A group of travelers jumping off a boat into the ocean.

Where to Go Abroad This Summer? 8 Places to Beat Out Sunshine Guilt

School’s out, you’ve got lots of free time, Love Island is premiering—we get it. But there are only so many late-night Taco Bell runs and binges you can take. So avoid the sunshine guilt and catch some UV rays. Trade T-Bell for tapas in Spain or TikTok for monkeys in Costa Rica. Here are eight great places to go and things to do abroad this summer.

by Madeline M.

1. Vernazza Beach

Splash around this Cinque Terre beach. The natural harbor around the beach keeps the waters calm, and the sandy beach is just begging to be napped on. Especially after you’ve hiked across the hills of Cinque Terre and your legs have turned to jelly.

See it on on a trip to Italy

A board of charcuterie, cheese, olives, and wine.

2. A rooftop tapas bar in Spain

Say that 5 times fast. After catching your breath, head to a tapas bar in Madrid and stuff yourself with everything from patatas bravas (fried potatoes) to albóndigas (meatballs). For dessert, enjoy a sunset view of Spain’s capital city.

Do it on a trip to Spain

Two beer steins being cheers'd in an Oktoberfest tent.

3. A German beer garden

Kick back at one of Munich’s beer gardens with a frosty stein and a pretzel or seven. If spending hours gathered around outdoor picnic tables with live music is Germany’s idea of the perfect summer day, we’re ready to move ASAP. The beer is flowing, the folks are friendly, and the camaraderie is unrivaled.

Drink up on a trip to Germany

Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica

4. Manuel Antonio National Park

Lounge on Costa Rica’s most well-known beach, venture through the rainforest, and keep an eye out for the new friends you’ll meet along the way (talkin' about monkeys and sloths).

See it on a trip to Costa Rica

5. A private boat on the Adriatic

Jet around Croatia on a private boat and take the walk of #NoShameNoShameNoShame. Get ready for you, the stunning coastline, and the bright blue water of the Adriatic Sea. Winter may be coming, but this is a summer you won’t forget.

Set sail on a trip to Croatia

3 boats docked on the sand in the bottom right corner with cliffs in the top left corner on the beaches of Phuket.

6. Beaches of Phuket

Get some sun in a city rich in culture and nature. Spend the day cruising Phang Nga Bay, kayaking through limestone cliffs and swimming in turquoise waters. Then, once you’re worn out say, “Phuket, let’s beach”, and lie out on warm sands with a drink in hand.

Dip in during a trip to Thailand

Establishing shot of Barú Island with palm trees in the bottom third and a boat in the center with people on the beach.

7. Cartagena’s Barú Island

Hop on a speedboat and start living on island time at this ultimate paradise. Get sun on the white sands or chill in a hammock under shady tiki huts on one of Cartagena’s most popular island peninsulas.

Do it on our Colombia: Bogotá to Cartagena trip

8. The Arve River

Ride the rapids like a pro as you whitewater raft through the Chamonix region of France. Splashing your fellow travelers is not required, but highly encouraged. Don’t forget to wipe the spray out of your eyes and look up every once and a while because, trust us, the Swiss Alps look best from a rubber raft.

Do it on our Hike the Alps trip