Sizzling Summer Travel Secrets

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Island of Milos in Greece

“Who would go to Palm Springs in the summer?” I could almost hear my sister-in-law screeching it, many miles away from my poolside desert idyll. Indeed, in between drought-shaming and daily triple-digit temperatures, Palm Springs is hardly a tourist magnet this time of year, and most people would prefer to shun it for cooler climes. But, when it comes to travel, going off the radar can lead to interesting discoveries and, sometimes, good deals, too. 

Katy Perry may have visited Mykonos last month, but if you found yourself in Palm Springs in July, you might have bumped into Miley Cyrus as she took a break from a video shoot in L.A., joining a long and illustrious list of stars who choose to dial back the stress a bit for some downtime in the desert. 

Chances are Cyrus didn’t need to hunt for low hotel rates, but it’s no secret that hotels in Palm Springs often deeply discount their rates during the toasty summer months. The Ace Hotel (where Cyrus was seen) is just one of many examples. 

Spend the day in the pool, sleep, repeat: The same summertime relaxation principle applies in the Arizona desert, which is sprinkled with spots that exude some of the mid-century style for which Palm Springs is already famous. Check out the summertime deals at hotels like Scottsdale’s Valley Ho, which opened back in 1956 but has been transformed much more recently into an urban oasis with a variety of rooms and the hip ZuZu Lounge. Summer specials include the Summer Selfie Special, which includes a ‘selfie stick’ and two welcome drinks. Call 866.882.4484 for reservations. And don’t forget, the Phoenix area has great restaurants of all varieties: more reasons to linger longer in this beautiful stretch of the desert southwest. 

If you want to take your desert adventure to the next level, consider the country that Angelina Jolie put on the map a while back: Namibia. Dramatic dunes, stellar wildlife at Etosha National Park and the wind-whipped Skeleton Coast (so named for its numerous shipwrecks) are just a few of the draws of this large African country. You can go independently; however, I recommend a guided safari-style experience. Check out the offerings of Abercrombie & Kent, Cox & Kings and Jacada Travel. 

Despite the Greek economic crisis, the legendary island Mykonos is still going strong and remains one of the Mediterranean’s top party islands. Given a chance, you’d have to be a fool to skip a trip to Mykonos or Santorini in the summer because that’s when these fabled islands are at their peak buzz, and you can always find a way to dodge the crowds. Try a resort like Mykonos Blu for size. 

Another option is the island of Milos — original home of the Venus de Milo and an unsung pearl of the Aegean. A volcanic island by origin, Milos has a stunning array of landscapes and beaches with backdrops of multicolored cliffs and water that dazzles with crystalline greens and blues. One of the most beguiling spots is at Sarakiniko, a bleach-white moonscape where the interplay of the sun on velvety-smooth whitewashed rocks against the electric blue sea makes for a sight befitting a pirate movie. And indeed, Milos’ strategic location long made it a famous pirate den, as one can see from the dramatic sea-caves around Kleftiko. Explore it by private yacht; one recommendation is Stelios & Yannis. For more information, visit excellentyachting.com. 

Milos has a sophisticated side — there is bistro fare at the Ego Bar, right by the port in bustling little Adamas, and rooms at the small Hotel Del Mar Milos, which are spotless and charming, with a great location, conducive to exploration. Exploration can be very easy with an affordable SmartCar from Milos Rent a Car. For more information, visit miloscars.gr.

There is a ferry from Athens’ Port of Piraeus to Milos — a journey of about three-and-a-half hours — but the schedules can be erratic. If you must stick to a schedule, there is a short flight (about 30 minutes) on Aegean Air. The airport in Milos — across from the wide curving beach of Achivadolimni — consists mainly of a field with some yellow and purple flowers. For more information on flights, visit aegeanair.com.

Follow Anthony Grant on Twitter at TGi24.