10 Underrated Summer Travel Ideas

Sardinia is a summer treasure overlooked by many travelers outside of Europe. The temperate Mediterranean climate gives you long, warm days, eased by the coastal breeze.

The water is clear as it brushes against pearl-white sands and rugged coastal cliffs. Beyond the coastline, the island possesses charming medieval towns and ancient sites offering dynamic discoveries.

Embrace the sweeping panoramas, visit historic towers, or wander along cobblestone avenues to find hidden cafes. Sardinia is an exciting summer destination to explore and offers everlasting inspiration.

Highlights: Alghero • Cagliari • Olbia • Cala Brandinchi • Tuerredda Beach

Learn more: Italy Tours • Italy Travel Guide

Greece can conjure images of the past, filled with ideas of ancient ruins, white-washed villages, and women wearing traditional clothing walking along cobblestone stairways.

Karpathos is one of the few islands where the past carries into the present and you can find wood-fired ovens and the daily aromas of freshly baked breads mixing with the scent of the sea breeze. Uncrowded beaches, sandy shores, and charming villages reflect the casual timelessness, accentuated by summer festivities.

As the legendary birthplace of Prometheus and the Titans, you can enjoy the living heritage as you wander through hill-top towns wrapped in clouds or lounge in the golden Mediterranean light.

Highlights: Apella Beach • Olympos • Diafani • Pigadia • Saria Island

Learn more: Greece Tours & Vacations • Greece Travel Guide

Wild, rugged, remote, and decorated with tiny fishing villages, the Lofoten Islands embody the majesty of Norway.

Towering mountains descend into sheltered bays, quiet beaches overlook sapphire water, and boats bobbing in marinas add a mesmerizing skyline to the seaside towns.

Whether for the midnight sun or sailing around the idyllic fjords, summer among the Lofoten Islands is dramatic and captivating as you spend time within the Arctic Circle. Kayak, hike, or learn about Vikings in one of the world’s most exciting summer vacation regions.

Highlights: Lofotr Viking Museum • Svolvaer Goat Trail • Nusfjord • Reine • Eggum

Learn more: Norway Tours & Vacations

Luang Prabang in Laos is a great summer destination, but often overshadowed by its famous neighbors Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The former capital of the kingdom retains a combination of old-world charm and French colonial design, where peaceful streets linger beneath the surrounding mountain peaks.

With over 30 active temples and a cool alpine position offering refreshing respite from the tropical heat of the lowlands, Luang Prabang is as welcoming as it is immersive.

Equal parts opulent and humble, you can witness the morning procession of monks collecting alms or listen for the sound of rain at the multi-tiered Kuang Si Waterfall, learn about local culture on a working farm or follow trails designed to connect pilgrimage sites.

Highlights: Kuang Si Waterfall • Phousi Mountain • Wat Manorom • Wat Xieng Thong • Rice Fields

Learn more: Laos Tours

Lake Bled in Slovenia is the living embodiment of a painting and the perfect summer travel idea.

The blue-green water reflects the bordering mountains and the church at the heart of the lake resembles a fairytale structure. The medieval castle perches on a rocky cliff overlooking the forest, while the backdrop of some of the tallest mountains of the Julian Alps creates the feeling of seclusion.

In summer, Lake Bled is a marvelous escape for hiking, cycling, boating, or a romantic stop away from the typical seasonal crowds. With mouthwatering cuisine, distinctive culture, and the added beauty of the nearby Vintgar Gorge, Lake Bled is an unforgettable summer getaway.

Highlights: Bled Castle • Vintgar Gorge • Church of the Assumption of Maria • Mala Osojnica Overlook • Lake Bled Loop Trail

Learn more: Slovenia Tours

The Azores Islands give the feeling that Portugal has met the tropics, away from the summer crowds.

As the largest island, São Miguel offers the most diversity, with rugged and lush wilderness consisting of volcanic mountain ranges and crater lakes, rainforests and waterfalls. Beaches offer a quiet corner in which to swim or surf, and the capital, Ponta Delgada, shines with whitewashed architecture against a backdrop of black basalt nature.

With its remote position in the mid-Atlantic, São Miguel offers world-class adventure and endless opportunities for relaxation.

Highlights: Ponta Delgada • Gruta do Carvão Lava Tube • Lagoa das Sete Cidades • Lagoa do Fogo • Caldeiras das Furnas

Learn more: Azores Islands Vacation Packages • Azores Islands Travel Guide

Ireland itself is not a hidden summer destination, but Galway is overlooked as one of the island’s best places to visit, especially during the long, warm summer days. The city rises above the banks of the River Corrib, with medieval grandeur juxtaposing an intimate ambiance.

The wilderness edges the city along the Wild Atlantic Way, while historical museums add to the eclectic history demonstrated in the galleries, architecture, and living heritage.

From exploring the culinary renaissance with local chefs, finding new ways to celebrate the cuisine to embracing the majesty spreading across the nearby Cliffs of Moher, discovering the exceptional seasonal festivals or viewing the exciting theater scene, Galway is endlessly vibrant.

Highlights: Cliffs of Moher • Galway Market • St. Nicholas’ Church • Galway Cathedral • Galway City Museum

Learn more: Ireland Tours & Vacations • Ireland Travel Guide

Summer is the hottest time of the year in which to visit Cuba, but Havana celebrates the season with exciting festivals, dances, and music shows that extinguish the heat. The tropical climate can bring afternoon rain, which offers a cool ambiance in the evening.

Colorful Spanish architecture fills the historic neighborhood, juxtaposing vintage American cars, and hidden restaurants in cobblestone streets fill the air with enticing aromas.

The Atlantic waves crash against the sea wall along the Malecôn, musicians play guitars among the Baroque facades of Plaza Vieja, and locals lounge on the soft sands of nearby beaches for a rejuvenating day at the sea.

Highlights: Old Havana • The Malecón • Plaza Vieja • Playas del Este • Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Learn more: Cuba Tours & Vacations • Cuba Travel Guide

Maputo is an exciting enigma on the eastern shores of Africa. Visiting between June and August means touring during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter months. The tropical climate means that even in winter the weather rarely drops below 69° Fahrenheit.

Portuguese architecture, wide boulevards, and sidewalk cafes shaded by jacarandas make it easy to feel as though you have arrived in a Mediterranean city rather than the capital of Mozambique.

With a bustling central market sharing the marvelous tropical colors of local ingredients and the historic fortress reflecting part of the layered regional history, celebrated street art depicting contemporary culture and Parque Nacional de Maputo offering a gentle safari experience, Maputo is always alluring with endless layers to discover.

Highlights: Chissano Gallery • National Art Museum • Ponta do Ouro • Parque Nacional de Maputo • Central Market

Learn more: Southern Africa Safaris & Tours • Southern Africa Travel Guide

June to August represent the Southern Hemisphere’s winter months, giving Perth a refreshingly cool ambiance. Instead of exploring crystal-clear waters and famous beaches, the highlights focus on winter treats and surprising adventures in the Indian Ocean.

The city is known for its nearly permanent blue skies and superb coastline, but small bars serving delicious cuisine and the bohemian art scene have gained attention over the years. While often considered disconnected from greater Australia, the capital of the western state has faster and easier flights to international destinations like Bali, Sri Lanka, and even London.

Whether visiting to swim with whale sharks or watch whales breach the sea, eager to explore the art scene or sample offerings at famous nearby wineries, Perth is one of the most unique and memorable summer vacation destinations.

Highlights: Kings Park and Botanic Garden • Elizabeth Quay • Art Gallery of Western Australia • Swan Valley • Rottnest Island

Learn more: Australia Tours • Australia Travel Guide

Choosing a summer vacation destination can be overwhelming, but by exploring our underrated travel ideas, you can find where to go in July to avoid crowds or explore less crowded regions in August, depending on your interests and schedule. From visiting Sardinia for an idyllic island escape to discovering the tropical wonders of Mozambique, you can enjoy the unlimited potential of hidden travel gems.

For more inspiration on where to go, explore our unexpected places to visit based on the destinations you love, or find more information on what to do with our travel guide.