Where to go in July

Have some free time this July but don’t know what to do with it? Check out these top destinations

Indonesia

The wet season long gone, July is the best time to explore Indonesia. Start at Borobudur in Java, a lush region of paddy fields, swaying palms and the country’s most remarkable Buddhist monument (indonesiatourism.com).

Rwanda

You can be sure that the experience of coming face to face with a gorilla is pretty mind-blowing. July is the midpoint of Rwanda’s dry season, and so the ideal time to search the rainforests that veil the defunct volcanoes of the Parc National des Volcans for traces of our hairy-backed cousins (rwandatourism.com).

Norway

After a winter of near constant darkness, Norway really begins to see the light in July. Clamber up to the northernmost point of continental Europe, Knivskjellodden, to enjoy the midnight sun at what feels like the world’s end, or head for the energetic cultural hotspot of Tromsø for a social scene that lasts all night (visitnorway.com).

Canada

The depth of Canada’s big freeze in winter is matched by its agreeability come summer. Vancouver in July is at its best, with pleasant temperatures. Check out the sea-to-sky vistas of Stanley Park and kayak along the city’s shoreline (tourismvancouver.com).

Where to Avoid: Mali

Rain measured in feet, not inches. Crashing thunderstorms. Miles of thick, sludgy mud. It’s Africa,  but not as we know it. Or at least not like it looked in the brochures. To avoid disappointment, it’s worth steering clear of a soggy Mali this month.