Did summer sneak up on you? You’re not alone. Maybe work’s been non-stop or your brain just didn’t clock that it’s already June—but now the weather’s nice, you’re itching to get away, and you don’t have a plan. Good news: you don’t need one.
This post is packed with places you can still visit this summer—even if you’re booking days before. These are destinations that are fun, solo-travel-friendly, and still have flight and hotel options if you act quick. Let’s make it happen, without the stress.
1. Montreal, Canada
Montreal gives you cobblestone streets, French vibes, and amazing food without having to cross the Atlantic. Summer here means free outdoor concerts, food trucks everywhere, and a relaxed, artsy energy.
Getting There
Direct flights from most North American cities. Kiwi makes it easy to see which airlines have the best last-minute prices and layovers.
What to Do
- Wander Old Montreal: Think European alleyways, local buskers, and riverside views.
- Eat Your Way Through Mile End: Try a classic Montreal bagel (St-Viateur’s open 24/7), or duck into vintage stores between bites.
- Catch a Festival: Even if you didn’t plan for it, odds are there’s something happening—Just for Laughs or the Jazz Fest are huge.
Where to Stay
Downtown makes things super walkable. Booking.com has a ton of listings with free cancellation—great if you’re not 100% sure on your plans but still want to lock something in.
Travel Tip: If you’re flying in late, the 747 airport bus runs all night and gets you straight downtown.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a chill, sun-drenched city where even last-minute travelers feel like they belong. It’s scenic, historic, and surprisingly affordable compared to other Western European cities.
Getting There
Easy direct flights from most of Europe. From North America, red-eyes tend to be cheapest. WayAway is helpful for spotting flexible flight deals.
What to Do
- Tram 28: Hop on this yellow streetcar to roll through all the prettiest neighborhoods in one go.
- Sunset Spots: Head to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte or Santa Catarina for golden hour views over the city.
- Local Eats: Grab a pastel de nata (custard tart) at Pastéis de Belém, or explore the Time Out Market for everything else.
Where to Stay
Alfama always comes up when people talk about where to stay in Lisbon—and it’s easy to see why. Filtering by neighborhood and checking guest reviews can help you avoid noisy spots or places that feel too far from the action.
Travel Tip: You really don’t need a car—trains and trams will get you anywhere you want to go, including day trips like Sintra.
3. Mexico City, Mexico
This city is packed with color, culture, and killer food. If you want somewhere you can eat well, explore nonstop, and not spend a ton—CDMX is it.
Getting There
Flights to Mexico run pretty regularly from major U.S. and Canadian cities, which makes it easier to plan a trip even on short notice. If your travel dates are flexible, Aviasales can help you find last-minute deals by comparing lots of airlines in one place—so you don’t have to search everywhere yourself.
What to Do
- Chapultepec Park: It’s massive. You’ll find museums, trails, a lake—perfect for low-cost, low-stress exploring.
- Frida Kahlo’s House: Known as the Blue House, it books up fast so grab a ticket online if you can.
- Neighborhood Hopping: Roma and Condesa are walkable, friendly, and full of cute cafés, tacos, and bookstores.
Travel Tip: Uber is widely used here and way cheaper than most cities—super handy if you land late or don’t want to navigate public transport right away.
4. Athens, Greece
Athens is more than just a stopover to the islands—it’s full of history, amazing views, and easy-to-navigate neighborhoods. Plus, summer means long days and great sunsets.
Getting There
Kiwi will help you search for last-minute flights across Europe and find flexible routes that can save time and money.
What to Do
- The Acropolis: Go early to beat the heat and the crowds—it’s absolutely worth it.
- Anafiotika + Plaka: These tucked-away areas feel like mini Greek islands within the city.
- Cape Sounion: A simple half-day trip for coastal views
Where to Stay
Stick close to Monastiraki or Syntagma so you can walk almost everywhere. Booking.com shows which hotels have same-day availability and reviews from travelers just like you.
Travel Tip: The airport metro or X95 bus are budget-friendly, direct options—especially if you’re trying to avoid taxi stress.
5. Chicago, USA
Need a change of scene but don’t want to fly far? Chicago’s an underrated gem. Big city energy, chill Midwest vibes, and you can plan a whole trip around the lakefront.
Getting There
Lots of flight options. WayAway lets you compare routes that include checked bags or fewer layovers—super helpful when you’re flying last-minute.
What to Do
- Riverwalk: Great for a lazy stroll, grabbing snacks, or even renting a kayak.
- The Bean + Millennium Park: Yes, it’s touristy, but there’s free music and shady spots for relaxing.
- Bike the Lakefront: Rent one near Navy Pier and ride south to Museum Campus—it’s scenic the whole way.
Where to Stay
River North is a lively, central neighborhood that’s easy to get around. It’s known for great access to public transport and some spots with awesome lake views—perfect if you want to stay close to the city buzz.
Travel Tip: Skip the car. The CTA train will get you to and from the airport and around town just fine.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the truth: you don’t need the perfect itinerary to have a great trip. Sometimes the best travel memories happen when you just go for it. These places work well if you’re booking last-minute, traveling solo, or just want a summer adventure without too much fuss.
Last-minute doesn’t mean last-resort. It just means now’s the time.
