Summer is the perfect time to get outside and explore the world. Whether you’re looking for thrills and beautiful landscapes or want to experience a new culture, the possibilities are endless. Here are some incredible summer travel experiences that everyone is sure to love! PLACES TO GO THIS SUMMER 1. Road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway Embark on an epic road trip along California's iconic Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1. Drive through stunning coastal scenery, visit picturesque towns like Monterey and Santa Barbara and take in the awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean. Don't miss the opportunity to stop at Big Sur, where towering cliffs meet the crashing waves, creating a truly unforgettable sight. Hikers will love this travel experience. Of course, this area can sometimes experience closures due to heavy rains or even wildfires or earthquakes. Make sure you stock up on our best workout accessories to ensure you can traverse the area safely! 2. Explore the islands of Greece Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Greek islands during the summer months. From the white-washed buildings of Santorini to the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos, each island offers its own unique charm and history to boot. Indulge in delicious local cuisine, relax on pristine beaches and witness mesmerizing sunsets that paint the sky with hues of orange and pink. You’ll never want to leave! 3. Make the trek to Machu Picchu, Peru Embark on an adventurous journey to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru. Hike the renowned Inca Trail through breathtaking Andean landscapes, passing through cloud forests and ancient ruins along the way. While it might be a long hike, the view of Machu Picchu emerging from the mist will take your breath away. Our durable silicone rings are the perfect accessory on any hike. With a comfortable fit and moisture-resistant silicone, it’s no wonder they’re the favorite of hikers and athletes everywhere. 4. Go for a safari in the Serengeti Serengeti National Park hosts some of the best safaris in Africa. Get up close — safely! — to majestic lions, elephants and giraffes, and spend evenings under the African sky, creating memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re an amateur or avid photographer, the Serengeti is the perfect place to practice and hone your skills on wildlife photography. You’ll get so many opportunities to capture beautiful moments in the wild! 5. Check out the diverse islands of Thailand Discover the beauty of Thailand's pristine islands by embarking on an island-hopping adventure. Start with Phuket, and then explore the breathtaking Phi Phi Islands and wrap up your visit with experiencing the tranquil beauty of Krabi. Snorkeling, sunbathing and enjoying mouthwatering Thai cuisine are just some of the many activities you can do in Thailand this summer. 6. Go camping under the Northern Lights in Iceland Witness the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights in Iceland during the summer to avoid the freezing and bone-deep chill during the winter. Set up camp in remote locations away from light pollution and marvel at nature’s most spectacular light show illuminating the night sky above you. Iceland might be a small island, but there’s lots to do while you’re visiting, too. Visit the avid nightlife in Reykjavik and relax in some hot springs while the sun is up. 7. Take a classic cruise through the Norwegian Fjords The pictures you’ve probably seen are breathtaking, so why not experience it for yourself? Embark on a cruise through the stunning Norwegian fjords, a landscape of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and serene blue waters. Along the way, explore charming coastal towns, hike to scenic viewpoints and enjoy the tranquility of nature at its finest. You’ll come back from your trip refreshed and wishing you never left! 8. Take on the adventure of a lifetime on Mount Everest For the ultimate adventure seeker, trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Follow in the footsteps of legendary mountaineers as you hike through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, encounter Sherpa villages and soak in panoramic views of towering peaks. Standing at the base of the world's highest mountain is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. A word of caution, though — this hike is not for beginners. While Base Camp isn’t at the top of Mount Everest and is accessible to most people, there’s still a lot of ice, snow and walking involved. If you’ve never hiked before or you’re not familiar with what you’ll need to have a successful trip, make sure you take the time to plan accordingly before jumping to this specific trip. 9. Go for a swim in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia Dive into the mesmerizing underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Snorkel or scuba dive among vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, turtles and even stingrays. Sail through the Whitsunday Islands, relax on pristine white-sand beaches and marvel at the sheer beauty and biodiversity of one of the world's natural wonders. You should definitely make a point to travel there soon. While many experts have mentioned that the reefs are in danger due to climate change and how humans have treated the Earth over the centuries, there are plenty of people advocating and working to change that. Do yourself a favor and get to the coral reefs before it’s too late! And, while we’re on the topic of green living, consider investing in a sustainable ring from QALO. With recycled materials, these eco-friendly rings are perfect for your trip down under. Shop Our Stackable Ring Options 10. Visit a music festival in Europe Sure, you might be able to experience music festivals here in the States, but there’s something so amazing about experiencing music in another part of the world. From Glastonbury in the UK to Tomorrowland in Belgium and Sziget in Hungary, the continent is home to world-renowned festivals that attract top artists and music lovers from around the globe. Dance to your favorite tunes, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and create unforgettable memories with fellow festival-goers. The beauty of attending festivals in Europe is that people from all over the continent make the trek. International travel is much more common in Europe than it is in the U.S., so you’ll end up meeting lots of people from all over the world! WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR EPIC SUMMER ADVENTURES To help you make the most of your summer adventures, there are some things you’ll want to bring with you. From clothing and accessories to safety essentials and entertainment options, here’s a list of what to bring on your epic summer adventures! 1. Clothing that won’t overheat you Pack breathable and lightweight clothing for warm weather. T-shirts, shorts, sundresses and skirts are all great options. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics to stay cool and comfortable. Don't forget to pack your favorite swimsuit or trunks while you’re at it! Whether you're hitting the beach, pool or water parks, swimwear is a must for summer trips. 2. Sunscreen to protect your skin Shield yourself from the sun’s harmful rays with sunscreen, sunglasses and even a wide-brimmed hat. Protecting your skin is essential for staying safe and preventing sunburn. Not using sunscreen, even during cloudy days, can still lead to developing skin cancer. So, do yourself and your skin a favor. Pack that sunscreen! 3. Appropriate footwear Pack comfortable shoes for your planned activities, such as sandals, sneakers or even hiking boots. Don’t forget flip-flops for the beach or pool areas! If you’re going on a cruise or planning on attending a more formal event, make sure to bring heels or formal shoes! 4. A travel adapter for electrical outlets If you’re traveling internationally, a travel adapter is a must-have to ensure you can charge your electronics. Check the plug types at your destination and carry the appropriate adapter. If you’re unsure what you need, you can always wait until you’re at the airport to purchase one, but that might be more expensive than purchasing a multi-use one from somewhere else beforehand. 5. Organize your important items Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including your passport, driver's license, boarding passes and even your hotel reservations. Keep them organized in a secure travel wallet or folder, and don’t forget to bring along cash and cards. Make a plan for how you’re going to exchange currency when you arrive in a new country, and let your banks know about any travel plans you have. This will make your travels much easier! 6. Have a first aid kit available Prepare a basic first aid kit that includes band-aids, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, motion sickness medication and any necessary prescription medications. If you’re traveling with friends or family, make sure they’re aware of any medical conditions you have and they know where your medications are! 7. Always have bug spray on hand While it’s not part of your standard first aid kit, bug spray and insect repellent can be a lifesaver while traveling, especially if you’re doing somewhere heavily forested. Mosquitoes, wasps and even ticks are all often seen during the summer months, and they tend to gravitate toward areas where people like to hike and travel the most, it seems. Protect yourself from pesky insects and mosquitoes by packing a reliable insect repellent. 8. Purchase travel insurance before you go anywhere Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected events, cancellations or medical emergencies. Read the policy details carefully to ensure it covers your specific needs. This is especially important for honeymooners who are bringing along their expensive wedding jewelry. If the idea of your $10,000 diamond engagement ring getting lost or stolen while on your honeymoon (or even just traveling in general) scares you, consider opting for one of our classic metallic silicone rings! These rings are perfect for when you need to have something a bit more elevated but don’t want to run the risk of wearing something that will attract the watchful and greedy eye of thieves or potentially get lost during your travels. At first glance, they look just like a gold or metal wedding band! 9. Something to store your dirty clothes in There’s nothing worse at the end of a trip than realizing all your dirty clothes are in a pile and you have nowhere to pack them for the trip back. Keep your dirty clothes separate from the clean ones by packing a travel-sized laundry bag. It helps maintain organization and prevents odors from spreading. If you want to save some money, bring a trash bag instead! Look for one that’s a 13 gallon size or larger so you have enough room for all your dirty clothes. It’s easy to release the air from the trash bag so you can zip it up into your luggage. Be mindful of how much space dirty clothes take, though, especially if your luggage was densely packed using packing cubes. Your dirty clothes are unfolded and will probably take up more space. Of course, if your Airbnb or your accommodations have a free washer and dryer, consider running your clothes through a couple of quick cycles before your trip home to reduce the need for laundry when you return! Many places sell travel-sized detergent and softener, or you can bring some of your own, especially if you have skin allergies. 10. Rain gear Don't let unexpected rain showers dampen your plans! If there’s one thing you can count on during the summer months, it’s a rain shower or two. Carry a compact travel umbrella or a lightweight rain poncho to stay dry during inclement weather. If you have space in your luggage, pack a quality rain jacket to ensure you stay dry on your excursions. No matter where you’re going, rain gear will always come in handy. Taking a trip in the summer can be a fun and rewarding experience. With so many places around the world to visit, you might have trouble choosing a destination! Whether you hike through South American forests or hone your photography skills in Africa, it’s sure to be a fun-filled summer. Image Credits schab/Shutterstock.com Amity-PIXS/Shutterstock.com Diana Guevara/Shutterstock.com Azaze11o/Shutterstock.com kckate16/Shutterstock.com Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock.com Vladeep/Shutterstock.com Hamizan Yusof/Shutterstock.com Tanya Puntti/Shutterstock.com IvanGrabilin/Shutterstock.com roman-smirnov/Shutterstock.com Wonderful Nature/Shutterstock.com