Travel Tips: Where to Go in July

July leaves us longing for a getaway. With pleasant weather and summer activities, here are some of the best places to travel for a holiday in July.

Trip Planner: Where to travel and when’s the best time to go?

Here’s our top picks of where to go in July for enjoyable holidays. Go where the weather is great and fun events are happening in July. Read on to find out what makes these destinations the best places to travel this month.

Kayaking Through Kuching, Malaysia

Great for: Rainforest Wildlife, Kayaking, Tribes, Anthropology, Museums, Festivals

There’s a reason why Kuching is a tourist haven. There is so much to see and do, and it’s also one of Malaysia’s cleanest and most multicultural cities. Wildlife, thick rainforest and tribal culture are some of the amazing things Kuching, part of Borneo, is known for.

Situated on the Sarawak River, kayaking is a great activity that will take you through a variety of locations around the city, out to the open sea (where dolphin-gazing is a possibility) and even through the rainforest. Even after all your paddling, be sure to include a walk along the river and relax with views of the sunset and a dinner of grilled fish. Still have energy? The Kuching Waterfront comes alive after dark with lots of people and an exciting bit of nightlife.

Kuching is also one of the best spots in the world to witness animals in their natural habitat, both wild and rehabilitating animals.  Orangutans are the big draw.

If you’ve had enough of the great outdoors, head to the museums. The Sarawak Museum is the oldest in Borneo, with lots of interesting exhibits – ethnological, archaelogical and natural history. Here you can see a collection of the many species from the Bornean rainforest – crocodile skulls, whale skulls, tribal artefacts including the famous traditional intricate woven baskets and even skulls from the era of headhunting.

Alternatively, visit the Sarawak Cultural Village to see traditional structures set in the rainforest.

The more kitsch Cat Museum (kucing means “cat” in Malay) can give you a giggle as it’s filled with cat memorabilia.

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The Weather in Kuching, Malaysia in July

Average Temperature: 22°C – 31°C

Season: July is the driest month, but it can get quite hot

What to Pack: Bring lightweight clothing.

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How to Get There: Fly with AirAsia or Malaysia Air to Kuching (KCH).

Average Flight Time: At only 90 minutes from Singapore, it’s an easy flight.

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Immerse yourself in nature at the Permai Rainforest Resort.

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Best of Bali in Ubud, Indonesia

Great for: Adventure sports, Yoga, Art, Weekend getaway, Short trip from Singapore

Biking in bamboo forests, whitewater rafting on the Ayung River or canyoning in Gitgit will get your adrenaline pumping on a visit to Ubud in July. For those who are active, there’s no end of activities. Between all the extreme sports, visit one of the many yoga studios, meditation centres or spas.

Ubud is not the typical Bali beach holiday as it’s tucked away from the coast and offers a more relaxed, quiet pace. It could be the calming effect of the surrounding rice paddies, a must-see for any visitor. Art galleries, museums and temples also abound.

After days packed with activities, take in the wildlife. The Monkey Forest is a must-see, but hold on to your handbag as these critters are curious! Set aside at least one evening for gazing at the thousands of white herons roosting in the village of Petulu. If you’d rather a cultural activity, pick one of the more than 65 dance or puppet performances that occur in the city each week.

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The Weather in Ubud, Bali in July

Average Temperature: 23°C – 30°C

Season: July marks the end of the rainy season and makes for pleasant summer weather.

What to Pack: Along with your yoga pants, throw in some bug spray – just in case.

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How to Get There: Numerous airlines make the trip to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, including Jetstar and Singapore Airlines. From there, rent a car for the 90-minute ride.

Average Flight Time: Under 3 hours.

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The haven with private pools at Ubud Green Resort Villas is a delight.

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Chill to the Beat at Outdoor Concerts in Chicago, USA

Great for: Music, City sights, Romantic getaways, Music

Consider a trip to Chicago, the heart of America’s Midwest, in the month of July. After a long winter, the city comes alive during the summer holidays with people flooding the sidewalk cafes and waterfront. Situated on Lake Michigan, the city skyscrapers look out over the water. Get your bearings as you hop on an architectural tour boat that will take you up the Chicago River.

Afternoons can be spent jiving with locals at one of the many street festivals. It is a tradition in the city to close off several blocks for food trucks, local vendors, parades and live music during the warmer months.

In the evening, head to Millennium Park for the Grant Park Music Festival. You can book seats in the band shell in advance, or go the more romantic route snuggled up on a picnic blanket for free on the lawn. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day in the city.

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The Weather in Chicago, USA in July

Average Temperature: 18°C – 29°C

Season: Although July is Chicago’s hottest month, the windy breeze off Lake Michigan makes it quite pleasant.

What to Pack: Beachwear by day; jeans by night.

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How to Get There: Cathay Pacific and Delta both fly to Chicago (ORD).

Average Flight Time: 20 hours.

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Where to Stay: The Hyatt Regency is right downtown!

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Fjord-hopping in Oslo, Norway

Great for: Nature, Romantic getaways, Somewhere Different, UNESCO sites

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July is the best time of year to visit scenic Norway. As one of the greenest countries around, your trip will leave you rejuvenated and relishing the beauty of nature.

Flying into Oslo, take a little time to explore the city, if possible, by bike through the green parks. Use your wheels to view how Norwegians used to get around as you visit the many museums featuring boats. Favorites include the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Viking Ship Museum.

Time to get out of the city and see the glory of Norway’s fjords. Seemingly impossible rock formations spouting waterfalls over cavernous spaces will leave you breathless. The UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord is reachable by train and can be done in a daytrip. If you can spend more time, plan to see snow-capped peaks in Geirangerfjord. Make sure to bring a camera with panoramic capabilities.

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The Weather in Oslo, Norway in July

Average Temperature: 13°C – 22°C

Season: With long days and minimal cloud cover and rain, July is the best time of year to see the spectacular fjords

What to Pack: Pack layers as it’s not a typical tropical destination.

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How to Get There: Fly into Oslo (OSL) with Turkish Airlines or Qatar Airways.

Average Flight Time: 20 hours

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The Hotel Continental has some of the most beautiful architecture around and is right in the city centre.

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Lounging in Lisbon, Portugal

Great for: Relaxing, Romantic Vacation, Shopping, European architecture

Portugal’s ocean-side capital is a unique summer destination with fun to be had at the festivals. This European city has an easygoing charm perfect for a relaxing. See the mix of Moorish influences on European architecture as you walk about the intimate alleyways in the Alfama district. Historic trams are another option for getting around and mixing with the locals.

Located on the Tagus River but near the ocean, the city celebrates the Lisbon Ocean Festival during July. Free events, concerts, museum exhibits and performances occur during the day. When you’ve had your fill of this festival, there’s another to explore! Head over to the Parque das Nações for the International Crafts Fair. Artisans come from all over the country with their regional specialties that make for one-of-a-kind gifts.

Dinner should be enjoyed accompanied by fado, traditional Portuguese guitar music. The intimate atmosphere and delicious food will leave you feeling in the mood for love. Finish off the magical evening with fireworks on the waterfront, thanks to the Ocean Festival.

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Average Temperature: 18°C – 22°C.

Season: Lovely summer temperatures.

What to Pack: Ocean breezes blow in, so bring a scarf to wrap around your shoulders.

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How to Get There: British Airways and Turkish Airlines offer single stopover flights to Lisbon (LIS).

Average Flight Time: Under 19 hours.

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Stay in Baixa, lower town, at the 4-star Hotel Lis.

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