5 places where you can extend your summer

Not ready for summer to end? We don’t blame you. But you don’t have to kiss the backyard barbecues, longer days, and boost of Vitamin D goodbye just yet. Thanks to equator-hugging countries and Southern Hemisphere hotspots, travelers can extend the warm weather for a few more sun-soaked months. Whether you’re after a relaxed beach getaway or a cultured city escape, there are plenty of places to go that will help stave off the winter chill just a bit longer.

From Southern Europe to Southern California, check out our favorite spots where you can enjoy a second summer.

When to go: A fall trip to Portugal's capital means you’ll hit the trifecta of fewer crowds, cheaper prices and milder weather. Visit before November, when the temps start to drop and the rain clouds roll in.

Where to embrace the heat: This is the perfect time of year to climb Lisbon’s endless steps and hills without getting soaked in sweat. Wander the alleys and shops in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest and most historic neighborhood. Be sure to grab a chocolate cup filled with ginjinha from one of the many grandmas selling streetside throughout the nabe. Then, climb to the top of the neighborhood to view Lisbon from Castelo de São Jorge, an 11th-century castle and royal residence. Once you’ve worked up an appetite join the Tastes & Traditions of Lisbon Food Tour, a walking tour that stops into seven local restaurants to nosh on traditional Portuguese dishes.

Where to eat: Book an outdoor table at Magnolia Bistrot & Wine Bar for a super seasonal menu of small plates and Portuguese wines. For the best pastel de nata, stock up at Manteigaria. And while it's a year-round lunch, you can't miss a melt-in-your-mouth pork sandwich from The Bifanas of Afonso. (Just be sure to add plenty of house-made mustard to your bun as the locals do.)

Where to stay: Check into the points-friendly The Ivens, Autograph Collection, which has one of the city’s kitschiest cocktail bars. For something that leans more boutique, try the historic Torel Palace Lisbon. Its pool and Rapunzel-inspired tower have next-level views over Lisbon.

When to go: Temps here average in the mid-70s year round, so you can leave your jacket at home. But crowds tend to pick up in December for the winter holidays, so plan a trip before schools get out. The will-travel-for-food crew should plan around the Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival in late October.

Where to embrace the heat: The beach, of course! Grab your reef-safe sunscreen and settle in for a day at the expansive, secluded Makena Beach; quiet Hamoa Beach, located on the road to Hana; or the popular Ka'anapali Beach. For an adrenaline rush on a sunny day, try your hand at windsurfing at the famous Ho'okipa Beach Park with Action Sports Maui, or hike the volcanic Kapalua Coastal Trail or lush Waiheʻe Ridge Trail.

Where to eat: No trip to Maui is complete without trying the fresh fish tacos at Paia Fish Market. Chow down on a plate lunch at Da Kitchen—and don’t skip the famous mac salad. And if you're driving the road to Hana, pull into any Minit Stop for the fried chicken of your dreams. Paired with the chunky potato wedges, it makes the perfect beach picnic.

Where to stay: Book a stay at the luxe Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea or The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua to live out your White Lotus fantasies. If you want a more intimate spot, try the Hotel Wailea, an adults-only reprieve with sweeping ocean views.

When to go: Book your trip for Australia’s summer, between November and February. It’s especially fun to visit over the holiday season, when sweating Santas walk the beaches near Bondi and fireworks crackle over Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and sky-high prices, book a trip in November or February when local kids are back in school.

Where to embrace the heat: The Bondi to Coogee Walk is a must-do 3.7-mile walk along the city's craggy cliffs. Be sure wear a swimsuit so you can stop at coves such as Clovelly Beach and Bronte Beach along the way and take a dip. Hop aboard the ferry from the harbor to Watsons Bay for incredible views. And if you’re feeling adventurous, take in the city from above as you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Where to eat: Sydney has no shortage of waterside restaurants. Arguably one of the most iconic in the city, Icebergs Dining Room has a menu full of freshly-caught fish and views of its famous rock pool. For something less tourist-filled, try Catalina in Rose Bay. It has stellar views of the harbor and some of the city’s finest rock oysters. For a laid-back Aussie brunch of avo toast, a brekkie roll, and a flat white, of course, reserve an outdoor table at Social Brew Cafe, Cafe Bondi, or The Nine.

Where to stay: The new Capella Sydney is arguably the city’s most fabulous stay, thanks to its striking Indigenous art and use of Australian-made products. If you’re planning to see as many city sights as possible, the Ace Hotel Sydney is a great centrally located spot—and don’t miss its rooftop bar where you can fully bask in a summer breeze.

When to go: The crowds and (very light) rain pick up come November, so plan a trip for early fall when possible. Need a specific reason to visit? The Miramar Air Show and the San Diego Zoo Food, Wine and Brew Celebration, both in late September, are the perfect excuse.

Where to embrace the heat: Watch the Padres hit homers at Petco Park. Join in a game of volleyball at Mission Beach, or rent a board from Pacific Beach Surf Shop and learn to ride the waves (they also offer lessons). Roam Balboa Park’s many gardens, smelling the roses (2,400 kinds to be exact) at Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden. Wrap up with a visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo to say hi to pandas, polar bears, and much more.

Where to eat: For breakfast, pay a visit to Wayfarer Bread for the best pastries in La Jolla. End your beach day with the city’s best fish tacos at Oscars Mexican Seafood. Alternatively, George's at the Cove serves up fresh fish and exceptional ocean views. And if you’re after a fancy date night, book a table at Serea Coastal Cuisine next to Coronado Beach—the seasonal seafood is a highlight.

Where to stay: Book at The Lafayette Hotel, a maximalist getaway, or try one of the city’s mainstays, such as the InterContinental San Diego. To surround yourself with Old World glam, stay at the flamingo-pink La Valencia Hotel or the Art Deco Guild Hotel.

When to go: It may be peak season, but visiting between October and March is your best bet to avoid rainy days and spend more time in the water. Book early if you’re planning on going between mid-December and early January, when resorts offer musical acts, fire dancers, opulent buffet feasts, and more for their at-capacity crowds.

Where to embrace the heat: The Maldives are dotted with resorts, which is where most travelers will spend their time. But that doesn't mean there’s a lack of sun-loving activities. Spend days snorkeling the house reef, diving shipwrecks, or kayaking the ultra-blue lagoons. Through your resort, book a trip to go fishing or a sunset cruise to see the dolphins flip and spin.

Where to eat: Each resort has a variety of restaurants to indulge in, but the food-obsessed should make the journey to Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. The resort's 11 restaurants range from traditional Cantonese to wood-fired Australian to overwater sushi. Or, consider staying at Soneva Secret, where you’ll have a dedicated chef to tailor your meals to your tastes.

Where to stay: One of the Maldives' best resorts is Soneva Jani, famous for its overwater villas with waterslides and retractable roofs for stargazing from bed. For a more budget-friendly option, try Finolhu. Rooms here are surprisingly spacious and many have private pools—and you can’t go wrong with any of its six dining outlets, but the Arabian Grill is a standout.