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Where To Go In June: Finding Summer Travel Ideas Around The Globe

June's Must-Visit Destinations
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So much to do, so many places to see, but so little time to do it all. That's where Destination Unknown comes into play. At the beginning of each month, HuffPost Canada Travel will be putting together a list that offers something for everyone — those on a budget, those looking for something unique or those simply looking to get away. Curious? Good. A sense of wanderlust is always healthy. So, without further ado, here's June's Destination Unknown round-up.

Every month has something different to offer travellers. April brings showers, May bring flowers and June’s a time ripe with opportunity for travel.

For starters, June marks the official kick off of summer and that means plenty of encouraging sunshine to get travellers outside and inspired. Now, there are those who say July and August are the perfect time to travel but let's see what they have to say once they're standing shoulder to shoulder with crowds of similar-thinking globe-trotters.

Instead, why not use the month as chance to try something new like a road trip or stick to the classics like a short trip to the beach or a quick weekend getaway. Looking for something longer? Well, there's no shortage of destinations fit for seven-day escapes from the nine-to-five grind.

Now, while parts of Asia and the Middle East aren't recommended due to heavy rain fall and extreme heat, the rest of the world is pretty much fair game. So, to see where you should go for the month of June, check out the gallery below.

The best place to travel to in June. Slideshow text follows for mobile readers.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Sure, Toronto may seem like a ground zero for a battle between Mayor Rob Ford and the local media but for one week in June, the city and its media shifts its focus on Pride Toronto. For nine days, the city of Toronto becomes a massive celebration of all things LGBTTIQQ2SA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited and Allies). The festival is one of the largest in North American, with an anticipated 1.2 million participants this year. Highlights include the annual parade on June 30, 2013 and the street fair which takes over the city's Church and Wellesley neighbourhood.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, U.S.A.

What's summer without a little camping involved? For those looking for a short weekend excursion, America's national parks may just fit the bill. While there are many National Parks spread across the U.S., Isle Royale stands out for its kayaking, canoeing and scuba diving. Those looking for a true outdoor wilderness experience won't be disappointed as campers are advised to boil their water in case of tapeworm cysts that are prevalent in the area. Not afraid of a little tape worm? Then be prepared to come across signs of wolf packs, moose and beavers which inhabit the park.

The Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

Summer's abundance of sunshine is great for those working on their tan, but that's not the only thing that benefits from the extra sunlight. Spring and fall may be known for their harvests but there aren't many seasons where travellers can sink their teeth into fresh strawberries, peaches and other summertime fruits. Those who prefer to drink their fruits will want to check out the Niagara New Vintage Festival which offers travellers and wine tasters a chance to experience the terroir of over 14,800 acres of Niagara's vineyards.

Reykjavik, Iceland

There's a lot to like about Iceland. After all, few places offer travellers the experience of waterfalls, natural geysers, volcanoes and glaciers all in one island. June marks a great time to visit the country as just about everything is open to travellers. Those looking to get a good tour of the country will want to complete the Golden Circle Tour which comprises of visits to Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the geyser and hot spring area around Geysir. Travellers not exhausted from hiking and exploring can use their remaining energy partying and soaking up the night life of Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city.

Sacsayhuamán, Cuzco, Peru

Travellers with an appreciation for theatrics will want to stop at the stone ruins of Sacsayhuamán, located in the region of Cuzco in Peru on June 24. There, they can transport themselves back 500 years to the when the Incans celebrated a day devoted to Inti, the Peruvian sun god. Back then, the festival required a mass sacrifice of llamas but now things are just re-enacted while spectators just watch in comfort. There's music, dancing, lots of costumes and volunteers who pull all the stops to recreate how their ancestors celebrated, even going as far as performing a faux-sacrifice.

Istanbul, Turkey

The multi-tasking traveller will want to make a trip to Istanbul in June as the city's warm, sunny weather, rich history and culture make for an unforgettable destination. Temperatures in Istanbul hover around the low 20's with an average of 11 hours of sun light during the month. Those looking to dodge the temperatures can take refuge in one of the city's many air-conditioned malls which will be open later during the Istanbul Shopping Festival (June 8-30). Word to the wise: unlike Toronto, it's better to go earlier in the month as things start to get crowded as July nears by.

Where do you like to go in June? Let us know in the comment section below or on Twitter @HPCaTravel

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