Travel

50 Places to See in Summer (PHOTOS)

Everyone loves summer vacation: From lounging on a beach in Mykonos, to hiking along the north shore of Lake Superior, to maybe even taking an adventurous expedition to Antarctica, summer offers something for everyone. The warmer seasons are generally May to August in the Northern Hemisphere and November to February in the Southern. Summertime usually offers longer daylight hours with less chances of rain or severe weather, allowing you more time to explore or relax.

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While beaches are always popular, there are plenty of other places to discover. Historic cities like Prague offer visitors an opportunity to explore arts and culture, while mountain regions like the New York Adirondacks offer great hiking options. Meanwhile, Emeishan in the Szechuan province, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking views, ancient temples and even the chance to meet some monkeys from the nearby reserve – although be careful as the monkeys can be aggressive when begging for food.

There are some destinations that are only open to tourists during the summer months, such as the former Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh in India, an arid mountain region full of monasteries, wildlife and traditional festivals. Some other places are only safe to visit in the summer months, notably the Arctic and Antarctica, when ice drifts melt and the weather becomes more predictable. “Generally speaking, extratropical storms, those low pressure systems with associated cold and warm fronts, are less strong near the Arctic and Southern Oceans in the summer,” said Jonathan Erdman, senior meteorologist for Weather.com. “The Southern Ocean, the body of water surrounding Antarctica, features some of the most tempestuous water on Earth in the winter months."

So take a look at the natural wonders, historical cities, exotic islands and rugged mountain-scapes to snowy tundras in the slideshow above for some inspiration for planning your perfect summer getaway.

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