Summer is here! Long, hot days, short nights, no school: it’s time to travel. June is a great month to travel across Europe, North America and the rest of the world, as cultures from are taking a deep breath and leaning into a slower pace of life. June is a time of festivals, of family time, of exotic adventures and challenging yourself to try something new. Here are our top destinations for the month.
1. Provence
This idyllic region, tucked away in the southern corner of France, seems like it comes straight from a picture book. You’ll get to cycle and hike through quaint towns, sample the finest French food and wine, and drink in the incredible vistas and mountaintops that have made Provence a destination for outdoor adventurers of all stripes. June is the perfect time to visit, before the true heat of July and August but warm enough to enjoy a glass of chilled rosé (a regional delicacy) on the terrace at sunset. And you’ll be there at just the right time to enjoy Provence’s famous lavender fields in full bloom—a purple backdrop for your perfect adventure. For hiking or biking in June, Provence is a playground of adventure and wonder. You’ll love it so much you might want to stay.
Read more about Backroads’ Provence trips.
2. England and Scotland
The British Isles’ famously wet climate makes them a great destination for June: you’ll miss the worst of the rain and avoid the rising temperatures of the rest of Europe and North America, all while hiking or cycling through bucolic landscapes of rolling green hills and centuries-old villages. You’ll travel from inn to inn enjoying the food, beer, whisky, and hospitality of friendly locals. And you’ll feel yourself immersed in the centuries-old culture of rambling in the British Isles, where there are no trespassing laws—walk where you like! On top of all that, June is the prime time for film and music festivals across England and Scotland. This June, think about making the trip to the British Isles.
Read more about Backroads’ Cotswolds Walking & Hiking Tour, and about Backroads’ Inverness to Isle of Skye Walking & Hiking Tour.
3. Portugal
In addition to world-class surfing and serving as a haven for beach-goers, Portugal has a range of incredible opportunities for adventure travel. Cycle in Portugal past mountain passes, sleepy colonial towns, and historical religious sites. June is an excellent time to hike in Portugal. Walking through the Mediterranean summer, stopping for a glass of port or some delicious tapas at a roadside bar, you’ll feel fulfilled in more ways than one. For hiking in June, the Portuguese section of the Camino de Santiago is also a divine choice.
Read more about Backroads’ Portugal trips.
4. Alaska
Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula is a land of towering glaciers, untamed rivers and deep fjords where wildlife roams free. Here, jagged peaks rise above emerald lakes and the scent of spruce lingers in the crisp, salty air. Kayak through glacial bays where sea otters float lazily, hike along ridgelines with sweeping views of the Harding Icefield and cycle through valleys carved by ancient ice. In summer, daylight stretches nearly to midnight, casting an otherworldly glow over the landscape. With wild salmon on your plate and eagles soaring overhead, there’s something about Alaska’s Kenai that feels truly boundless—a last frontier waiting to be explored.
Read more about Backroads’ Alaska's Glaciers & Coast Multi-Adventure Tour.
5. Iceland
For a land of fire and ice, Iceland delivers contrasts like nowhere else. From the vibrant streets of Reykjavik, where Nordic culture and cutting-edge cuisine thrive, to the wild landscapes of geysers, glaciers and volcanic plains, every moment here feels like a step into another world. June marks the arrival of the Midnight Sun, when endless daylight lets you explore longer—whether hiking along moss-covered lava fields, soaking in geothermal hot springs or standing in awe before thundering waterfalls. Puffins nest along the cliffs, and, if you're lucky, you might spot whales breaching just off the coast. For an adventure filled with otherworldly beauty and unforgettable moments, Iceland in June is the perfect destination.
Read more about Backroads’ Iceland Walking & Hiking Tour.
Want to see more tips for traveling to the right place at the right time? See our expert recommendations for every month of the year:
