trip. Led by your local guide, you’ll navigate the winding reed-lined channels in a traditional wooden dugout canoe. Although you may see less of the large wildlife from a mokoro, than a game drive, as you cover less area, the sightings that you can have on the water are simply magical. You may discover a wallowing hippo, or encounter an elephant swimming across the channel.
The Okavango Delta offers a great first-time safari experience. With numerous options for fly-in safaris, thanks to the small airstrips dotted along the Delta, remote-feeling camps are easily accessible. Imagine soaring over this incredible landscape, then landing deep in the wilds of Botswana. On the whole, the tented camps on the Okavango Delta are luxurious and exclusive, with only a few tents. Your days will be spent on game drives and mokoro trips, before you retreat to camp for the evening, indulging in fine dining and cocktails under the stars.
On a game drive through the Okavango Delta, there is a good chance that you’ll be able to spot the ‘Big 5’: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. There is plenty more to see too, however, as this extraordinary habitat is home to over 200,000 large mammals and 500 bird species. A helicopter flight or a hot air balloon ride also offer fantastic ways to experience the Okavango Delta, providing a completely different perspective of the landscape.
In July, the weather in the Okavango Delta is pleasant, with daytime highs of around 25°C. You can expect very little rainfall throughout the month, but make sure to pack some layers, as the evenings can get a little chilly.
Travel Tip: The Okavango Delta can be explored by land, water or air, each offering a unique perspective of the landscape and different wildlife sightings. For the best experience, we would suggest a combination of these experiences. Just let our Africa Experts know what you would like to do, and we can create your perfect holiday.
| The Pacific North West, USA | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 4268 Miles |
| Journey Time | 11 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT -8 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Hotel 1000 Seattle, Mark Spencer Hotel Portland |
| Visit The Pacific Northwest |
The Pacific Northwest in July becomes a natural wonderland, with weather and scenery that encourages you to spend entire days outdoors. The America’s Pacific Northwest is primarily comprised of the states of Oregon and Washington each with their own spectacular landscapes.
You can truly find a bit of everything in the Pacific Northwest, with its evergreen forests, snow-capped peaks and rugged coastline lending themselves perfectly to outdoor adventures. The region offers more than just nature, however, so why not bookend your adventure with stays in the characterful cities of Seattle and Portland.
Across the Pacific Northwest, there are an abundance of National and State Parks, and with July offering the driest weather all year, backcountry hiking and exploring at higher altitudes is more accessible. In Washington State, you’ll find Olympic National Park, encompassing nearly a million acres of incredible landscapes, from thousand year-old trees, to tidal pools and sea stacks. Washington’s Mount Rainier is similarly spectacular, with the park’s majestic namesake rearing its head over a blanket of lush greenery. In July, these mountain landscapes will also be awash with a kaleidoscope of wildflowers. Venturing down to Oregon, discover the volcanic landscape of Crater Lake National Park, that encompasses the remains of the Mount Mazama volcano.
In the summer months, the Pacific North West coastline is at its beautiful best. Driving the Oregon coast is a classic summer road trip, as you can explore the rugged rock formations, towering sand dunes and charming coastal towns dotted along Highway 101. In July, it is also whale migration season, and you can often spot whales from the central Oregon coast.
Follow the coast north, and you’ll eventually reach Seattle, perched between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. Why not climb the iconic Space Needle for panoramic views over the city? witness the fish throwing at Pike Place Market? take the ferry to nearby Bainbridge Island? or sample the city’s coffee culture, visiting the first ever Starbucks shop? With July bringing long, sunny days, it is also the perfect time to explore the waterfront or paddle board on Lake Union. You could even head to the San Juan islands by sea plane, car or ferry: a whale watching hotspot at this time of year.
Portland comes alive in July, with its abundance of green spaces and laid-back lifestyle. Live the life of a local, taking a picnic to Washington Park, cycling the city’s trails or enjoy a craft beer in the sun. You could spend a day crawling the city’s quirky neighbourhoods, exploring the vibrant murals of the Alberta Arts District, checking out vintage boutiques and quaint bookshops of the Hawthorne District, then end the day with dinner at one of Portland’s many food pods.
Travel Tip: If you’re visiting the States in July, getting stuck into Independence Day celebrations is a must. Both Seattle and Portland come alive on the Fourth of July, with music, celebrations and impressive fireworks displays.
| Koh Samui, Thailand | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 9946 miles |
| Journey Time | 15 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +6 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Thai Airways, British Airways, Singapore Airlines |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Santiburi Koh Samui, NH Peace Resort |
| Visit Koh Samui |
At a time when much of Thailand sees heavy rains, Koh Samui offers a little slice of paradise in July. Generally remaining dry at this time of year, Koh Samui makes a great alternative to popular destinations on the West Coast like Phuket and Krabi. A small island surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is idyllic. Picture soft, white sand beaches, lush jungle, and remote but luxurious resorts.
Koh Samui is made up of several main areas, each offering their own unique feel. Opt to stay in Chaweng for a lively atmosphere, as you’ll find an abundance of shops, restaurants and bars. Blending the best of both worlds, Lamai feels more relaxed, but you can still enjoy easy access to shops and restaurants. For a more remote feel, why not stay in Lipa Noi, set around a beautiful bay, or Fisherman’s Village, at the north of the island.
With a journey time of 1.5 hours around the island’s ring road, nothing is ever too far away. No matter where you stay, you’ll find luxurious island resorts and breathtaking beaches. July in Koh Samui also falls within shoulder season, meaning you can find some great deals on flights and hotels.
In July temperatures typically sit between 24°C and 30°C, perfect weather for enjoying the beaches that Koh Samui renowned for. Snorkel or kayak in its warm waters, or simply lounge on the island’s pristine sands. Although it may be difficult to tear yourself away from the beaches, don’t skip the island’s inland activities. Thanks to rainfall in the previous months, the island is lush and green, offering some beautiful hiking. Why not take the short hike to Namuang Waterfall, rewarding yourself with a refreshing dip when you reach the top.
Like much of Thailand, Koh Samui is home to some beautiful temples, the most famous on the island being Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) and Wait Plai Laem. Located just a stone’s throw from one another, you can easily check out both in one trip. Activities like cooking classes, yoga and spa experiences are also on offer, so Koh Samui offers the perfect destination for a relaxing escape.
Travel Tip: Why not venture off Koh Samui, and spend a day exploring Ang Thong National Marine Park. Rising from the azure waters, this archipelago of jungle-clad limestone peaks offers some magical views. Spend the day visiting the park’s beautiful beaches, kayaking in calm lagoons and snorkelling in secluded coves.
| Newfoundland, Canada | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 2252 Miles |
| Journey Time | 6 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT +3.5 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Air Canada, WestJet, United Airlines |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, Fogo Island Inn |
| Visit Newfoundland |
Known colloquially as “The Rock”, Newfoundland is an island off the east coast of Canada, boasting incredibly diverse landscapes that are unlike anywhere else in the country. With the warmest temperatures that Newfoundland will see all year, July makes the perfect time to visit. Hospitality and tourism businesses are in full swing, it is one of the best months for spotting wildlife, and it is the perfect weather for outdoor activities.
The city of St John’s is Newfoundland’s capital, and it is the perfect place to spend a few days. With quaint cafes, boutique shops and cosy pubs, the city has a very inviting feel. St John’s is famous for its brightly coloured houses that cling to the cliffside, with one street earning the title of ‘Jelly Bean Row’. In the summer, St John’s comes alive each evening. The city’s George Street is regarded by locals as having more bars per square foot than anywhere else… although these claims are yet to be proven.
From St John’s, you can also enjoy some incredible viewpoints. Take the short hike up to Signal Hill, where you can look down over the water, or visit Cape Spear Lighthouse, which is a great place to catch a sunrise, which occurs at a respectable 5:30am in July.
Throughout the month, whale watching season is in full swing. St John’s viewpoints are often a great place to spot whales from land, or head just north to Trinity, where you’ll find some of the best whale cruises on the island. Trinity is also home to the Skerwink Trail, a renowned hiking track, taking you along the rugged coastline. Heading slightly further north, to the town of Elliston, you’ll find “Puffin Island”, where, unsurprisingly, you can encounter plenty of these characterful creatures.
Although May and June make the best time for spotting icebergs, there is still a good chance you can experience this natural wonder in July. From Fogo Island or Twillingate, you can take a boat tour visiting ‘Iceberg Alley’, witnessing 10,000+ year-old icebergs.
Gros Morne National park is definitely worth a visit in July. With average temperatures of 16°C to 25°C, the weather is pleasant for hiking, making it a great time to explore the 100 km of trails in the park. You can find trails to suit a half-hour stroll, or take a full day’s hike, perhaps to the summit of Gros Morne Mountain.
Travel Tip: Many visitors rush their visit to Newfoundland, but the island has so much to offer. Perhaps opt for a 14 day self drive holiday, encompassing all of the highlights detailed here.
May holidays by Freedom Destinations
Grace joined the Marketing Team at Freedom Destinations after she returned from 3 months backpacking around Australia. Her long-haul travels have also taken her to Canada, the U.S. and South East Asia so far, but her destination wish list is far from complete!
