Deciding where to take that long-anticipated summer vacation can be a daunting challenge.
Consider one of the following destinations where off-season deals, fewer crowds or special events make this the right time to go. Here are 18 great places to travel in the summer of 2018:
1. St. Barts
While some of the island's more famous hotels are still closed due to damage from hurricanes Irma and Maria (Hotel Le Toiny, Le Guanahani), about 60% of St. Barts' villas have reopened, with some new additions.
The five-star Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa just introduced two new villas, Villa Bleu and Villa Aqua, which each offer six bedrooms, a private pool and a prime beachfront setting.
Plus, summer's low-season rates make luxurious St. Barts a somewhat more affordable option.
2. Russia
Russia is set to host soccer fans for the 2018 World Cup, happening June 14-July 15 in 11 different cities.
The opening match and final games will be held in Moscow, with other matches taking place in St. Petersburg, Sochi and lesser-known cities, including Saransk and Kazan.
Of the 32 teams competing, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Portugal and Spain are among the in-demand matches, although there's still time to apply for tickets. Just be aware that the United States isn't competing this year.
3. Azores, Portugal
The Azores, a self-governing Portuguese territory about 1,000 miles from Portugal, have remained under the radar due to limited access from the United States. Not so anymore, thanks to new flight routes.
In fact, Delta just started a seasonal option that will fly direct five times a week between JFK in New York City and the capital of Ponta Delgada.
Visitors will be able to access the charming capital in less than six hours, but the compact city isn't the only attraction.
The archipelago is comprised of nine islands, with the main island of São Miguel as the starting point.
4. Fiji
It's been two years since a Category 5 cyclone struck Fiji, killing 44 people and leaving behind about a billion dollars worth of damage. But Fiji has rebounded, as evidenced by a spate of new hotels.
Newcomers include the five-star Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay.
It's both Marriott's first foray into Fiji, and the first hotel on the main island to offer overwater villas. The resort is a bargain compared to other arrivals.
The more expensive Six Senses Fiji just opened in April on Malolo Island, and is notable for running solely on solar power thanks in part to Tesla batteries.
5. Tbilisi, Georgia
New direct flights from London on Georgian Airways and Wizz Air have made Tbilisi more accessible than ever.
The capital of this former Soviet Republic offers all of the appeal of a European city (ancient landmarks, intimate cafes, excellent wine), without the choking summer throngs.
But Tbilisi is not easily defined, since throughout the centuries the culture has been influenced by Europe, Asia and the Middle East, although one can still find Soviet-era relics at flea markets.