Technically, is it a little late to be talking about summer travel? Yes.
But life gets busy and sneaks up on us, doesn’t it? If you’ve been meaning to plan something and somehow blinked and ended up halfway through the year, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options.
While some destinations and dates have been booked solid for months, there are still genuinely good trips that can happen this summer with the right strategy and a little flexibility. I know where to look, and I’ve been helping clients pull together last-minute trips for years. Here are three I’d book right now.
Ireland: The One People Always Put Off (And Then Wish They Hadn’t)
Ireland has a habit of sitting on people’s travel lists for years. It never feels urgent the way a beach destination does in summer — which is exactly why it’s worth considering right now. While everyone else is chasing Caribbean reservations, Ireland tends to have more breathing room, and summer is genuinely one of the best times to go.
The days are long — I mean really long. In July, it doesn’t get dark until well after 10pm, which gives you an extraordinary amount of time to actually experience the country. The landscapes are at their most lush, the coastal drives are stunning, and the village pubs are doing exactly what you’d hope they’re doing.
What I love most about planning Ireland trips is how varied the experience can be depending on what draws you. The Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry for the dramatic scenery. Killarney and Galway for charm and a real sense of place. The Dingle Peninsula for anyone who wants to feel like they’ve genuinely gotten away from the tourist trail. And Dublin for a few days of history, excellent food, and the kind of city energy that surprises people who weren’t expecting to love it.
Ireland is also genuinely one of the most manageable international destinations logistically — especially for first-time international travelers. English-speaking, easy to navigate, and full of the kind of warmth that makes you want to come back.
Alaska: Summer Is the Only Time to Go — So Go
Alaska in summer is one of those trips that clients describe as unlike anything they expected, in the best possible way. If it’s been on your list, summer is your window — this is the season, full stop.
The combination of long daylight hours and active wildlife makes July and August genuinely spectacular. Humpback whales breaching in Glacier Bay. Brown bears fishing for salmon at Katmai. Bald eagles being completely nonchalant about the whole thing. The scale of the landscape — the glaciers, the fjords, the mountains — is something photographs genuinely can’t prepare you for.
I book Alaska primarily as a cruise experience, which is the most practical and rewarding way to cover the most ground. An itinerary that includes Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan gives you the full range — tidewater glaciers, old gold rush towns, rain forest hikes, and some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat. There are options at every level from mainstream cruise lines to small-ship expedition experiences, and the right fit depends on what kind of traveler you are.
What I always tell clients who are on the fence: Alaska is a trip people almost universally say they wish they’d taken sooner. There’s rarely a “I should have waited on that one” version of this story.
Cancún: The All-Inclusive Escape That Still Has Availability
If what you’re really craving is a week of beach time, good food, and genuinely not having to think about logistics, Cancún delivers. And yes — there’s still availability this summer at properties that are actually worth booking.
The Cancún area stretches south along the Caribbean coast, and it has a different feel from the Cancún hotel zone — a little more natural, a little more tucked away, with the jungle meeting the beach in a way that makes the setting feel more special. Tulum is at the southern end for travelers who want something boutique and wellness-forward. Properties closer to Playa del Carmen give you a mix of resort life and a real town to explore.
A few things worth knowing if you’re booking now: sargassum seaweed can affect Caribbean beaches from May through October, with the severity varying year to year and property to property. The resorts that invest in active beach management — dedicated crews, physical barriers — handle it significantly better than those that don’t, and it’s worth asking specifically about when you book. July and August also bring afternoon showers that typically clear by evening, so mornings at the beach are usually gorgeous even in the heart of summer.
For anyone still deciding between Cancún and other Mexico regions this summer, I break down the full comparison — including the sargassum question and which areas tend to fare best — in my guide to the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico for summer.
A Note on Timing
One honest caveat: when I say “last call,” I mean it more than a little. Availability isn’t unlimited, and the gap between “options exist” and “good options exist” closes quickly. Hotels fill, specific room categories go first, and tour operators and guides book up. If any of these trips has been in the back of your mind, sooner is genuinely better than later.
That said — I’ve helped clients pull together Ireland itineraries in three weeks and Alaska cruises in less time than that. It’s not impossible. It just requires knowing where to look and moving when you find something good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is summer a good time to visit Ireland?
Summer is actually one of the best times to visit Ireland. June through August brings the longest days — in July, it stays light until 10pm or later — and the greenest landscapes. Temperatures are mild rather than warm (expect highs in the 60s), so it’s not a beach holiday, but for scenery, hiking, and exploring, it’s ideal. Summer is also the busiest season, so booking accommodations early gives you better options, particularly in popular areas like Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula.
What’s the best way to experience Alaska for a first-time visitor?
A cruise is the most practical and rewarding way to experience Alaska for the first time, because it solves the logistics of covering a lot of remote geography without requiring you to piece together a complicated itinerary. Glacier Bay, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan are the highlights most itineraries hit, and each offers a completely different side of the state. Small-ship expedition cruises offer more flexibility and closer wildlife encounters; larger cruise lines offer more onboard amenities and a wider price range. The right fit depends on your travel style.
How do I know if sargassum will be a problem at a Cancún resort this summer?
The honest answer is that sargassum forecasting isn’t an exact science — amounts vary significantly year to year and even week to week. What I always look for when booking summer Caribbean trips is a resort’s specific beach management program: active crews, physical collection barriers, and a track record of maintaining the beach even in higher-impact years. Some resorts are much more proactive than others, and that’s a question worth asking directly before you book. I factor this into every recommendation I make for summer Caribbean trips.
If one of these trips is starting to feel less like a “maybe someday” and more like a “this summer” — reach out and let’s figure out what’s actually still available and what it takes to make it happen. I’d love to help you close out the season with a trip worth talking about.
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