Summer vacation means relaxing trips spent enjoying warm weather, placid beaches, and beautiful nature.
But in an overcrowded destination, those calming vibes can be difficult to find and are largely replaced by the stress and frustration that come with navigating a throng.
Fortunately, there are still amazing summer vacation destinations that remain off-the-beaten path. These destinations offer fewer tourists, stunning landscapes, ideal weather, and vibrant culture.
From rugged islands and secluded mountain towns to sun-soaked coastal destinations, here’s a look at five off-the-beaten path destinations for summer vacation.
Faroe Islands
Offering a combination of dramatic nature, wellness, and top-notch restaurants like two-Michelin-starred Paz, the Faroe Islands has something for every type of traveler this summer. Visitors can immerse themselves in remote areas with awe-inspiring natural formations like sea cliffs, mountains, and green valleys that make for stunning hikes. Travelers looking to enjoy truly under-the-radar areas can participate in the island’s self-navigating car adventures.
The program, which is run by the tourism board, allows visitors to rent a car with navigation technology that comes preloaded with one of 15 lesser-visited destinations. Tourists won’t know exactly where they’re going until they arrive. All of the itineraries have been curated by locals and are meant to “disperse visitors to serene, lesser-known corners of the islands.” And to stay in a quieter area, try booking into the new KG Hotel Klaksvik, which will become the first four-star hotel outside of the capital city of Tórshavn when it opens July 1.
Burlington, Vermont
New England in the summer is famous for its coastline, but destinations farther inland are certainly worth exploring for equally stunning landscapes and potentially fewer crowds. One such destination is the idyllic town of Burlington, Vermont, which hugs the shores of Lake Champlain. Nicknamed the “sixth Great Lake,” the lake offers numerous gorgeous beaches, as well as activities like sailboat rides, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Head to Burlington Surf Club, which offers watersports rentals on a long, sandy stretch of beach along the lake perfect for swimming.
Afterwards grab a bite at a waterfront restaurant like The Spot on the Dock. Don’t forget to visit some of the vineyards and craft breweries that dot the area. There are also plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature, with parks and hiking trails from the center of town. In the center of town, Rock Point offers sweeping views over the lake and easy hiking paths, or farther afield, Mt. Philo State Park has sweeping vistas of the Champlain Valley and surrounding Adirondack Mountains. The summer fun is just a train ride away for most travelers based in the Northeast aboard Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express, which stops in the heart of downtown.
Aberdeen, Scotland
Skyscanner ranked this sprawling port city in the foothills of the Scottish highlands its No. 1 lesser-known destination for summer 2026. The city of Aberdeen is a gateway to exploring the natural wonders and architectural marvels of the surrounding countryside. Serene lochs, dramatic mountains, picturesque villages, and ornate castles are all within easy driving distance.
Explore the heather-strewn hills of Loch Callater, with its beginner-level walking paths and local population of red deer, or head to charming Braemar village and hike up the steep slopes of Creag Choinnich for amazing panoramas. The larger Aberdeenshire region is home to more than 260 castles, which range from scenic ruins perched on cliffs above the sea to meticulously maintained royal residences like Balmoral and everything in between. Major UK cities offer airlift, with connecting flights departing from London, Manchester, and Birmingham, as well as from European hubs like Dublin, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Liguria, Italy
A scenic coastal region wedged between the Italian Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, Liguria seems to be flying under the radar with many travelers in summer 2026. Average hotel prices in the area have been dropping significantly, indicating softer demand. Nightly rates in the coastal town of Alassio, Italy, are 31 percent cheaper this summer compared to last year, according to data from Hotels.com.
Alassio is known for its seaside hotels that range from four-star beach clubs to quieter inns and bed and breakfasts. Aside from affordable hotel stays, the Italian Riviera destination offers hiking trails along vertiginous seaside cliffs, powder-soft beaches, and water activities like snorkeling and surfing. Visitors can tour vineyards in the nearby hills, sample fresh seafood and traditional pasta, and amble through Alessio’s historic town center that’s a charming hodgepodge of colorful buildings and old fishing cottages overlooking the sea.
Aspen, Colorado
It might be known primarily as a ski destination, but Aspen is also an outdoor paradise in the summer, too. In the warmer months, Aspen transforms into a walkable town surrounded by towering green mountains, lush meadows full of wildflowers, dramatic hiking trails, and sparkling lakes. One site worth exploring just outside the city is the iconic Maroon Bells, two red-hued peaks of the Elk Mountains surrounded by a majestic wilderness reserve.
Head to the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail to view the famous Bells from a lookout point over the nearby pristine lake. The easy trail is full of valleys carpeted with multi-hued wildflower blooms and is ideal for beginners who might want to stop for photos or a leisurely picnic along the way. Aspen has plenty of luxe accommodations, including the brand new White Elephant Aspen, which will be the boutique hotel brand’s first outpost in the West. The property opened on June 15 in Aspen’s West End neighborhood near the heart of downtown. Guests can expect various outdoor amenities like a pool deck, fire pits, and complimentary bike rentals.
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