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15 summer vacation ideas for every type of traveler by Sandra Ramani on Jul 6, 2018, 12:21 PM Advertisement
 - Whether you're an adventure seeker or beach bum, it's important to plan your summer travel around the type of activity and culture you're after.
- If you're an executive with an always-on-the-go lifestyle, a place like Montana will allow you to unplug and slow down.
- For those who want to take a cross-country journey, California's 656-mile-long Highway 1 has legendary views from its winding roads that you won't want to miss.
- Out of these 15 destinations for a summer vacation, one of them will be just right for the type of traveler you are.
Summertime, and the living is easy . . . but the travel choices can be so hard. This is the season when much of the world goes into full vacation mode and when nearly every type of traveler — from families and groups of friends to romance-chasing couples and respite-seeking CEOs — makes time for a getaway. But with so many alluring destinations out there, where should your adventures start? Our handy guide breaks down 15 perennial summer favorites by type of traveler, so you can zero in on your passions and interests and then get out there and explore. So whether you're a hiker, foodie, road-tripper, or overworked exec, read on to discover a whole host of picks around the world that will have you enjoying the season right down to its dog days. Now all you need to do is pack your bag. SEE ALSO: This luxury travel agency will plan a custom travel adventure at the press of a button — and you could be on flights the next day Vail, Colorado  Best for: Hikers The Centennial State may be best known for its winter pursuits, but when the snow melts along the Rocky Mountains, those world-class peaks and trails become prime areas for hikers. For a varied selection of hiking options — and great pit stops at the end — look to the areas around Vail. The popular Booth Lake Trail (often called "the quintessential Vail hike" for its stunning mountain and alpine stream views) can be done in half- or full-day treks, with the former leading you to a waterfall. The Berry Picker trail on Vail Mountain is also not to be missed, offering two intensity options — the tougher trail brings you to the top of Eagle's Nest, where you can enjoy a brunch at Game Creek Restaurant, while the easier downhill version will have you celebrating at Vail Brewing Company or 10th Mountain Whisky & Spirits. If you prefer not to go it alone, consider booking a guided hike via Walking Mountains Science Center, whose guides are all certified first responders and nature experts. The popular Gore Creek Trail, a 10-mile round-trip journey that takes you along a creek and through meadows, Aspen groves, and fir and spruce forests up to an alpine tundra, also has playful add-ons like the Take a Llama to Lunch experience, in which a llama will ferry a locally sourced meal for you to enjoy at a creek-side picnic spot. When it comes time to turn in, soothe your well-used muscles at the Hotel Talisa, a member of the Luxury Collection portfolio. Following a recent $65 million renovation, the hotel now offers relaxing perks like a standout spa with outdoor pools, a Mat & Moët yoga-and-Champagne program, and a daily Champagne happy hour. (Sensing a theme here? Us, too.)
The Seychelles  Best for: Romantics When it comes to reconnecting à deux, few things beat an island getaway — especially when you've got that island pretty much all to yourselves. Ringed by some of the most stunning beaches around and blessed with consistently pleasant temps all year, the Indian Ocean archipelago offers both fun in the sun and a unique culture rich with African, French, British, Indian, and Islamic influences. For some quality couple's time, though, check into one of the private islands resorts — some of which are convenient to exploring other islands, while others have a more Castaway feel. Set on the private island of Félicité, Six Senses Zil Payson features 30 pool villas and multi-bedroom residences, coral-fringed beaches, and a variety of activity picks. Stay on-property to swim with turtles (or simply lounge with your loved one) and enjoy a private dinner in the Wine Vault, or island-hop by boat, take a scenic helicopter tour, or ferry over to Praslin or La Digue islands for golf, nature walks, and bike rides through vanilla plantations. Couples looking to seriously disconnect (or reconnect) should head to Four Seasons Seychelles at Desroches Island, which opened earlier this spring. A bit farther flung, everything at the private island property is designed for relaxation. Start the day with an in-villa couple's yoga session, end it by cuddling up at the outdoor cinema, and in-between, grab a chef-prepared picnic and bottle of wine before bicycling off to a different intimate picnic spot along the nearly nine miles of pristine coastline.
Newport, Rhode Island  Best for: Families Generations of families with names like Vanderbilt and Astor have spent their summers along the Rhode Island coast — so why not join in on the tony tradition when it comes to your multigenerational getaway? Lined with wide beaches and yacht-filled marinas, and dotted with fabled mansions and outdoor attractions (including a few vineyards), the East Coast gem offers something for all ages. Stroll along the paved, 3.5-mile Cliff Walk path to take in views of the coastline, explore the Ballard Park nature reserve, shop the cobblestoned streets of downtown, and enjoy a scenic trip along the famous, 10-mile-long Ocean Drive to catch a glimpse of beautiful homes and lighthouses. Several of the historic mansions in the area offer family-friendly tours: A dedicated kids' audio tour of the iconic, 70-room Breakers tells the stories of some of the children that once lived here, while The Elms' tour features a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the staff quarters. Rent a boat or take a sailing lesson via Sail Newport, or take a dip into the ocean from the beach — Easton's Beach is a particular favorite, thanks to its lobster rolls and vintage carousel. To be in the thick of it all, make recently renovated Hotel Viking your home base while in Newport. Set atop the Historic Hill neighborhood, the property offers a Beach Butler service (including round-trip transport to the shore, umbrellas, chairs, breakfast, and a gourmet picnic lunch) as well as kid-pleasing perks like dedicated children's menus at the restaurant and spa, daily ice cream socials, and interactive games in the lovely courtyard — plus elegant suites with plenty of room for all.
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