Summer can be a perfect time to vacation, but everyone has the same idea. But you might want to keep folks out of your Instagram photos. Here are the top destinations to visit to avoid the crowds.
Arizona USA
For many popular destinations, summer is considered the high season, bringing along crowds and high prices. However, for Scottsdale, Arizona, the opposite is true. Summer is the low season in Scottsdale, making it a great place to avoid the crowds!
If you’re visiting Scottsdale during the summer, there is one thing to keep in mind. The temperatures can be scorchingly hot, which is why summer is the low season for tourists. Along with the heat comes incredible deals on the city’s best resorts – rates are slashed during the summer months. Booking a great resort with a pool is the perfect way to stay cool!
There are so many things to see and do in Scottsdale. Don’t visit without spending a day exploring Old Town Scottsdale. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s best shopping, museums, and restaurants. The Mission Old Town is a great spot for Mexican food, and you can end the evening with a glass of wine from Merkin Vineyards!
If you want to spend some time outdoors, consider hiking Camelback Mountain or exploring the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Just make sure to get an early start to beat the midday heat, and don’t forget to pack plenty of water and sunscreen!
Recommended By: Sydney at A World in Reach
Idaho USA
One of the best places to avoid summer crowds is Boise, Idaho. Boise is a beautiful city with lots of fun outdoor activities as well as a fun downtown scene. There are great hiking trails, delicious restaurants, and beautiful mountains nearby.
One of the best things to do during the summer in Boise is to explore the Boise Greenbelt, a paved path running through downtown Boise along the river. You can rent bikes to ride along the Greenbelt or you can walk or run. It is a beautiful part of the city and a great way to enjoy the nice weather.
Another one of the fun things to do in Boise is to tour the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Back in 1872 it opened and held some of the West’s worst criminals. It was open for 101 years until it closed in December of 1973. Today, you can tour the Penitentiary and see things like the gallows and old cell blocks.
While you are here, you can also head on a hike up the Table Rock Trail. It is a 3.7-mile hike with beautiful views of downtown Boise. At the top, there is a large cross and a sandstone quarry that is fun to explore. This is one of the best views of downtown Boise.
During the summer, be sure to stop by the Boise Farms Market and grab brunch at Fork. Fork is a farm-to-table American restaurant in a charming brick and wood space. At the market, you will find local produce as well as honey, jams, and meats.
Recommended By: Candice at CS Ginger
Kentucky USA
Instead of heading towards the USA’s sandy shores, explore the rustic mountains of Eastern Kentucky. With flowering rhododendrons and creeks around every turn, you’ll find that there’s just something special about the fairytale-like setting of Kentucky. For years the locals have jokingly referred to this region as the rainforest of the South (Southern USA) and they’re not wrong!
Kentucky has over 400 waterfalls within a 3-hour driving distance. Some of our favorites include the beach-like setting at Creation Falls in Red River Gorge or Fairmount Falls in Louisville Kentucky. P.S. Did you know that Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the United States?!
Recommended By: Shelby at My Colorful Wanderings
Michigan USA
If you want to guarantee a place to beat the crowds during the summer the Upper Penisula of Michigan is the place to be. You’ll be surrounded by nature in the middle of nowhere. You can camp, hike, swim, kayak, and will even be a short drive away from waterfalls! Getting to the U.P. will be a bit of a journey. The closest major international airports are Grand Rapids, Traverse City, or Green Bay.
From there you will rent a car and drive several hours to the city you want to stay or camp in. Munising and Marquette are two of the best cities to choose as a base because they have access to grocery stores and gas stations while also being close to the best activities. At the top of your must-do list is the Black Rocks on Presque Isle Park. The views from atop these craggy rocks are stunning. For the thrill-seeker bring your swimsuit and cliff jump! The water is always icy but July and August are when the temps will be the “warmest”.
The Sugarloaf Mountains are 10-minutes away from the Black Rocks. You can reach the observation point in two ways. A short but steep 15-minute hike from the Sugarloaf Parking lot or a 3-mile hike roundtrip on the Hogback Mountain Trailhead. You’ll see great views of Lake Superior and the mountainscape. Before leaving the U.P. you cannot forget about the Pictured Rocks in Munising. They are unique multicolored formations in the cliffs overlooking Lake Superior. Boat and kayak tours are the best ways to see their beauty!
Recommended By: Rachel at Rachels Findings
Minnesota USA
Welcome to the least visited national park in the USA, which will take your breath away! Explore a remote part of the US in Voyageurs National Park. Be on the lookout for eagles, river otters, and sometimes bears. Named for the fur trappers who once used these lakes as their way of transportation. Find your way through the water maze and woodlands in the southern part of the Canadian Shield.
Due to the limited light pollution, in Voyageurs you can enjoy a night of stargazing! If you are lucky, you will be able to spot the glimmer of the Northern Lights.
In order to get to Voyageurs National Park, it is a little over a four-hour drive from Minneapolis. And about a two and a half-hour drive from Duluth. There are hikes and trails located near the visitor centers. However, most of the park is composed of lakes and tiny islands. Some you can even explore with a canoe or guided tour by boat.
Caribbean
Many of us dream of escaping to the Caribbean in the middle of winter—and for good reason. Nothing cures the winter blues like a view of a turquoise ocean and warm rays on sun-deprived skin. Unfortunately, winter travel to Caribbean hot spots inevitably comes with crowds and high prices. If you want to enjoy the islands’ best beaches and hotels without the crowds, and at a reasonable price, go in the off-season.
In particular, grab the kids and head to the remote island of Bequia in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a crowd-free summer destination. An hour away from St. Vincent by ferry, you won’t find swarms of tourists here. Our family spent a week in August 2021 at Bequia Beach Hotel, a luxury resort that exudes classic Caribbean charm.
Because the hotel was practically empty, we got a free upgrade to a 4-bedroom villa with a private pool!
We got to know the friendly staff, many of whom made an effort to learn our kids’ names. The diving and snorkeling were phenomenal, as were the sunset swims at Princess Margaret Beach—which we often had nearly all to ourselves. Bequia truly is a hidden gem, and should quickly rise to the top of anyone’s travel bucket list. You can find a complete Bequia destination guide here.
But isn’t August rainy and hurricane season in the Caribbean (you might wonder)? Yes, but Bequia is pretty dry even in the wet season: We had two days of rain but with breaks each day to enjoy the pool and very colorful sunsets. Bequia also sits far south of the hurricane belt, along with Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao, Grenada, and Trinidad & Tobago, making these the best summertime Caribbean destinations.
Recommended By: Lee at Mango Tree Travel
Guatemala
If you are looking for a beautiful destination where you can avoid summer crowds, look no further than Guatemala, Central America’s hidden gem.
Guatemala popped up on the tourist radar only recently, and now more travelers are flocking to the country to discover its black-sand Pacific beaches, hike stunning volcanoes and explore lush jungles – a perfect destination that hasn’t yet suffered from mass tourism.
One of the best places to visit in Guatemala is Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America where you can relax, learn local culture in many villages around the lake and try something adventurous like hiking, diving, or parasailing over the lake.
Guatemala is known by its nickname Corazón Del Mundo Maya (the heart of the Mayan world).
Because it has the largest population of people with Mayan heritage in Central America. The best place to explore the country’s Maya culture is Tikal, one of the most spectacular Mayan ruins in Central America.
One thing to remember about visiting Guatemala in summer is that it also coincides with the rainy season which lasts from May through September. During this time, the area receives the most precipitation, however, the rain typically falls in the afternoon and lasts no more than a few hours. Make sure to plan your activities for the morning.
Another major plus of visiting Guatemala in summer is that it’s also the low season which means you will see lower prices on hotels, tours, and many other things, as fewer tourists come in the country.
And, compared to the dry winter season, you will have an opportunity to see the lush landscapes and tons of greenery, especially if you go hiking.
Recommended By: Daria at The Discovery Nut
Iceland
A visit to the Icelandic Highlands offers a unique opportunity to explore an otherwise highly-trafficked country but without having to battle the typical seasonal crowds. Given the remote nature of Iceland’s Highlands, a summer visit strikes an idyllic balance between still taking advantage of the warm, summery weather while still feeling like you have the place to yourself!
While traveling through Iceland’s Highlands can prove to be daunting – largely due to the necessitated use of Iceland’s notorious f-roads (roads that are known for their rough terrain, including fast-paced river crossings, the general lack of service stations, and of course, the non-negotiable requirement of a 4×4 vehicle); most travelers simply find it easier to stick to the outskirts of Iceland by following its famed Ring Road to more of the tourist hotspots.
Though, with a little preparation and a thorough understanding of how to navigate your way across Iceland’s distinguished raw and unspoiled landscapes, a trip to the Highlands can be made simple and rewarding. Consider a visit to the esteemed Hveravellir Nature Reserve, which features a plethora of aquamarine-colored bubbling geothermal pools; or prepare for a solo trek across the bucket list-caliber hike of Laugavegur Trail; where you can find the Highlands’ signature rainbow-striped mountains!
However, you opt to spend your time in Iceland’s breathtaking Highland region, rest assured you’ll encounter minimal crowds and have the adventure of a lifetime while you’re at it!
Recommended By: Natasha at Planes, Trains, and Karcz
Valencia Spain
The Beautiful city of Valencia has 1/4 of the visitors of Barcelona, making it much less touristy. Valencia is also smaller than some of the most popular Spanish cities. Its size means it is very easy to get around on foot and public transport.
Wrapped around two sides of the city center is a wonderful park. Made from the old riverbed the park is full of gardens, sports areas and locals enjoy their city. Valencia has a historic center and also a modern area with a futuristic science museum.
One place not to miss is the market hall. Packed full of local food suppliers this is a great place to try some local treats, and see local life. There are plenty of gorgeous squares where you can enjoy some great people watching.
If you visit around the 19th of March you will also see the completely crazy Fallas festival. This celebration of Spring sees massive floats set on fire. There is also a huge amount of gunpowder involved! If you are looking for a Spanish city where you can feel more like a local than a tourist then Valencia is for you.
Recommended By: Melanie at The Professional Traveller
Northern Macedonia
If you are looking for a Destination in Europe that offers incredible views, wonderful people, and plenty of things to do, you need to visit Northern Macedonia. This hidden gem is a great bucket list destination to avoid the crowds in the Summer. This is simply because many of the locals’ vacation to other European Countries, meaning that most spots you will want to visit are less crowded. This is the ultimate time to get your insta-ready photos of your trip!
Northern Macedonia is not one of the most popular destinations in Europe for Summer visitors simply because it’s off the beaten track. It’s a great place to visit on a budget and to soak up the sun. The Country is also full of amazing mountains to Hike, one of the oldest Lakes in the world to cool off in and epic food. This is a great summer destination for all travelers because there is so much to do here, no matter how big or small your budget is.
For the Culture Vultures, the city of Skopje offers so much to do including The Memorial House of Mother Teresa (highly recommended!). And for Nature lovers, a visit to Lake Matka is a must. With a combination of cultures to explore in Skopjes historic old Bazaar to breathtaking views surrounding Lake Ohrid, this is one place you don’t want to miss out on when visiting Europe.
Recommended By: Lowri at Many Other Roads
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