The Best Places to Visit in June

Immerse yourself in the architectural history of the Catalonian capital city where cutting-edge art is part of a rich local culture. You’ll get the chance to soak up the atmosphere of this cosmopolitan city by strolling through the Gothic Quarter and sampling pintxos (local tapas) in a traditional bar, all while staying in a characterful boutique hotel. June is a great time to visit as many of the locals are still in town as the summer months see intense temperatures and tourists arrive. With the iconic Sagrada Familia inching towards completion – we’ll literally believe it when we see it – there is always something to see here.

Prepare for the occasional tropical shower this month, but the weather in Laos is so balmy at this time of year that moods tend not to dampen. As this is the only landlocked country in southeast Asia, it is ideal for long rail journeys and we’ve pulled together an itinerary that traverses the best of Thailand and Laos in one go! It begins in the beating heart of Thailand, Bangkok. From here we’ll be boarding the train to Thailand’s oldest city, Phitsanulok, from where we’ll set out to explore the ruins of Sukhothai, an ancient Khmer-era city. Next, it’s on to Chiang Mai, where you’ll get to dive into authentic local street food and try your hand at Thai cuisine with a cookery class. We’ll meet some of Thailand’s most charismatic locals at an elephant sanctuary near Mae Wang, before crossing the border into Laos. Many travellers make it to the region but you can really stand out from the crowd by focussing on Laos this year.

Soak up more than two millennia of history and tradition on a classic city break to Istanbul. Visit world-famous sights including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, before boarding a ferry across the Bosporus to explore the Asian side of the city. This is a foodie-friendly destination with street snacks and lavish courses all served with the same care and attention. The Grand Bazaar is an assault on the senses and you will definitely get lost in there, but that’s absolutely part of the experience.

Bali tends to be the main tourist draw of Indonesia, so while others stroll the beach barefoot there, make your way to Komodo island instead. Home of the Komodo dragon, you can view these dinosaur-like creatures in their original habitat, swim with manta rays and gasp at some of the world’s most jaw-dropping sunsets.

Journey back to the spice and luxury of the old Silk Road in this historic city. Don’t miss the Registan, an ancient central square framed by three architecturally iconic madrasahs (Islamic schools) as well as the many mosques and mausoleums, which are among the most ornate in the world. Uzbek food goes down a treat too. Regular flights have made this incredible destination more accessible than it has ever been before and we highly recommend spending as much time in the city – and indeed country – as you can. Check out this selection of curated small-group trips on offer right now.

Another slightly off-piste European choice, this coastal town offers some of the freshest, cheapest and tastiest seafood in the world. Climb to the top of the bell tower for spectacular views or spend the day wine tasting in the neighbouring countryside. Slovenia is regarded as one of the greenest countries in Europe, and if you are into your outdoor pursuits then you can’t do much better than a seasonal trip here.

If skiing in the summer sounds like your cup of South American chocolate, look no further than June in La Paz. You can take to one of the highest ski slopes in the world for less than $70 (£53). And with five-star hotel rooms at Airbnb prices, you’ll have extra money to spend on local wares at the Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas). Altitude is something to be wary of, this is the highest capital in the world too, but once you get used to it you’ll hardly notice. Explore the many cathedrals here and make sure you leave enough time to try local delicacies like Salteña and Fricasé.

Chicago is an utterly unique slice of America. It has an independent spirit which really makes you feel like you are in a state within a state, and that makes it ideal if you want to visit the USA without getting too involved in what’s going on beyond city limits. When I visited a few years ago I was actually taken aback by how hot it got in June, so prepare for a proper summer experience. The food is incredible and its no surprise that hit series The Bear is set in the city. You can find locations from a number of Hollywood productions in downtown as well, while scenic river cruise comes highly recommended. June is also the perfect time to catch a ball game at Wrigley Field.

June is an ideal time to visit Salzburg. With the city bathed in summer sunshine, Salzburg comes alive with outdoor concerts, blooming gardens, and a lively atmosphere. This year it’s particularly special, the timeless classic The Sound of Music is celebrating its 60th anniversary, and the stunning city where many of its most iconic scenes were filmed is marking the occasion with a host of events and experiences. The Salzburg Marionette Theatre, will honour the anniversary with weekly performances of the beloved musical from May through to August. Meanwhile, a brand new audio guide app invites visitors to explore behind the scenes stories and follow a trail through authentic filming locations. Fans of the movie can also venture just beyond the city to the scenic Leogang Mountains, home to two luxurious alpine retreats – Priesteregg and WIESERGUT. Both offer panoramic views, elegant suites, expansive wellness facilities, and authentic dining experiences. Set against an alpine backdrop, visitors can embrace nature and revel in the same landscapes that once inspired the von Trapp family.