July remains the most popular month for summer travel, but in 2026, tourists are increasingly choosing not only famous resorts, but also less crowded destinations. Find out which countries and regions experts recommend for vacations this summer and why they are becoming new favorites for travelers

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July traditionally opens the peak of the tourist season. It is this month that the largest number of family vacations, student holidays and summer trips fall. At the same time, in 2026, tourism trends are gradually changing. As The Independent, experts note, modern travelers are increasingly paying attention not only to the popularity of the destination, but also to comfort, the number of tourists, climatic conditions and the opportunity to get a truly authentic experience.

Despite the fact that Southern Europe continues to remain one of the main centers of summer tourism, more and more people are looking for alternatives to crowded resorts and hot cities. That is why experts name Canada, Slovenia, Montenegro, Norway and the Puglia region in Italy among the best destinations for summer 2026.

Preparing for a trip is not only about choosing a route and booking a hotel. It is also important to find out in advance visa requirements, entry rules, a list of required documents and features of staying in the destination country. It is for this reason that the Visit World team has created a convenient service "Travel Guide". The guide contains all the key information for travelers in one place.

Order the "Tourist Guide" from Visit World and prepare for your trip without unnecessary worries.

Canada: summer among mountains, lakes and wildlife

For those who want to spend their July vacation among incredible natural landscapes, Canada remains one of the best options.

July here offers comfortable weather, long daylight hours and excellent conditions for outdoor activities. The celebration of Canada Day on July 1, when concerts, festivals and large-scale festive events are held throughout the country, adds a special mood.

However, the main reason to visit Canada is its unique nature. It is during this period that the best season opens for exploring the Canadian Rockies and famous glacial lakes.

Among the places worth seeing:

- Banff National Park;

- Lake Louise;

- Moraine Lake;

- Jasper National Park;

- Yoho National Park;

- Kootenay National Park;

- Ivvavik National Park in the Yukon.

Canada will be a great choice for travelers who prefer hiking, wildlife watching and relaxation away from mass tourism.

Top 10 places that tourists should visit in Canada in this article.

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Slovenia: a green country for those who are tired of crowds

Slovenia has long ceased to be a hidden gem of Europe, but it still remains a much calmer alternative to popular tourist countries. Almost 60% of the country is covered with forests, making it one of the most environmentally friendly countries on the continent. It combines the Alps, lakes, rivers and ancient cities.

The following deserve special attention:

- Lake Bled;

- Lake Bohinj;

- Soča River Valley;

- Triglav National Park;

- Bovec City.

Fans of active tourism will find dozens of routes for hiking, cycling, rafting and kayaking here. At the same time, even in high season, many natural locations remain relatively uncrowded.

Montenegro: one of the most underrated countries in Europe

Montenegro is gradually strengthening its position on the tourist map of Europe, although it still remains less popular than neighboring Croatia. This is its main advantage. Here, tourists can enjoy a vacation on the Adriatic coast without encountering excessive pressure on the tourist infrastructure. It is definitely worth visiting:

- Bay of Kotor;

- Budva;

- Durmitor National Park;

- Tara River Canyon;

- Black Lake.

For adventure lovers, Montenegro offers rafting, packrafting, mountain hiking and numerous sightseeing routes with panoramic views. The country also remains one of the most affordable destinations on the Adriatic coast.

We tell you about the best beach in Europe 2026 at the link.

Norway: Escape the Summer Heat

With record-breaking temperatures in many Southern European countries, more and more tourists are choosing northern destinations. Norway in July offers comfortable temperatures, almost endless daylight hours and some of the most impressive natural landscapes in the world.

It is in the summer that you can fully appreciate the beauty of the famous Norwegian fjords, go kayaking or go on multi-day hikes.

The most popular locations: Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, Preikestolen, Lofoten Islands and the Flåm region.

Norway will be an ideal choice for those who want to combine active recreation with a comfortable summer climate.

Read about the cheapest and most expensive cities in Europe for vacation in 2026 in this article.

Puglia: The real Italy without the hustle and bustle of the big tourist centers

The southern region of Italy, Puglia, continues to attract travelers who want to see authentic Italy beyond Rome, Venice, or Florence. Although it can be quite hot in July, this is what makes the region a great place for a beach holiday.

Puglia is known for its white historic towns, picturesque Adriatic coast, traditional architecture, local wineries, and unique gastronomy.

Among the most interesting places in the region, it is worth noting Alberobello with its famous trulli houses, Ostuni, Lecce, and Polignano a Mare.

It is here that you can experience the atmosphere of the so-called cucina povera - traditional southern Italian cuisine, which is based on simple local products and ancient recipes.

The best countries in the world for road trips in 2026 are collected at the link.

What travel trends will define the summer of 2026?

Experts note that the main trend of 2026 is the search for a more balanced vacation. Tourists are trying to avoid excessive heat, huge crowds and overcrowded resorts.

Instead, they choose countries and regions where you can enjoy nature, a comfortable pace of life and more authentic experiences. That is why Slovenia, Montenegro and Norway are rapidly gaining popularity, while Puglia and Canada are becoming alternatives to traditional tourist routes.

In 2026, the rules of international travel continue to change, and the requirements of different countries can differ significantly. Independent search for relevant information often takes a lot of time and does not guarantee a complete picture.

The “Travel Guide” from Visit World will help you quickly get structured information about your upcoming trip. The guide contains step-by-step instructions for applying for a tourist visa, a list of required documents, application requirements, information on consular fees, application processing times and useful recommendations for tourists. After placing an order, the guide will be sent to your email in PDF format within a few minutes.

Choose the desired country and get your "Tourist Guide" from Visit World today.

Reminder! Mobile communication prices in Europe differ by 6 times depending on the country. We have already told you where the cheapest tariffs are in 2026, which countries have the highest prices and what determines the cost of communication for expats and travelers.

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