Writer: Helena Bergström
Where to go this year? Here are seven hot travel experiences for summer 2025: places and experiences for those looking for a great holiday experience, a little out of the ordinary. What are your top tips? Where are you planning to go on holiday this year?
Table of contents
1. Åland, Finland
If you haven't visited Åland yet, now is the time! In summer, it's a paradise of beautiful islands, scenic walks and interesting historical sights. Åland also offers plenty to discover for those who like good, high-quality food.
Don't miss a visit to Bomarsund Fortress, with its beautiful and modern visitor centre. It's also great to take excursions to islands such as Föglö and Kökar. If you make it all the way to Kökar, you can take a boat trip to Källskär - a great day adventure you won't soon forget!



2. Cruise in the Croatian archipelago
Croatia is one of our absolute favourites in southern Europe, and when we're sometimes asked where it's best, the answer is 'everywhere'! The coastline in Croatia is stunning, with plenty of islands, charming towns and fascinating national parks, such as Krka and the Plitvice Lakes.
We find it difficult to give advice on a single location - but now we feel very comfortable recommending a cruise among all the beautiful cities and islands. This way you get to experience several different beautiful places, while enjoying sun, swimming and good food.



3. Spa in Poland
We like Poland and we like spas. Spas in Poland are the perfect combination! From sandy beaches to deciduous forests and mountains, Poland offers stunning scenery. You can also enjoy really good and rustic food, with a homemade touch, such as flavourful soups and delicious Polish "pierogi".
When it comes to spas, Poland has a long spa tradition, and today the 'drinking well' traditions of the past are mixed with modern wellness. You can combine bathing with treatments, nature experiences and cosy city visits.



4. Karpathos, Greece
Do you want to experience a Greek holiday island that is a little quieter, a little more genuine and offers a lot of heart? Then we can highly recommend Karpathos. This lovely island, located between Rhodes and Crete, offers dramatic mountains, cosy villages and idyllic beaches surrounded by cliffs and greenery.
For example, you can hire a car and discover the island's winding and breathtakingly beautiful mountain roads. In the north, you can visit the picturesque mountain village of Ólymbos, where the inhabitants have preserved their unique traditions throughout the ages. Or why not go hiking or enjoy stunning views on a boat trip to Saria Island?



5. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is a dreamy, almost exotic destination that has held a special place in our memory bank ever since we discovered the island by motorhome about ten years ago. You can get to this Italian island by car or by plane, and charter holidays are also available.
Sardinia has everything a holidaymaker could wish for, from the exclusive jet-set strip of Costa Smeralda to quieter spots such as the island of La Maddalena, or Alghero with boat trips to Grotta di Nettuno. Our absolute favourite place was Cala Gonone, where you can rent a boat and experience small secluded coves by the crystal clear water.



6. River cruise in France
A fantastic way to experience France is to do so via a river cruise. There are several different rivers, and canals, to cruise on and many different ways to cruise. You can cruise on a huge river cruiser or a more intimate cruise boat, or you can simply hire a type of cruise boat that you can drive on your own.
We cruised through Burgundy on the exclusive Grand Victoria cruise ship. This trip offered a lot of learning about wine, but also unique historical sights, amazing food creations and genuine relaxation. This is something we will remember for a long time!



7. Öland, Sweden
There are many fantastic places to discover in Sweden in the summer, and it's especially great to take a trip to Öland. It is popular to sunbathe, swim and camp on this island, for example on Böda Sand.
There are many famous sights to check out, such as Solliden Castle and Borgholm Castle. In addition, there are many interesting historical sites, including ancient castles. Our favourites include the Långe Jan lighthouse and the southern tip of Öland, with its almost exotic landscape. Don't miss Byrun's rauks either!



More tips for hot travel experiences in summer 2025?
Do you have more tips on hot travel experiences for summer 2025? Please let us know!
Anette Nilsson says:
There are so many great destinations to choose from. The hard part is just choosing. Of the ones you write about, I hope we can get a trip to Öland in the not too distant future. It all depends on Stefan's knee and what he can do after the knee replacement. Croatia is fantastic. We have been there lots of times and visited many islands, but not as a cruise. Understand that it was a wonderful experience. Hopefully there will be some France this autumn on the way south but we have not decided much yet. Sardinia attracts a lot. We just have to go there sometime. You can go on like this endlessly. You want so much but not everything works out. But inspiration from travel destinations triggers ....
28 May 2025 - 8:20
Helena says:
Agree, it's hard to choose, and it's impossible to have time for everything ... but on the other hand, lucky that you have left to choose from! 🙂 Hope Stefan's knee gets better and that you get away where you want!
28 May 2025 - 21:55
Eval8 says:
I think it's nice wherever you go. There are advantages to most places. Åland has attracted me for a while, let's see if I get there.
Have a nice Wednesday!
28 May 2025 - 10:00
Helena says:
Yes, it is a bit like that, we also think that many places have their advantages, in different ways. Åland is beautiful! Wish you all the best!
28 May 2025 - 21:56
Madde says:
Very good tips. Still think I'm pretty well travelled, but of the places you listed, I've only been to Öland 🙂 Poland I have visited, but not at the SPA.
28 May 2025 - 10:05
Helena says:
There are so many different places to choose from, the world is simply big ... 😉 Wish you all the best!
28 May 2025 - 21:56
Yossu says:
Europe is full of amazing places. My favourites are Toulouse and Breb in Romania. But given the risk of intense heat, I'm most attracted to Sweden and Finland in high summer. Åland on a hot summer day sounds magical.
28 May 2025 - 10:45
Helena says:
So great to hear what your favourite places are! We're not that far from Toulouse really... What is it you like about that city?
28 May 2025 - 21:57
BP says:
Or you are smart and follow your blog:-) Enjoying your posts without moving a metre. Not so stupid;-)
28 May 2025 - 20:18
Helena says:
Hehe, yes, that's also an excellent idea! 😉
28 May 2025 - 21:58
The Adventure of the Future says:
I'm so glad you're highlighting Åland! Thank you for that says the former Ålander in Madeira!
28 May 2025 - 20:22
Helena says:
We really like Åland! So beautiful and has so much to offer! 🙂
28 May 2025 - 21:59
Agnieszka Nowak says:
Polskie uzdrowiska są naprawdę fantastyczne. To nie tylko Świeradów-Zdrój, ale także uzdrowiska Ziemi Kłodzkiej, jak Lądek-Zdrój - najstarsze uzdrowisko w Polsce, czy też Polanica-Zdrój , moje rodzinne miasto. 🥰🥰🥰
28 May 2025 - 21:45
Helena says:
I'm sure there are many great places! Lovely to learn where you are from, I checked on the map 😉 Wish you all the best!!!
28 May 2025 - 22:01