Looking for some inspiration to choose your next summer break? TripAtlas.com's Gizelle Lau has handpicked seven ideas for the summer of 2011 sure to leave you inspired and booking in no time.
Whether you're looking for a family holiday, romantic break or an unusual escapade we've got you covered with ideas to guarantee an unforgettable time and memories to last.
Orlando, Florida, United States
Time for attractions: Orlando is always a hot destination for family summer vacations but it’s especially hot this year because the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at Universal Orlando Resort is open. If you’re not a fan of Harry Potter, there’s always incredible golf, Disney Parks, and other great family attractions!
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Get a sneak peak into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Iceland
Witness nature’s power: If you’re looking for great value, visit Iceland, which up until very recently, used to be one of the most expensive destinations in Europe. Its recent financial troubles have significantly lowered prices on airfare, tours, and accommodations. Where beers used to cost 6 EUR as recently as 4-5 years ago, you can now get a pint for about 3.50 EUR.
Don’t miss out on the new (stable) erupting volcano in Fimmvorduhals, South Iceland before it fizzles away, a visit to Iceland’s geothermal pools, or its capital city, Reykjavik.
Browse our selection of luxury hotels in Iceland.
Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada
Discover all about Canada: If the stunning cinematography of Newfoundland & Labrador’s recent commercials weren’t enough to spark your interest, you should get your eyes checked. Polar bears, icebergs, maritime culture, Viking history, and Cupids – the oldest English settlement in Canada celebrating its 400th anniversary – there’s no place more enlightening than Newfoundland & Labrador this summer.
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Read another 10 things you must experience in Canada.
London, England
Treat yourself with a city break: London is getting set to host the 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games and in host-city fashion, is sprucing up its streets, attractions, not to mention raising its prices. This summer is a great time to visit London before it’s even busier with construction and before prices get even higher in the next two years.
Browse all our luxury London hotels.
Islands of Hawaii, United States
Travel to an heavenly place: Summer heralds wedding season and it’s looking like Hawaii is huge on the radar for this year’s many soon-to-be-married couples. From Maui, the classic honeymoon destination, to Oahu for a lively Hawaiian scene, Kauai for nature and outdoor lovers, Big Island for a little of everything, or Lanai for quiet romantic getaways – each island has a distinct flavor to offer visitors.
Browse our selection of luxury hotels in Hawaii.
Rome, Italy
Rediscover Italy and its charms: With all the scandal coming out of Rome and Vatican City, this ancient city is more interesting than ever. With 2009’s Angels & Demons film featuring Tom Hanks, based on the novel by Dan Brown, and August 2010’s upcoming Eat, Pray, Love film featuring Julia Roberts, based on the novel by Elizabeth Gilbert, Rome is gaining tons of exposure in Hollywood – and it’s translating into many movie-watchers’ travel plans.
Browse all luxury hotels in Rome.
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Travel to an astonishing destination: For families looking for fun, sun, and nature or couples and singles looking for a party, Vegas is the perfect place. There are lots of fantastic deals to be had – not to mention lots of spanking new stuff. The new Cirque du Soleil Elvis show to the new Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, the long-awaited City Center complex, Aria and Vdara hotels, and Crystals shopping complex, are just a few of the many reasons to (re)discover Vegas.
Get the latest on the hottest clubs, hotels, restaurants, and casinos in Trip Atlas' Las Vegas Travel Guide.
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Gizelle Lau is a travel-food-wine lover turned writer based in Toronto, Canada, and the Online Editor for TripAtlas.com, the world’s largest online travel resource.