It’s almost time to trade in spring’s showers and flowers for some warm summer sunshine. The 2024 summer solstice occurs on June 21, marking the first official day of summer as well as the longest day of the year here in the northern hemisphere. Astrologically, the summer solstice also aligns with the sun’s annual entry into the sign of Cancer — a water sign symbolized by the cosmic crab. Even the zodiac seems to agree that now’s an ideal time for strolling beachside and drifting through the ocean waves!
With warmer weather and later sunsets, it’s no wonder summer is synonymous with vacation time. This season is ideal for heading outdoors and enjoying nature’s abundance — or, depending on where you’re located, escaping the oppressive summer heat in exchange for an oceanic breeze. Just keep in mind that Mercury retrograde is mixing things up in the realms of scheduling and logistics from Aug. 4th to Aug. 28, so if you make travel plans during those few weeks, it’s helpful to be extra detail-oriented and leave yourself some wiggle room with timing!
If you haven’t already started your summer vacation countdown, now’s the time to start. And why not look to the stars for some cosmic trip-spiration? Read on to find out where you should travel this summer, based on your zodiac sign.
Aries: Las Vegas
Aries need excitement, so the many indulgences of the desert paradise of Las Vegas provide everything you’d want for a thrilling summer getaway. Vegas in the summertime can definitely hit some high temperatures, but as the zodiac’s cardinal fire sign, we think you can handle the heat. Whether you want to poolside party hop, check out some of the epic live shows, or pamper yourself with a luxurious spa treatment, there’s a little something for everyone. Plus, if you want to get away from the lights and connect with the Mojave Desert landscape, the stunning Red Rock Canyon is just a short drive outside the strip.
Taurus: Malibu, California
Tauruses love a touch of luxury, so the world-famous beaches of Malibu are the perfect place for you to get away this summer. Known to be a refuge where the rich and famous can hide out from the spotlight of Hollywood, Malibu has plenty of glamorous offerings aside from its breathtaking ocean and mountain views — including fantastic wineries, gorgeous hikes, and acclaimed art museums. Malibu Creek State Park offers horseback riding, rock climbing, and other fun outdoor activities that allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of this special coastal city. August is considered one of the best months to visit Malibu, so add it to your summer queue.
Gemini: Edinburgh
Worldly planet Jupiter is in your sign for the year ahead, so make your getaway an international one and visit the historical and cosmopolitan city of Edinburgh. Summer in Scotland is typically in a pleasantly temperate 60-degree range, so it’s easy to stay cool as you explore the gorgeous coastlines and legendary castles the country’s capital is famous for. The days are also extra long during the summer months, giving you more time to enjoy this highly walkable city and take in the breathtaking vistas. If you’re an art or music fan, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August is the world’s largest performance arts festival, boasting thousands of free live performances throughout the city.
Cancer: Bhutan
You might be craving a more spiritual getaway this summer, and your birthday season happens to be one of the best times of the year to visit the quiet, peaceful, and restorative Kingdom of Bhutan. This small South Asian country is nestled in the Himalayas, and summer brings the excitement of several cultural festivals that include vibrant folk dances, traditional performances, and more. There’s no mass tourism here, so accommodations are homey and cozy, with many visitors opting to stay in locals’ homes. This summer is the perfect time to hike through the Himalayas, enjoy the recently reopened Trans Bhutan Trail, visit sacred Buddhist monasteries, and take in the breathtaking landscapes of this unique region.
Leo: Kenya
As the zodiac sign symbolized by the lion, why not plan a summer vacation that involves seeing your cosmic animal namesake? That’s why a summer trip to Kenya should be at the top of your list. July and August are the start of the region’s dry season, making it the perfect time for a trip. If you visit during this period, you’ll also have the opportunity to witness the annual Great Migration, during which millions of Kenya’s unique wild animals cross the Serengeti into southwest Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. Expect to see lions, cheetahs, elephants, African buffalos, gazelles, and more. Book a safari experience to make it extra memorable.
Virgo: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
You’re probably craving a relaxing and peaceful summer getaway, and the quaint and charming New England island of Martha’s Vineyard offers everything you need to take your mind off the hustle and bustle of daily life. More than a dozen beautiful beaches are clustered along its coastlines, and there are plenty of water activities available if you need a little more excitement — including paddleboarding, surfing, or taking a traditional sailing lesson. The dining and cocktail scene on the island is top-notch, so plan some nights out, too. The Vineyard (as the locals call it) is only accessible by boat or plane, but once you arrive, it’ll be worth every leg of the journey.
Libra: Tulum, Mexico
If you can manage 90-degree temps and the occasional rainy day, the bohemian paradise of Tulum is your perfect summer getaway. The gorgeously-designed hotels and ambiance-filled restaurants will make you feel like you’ve entered another world, as will the white-sand beaches that stretch along the city’s picturesque coast. If you want to elevate your oceanside experience, book a beach club like the fun and funky Papaya Playa Project, or the dreamy party-scape of Taboo. And, of course, the iconic cenotes are a can’t-miss. Don’t forget to pay homage to the iconic ancient ruins, including the Mayan site known as Coba. You can climb its main pyramid and overlook the surrounding jungle with a birds-eye view.
Scorpio: Machu Picchu, Peru
Located deep in the Andes Mountains of Peru, the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu is a top destination for travelers from all over the world. The summer months of June through August are the summit’s dry season — so it’s the most popular time of year for a visit, and this sacred citadel is bustling with charming local markets with artisanal goods. You can either travel to Cusco and take the train to Machu Picchu from there, or challenge yourself to a hike if you’re feeling up to it. As a mystery-loving Scorpio, you’ll appreciate the fascinating lore and countless secrets about the Incan Empire’s history that this city holds.
Sagittarius: Costa Brava, Spain
A worldly and spontaneous Sagittarius like you needs lots of stimulation on vacation, which is why the Costa Brava region of Spain’s northeastern coast might be your ideal summer destination. This Mediterranean gem boasts some of the most beautiful beaches, including Castell Beach — which is just a short distance from the 2,000-year-old remains of an ancient Iberian village. Get your art fix by hitting some summer music festivals or visiting the acclaimed Dalí Theater Museum — it was opened by longtime Costa Brava resident Salvador Dalí himself. There’s no shortage of incredible dining experiences, and the new Zel Costa Brava hotel has everything you could want as far as luxury accommodations.
Capricorn: Tasmania, Australia
You’re a winter solstice baby, so why not double the cosmic fun by traveling down to the southern hemisphere this summer and visiting the Australian island of Tasmania? Its pristine natural landscapes are filled with waterfalls and wildlife, incredible mountain views, and some of the oldest forests on earth — all of which will be appreciated by an earth sign like you. There are all sorts of solstice celebrations taking place in June, including the island’s Winter Feast, which highlights the food, wine, and spirits native to the region. If you’re feeling ready to fully connect with the land, the annual Nude Solstice Swim takes place at sunrise on June 21 as a way to celebrate the return of the sun after the longest night of the year.
Aquarius: Anchorage, Alaska
Aquarians like to do things a little unconventionally, which is why a summer vacation to Anchorage is such a perfect choice. This Alaskan city gets 22 hours of daylight during the summer solstice in June, giving visitors a unique experience to enjoy the midnight sun and get lost in this one-of-a-kind atmosphere. During this first stretch of summer, the city comes alive with summer solstice celebrations like festivals and concerts, outdoor activities like hiking and biking, and special guided historical tours of the city. While there’s plenty of partying to enjoy with tourists and locals alike, you’ll also appreciate the region’s breathtaking mountain vistas, surreal blue glaciers, and national parks.
Pisces: Montreal, Canada
As a creative Pisces, a summer vacation to an artsy cultural hub like Montréal is an ideal choice. This sophisticated city is located in the French-speaking quarters of Canada, and it boasts a plethora of world-class restaurants, art museums, and breathtaking architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. But one of Montréal’s most special draws of the summer season is its wide selection of fun and funky festivals — including the Montréal Jazz Festival in late June, which offers hundreds of free live performances from international musicians, as well as the International Circus Arts Festival in July, during which circus artists perform in the parks.