Final Call for Summer: 3 Trips You Can Still Book Right Now
June 30, 2026
By Bri Rothman | Travel Plans with Bri
Okay, let’s talk summer travel — and yes, I know what you’re thinking.
“Isn’t it kind of late for this?”
Technically? A little. But life gets busy and sneaks up on us, doesn’t it? If you’ve been meaning to plan a summer getaway and somehow blinked and ended up halfway through the year without a trip on the books… you are not alone. And more importantly — you’re not out of luck.
While some destinations and hotels have been booked solid for months, there are still plenty of incredible last-minute summer vacations that can absolutely happen with the right strategy, a little flexibility, and someone who knows where to look. (Hi, that’s me! 👋)
Would booking earlier have given you more options? Sure. But “earlier” has passed, and the question now is: what can we still make happen?
Here are three summer travel destinations I’m loving right now that are still worth booking before the season slips away.
1. Maine: The Original Summer Escape
Best for: Families, couples, beach lovers, and outdoor adventurers
Okay, full disclosure — I live here. And I will never stop shouting about Maine in the summer because it genuinely deserves every bit of the hype.
They don’t call it Vacationland for nothing.
Maine’s coastline in the summer is chef’s kiss. Think cobblestone streets and harbor views in downtown Portland, storybook bed & breakfasts that feel straight out of a Hallmark movie, fresh lobster that you absolutely cannot get anywhere else, and beaches that make the whole season feel endless. Whether you’re kayaking along the coast, hiking in Acadia National Park, or simply wandering through charming coastal towns like Kennebunkport and Bar Harbor — Maine delivers that perfect blend of beauty and ease.
It’s the kind of place where you arrive stressed and leave wondering why you don’t just live here. (Trust me, I get it.)
Why it works as a last-minute summer trip: Maine has a range of accommodation options at different price points, and shoulder-week availability can pop up even in peak season. Flexibility on dates goes a long way here.
Top things to do in Maine this summer: Visit Acadia National Park, explore the Old Port in Portland, eat your weight in lobster rolls, day-trip to Kennebunkport, and catch a sunset over Penobscot Bay.
2. The Azores, Portugal: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret
Best for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, hikers, and families craving something truly unique
If you’ve never heard of the Azores, let me introduce you to your new favorite destination.
The Azores are a cluster of volcanic islands sitting in the middle of the Atlantic — lush, dramatic, and unlike anywhere else in Europe. Crater lakes that look too blue to be real. Natural thermal hot springs you can actually soak in. Dramatic coastal cliffs, charming little towns, and a pace of life that immediately slows your nervous system down.
Here’s the best part: even in summer, the Azores are far less crowded than mainland Portugal or anywhere in the Mediterranean. You get that wildly exotic feeling without the long-haul chaos or the elbow-to-elbow tourist crowds. It’s the kind of trip that makes people say “I’ve never heard of it” before you go, and “I can’t stop thinking about it” after you come home.
What I personally love: soaking in the natural hot springs after a day of exploring, sipping on local pineapple liqueur (yes, really — it’s delicious), and watching the clouds roll over Sete Cidades. It feels like stepping into another world entirely, but with that warm, welcoming Portuguese hospitality that makes you feel right at home.
Why it works as a last-minute summer trip: The Azores fly under the radar compared to other European destinations, which means availability tends to be better. Direct flights from the East Coast have expanded significantly, making it more accessible than ever.
Top things to do in the Azores this summer: Hike to the Sete Cidades twin lakes, soak in the Furnas thermal pools, whale-watch off the coast of Pico, explore the town of Angra do Heroísmo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and try everything made with local Azorean cheese.
3. Montréal, Canada: A Little Paris, a Lot of Fun
Best for: Foodies, culture lovers, couples, friend groups, and anyone who wants a chic city break without crossing an ocean
Montréal in the summer is vibrant. Full stop.
This city is the perfect blend of European charm and North American ease — cobblestone streets in Old Montréal, café culture at every corner, rooftop bars with skyline views, and a festival lineup that keeps the city buzzing from June through August. It’s stylish without being pretentious, cosmopolitan without being overwhelming, and full of distinct neighborhoods that each feel like their own little world.
And the food scene? Genuinely world-class. Pastries that rival Paris, classic Québécois poutine (don’t skip it), boundary-pushing fine dining, and bagels — yes, Montréal bagels are a thing and they are exceptional.
What I love most about a summer trip to Montréal: the long evenings in Old Montréal, wandering from art galleries to wine bars with everything just steps apart, and that feeling of being somewhere that feels foreign and exciting without needing a passport (if you’re traveling from the US, that is — US citizens do not need a visa).
Why it works as a last-minute summer trip: Montréal is a major city with abundant hotel inventory, direct flights from most US hubs, and no language barrier for English speakers. It’s one of the easier last-minute summer trips to pull together quickly without sacrificing quality.
Top things to do in Montréal this summer: Explore Old Montréal and the Notre-Dame Basilica, walk the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood, visit the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, grab a seat at the Jazz Festival (if timing aligns!), and eat your way through Jean-Talon Market.
A Quick Word of Honesty (Because That’s How I Operate)
When I say last call, I genuinely mean it.
I can work some serious travel magic on shorter notice — that’s literally what I do — but availability isn’t unlimited. Hotels fill up, tours sell out, and even the best industry connections and creative problem-solving eventually hit a wall. The sooner you reach out, the more options we have to work with.
So if any of these summer travel ideas sparked something for you, consider this your gentle (but firm) nudge to stop waiting and start planning.
Didn’t see exactly what you’re dreaming about? No problem at all — these three are just a starting point. Tell me what you’re envisioning, and I’ll let you know what’s still possible. Stay flexible, keep an open mind, and let’s see what we can make happen before summer slips away.
