With school out in Texas, summer is officially here. And you know what that means….it’s time to pack bags and travel! I had planned a European trip to kick off our summer, but my high schooler’s schedule intervened. Anyone else with a rising Junior in High School (or Year 12/6th form)?!?! Anyway, while my dreamy European summer destination waits, others are tried and true. Here’s to having a dreamy summer no matter where June, July, and August take you!
June: The Ultimate London & Greece Vacation Combination
Warren News London
The backstory on this trip is that I did all the research on how, who, what, where, and when to pull off a return trip to London with a first-time visit to a few Greek Islands. I pulled the entire itinerary into slides and even had Mediterranean music in sync with it. I brought my closest friends together, got everyone comfy on the couch, drinks in hand, and then did the pitch on a massive TV. It was very “Couples Retreat” style.
Of course, everyone was totally IN at first until I conveyed the total cost. With everyone OUT after our friends realized you can’t realistically do a 10-day Greek island-hopping trip for a family of 4 for less than $10K, my family went all in just the same (we have frequent flyer miles to help keep costs down). So, the trip was booked! And then… unbooked!! Kids.
If you’re dreaming of a Greek Island / London holiday, this is what mine looks like.
Day 1: Athens
- Tour Acropolis, Parthenon
- Sunset at Nalu Athens Beach Bar
Day 2-3: Santorini
- Fira to Oia hike
- Visit Oia Village
- Cliff jump Ammoudi Bay
- Dinner at Ammoudi Fish Tavern
- Boat tour to the volcanic hot springs OR catamaran the Santorini coastline for the day
- Family photo shoot!
- Dinner at Athenian House
Day 4-6: Mykonos
- Live it up for a day, enjoying the pool or private sandy beach at Villa Anita!
- Private boat tour to Delos & Rhenia with lunch
- Sunset at Villa Anita with Greek food delivery
- Shop Nammos Village
- Stroll & lunch in Little Venice
- Windmills!
- Swim to Bao Island (from Villa Anita)
- Farewell dinner at Farina Cucina Italiana Ornos Beach
Day 7-9: London
- Richmond upon Thames – do all the Ted Lasso things!
- St Albans City – must visit friends and neighbors at 6 Bells Pub
- London and anywhere to meet up with old friends
For Americans considering this trip, traveling to Europe immediately when school is out in late May offers lower costs and fewer crowds than waiting to travel in June or July when European schools are officially on summer holiday.
If you plan to visit Greece this summer and visit any of the above places, what would you do differently? I have time to make changes before I try to lock this trip in again for the 3rd time (1st time was the year of Covid).
July: Maine
Owls Head Lighthouse Maine
The annual Houston to Maine road trip is back on for 2025 (thanks to our 64-lb Labradoodle and lack of airline options). Truthfully, I’d rather fly, especially since United finally offers non-stop flights from Houston (IAH) to Portland (PWM) starting in June! But I lost that fight with the fam. Windsor will be making appearances across 16 states again.
If the road trip goes well, we’ll be in Maine after 3 days of driving with a new stop this year in Durham, North Carolina.
Once in Maine, the usual coastal hotspots are on the agenda, especially since friends are visiting for the first time from other states.
What’s new on our Maine list? Monhegan Island, and at least two lighthouses.
Monhegan Island
- Pastries at the Barnacle Cafe
- Hike the Cliff Trail to Black Head & White Head (2-mile sea-cliff loop)
- Lobster roll at Fish House shack
- Monhegan Museum & Lighthouse
- Cool off at Swim Beach
- Craft beer tasting at Monhegan Brewing Co.
For a full itinerary and why you should visit Monhegan, read Monhegan Island – A Midcoast Maine Day Trip Unlike Any Other.
Maine Lighthouses
- Dyce Head Light – This year, Castine makes the list after being voted the #1 Best Small Town in the Northeast!
- Marshall Point Light – Located in Port Clyde, where you can catch a ferry to Monhegan Island, and also see
- Monhegan Island Light
If you’ve never been to Maine, it is the most coastal-friendly, lighthouse-heavy, whoopie pie, and lobster-roll state to visit in New England. Summer is bliss in Maine!
August: NYC
Brooklyn Bridge sunset view from Fulton Ferry
Since I won’t be able to go to London this summer to see friends, I’m making the trip to NYC where I’m meeting my dear British friend for a weekend getaway. It’s not exactly in the middle, but it will do!
We’ve both been to New York City plenty of times, but it’s certainly been a while for me. Thankfully, she knows I’m a planner, so she will roll with whatever crazy new thing I add to our agenda. And if not, you can find us sipping wine from the rooftop at Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC.
NYC Girls Trip
- Skyline view from Edge NYC
- Sunrise or sunset at the Brooklyn Bridge
- DUMBO for views, arts, and cocktails at Harriet’s or 1 Hotel
- Enjoy a long stroll through Central Park
- Walk The High Line for city views and public art
- Shop boutiques in SoHo and West Village
- Relax at our hotel’s 45-foot heated outdoor pool with unobstructed views of Manhattan
Summer Plans 2025 Recap
Although I should be leaving for Greece/London on Monday, I’m still pretty excited about what’s coming up the rest of the summer.
Our roadtrips are always memorable (despite the initial complaining), and with a new stop this year, it brings a fresh enthusiasm for the journey.
Once in Maine, summer delivers 100%. And New York City with my British bestie is going to be amazing! Not to mention, in between all that, Houston destinations and Texas daytrips fill up summertime. It’ll be fun to report back on what did and did not happen this summer.
What’s on your list?