Summer and Fall 2024 Story Starters

Expedia Group drums up the summer with these amazing updates and partnerships in Canada. Expedia Group Media Solutions, the global travel advertising platform, recently launched its new “Where To” offer, which provides destination partners the opportunity to showcase a fresh and creative perspective to travelers. Expedia Group partnered withDestination Canada to produce four episodes that highlight Canada’s culinary, outdoors, wellness and skiing destinations. Expedia Group also revealed new data that highlight the impact of its advertising tools in boosting travel partners’ visibility on Expedia Group brands and increasing partner revenue during popular cultural events. Major cultural events in 2023 that the company highlighted are Wimbledon in London, cities included in the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, Formula 1 Grand Prix in Las Vegas and the Super Bowl in Phoenix. Vrbo® unveiled its 2024 Vacation Rentals of the Year in Canada, which features remarkable private vacation homes countrywide. This year’s list recognizes gorgeous waterfront homes, stunning cabin escapes and modern chalet stays in Kimberley, British Columbia; Baie-Saint Paul, Quebec; Port Carling, Ontario; North Rustico, Prince Edward Island; and more.

Greater Miami and Miami Beach hosts many fun events in the backdrop of sun-drenched beaches and lively rhythms.This destination offers the perfect mix for an unforgettable vacation — gorgeous beaches, vibrant nightlife, shopping paradises and a lively art scene. The Hyundai Air & Sea Show returns to Miami Beach for its eighth annual “Greatest Show Above the Earth” extravaganza on Memorial Day weekend. Visitors should also save the date for Labor Day weekend because Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens hosts The Orange Blossom Classic, a top historically Black college and university football event. The CONMEBOL Copa America also hits Miami, from June 23 to July 14, featuring 16 top teams at the Hard Rock Stadium. All travelers will enjoy three intense days of international soccer! The electrifying NASCAR weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway happens Oct. 26–27, with the highlight being the NASCAR Cup Series Race on Sunday, a must-see event in the NASCAR Playoffs that offers a variety of experiences to complement a race weekend. Don’t miss this gay destination with the guide gay Miami.

Plan the trip you deserve this summer in North Carolina. Take the family on wildlife adventures around Atlantic Beachor find a unique summer camp to fill the kids’ days during vacation. When the temperatures heat up, cool off in the state’s iconic national forests or in the abundance of water parks and swimming holes. Climb aboard the Smoky Mountain Beer Run — an adults-only train ride that stops at a local brewery during the middle of a three-hour train ride — hang out with bears at National Black Bear Festival and enjoy other fun festivals, including the NC Watermelon Festival, the NC Mineral and Gem Festival, the Outer Banks Pirate Festival and the Outer Banks Bluegrass Island Music Festival.

Experience the enchanting summer magic at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by Disney’s The Princess and The Frog. Scheduled to open this summer, visitors can join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis on their journey through a shimmering bayou. Dreamworks Land is set to debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animations’ beloved characters in themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring to life characters from such popular movies as Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda. Villatel Orlando Resort, a new coming-soon accommodation, will offer private villa rents with resort-like amenities, including a waterpark, a fitness center and restaurants. Designed for nature lovers, Cabins at Fort Wilderness is set within a forest oasis of cypress and pine and offers tent and RV camping, fully furnished cabins and more. Visit the gay guide of Orlando for more details about this Florida destination.

This summer, dive into the rhythmic beats of the Filmore Jazz Festival. On July 6 and 7, visitors can indulge in gourmet food and refreshing beverages while listening to an array of artistic talent. Head to Golden Gate Park from Aug. 9–11 for Outside Lands Music Festival, a three-day lively music festival that is filled with world-famous headlines and local brands. Cheer for The San Francisco Giants, winners of three World Series, while they play their home games through October, including 14 games during July. To experience a beautiful sunset during July, hop on a Sunset Sailing Cruisethat leaves at 7 p.m. Tickets for these 90-minute cruises include indoor and outdoor seating, two drinks and light appetizers. Visit the gay guide of San Francisco now.

If your idea of a perfect summer includes incredible beaches, tropical drinks and gourmet dining, then look no further than the U.S. Virgin Islands, a trio of easily accessible Caribbean islands that require no passport. Summer is synonymous with St. John Celebration. Smaller and more intimate than other carnivals, this event marks the end of slavery on the islands and the founding of the United States. Held June 28 through July 4, its parade is just as fun, albeit smaller, than others, and the lines for food and drinks are shorter. On July 7, head to St. Croix for the annual Mango Melee at St. George Village Botanical Garden. The event features chefs and mixologists using the golden-fleshed tropical fruit in every way imaginable, a mango-eating contest and music by top local bands. In St. Thomas, don’t miss the King of the Wing contest during June, in which 40 teams compete for the coveted crown and a chance to represent the USVI at the National Buffalo Wing Festival.

Stay at the newly transformed boutique hotel AKA Washington Circle, which offers contemporary accommodations and amenities. Another exciting development in hospitality is the highly anticipated rebranding of the former Mandarin Oriental into Salamander Washington, DC. Guests can experience luxury with modernly refreshed guest suites designed by Washington’s own Thomas Pheasant, including its stunning gathering spaces and an expanded spa. At the hotel, guests and visitors can indulge in the city’s evolving culinary scene, including the opening of Dōgon by acclaimed chef Kwame Onwuachi, who draws inspiration from D.C.’s heritage and the West African Dogon tribe. In addition, the October opening of Arlo, the city’s first property from the independent lifestyle brand, promises a unique blend of historic preservation and modern amenities, featuring a rooftop lounge, a pool and innovative dining options. Once the fall colours explode, enjoy some of the city’s most-anticipated festivals, such as the H Street Festival, which celebrates the vibrant culture of the H Street NE corridor with live music, food vendors and art exhibits, and the 20th anniversary of the DC Jazz Festival, where fans can enjoy performances by local and international artists throughout the city. Before the elections, go to the gay travel of Washington D.C..

Barbados, renowned for its pristine beaches and sustainability efforts, is enthusiastic about this summer and fall. During June, excitement will peak as Barbados hosts the thrilling finale of the International Cricket Council’s T20 World Cup. During July and August, the most-anticipated Caribbean festival returns with lively festivities and the infectious energy of the Crop Over Festival filling the island to celebrate the end of the sugar cane harvest. Dive into thrilling cricket action at the T20 World Cup finale in June, then join the infectious energy of the Crop Over Festival in July and August. Explore Barbadian culture and discover the wonders of the marine environment at the Dive Fest Barbadosfrom Aug. 18-24. Don’t miss the Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Tournament in October, along with the tantalizing flavors of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival from Oct. 24-27. For your vacations this summer and falls, go to the gay guide of Barbados.

Kick off the festival season during July at the Placencia Lobsterfest and San Pedro Lobster Fest, which celebrate and showcase the rich tradition of lobster fishing and hold a special place in Belizean history. Featuring lively music, dancing and dynamic performances, these festivals provide a platform for local businesses, artists and performers and advocate for sustainable tourism practices. The International Costa Maya Festival, which has become one of Belize’s largest and most-anticipated cultural events, begins Aug. 1. This three-day event filled with live music and entertainment promotes tourism on the Island of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. On this island is construction at Six Senses, which is building 24 luxurious new residences. With its anticipated ready date in 2025, guests can look forward to a range of amenities, including a scuba center for underwater exploration and an organic garden supplying fresh produce to the resort’s restaurants. Visit the gay guide of Belize for your next travel and vacations.

With a packed events calendar, buzzy alfresco restaurants and bars, colorful gardens and beach clubs pouring made-to-order cocktails, Monaco is the place to be during the summer. Spend the day exploring the rocky coastline on a chartered yacht, or lounge by the pool at the 40-room Monte-Carlo Beach hotel, which boasts its own private beach with a water-sports club offering paddleboat, stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals. Larvotto Beach is popular for morning coffee, lunch by the sea or an all-day session in the sun. Don’t miss La Note Bleue, a breezy restaurant with live music every Friday and Saturday evening. Book a table at Amazonico, one of Monaco’s newest restaurants, or try the new Japanese hotspot at Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, L’Abysse Monte-Carlo, opening during July, with French chef Yannick Alléno and sushi chef Yasunari Okazaki at its helm. Enjoy the Monte-Carlo Television Festival during June and the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival during July, when some of the biggest names in music will be performing in the Principality’s most-prestigious venues. Don’t miss for your next travel, the gay guide of Monaco.

VisitScotland Business Events (VSBE) continues its “Journey to Change,” which leverages the business events platform as a catalyst for positive change inspired by Scotland’s pioneering spirit. JetBlue has launched its inaugural New York to Edinburgh flight from JFK to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) routes from May 22 through Sept. 30. Delta offers a new route beginning in May, connecting Atlanta to EDI. Canadian airlift includes a new route from WestJet, with daily flights from Toronto to EDI through Oct. 13. New and renovated hotels for planners to discover include the upcomingThe Hoxton Edinburgh, the first one from the renowned group in the Scottish capital, which will offer 212 rooms, three three-bedroom apartments and an innovative meeting concept called The Apartment, which will host up to 200 people. During November, Scotland hosts the Global Wellness Summit at the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St. Andrews. Leaders in the health, wellness and innovation spaces come to connect and innovate at the event, which is one of the pinnacles in the growing industry that brings the world a healthier future. For more details about this destination, don’t miss the gay guide of Scotland.

Experience the best of Vienna’s city oases in the open air. Trendy spots along the Danube Canal evoke a Riviera vibe, with sandy beaches and refreshing cocktails. Highlights include Strandbar Herrmann and the rooftop terrace of Klyo restaurant, while the Badeschiff offers a fantastic retreat with an outdoor pool boat. Volksgarten Pavillon and Kleinod Stadtgarten offer charming evening escapes, and the Old Danube provides diverse water activities, such as boating and stand-up paddling. Visitors can enjoy their summer stay in Vienna at the just-opened The Hoxton Hotel, which occupies an historic modernist building from the 1950s; boasts 196 rooms, a lobby, a coffee bar, a restaurant and a rooftop terrace with a pool; and seamlessly combines heritage with modern amenities. Travelers can indulge in Vienna’s rich ice cream tradition — a legacy that dates back to the 19th century — at numerous parlors that blend authentic recipes with modern twists. From May 25 to June 9 is when Vienna becomes the Rainbow Capital and hosts Vienna Pride. Your can have more details about this event with the Gay Voyageur and the gay guide of Vienna.

As the curtain draws on our journey through the possibilities of summer and autumn travel destinations, one thing remains abundantly clear: the world is a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be discovered. Whether you opt for the sun-drenched landscapes of summer or the picturesque charm of autumn, each destination offers a unique tapestry of culture, nature, and adventure. So, as you plan your next escapade, may you find yourself drawn to the allure of distant shores or the serenity of tranquil retreats, knowing that wherever you go, the beauty of travel lies not only in the destination but in the journey itself. Bon voyage!