by Elena Cox • Ah, summer. The time for summer concerts, big blockbusters, and strict production schedules. But when the Hollywood elite aren’t busy promoting their latest project, they revel in some down time just like us. Cashing in on your vacation days before Labor Day? Take a page out of Rihanna‘s book and head to Vegas, or book a romantic getaway to Italy like many celebrity couples have visited this summer. Or, you could just read the tabloids and live vicariously through them.

The Hamptons
Literally a hop, skip, and a seaplane from Manhattan, the Hamptons has always been a popular spot with the rich and famous. Now with the show Royal Pains on USA, those sandy beaches are looking even more tempting than usual. Kourtney Kardashian made the trek from Miami on July 4th weekend to spend time with her in-laws, who have a home there. Nikki Reed was also spotted there that weekend partying and playing DJ at Axe Lounge in Southhampton. America’s favorite couple, Katy Perry and Russell Brand, were spotted sunning, shopping and partying in Long Island as well. It’s also not hard to spot a Housewife or two, as The Real Housewives of New York are frequently attending benefits like The Parrish Art Museum’s Midsummer Party, which was held earlier this month.

Las Vegas
If you can’t take the heat, surround yourself in air conditioning instead. Vegas casinos and shows surround you with cool air and are a great option for avoiding the high temperatures. Want to enjoy the outdoors instead? You can probably find a pool or two somewhere. LV resident and former girlfriend to Hugh Hefner, Holly Madison is frequently seen partying and taking off her clothes in Vegas, while another former Playboy model, Pam Anderson, celebrated her birthday at Tao Beach this month. Celebs are also frequently paid for appearances in Sin City – Carmen Electra, The Situation and Ke$ha to name only a few. Rihanna was recently spotted rocking a leopard print monokini like only the "Hard" girl can before her show on Saturday.

Saint Tropez
Ever since Brigitte Bardot walked on the shores of St. Tropez in the 1960s, its tropical feel mixed with the French romanticism has become synonymous with celebrity vacations. Victoria Beckham frequents the shore regularly, as does French president Nicolas Sarkozy, who has a home there. Naomi Campbell and Ryan Seacrest were spotted taking in some rays (albeit separately) while party girl Mischa Barton was photographed attending the Philipp Plein Boutique opening party.

Bahamas
With clear blue water and white sand, the Bahamas look like a page taken from a calendar, probably why Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem decided to wed there early this month. The very private couple exchanged vows at a friend’s home in the area. Justin Bieber and Kim Kardashian also had a photoshoot there this summer. The odd couple were snapped frolicking in the waves causing uproar among Bieber fans. While the pop star has denied a relationship with Kardashian (who is almost 15 years his senior,) his ex-girlfriend, civilian Caitlin Beadles however was on the sidelines.

Italy
If you’re looking for something a bit more historic, you can always jet to Italy. Europe is notorious for the lack of air conditioning but most hotels have it and you can always jump in a fountain. The country sure is romantic – Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) and John Krasinski (The Office) recently tied the knot in Como, while American Pie actress Mena Suvari wed in the Vatican City late last month. On-again-off-again Jude Law and Sienna Miller were caught lip locking on the Italian coast last Thursday.
But Italy isn’t solely for the lovebirds – celebutante Paris Hilton was just snapped sunning topless on a private yacht over the weekend.

Hawaii
Surf, palms, coconuts and you don’t even have to have a passport! The islands of Hawaii has been the setting for many TV shows and films, from The Brady Bunch and Elvis Presley, to the more recent flick, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and with good reason. It’s romantic, calming and from what I hear, very friendly. Megan Fox definitely thought the spot was romantic – she got engaged and then married to Brian Austin Green this month in the historic Ka’upulehu.

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