Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay offers a enchanting display of vibrant blooms throughout July. A family-run garden and National Historic Site of Canada, the property hosts over 900 plant species. And while spring is often associated with blossoms, summer here is just as pretty. The gardens burst with colourful begonias, hydrangeas and climbing roses, while hummingbirds flit among the flowers. Guests can enjoy live music Wednesday through Sunday evenings, with fireworks lighting up the sky every Saturday night. As the sun sets, illuminated pathways and twinkling lights transform the gardens into a magical, fairytale-like setting, making it one of the most enchanting places to go in July.

Venture into the centre of Australia and stare up at the cosmos. July in Uluru is a magical experience, with clear desert skies revealing the galaxies beyond. This time of the year, the nights are long and the sky tends to be free from clouds and humidity. By day, admire the wonder of Uluru, the largest monolith in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the sun goes down, peer at the cosmos through a powerful telescope. Tour operators like Uluru Asto Tours share Indigenous Australian legends and point out constellations like the Southern Cross, Centaurus, Orion and Canopus, the second-brightest star in the sky. Some resorts, like Ayers Rock Resort, host guided experiences for guests at an extra cost.

As Australia cools down with shorter days and longer nights, Maui’s tropical warmth offers the perfect escape. The island’s 210-kilometer coastline boasts a beach for every kind of traveler—whether you’re looking to sunbathe, snorkel, surf or family-friendly fun. The spacious Makena Beach is ideal for just about everyone, with golden sands stretching two kilometres long. Kids will love tide pooling at the beaches of Kihei or swimming in the calm waters of Kapalua. Surfers, paddle out from the sands of Honolua Bay. And if you’re into sparkling volcanic sands, the black sand beaches of Honokalani Beach and One'uli Beach are stunning. Drive along the Road to Hana, a road trip running along the island’s dramatic emerald coastline, and stop at whichever stretch of sand catches your eye.

Hello, sunshine. Iceland’s midnight sun never fully sets in July, allowing you to make the most of your trip. A beautiful way to take advantage of this daylight is to trek the Laugavegur Trail, a 55-kilometre trail leading past lava fields, sulphur vents puffing clouds into the sky, roaring waterfalls, geothermal pools, serene lakes, diamond-like glaciers and ethereal landscapes. Most hikers plan to complete the trip in four days, though we recommend spending an extra day to truly soak in the sights. Cosy mountain huts welcome trekkers to spend the night, though there’s also tent camping available if you prefer a fully outdoors experience.

London is one of the best places to travel in July to embrace summertime city excitement. Days are long, skies are blue and there’s always something happening. Spend your time picnicking in Hyde Park, which hosts a variety of outdoor markets, concerts and festivals throughout the month. Watch a performance in an open-air theatre, like Regent’s Park Theatre or Shakespeare’s Globe. In King’s Cross, enjoy an outdoor cinema experience at Screen on the Canal. Stroll along the Thames, take a spin on the London Eye and visit the Tower of London. The city’s nightlife scene also comes alive this time of the year, with tourists intermingling with locals in Soho, Shoreditch and Camden.