The Hottest Summer Vacations Abroad

1. Havana, Cuba: Havana’s architecture is a mash-up of past and present. You’ll just as easily find vintage American cars roving the streets as workers building the latest luxury hotel. There’s live music all around and restaurants tucked away in homes. Intrepid American travelers have been flocking to Cuba ever since U.S. commercial airlines have been able to fly there. While there are pristine beaches nearby and plenty to explore, it’s still unchartered territory.

2. Seoul, South Korea: The popularity of Korean food and culture has steadily grown in the U.S. over the years. But Seoul is where travelers are discovering the home of authentic Korean cuisine and Gangnam Style. It’s a city filled with art galleries, vibrant nightlife, Michelin-starred restaurants and a technology-obsessed culture juxtaposed with historical sites like the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

3. San Sebastián, Spain: Traveling throughout Europe in the summer can be an exercise in avoiding other American tourists. If you’re looking toward Spain, consider San Sebastián for its culinary offerings. You’ll find countless bars filled with plates of pintxos out front and casual Basque restaurants with outdoor seating. The city has breathtaking architecture, including the Hotel Maria Cristina with its updated belle epoque design.

4. Tulum, Mexico: Pass on busier Mexican beach resort-filled towns for Tulum. The ivory beaches are just as pristine, but the vibe is decidedly more laid-back on this side of the Caribbean coast. One moment you can swim in a river near the jungles and the next you can order a fresh plate of ceviche at a boutique hotel.

5. Turin, Italy: Though the 2006 Winter Olympics may have taken place in the northern Italian city of Turin, it’s a destination also well worth visiting in the summer. Turin is filled with cultural opportunities, from the recently reopened Egyptian Museum to numerous music festivals. The Porta Palazzo is also Europe’s largest open-air market.