From breezy coastlines to cultural hotspots, these polished picks are just a flight away
By Erin Camin

Photography courtsey of Mick Haupt
Let’s be honest—summer has a way of sneaking up on even the most organized among us. One minute, you’re scheduling quarterly meetings, and the next, you’re realizing everyone but you seems to be sipping rosé on a rooftop somewhere fabulous. But here’s the secret: It’s not too late.
Contrary to popular belief, last-minute doesn’t have to mean last-resort. With the right strategy—and an expert in your corner—you can still pull off a spontaneous summer getaway that’s equal parts stylish, seamless, and soul-refreshing.
Whether you’re craving coastlines, culture or crisp mountain air, here are a few destinations (domestic and beyond) where luxury is just a quick flight—and one expertly handled booking—away.
Coastal Chic
Turks & Caicos
Looking for effortless Caribbean luxury? Think beachfront villas, warm turquoise water and fully staffed properties that are surprisingly bookable—even at the eleventh hour. Add in direct flights from Atlanta and it’s an ideal no-fuss escape.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Classic New England charm meets boutique hotel refinement. Picture cobblestone streets, hydrangeas in full bloom and oyster platters served with chilled Sancerre. Bonus: no passport required.
Mountain Calm & Lakeside Luxe
Lake Tahoe, California/NevadaEscape the heat with a refreshing alpine retreat. Luxury lodges and lakefront vacation homes offer everything from sunrise paddleboarding to evening wine by the firepit. It’s a smart pick for travelers craving fresh air and room to roam.
Telluride, Colorado
This former mining town turned mountain playground boasts high-end stays and gorgeous homes for rent, gourmet dining and stunning scenery without the summer crowds. Hiking, horseback riding and spa days? Yes, please.
Urban Indulgence
Chicago, Illinois
My hometown: Summer in the Windy City is a whole vibe. Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, cruise along the river at sunset (or go out on the lake) or shop the Gold Coast—all within a less than two-hour flight. Bonus – schedule a trip to coincide with baseball games and enjoy some of the local neighborhood festivals while you’re in town.

Photography courtesy of Muzammil Soorma
Lisbon, Portugal
For those with a bit more flexibility, Lisbon is a stunning late-summer option. Think hilltop views, seaside day trips and boutique hotels with rooftop bars that serve as the perfect perch for golden hour. This has been a favorite destination for our clients this year.
Southwestern Serenity
Santa Fe, New Mexico
A destination that feels worlds away—with adobe architecture, an incredible arts scene and healing desert energy. It’s the kind of place where time slows down (but the margaritas arrive quickly).

Photography courtesy of Auberge Resorts
Sedona, Arizona
Craving a wellness reset? Book a luxury spa retreat surrounded by red rock formations and starlit skies. The energy is palpable—and so are the room upgrades, especially when booked through a trusted travel advisor.
The Luxury of Letting Go
The biggest misconception about spontaneous travel? That you’ll end up settling. In reality, when you work with a luxury travel advisor, you gain access to exclusive perks, hard-to-find availability and curated experiences that feel anything but rushed. We know the hotels that still have suites, the destinations where summer lingers into September and the little touches that turn a quick getaway into something unforgettable.
From securing last-minute upgrades to arranging private transfers and in-room champagne (because… obviously), a travel advisor makes your escape feel intentional—even if you decided on it last night over a glass of wine.
Whether you’re craving a beach read and bellini or a mountain hike followed by a massage, the perfect summer escape is still possible. All you need is a window in your calendar—and someone to handle the rest.
Erin Camin is a luxury travel advisor based in Decatur. For the past five years, she’s helped busy professionals take their trips from dream to reality, no matter how near or far. While Erin specializes in Europe and Asia, she can tackle any destination you’re interested in with her network of global connections.