20 Best Sustainable Package Trips in Summer 2024

If you’re looking for a summer getaway and don’t want the hassle of research and trip planning, our handpicked selection of 24 sustainable package trips can help make 2024 one of the best summers yet.

Whether you seek travel inspiration, crave help with trip organization, or want to join others on a unique experience designed by a local, we’ve got you covered.

Package trips are incredibly convenient as they include almost everything except international airfare. This means you don’t have to spend time devising the perfect itinerary, separately booking accommodations, mapping out transportation, or sifting through excursion providers.

All you need to do is pick which package trip looks best and choose when you want to go. We’ll take care of the rest - as seamlessly as possible. 

Summer is a popular time to travel. The warmer, sunny weather puts people in high spirits and many want to venture off to explore their dream destinations. To some, summer is the ideal moment to explore the world, while to others it is the worst. The crowds, the heat, and the prices can deter from the summer travel buzz. But, you’ll be happy to know that this isn’t your standard list of summer travel destinations!

On this list, you’ll find underrated destinations and off-the-beaten-path activities as our goal is to draw attention to places and experiences that are somewhat overlooked. Our trips work to fight against the overtourism that the summer weather brings - so you won’t find city trips to major international capitals here.

Whether you’re interested in Europe, Africa, or South America, read on to discover a range of sustainable package trips that are self-guided, small-group trips with fixed departures, or privately guided holidays.

Best Self-Guided Trips to Take in Summer 2024

Self-guided trips allow travelers the ease of being able to enjoy their destination independently without having to worry about any pre-departure organization and booking. You can learn more about this style of trip here: Self-Guided Tours: What are they? Why book one? 

Romania 

June through August are the best months to visit Romania, similar to other European destinations. Romania is filled with adventurous outdoor activities enjoyably experienced in warm and dry weather. It is also an ideal time to visit if you are interested in experiencing some of their many music and cultural festivals. 

One particular festival to note is the Maiden’s Fair which takes place the third weekend in July. Historically, this lively event was intended to find matches for the single women in the villages. Nowadays, the festival is a way to promote traditional culture. During the festival, you will find folk music, locals dressed in traditional clothes, crafts, and even a fireworks show. This is just one of the many fun cultural festivals celebrated in Romania in the summer. 

If you’re worried about the summer heat, June is a particularly great month to visit Romania as temperatures aren’t at their peak. However, if the Carpathian mountains are calling you, you shouldn’t have to worry about uncomfortable temperatures throughout the summer. In the mountains, the temperature stays around 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, making them an alluring choice within Romania! You can read about how to prepare for your trip to Romania in our Sustainable Travel Guide.

Yugen Earthside offers two self-guided, low-impact trips through the Carpathian Mountains and the hills of Transylvania. Our Discovering Transylvania’s Heritage by Bike is perfect for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination overflowing with cultural gems. Our Carpathian Mountains and Castles walking tour offers a chance to visit the iconic “Dracula Castle” while witnessing some of Romania’s scenic national parks and mountains. Both trips work alongside local providers and communities to curate the most special experience for you.

Portugal

Portugal is a very popular summer destination, especially its coastal regions. The weather is warm, the days are long, and the energy is high! In the summer months, many visitors flock to the beaches along the Algarve or the lively streets of Lisbon. We, on the other hand, encourage you to explore some Portuguese gems nestled in the countryside. 

For instance, our On the Other Side of Douro self-guided walking tour takes visitors to the unexplored, rural side of the Douro region. This includes visits to local vineyards, orchards, villages, and historical monuments. And of course, you will also have the chance to meet with local wine producers and participate in wine tastings! This tour is the perfect way to support local communities and try regional dishes during your summer holidays. 

June is an exciting time to explore Porto and the Douro Valley because of the Festa de São João do Porto, which takes place on June 23rd. This 700-year-old midsummer festival once celebrated the pagan sun god of the harvest but nowadays celebrates the Christian Saint John. Families will come together to enjoy a meal, watch fireworks, and dance the night away! 

Another sustainable way to explore Portugal during its busy season is by bike. Our cycling tour from Alto Minho to Porto guides you through scenic eco trails along the northern coast. You’ll also visit local wineries, medieval villages, beaches, and nature reserves. In our Sustainable Travel Guide, you'll find loads of information on how to prepare for your trip to Portugal.

France 

Although summer 2024 will usher in the Olympics to France, our recommended trips escape that chaos and venture into the southern French countryside and mountains. The south of France is especially beautiful in the summer, whether you’re looking for a festive atmosphere, glamorous beaches, or quiet mountain vistas. 

To take advantage of the ideal hiking conditions the summer season brings, consider checking out our trip, Hiking in the Wine Trails of Provence. This is another off-the-beaten-path route that will take travelers into archeological sites, past monuments, and through famous vineyards and picturesque historic villages.

For those who would prefer a customizable adventure, our Hiking in the Southern French Alps self-guided tour is the perfect fit for you. You’ll stay in one boutique guest house throughout the trip, and each day you can choose between a variety of self-guided walks and be privately transported to the trailheads. The best part of this slow-travel experience is that it caters to all levels - you select the duration and difficulty of the walk you want to do each day. Our trails have been meticulously chosen, away from popular routes, and guests have the freedom to explore at their own pace. Your low-impact journey will take you through varied landscapes including forests, gorges, and peaks, as you work your way around the Dévoluy limestone massif. 

Best Small Group Trips to Take in Summer 2024

Small-group trips are an excellent way for travelers to meet like-minded people from around the world while also connecting with local experts, ultimately deepening your experience. Read other reasons why we love this style of travel here: Small-Group Tours: What are they? Why book one?

Tanzania 

Whether you’re visiting Tanzania for its iconic wildlife or its legendary mountain, Kilimanjaro, you should strongly consider planning your trip for the summer season. June through October is Tanzania’s dry season and temperatures are far more comfortable than the wet season. This is also a great time for safari wildlife spotting, especially for big game. Water and vegetation become more scarce, making it more likely to spot animals around watering holes. You can learn more tips on preparing for your trip to Tanzania in our Sustainable Travel Guide.

When planning your trip to Kilimanjaro, there are three key factors to keep in mind:

1. Climbing should only be done with a local guide and porter.
2. Trekking during the shoulder season is not advisable due to safety reasons, as the weather is unpredictable.
3. Choosing a responsible provider and a less trafficked route is a more sustainable way to go.

There are many routes you can take up the mountain. A summit attempt takes between six and ten days, depending on the route. The Machame Route is the most popular trail, and also the most crowded. For a less-crowded alternative, consider the Lemosho or the Northern Circuit Routes. Refer to our blog post for comprehensive guidance on choosing the best Kilimanjaro route.

Yugen Earthside’s Lemosho and Northern Circuit Route departures offer quieter climbs at a more leisurely pace, reaching the summit in 8 or 9 days. These routes will cross through the Shira Plateau, trekking through jungles and ravines. Our tours work with an ethical climbing company that is a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project. KPAP works to ensure that porters and crew members are paid fair wages and treated fairly during their climb. 

Both routes offer monthly departures during the summer and early fall, and these are guaranteed departures even if only one climber books the trip. We also offer a unique Women-Only Kilimanjaro Trek and Safari; click here to learn the details!

France 

France is beautiful any time of the year, particularly in the early and late summer. Early summer is when summer florals, such as lavender, will be in peak bloom – a truly stunning site to see! This is also when France’s national holiday, Bastille Day, takes place on July 14th. During this event, cities and towns around the country celebrate with parades, fireworks, and other fun activities, making it a special time to visit! As summer lingers, temperatures become bearable and crowds thin, making the shoulder season a delightful time to visit.

France is infamous for summer closures of local businesses as shopkeepers and restaurant owners take their own holidays. Our small-group trips organized locally help ensure your experience won’t be disrupted by seasonal closures! You can read more about preparing for your trip to France in our Sustainable Travel Guide. 

We offer a Gourmet Walking Holiday in the French Alps, perfectly curated for hikers and foodies. Handpicked trails highlight the region’s beauty as the guided walks take you through meadows, high-altitude lakes, and glaciers. You will also be staying in local farmhouses and hotels where you’ll get to experience different traditional and modernized alpine dishes. This popular tour is sold out for both June departures, so consider joining us for the early September departure. Alternatively, contact us to secure your spot early for June 2025!

France is quickly becoming one of the top cycle destinations in the world. Our E-Bike Guided Cycling Tour is perfect for those who want to explore one of the most beautiful regions in France, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA). This cycling tour takes visitors through the ViaRhôna along off-the-beaten-path trails. While being guided by a local expert during the day, travelers will also have the evenings to unwind and enjoy the local villages of Gap and Sisteron. We offer departures in June and September, as well as October if you’re thinking ahead to the fall already.

Portugal

If experiencing Portugal’s beautiful coastline and enjoying its iconic beaches is on your bucket list, why not do it sustainably? 

In the Alentejo region, in the south of Portugal, you can enjoy one of our small-group retreats focused on yoga and wine, complemented with activities like surfing or photography. The retreats take place in the countryside, close to the beach, making it the ideal spot for a summer holiday! You’ll have the chance to be hosted by locals eager to share their area, history, and traditions with you. 

On our Sustainable Yoga & Wine Retreat, guests will partake in daily open-air yoga sessions, accompanied by healthy brunches and dinners that are freshly prepared. Additionally, your stay includes a visit to a local winery where you’ll learn about its unique eco-friendly practices. This retreat can also be expanded to include daily surf lessons or photography sessions, perfect for those looking to unwind while learning new skills.

The retreats run regularly throughout the summer months and tend to draw a fun crowd of laid-back folks looking for a relaxing, lightly-active getaway.

South Africa 

The North American summer months correspond to the winter season in South Africa. This makes it an ideal time to visit if you want to avoid crowds, beat the heat, and enjoy the many natural wonders in South Africa.

Our South African Gastronomy tour explores the western cape’s cultural heritage, mainly connecting people through their love of food. Over nine days, you will try traditional foods, participate in cooking classes, and enjoy homemade meals hosted by locals excited to share the origins of their cultural dishes with you. 

This trip is currently available in July and October. If you opt for the July departure date, perhaps consider extending your visit to take advantage of the whale-watching season in South Africa. July marks the beginning of the whale watching season off the western cape as this is when whales will migrate from Antarctica to breed in warmer waters. This is an especially memorable time to visit this region of South Africa!

Our Cape Winelands & South African Art tour is another cultural experience that dives into the local traditions of South Africa. This tour wonderfully mixes the region's iconic wine culture with an emphasis on its vibrant indigenous art. On top of trips to galleries and museums, guests will also partake in vineyard visits, tastings, and make their own 1.5L magnum blend!

Each trip is offered only once per season, so contact us today if you’re interested in joining one of the July departures! 

For adventure seekers… 

For those of you seeking some thrills this summer, we have a few unique experiences with you in mind! From the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the high altitudes of the French Alps, below you’ll find Yugen Earthside’s most adventurous sustainable package trips. 

Guests can experience the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador on our 8 or 15-day Citizen Science scuba diving trips. On this liveaboard experience, advanced open-water divers will support the Galapagos Whale Shark Project alongside marine biologists and divemasters. You’ll participate in two to three dives per day and learn how to conserve the vast marine wildlife found in this protected part of the world. The summer months are the best time for this experience as it aligns with the whale shark season! These special dive trips are only available in July and August each year and frequently sell out.

On our Via Ferrata: Climbing in the French Alps trip, guests will explore the iconic French Alps in a very authentic way.  Via Ferrata (literally, the “Iron Path”) is a traditional climbing experience that uses steel infrastructure integrated into rock faces to assist climbers. During your climb, you will rely on ladders, railings, and cables, amongst other things. The summer months are considered the Alp’s off-peak season, as they are mainly visited during the winter for the ski season. This trip works to spread tourism in the alpine regions throughout the year benefitting local resorts and communities. This trip is offered monthly during the summer and early fall.

Best Privately Guided Trips to Take in Summer 2024

If you’re a traveler looking for a customizable, flexible experience with one-on-one access to your local guide, then a privately guided tour might be for you! Learn more about the benefits of privately guided tours here: Private tours: What are they? Why book one?

Türkiye 

We can understand why summer is Türkiye’s most popular season for tourists. Türkiye is gifted with warm, dry summers and tourists fall in love with coastal regions along the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Most notably, the Turkish Riviera has been nicknamed the Turquoise Coast because of its pristine, bright blue waters. One of the best ways to admire this iconic coastline is along the Lycian Way Trail. 

Our Lycian Way Active Adventure Tour is the perfect way to sustainably explore the coast on foot during this special time in Türkiye. On top of coastal activities, such as kayaking, you will also discover ancient cities, explore islands, and hike along one of the most beautiful trails in the world!

It's not just humans who find Türkiye an ideal destination to visit in the summer, turtles do too! The Caretta Caretta Loggerhead and Green Sea turtles come to Türkiye in the early summer to lay their eggs, making it one of their most popular and important breeding grounds. This makes summer a particularly magical time to visit Türkiye as you can witness the turtles laying eggs, swimming around, and even hatching eggs if you’re lucky. 

Here are some quick do’s and don’ts on how to be a respectful visitor during this time:

• Do respect their natural environment by leaving no trace 
• Do follow local regulations and stay in authorized viewing zones
• Do use quiet voices if you’re around hatching turtles and keep your distance
• Don’t touch or interfere with the turtles 
• Don’t feed the turtles 

Alternatively, if you want to escape the summer tourist crowds and venture further off-the-beaten-path, our Slow Travel Food & Wine Tour in Western Türkiye promises exactly that. Guests can partake in cooking classes, olive oil tastings, wine tastings, market visits, and food tours over this week-long culinary adventure! You can learn more about preparing for your trip to Türkiye in our Sustainable Travel Guide.

Papua New Guinea 

Papua New Guinea doesn’t experience four seasons, instead, their climate is made up of wet and dry seasons. The best conditions are during the dry months, from June to September, when temperatures are slightly cooler and rain is less frequent. Do keep in mind that Papua New Guinea has a tropical climate so rain and humidity are experienced all year round.

One of the most exciting reasons to visit Papua New Guinea is to discover and experience its unique culture. The island is home to hundreds of tribes, each with its own language, traditions, and customs. Festivals, known as singsings, are one of the most immersive experiences to witness during your visit, and many take place during the summer months! 

In July, visitors can watch fire dancing during the National Mask and Warwagira Festival. In August, you can listen to traditional songs about crocodiles during the Sepik River Crocodile Festival. You can learn more about the unique festivals in Papua New Guinea here! 

In addition to the local festivals, hiking the Kokoda Track is one of the best things to do during your visit to Papua New Guinea. Our 6-day trek (4 days of walking) focuses on the cultural connections along the trail. This trek only completes half of the iconic trail while still providing guests with a glimpse into local village life. 

Our full 11-day trek (nine days of walking) delves into the robust history behind this trek. It was an important supply route during World War II that ran through dense jungle and rugged terrain. Both experiences offer overnight stays in local villages, providing the most authentic experience possible. 

South Africa 

On top of the summer months offering more comfortable temperatures and excellent whale-watching opportunities, August also marks the beginning of the floral blooms in South Africa. This is one of the most beautiful times to visit the region as the normally dusty, dry landscape is blanketed in colorful wildflowers. 

We highly recommend embarking on our Wellness, Wine, and Safari trip during this time. This two-week slow travel experience offers a chance to leisurely cross Africa’s southernmost tip. During your visit, you will experience a wildlife safari, explore the Cape Winelands, discover traditional foods and cultures, and take some time for pampering! This 14-day tour is a beautiful mix of immersive culture, community, and conservation. 

Ecuador

Between November and May, Ecuador experiences its rainy season. Flooding is common in the Amazon, the temperatures are at their highest, and rain can happen any time. This makes the summer months the ideal time to visit Ecuador as it coincides with the dry season. Specifically, we advise booking your trip during June, at the end of August, or early September to avoid the peak crowds that the school holidays bring. 

Visiting in June may correspond with the indigenous festival of Inti Raymi, also known as the sun festival, occurring on June 24th. This all-day event celebrates the Incan Sun God and marks the beginning of the Incan New Year. During the festival, the streets are filled with traditional music and dancing, locals can be found wearing ancestral dress and participating in ritual bathing to renew their connection to Pacha Mama, Mother Earth. 

Our Ecuador Nature and Culture private tour begins in Quito and tours five different areas around the Andes Mountains. During your weeklong adventure, you will visit traditional towns, explore the highest active volcano on Earth, and hike in lush cloud forests. This visit also supports local artisans, hotel owners, and guides whose income heavily relies on tourism.

Ready for a sustainable summer?

By now, we hope you have plenty of inspiration for sustainable ways you can make the most of your summer! Between less-visited destinations, rural areas of popular destinations, and unique activities, there is plenty to do in the summer while avoiding crazy crows and heat. Traveling mindfully during the summer season can help spread out tourist traffic and positively impact local communities. 

Our sustainable package trips offer a range of experiences ideal in the summer months, from summitting the Rooftop of Africa, to scuba diving with rare marine life, to cycling in the French Alps.

We hope you find a package tour that matches your interests. If an experience needs tweaking, our local partners can help you customize it. As always, our trips automatically include carbon removal contributions for each traveler, ensuring that by booking through Yugen Earthside, you’re already taking the first step towards a more responsible summer vacation.