The Rough Guide to Summer 2021

We've all been dreaming of travelling for a long time now, but as restrictions finally start to ease and the world reopens, planning your first post-pandemic trip can feel overwhelming. It can be hard to know where to start. How do you turn travel daydreams into reality? That’s where The Rough Guide to Summer 2021 comes in. The Rough Guide to Summer 2021 is our first print magazine edition - a must-read collection of travel ideas to help you plan unforgettable trips, this year and beyond.

You can download the magazine here, and you'll also find links to all the articles below, with lots of handy additional information. Some of the ideas you'll find here can be turned into trips right away, especially now that the UK has scrapped quarantine for amber list countries. Others will plant the seeds of inspiration for planning a trip when border restrictions allow, and some may even open your eyes to a new way of thinking about travel.

Beauty of Britain: Rural Herefordshire © Andrew Roland/Shutterstock

Whether it’s a new desire to go slowly, savouring what makes each destination special (and different to being at home!), or the hunger to discover places that are completely different to everything you’ve experienced before, our perspective on what it means to travel has shifted.

The Rough Guide to Summer 2021 captures all of this in a series of diverse articles (find them all below), covering a range of central and southern European destinations, a fascinating Deep South American state, and of course, lots of city and countryside break inspiration in the UK. They are all tied together by the belief that we can find a more sustainable way to travel. As we begin to spread our wings again - with a renewed appreciation for the power of travel - this is a great place to start.

Where will summer 2021 take you?

The scenic cityscape of Lausanne, Switzerland © Keitma/Shutterstock

UK summer breaks

• Make the most of your staycation with the best things to do in the UK this summer, from wine-tasting to messing about in boats.
• With 2021 crowned the year of the Great British Staycation, don't miss the new Rough Guides Staycation series - a collection of guidebooks crammed with practical information to help you plan holidays in beloved UK destinations such as Devon and Cornwall, the Lake District, Snowdonia and more. Plus, enjoy a free ebook with every guidebook!

Leeds

• Love Leeds for longer: Head to Leeds for a fabulous mini-break combining exciting culture with dining and drinking options galore
• Leeds - the foodie capital of the North: Tuck into street food from all corners of the world in Kirkgate Market or go all out with Michelin-dining at the Japanese restaurant Issho. Plus, continue reading to discover the city’s exclusive dine-and-discover deal!
• Culture around every corner in Leeds: From centuries-old theatres to family-friendly museums, the city is a treat for culture vultures in all forms – families, couples and groups will revel in Leeds' unique culture.
• Discover more about England's glorious North and find out why Manchester is the UK's new cultural hotspot.

A Northern gem: Whitby harbour in North Yorkshire © Lukasz Pajor/Shutterstock

Herefordshire

• Discover Herefordshire: Located on the Welsh border, the English county of Herefordshire is a countryside-lover’s dream. With riverside trails, sleepy market towns and rolling green hills, there’s plenty of reasons why this green county is worth a visit.
• Unexpected things to do in Herefordshire: Head out on a llama trek, or have a go at making your own swords, gin or pottery. Herefordshire might surprise you.

• Unusual places to stay in Herefordshire: 2021 is the summer of domestic holidays – so mix it up by staying somewhere more unusual than your average hotel. Chose from luxury glampsites, vintage caravans and hop kilns, to name a few.
• Discover more wonderfully unusual places to stay in Britain

A pretty cottage overlooking a stream in Eardisland, Herefordshire © Caron Badkin/Shutterstock

The Great West Way

• A sustainable staycation along the Great West Way: Take a leisurely trip along the stretch of England between West London and Bristol to discover canals, charming market towns and World Heritage Sites.
• How to make the most of the Culture, canals and rivers along the Great West Way this summer.
• Get outdoors on the Great West Way and enjoy natural England at its finest.
• Plus, find out why Bristol is Britain's coolest city

The splendour of Bath © ThinAir/Shutterstock

Switzerland

• Breathe deep and get into Switzerland's open air: Discover incredible activities in the outdoors paradise that is Switzerland, or take yourself off on a Grand Tour of the country.
• Discover the Swiss Cantons: Switzerland’s member states, or cantons, are worlds apart from each other. From pretty Alpine views and incredible Gothic architecture to rewarding museums, explore the best the Swiss cantons have to offer.
• Outdoor adventures and sisterhood in Switzerland: As part of Switzerland Tourism’s “100 Women” programme, lace up your waking boots and read on to discover a range of thrilling outdoor activities; all created by women, for women.
• Discover the top 10 things not to miss in Switzerland

The historic medieval city centre of Bern © MrinaD_37/Shutterstock

World Heritage Sites in Germany

• The best World Heritage Sites in Germany: Take a deep dive into Germany's extraordinary range of attractions.

• Planning a trip? Don't miss Germany's must-see attractions
• Keen to read more? Download The Rough Guide to Germany's World Heritage Sites

The Czech Republic

• Hiking and history in the enchanting Czech Republic: Hike your way through the romantic and historical Bohemian regions of the Czech Republic, resplendent with nature, culture and great beer.
• Discover the top things not to miss in the Czech Republic.
• Plus, escape the tourist trail and uncover an alternative side to Prague

Prague's delightful Old Town @ Ihor Pasternak/Shutterstock

Austria

• Music, mountains and mouth-watering food - Austria's hidden gems: Escape the crowds and find out what makes the small Austrian cities of Graz, Innsbruck and Salzburg so delightful.
• Discover the top things not to miss in Austria
• Find out more about Austria's Kasestrasse hike - a cheese lover's dream

Gran Canaria

• Around Gran Canaria in 8 Instagrams: Find the perfect places to snap pictures on a trip around the diverse landscape of this miniature island continent.
• Exploring the rugged heart of Gran Canaria on foot: With well-signed trails to follow and sacred rocks to discover, walking is one of the most scenic and rewarding ways of getting around Gran Canaria.

• From golden sandy shores to volcanic rock pools and hidden coves, discover Gran Canaria's best beaches

• Don't miss Rough Guides first-timers guide to the Canary Islands
• Plus, discover Spain's secret islands

The mountain village of Tejeda in Gran Canaria © kelifamily/Shutterstock

The Algarve

• The Algarve all year round: Portugal’s Algarve is renowned for its stunning beaches and captivating golf courses, but there’s more than meets the eye – and the high season. Whatever time of year you visit, you can go street art spotting in Olhão or bird-watching in the Sapal de Castro Marim Nature Reserve, and more.
• Beach lover? Don't miss Portugal's best beaches
• Explore beyond the Algarve and discover the best places to visit in Portugal

The beautiful coastline of the Algarve © C Duarte

Alabama, USA

• Top things that make Alabama so special: Find out why Alabama is a fantastic state to explore, from a rich history and culture to succulent Southern cuisine and a wealth of natural splendours.
• Set off on an RV road trip through Alabama: US Space & Rocket Center? Tick. Gulf State Park? Tick. It’s time to put some pedal to the metal and head off on an RV road trip around Alabama. Take in the sights of Nashville, Montgomery, Birmingham and more with this 15-day itinerary.
• Plus, see the top 10 things to do in Alabama

The colourful Mardi Gras carnival in Alabama © EQRoy/shutterstock

Sustainable travel

• Travelling near and far - The new sustainable travel: Embrace what sustainable travel means now, from supporting local businesses to volunteering, whether you're home or away.
• At Rough Guides we pledge to do more to promote sustainable travel and travel that empowers women - find out more about Rough Guides Responsible Travel Policy.

If you've enjoyed these travel ideas and would like them in one easy-to-read magazine, download our magazine, The Rough Guide to Summer 2021.

Top image: Canoeing on the River Wye in Symonds Yat © Ceri Breeze/Shutterstock