The 8 best places to visit in June

Summer is so close. In just a matter of weeks, school will be out — and if you still need to plan a summer getaway, you should do it quickly.

According to a survey by Vacasa, North America's leading vacation platform rental company, summer vacations are back, with 63% of Americans planning to travel this summer and approximately three out of four travelers planning to keep their summer trips within the United States.

June is the ideal time to beat the summer rush and still enjoy nice weather in popular destinations. Plus, more countries are loosening or removing their COVID-19 testing and entry requirements, opening up more international destinations.

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That said, it's important to remember the Omicron variant BA.2.12.1 has emerged, with related cases up nearly 100% in the past couple of weeks. Remain vigilant and check the latest recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, review the rules of any international destinations you plan to visit.

Where should you go? These are the eight best places to visit in June.

Zurich

Zurich Art Weekend takes over Switzerland's largest city from June 10-12. The birthplace of the Dada movement is an art and design mecca with top-notch museums, including the newly expanded Kunsthaus, which recently unveiled an extension by David Chipperfield, making it the largest art museum in Switzerland. While in town, cruise over to Pavillon Le Corbusier, the last work of the great architect, which will have just reopened for the season in May. Or, stroll to the Seebad Utoquai lakeside baths for a relaxing afternoon dip.

TPG tip: The city's newest hotel, La Réserve Eden au Lac (available for around 69,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per night), recently emerged from a two-year restoration by renowned French industrial architect and designer Philippe Starck. Guests of the hotel receive city passes granting complimentary access to public transportation and discounts at the city's popular museums.

Related: What it’s like traveling in Switzerland now

New York City

Is there anything better than springtime in New York City? Of course, there's plenty to do in the Big Apple, with outdoor dining and activities in Central Park all through the warmer months. June is a particularly great time to visit, though. Why? As you may know, New York City, home to the Stonewall Inn, hosts one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world. With the past two Pride Month celebrations being scaled back due to the pandemic, N.Y.C. Pride 2022 will be a not-to-miss event. The main N.Y.C. Pride March takes place on June 26, but there will be plenty of themed festivities leading up to the big event. It's when the city comes alive with a festive spirit.

Art festivals are also back in a big way this year. Dubbed New York's biggest block party, the legendary Museum Mile festival will be held on June 14 with free admission and extended opening hours at participating museums along Fifth Avenue from 82nd Street to 105th Street.

TPG tip: The centrally located Crowne Plaza HY36 will be promoting a special Pride-centric package, which includes all festival necessities and extra goodies (think bags of glitter, sunblock, a rainbow flag, etc.). The hotel is also planning fun programming to bring the Pride spirit to life at the hotel. Rooms here are available for 52,000 IHG Rewards points per night.

Related: Find your best New York City view: Comparing 5 iconic observation decks

New Zealand

Two decades ago, moviegoers fell in love with New Zealand while watching a particular fantasy trilogy that follows its main characters across Middle-earth in their quest to destroy an all-powerful ring. Not only did the film franchise just celebrate its 20th anniversary, but since May 1, fully vaccinated people from the United States and other nations have been allowed to once again enter New Zealand and self-test on arrival. While there, tour Auckland stopping at spots like Sky Tower, which offers panoramic city views. Queen Street is great for shopping and cocktails at one of the city's best eateries. Lake Taupo — New Zealand's largest lake — is arguably one of the most stunning places in the country. Queenstown is considered the adventure capital of New Zealand.

TPG tip: Try the newly opened DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka (from 34,000 Hilton Honors points per night) in proximity to kayaking trips along the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings or visit the natural hot springs of Huka Falls near Hilton Lake Taupo (from 31,000 Hilton Honors points per night).

Related: How to get to (and stay in) New Zealand on points and miles

The Hamptons, New York

June signals the unofficial start of the Hamptons season. Visitors shouldn't miss the latest exhibition at the Herzog and de Meuron-designed Parrish Art Museum. An Art of Changes: Jasper Johns Prints, 1960-2018 runs through July 10. You'll be able to ​​visit hot spots like Montauk Point Lighthouse, Pollock-Krasner House and Studio, Coopers Beach, Wolffer Estate Vineyard and Napeague State Park without the full crush of summer crowds. Also, the Hamptons' first destination spa and wellness retreat, Shou Sugi Ban House, is hosting Rituals for Transformation & Plant Spirit Journeys with visiting expert Christiana Schelfhout through June 14. It may still be too cold to take a dip in the ocean, but there's plenty to keep busy.

TPG tip: The ritzy beach destination is mainly filled with boutique properties that aren't on rewards programs. However, you can score a room at the sleek Gurney's Star Island Resort & Marina for around 40,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per night.

Related: 8 easy New York City escapes you can get to in three hours or less

Panama City

Although June is considered part of the rainy season, it's one of Panama's drier months, making it an excellent time to visit if you're on a budget. In fact, new data from Priceline revealed Panama City has one of the most affordable round-trip airfares, coming in right around $400 — so you can still enjoy all the cultural and outdoor activities available in the bustling city without breaking the bank. Wander the streets of the historic Casco Viejo, watch ships pass through the Panama Canal and observe the wildlife on Monkey Island.

TPG tip: You can also maximize your hotel rewards points during this time. For example, Aloft Panama is available from as low as 5,200 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Even the luxurious Waldorf Astoria is available from 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Related: Good time to book fall travel: flights to Panama City for $300 or less

Paris

Paris is always a good idea, but in the summer, the city blossoms with reasons to visit. There's Bastille Day, Paris Pride, Saint-Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival, Taste of Paris Festival and the kick-off of the French Open. Plus, Francophiles can jet off to Paris from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with a new nonstop route from French bee as low as $321 one way. In fact, this is the most affordable flight from LA to the Paris-Orly Airport (ORY). French bee also flies from Newark to Paris (starting at $197 one way), as well as San Francisco to Paris (from $272 one way).

TPG tip: If you've been saving up on those reward points, now's the time to use them (especially if you save on airfare). The InterContinentalParis - Le Grand is available for around 91,000 IHG Rewards points per night. Meanwhile, Moxy Paris Bastille is available for 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Related: Book this, not that: Getting the most from your hotel points in Paris

St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida

There's another Pride city that should be on your radar. St. Pete truly comes alive in June with various LGBTQI+ events for the month of Pride. It's also the 20th anniversary of St. Pete Pride, Florida's largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration. Signature events this year will include a Miss St. Pete Pride Pageant, a Juneteenth Celebration, Family Day and the return of the St. Pete Pride Parade on June 25. Plus, the "Gulp Coast" Beer Passport has gone digital. Running from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete, the St. Pete/Clearwater Craft Beer Trail divides the area's 35 plus breweries into three regions for easy exploration. Participants who visit and record 15 stops along the trail are congratulated with a Gulp Coast T-shirt.

TPG tip: Opening in May, AC Hotel Clearwater Beach is the area's newest hotel that's near the beach. It includes an outdoor pool and boasts the Vue360 rooftop bar for terrific water views and classic cocktails. The new hotel is well positioned near Pier 60, where guests can check out stunning sunsets, a dolphin experience, pirate cruise or fishing on the Gulf of Mexico. Marriott Bonvoy points will be available, but exact amounts have yet to be stipulated.

Related: 13 of the best beaches in Florida

London

Yes, London made the list in January, too. However, it felt remiss not to include it for June with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. As tourism to London is ramping up for summer visitors, it's now easier to travel to the U.K. following the lifting of coronavirus testing requirements for fully vaccinated Americans. Additionally, June marks the culmination of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebration, a gilded occasion that celebrates the monarch's 70 years of service. There's even a four-day bank holiday from June 2 to June 5. Festivities include parades, pageants and star-studded concerts.

TPG tip: The Beaumont in Mayfair (available for around 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per night) is the perfect home base for exploring the city and its celebrations. The hotel recently swung open its doors on the heels of an extensive renovation led by New York-based designer Thierry Despont. Le Magritte Bar features a special Jubilee cocktail made with very English and royal ingredients, including Keeper's English Raspberry and Honey Gin, King's Ginger Liqueur and English sparkling wine. The specialty cocktail coincides with the opening of the new Terrace overlooking Brown Hart Gardens.

Related: Raffles London at the Old War Office to open in late 2022