The 10 best places to travel in June 2020
These are the best places to travel in June in order to fulfill your sun-baked, city-scaped vacation dreams.
On the hunt for a sunny city getaway? In need of a little ‘vitamin sea’? How about tropical islands, culture-packed capitals and wild, mountainous hinterlands? We thought as much. The best places to travel in June offer all this and more—you just need to decide where to go. We’ve helped narrow down the search by identifying 10 of the very best places to go in June 2020—from the nature trails of Kyrgyzstan and the capitals of Eastern Europe to the mountains of Portugal and the seascape of Seattle. Take a look, but be warned: you may need to make more than one addition to your travel wishlist.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best places to travel
Best places to travel in June
Vienna
In Vienna, 2020 is all about Beethoven. To mark the 250th anniversary of his birth, the city has a year of celebrations planned in honour of the composer, who lived here for 35 years. In June you get the best of classical and modern music all at once; catch a cycle or two of Beethoven at concert halls such as Musikverein, then rock up to Donaiuinselfest, Europe’s largest free open-air festival for rock, pop, hip-hop and more.
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Seattle
Whether you come for a grunge pilgrimage, that gum wall or the incredible great outdoors, Seattle’s distinct identity draws crowds from far and wide. The city’s fun-loving side is on full display in June as the artsy Fremont Solstice Parade stops traffic with a naked bike ride and Seattle Pride paints the streets all colours of the rainbow. Other highlights include orca spotting in Puget Sound or sniffing out the costly-but-coveted Copper River salmon at Pike Place Market (only available from May until mid-June).
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Fiji
June is technically Fiji’s winter, but temperatures still hover in the mid 20sC/70sF and this ‘cool’ weather makes for seriously epic sunsets. The archipelago’s turquoise waters are particularly clear at this time of year, ideal for snorkelling and diving; Viti Levu’s outer islands are top choice for experienced divers looking for a liveaboard trip, while the Mamanucas boast calm seas and beautiful coral reefs. Resorts are getting busier, but you’re still likely to find a better deal than you would in July or August.
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Croatia
While there’s still time to enjoy Croatia’s lesser-known beaches, cities and islands in relative peace before the masses descend in July and August, if you came to party, the summer fun starts with a bang in June. On Pag Island, Hideout (21-25 June) will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020 with its biggest and best electronic music festival yet, while InMusic’s 15th edition brings rock and indie bands to Zagreb (22-24 June) yet again for Croatia’s biggest open air festival.
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Langkawi, Malaysia
It’s technically the rainy season on Malaysia’s west coast in June, but showers on Langkawi are short-lived and sunshine often prevails. The main benefits of coming here in the shoulder season? Deserted attractions and bargain hotel stays. Popular Pantai Cenang beach is much quieter in June, while the likes of pretty Tanjung Rhu (which is far from the tourist hubs) can be practically empty. Take the cable car to the Skybridge on a blue-sky day for unforgettable jungle views.
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Prague
While the cramped Old Town streets of Prague in summer provoke whispers of ‘overtourism,’ venture away from the main hubs and you’ll find there’s plenty to see beyond Charles Bridge and the (newly tourist-proofed) Lennon Wall (although they’re still worth an early morning gander). June is not yet the apex of tourist season, but benefits from beautiful weather and a slew of delectable festivals, including the largest ice cream fest in Central Europe and a microbrewery bonanza.
The best things to do in Prague
Zambia
Zambia’s dry and bright conditions in June are ideal for wildlife spotting in the 3500 square-mile South Luangwa National Park, and bonus: mosquito numbers dwindle as the landscape dries out. Walking safaris were first pioneered right here, allowing you to get up close to the region’s flora, identify the dusty prints of baboons, hyenas, or even leopards and see just how gargantuan African elephants really are. If that’s not enough of an adrenaline hit, make a beeline for Victoria Falls where you can bungee jump over the Zambezi.
East Coast, Sri Lanka
June is one of the wettest months of Sri Lanka’s southwest monsoon season (which runs from around April to September), but on the east coast it’s a different story. In Arugam Bay blazing sunshine and consistent waves mean this month is made for surfing ... or lazing in a hammock with a smoothie, if that’s more your style. Nearby Kumana National Park sees far fewer visitors than its southern sister Yala, meaning you can spot leopards, elephants and crocodiles without an entourage of jostling jeeps.
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Azores
As if the Azores weren’t idyllic enough already, in June these verdant volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic burst with colour as copious wildflowers come into bloom. Flores (meaning flowers) is the best place to spot them, but Parque Terra Nostra on the main island of São Miguel is just as captivating, and a real treat for botany boffins. You also stand a decent chance of spotting whales and dolphins in the wild, as the widest variety of cetacean species are migrating through these waters.
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Kyrgyzstan
Central Asia is having a moment. Relaxed visa regulations mean the region is more accessible than ever, and its unparalleled combo of rich history, dazzling architecture and rugged landscapes are starting to draw a savvy crowd. From mid-June, Kyrgyzstan’s low-altitude hiking trails start to thaw out, whitewater rafting season starts and remote yurt camps welcome travellers looking for a digital detox. In mountainous Naryn, make time for the Kyrgyz Shyrdagy Festival, a celebration of the ancient Kyrgz art of felt carpet making.
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