July Destinations: Wine, Waves, and Summer Vibes

Summer is Here, Let’s Plan Your Trip!

Have you been dreaming of summer? It’s truly the perfect time to explore new and exciting places. This July, I’m introducing you to must-visit spots, ranging from cozy retreats to far-off attractions.

Crete – An Exciting Destination in Greece

This July, if you’re looking for a place to enjoy authentic living and renowned cuisine, Crete is the perfect choice. As the largest island in Greece, it’s famous not only for its healthy Cretan diet but also for its wine-making traditions dating back to the Bronze Age.

The locals in Crete are passionate about sourcing local ingredients: from askolimbi (golden thistle) that tastes like artichoke, to kochlioi snails marinated in garlic sauce, or vlita (wild greens) lightly steamed and served with sea salt and fresh lemon juice. All of these delicious offerings will be showcased at the Cretan Food Festival taking place in July 2026 in the town of Rethymnon, known for its Venetian fortress.

How to Plan Your Trip to Crete

The main airport, Heraklion, provides great access to explore every corner of Crete. There are smaller airports in the West near Chania and in the East at Sitia, making it easy to get into the city center. Rethymnon is also conveniently located on the affordable KTEL bus line.

Where to Stay in Crete

• Ikos Kissamos – featuring seven stunning restaurants.
• Niko Seaside Resort MGallery – reminiscent of a luxurious repurposed soap factory.

Labuan Bajo – A New Paradise in Indonesia

The small coastal town of Labuan Bajo, located on the western tip of Flores, is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park, home to volcanic islands and the rare Komodo dragons. Once lesser-known compared to Bali, Labuan Bajo is set to become a hot destination following recent airport upgrades.

While the government is limiting the number of tourists to Padar Island for conservation efforts, Labuan Bajo is embracing a sustainable tourism model with local cafes like Elevate Espresso, serving coffee sourced from the Flores hills. Dapur Tara is a community restaurant offering traditional dishes like smoked chicken, crispy papaya leaves, and rice cooked in bamboo, all prepared over a wood fire using local ingredients.

How to Get to Labuan Bajo

The best time to visit Labuan Bajo is from April to October, the dry season. You can fly directly to Komodo International Airport from Kuala Lumpur with Air Asia or from Jakarta and Bali. The budget airline Scoot also operates direct flights to this island from Singapore.

Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo

• Maua Labuan Bajo – known for its beautiful poolside villas.
• Ta’aktana, a luxurious beachfront resort and spa.

Finally, don’t forget to pack a spacious suitcase to bring home meaningful souvenirs from your trip. July is truly a fantastic time to grab your backpack and go!