The summer getaway, the time of the year when you can pursue leisure without guilt. It’s your opportunity to go to new places, experience new things, and escape the stresses and strains of the everyday.

Have you booked your summer getaway yet? Or are you more organized and looking for next year’s summer vacation? Here is a selection of fabulous summer getaways that may not have caught your attention before.

San Diego – USA

San Diego is a city in California, south of Los Angeles and just north of the Mexican border. It manages to combine relaxed beach surfer vibes with its Mexican influences to create a welcoming and diverse city. With year-round sunshine and stunning mountain, beach, lake and desert landscapes, San Diego has it all.

San Diego takes its food and wine very seriously. There are over 80 breweries and several vineyards. It’s best to go on an organized San Diego winery tour to sample the local delights and get the most from the experience.

Porto – Portugal

Porto is often overlooked by holiday goers who head to the Algarve or Lisbon for their Portugal retreats; however, Porto is usually a more wallet-friendly option. The historic architecture of Porto is evident at every corner, and you will be blown away by post-card quality scenes that greet you.

Be warned though that Porto is hilly, and while you may enjoy a ramble down to the Cais da Ribeira to catch a view of the iconic Luís I Bridge, you will have to walk back up to your accommodation. Porto is the gateway to the Doura Valley, and it is well worth a boat trip to it – if you can drag yourself away from the beach.

Tallinn – Estonia

Be honest, do you even know where Estonia is? Estonia is a country that is on the coast of the Baltic Sea, nestled between Latvia and Russia – over the sea from Finland. It has more than 1,500 islands and is home to many beaches, forests, and lakes. Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia and has the most stunning preserved Old Town that showcases its rich history – think castles, churches and fortresses, and the remnants of its Soviet Union past.

Not only is Tallinn a stunning historic city to visit, but it also has several beaches that you can visit, although the best beaches will require a car for you to access them. There is currently a foodie revolution taking place in Estonia, with local chefs combining the Nordic influences with the traditional Estonian flavors. Estonia may not be your first idea for a holiday, but it is one place where your budget will not be tested.

Your summer getaway does not have to be with the bucket and spade brigade. It can be your time to explore new places and experiences beyond the average destinations. From the summer vibes of San Diego, the eclectic energy and architecture of Porto and the preserved Old Town of Tallinn, you have plenty to choose from.