The Top 10 Summer Destinations and Hidden Gem Alternatives

With most Americans only getting a mere 10 days off each year, choosing where to vacation takes on particular importance.

To help with that effort (at least when it comes to summer getaways), Vacasa has just released its 2019 Summer Travel Trends report, which not only identifies the most popular vacation destinations for the season ahead, but also highlights undiscovered towns and smaller cities near popular summer getaways that offer a similar look and feel minus the crowds and high prices.

In addition, the report, which is designed to help you plan the perfect getaway, includes data about travelers’ likes, dislikes, most popular travel dates and even reasons for traveling.

Among the key takeaways:

-Rome, Italy took the lead as the number one summer destination in the world.

-More people are traveling on July 4th this year (48 percent) than Labor Day (19 percent) and Memorial Day (23 percent) combined.

-The majority of summer travelers (52 percent) this year define themselves as chill masters, seeking relaxation after a hectic first half of the year. They’ll likely need as much R&R as possible ahead of the mounting 2020 election drama.

-Women tend to be more cost-conscious than men during the summer travel months, budgeting 19 percent less than men on average.

-The stereotypes about Gen Z and cars are true; Zs were the generation least likely to be planning a trip by car this summer (and the most likely to fly, at a whopping nearly 70 percent, compared to just 56 percent of Millennials).

Here's a closer look at the 10 most popular summer haunts this year, according to Vacasa, and the less crowded alternative to each destination.

1. Most Popular

Rome, Italy

The Vatican, Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, oh my. A city full of ancient ruins, museums and breathtaking architecture, it’s no wonder Rome tops this list.

Hidden Gem Alternative:

Senigallia, Italy

Less than two hours from Rome, Senigallia is a stunning and laid-back beach town on Italy's Adriatic coast. Founded as Sena Gallica in 289 BC by the Gauls, it was the first Roman colony on the Adriatic.

2. Most Popular

San Diego, California

Beaches, sunshine, a vibrant foodie scene, what’s not to love about San Diego? Downside - you won't be alone here. Anywhere. The beaches, the bars, the popular foodie haunts, are all typically buzzing with crowds.

Hidden Gem Alternative

San Clemente, California

Known as the “Spanish Village by the Sea,” San Clemente is located north of San Diego in neighboring Orange County. While it doesn’t have San Diego’s party scene it offers stunning ocean views and about 300 days a year of sunshine. The city is home to well-known San Onofre and San Clemente state beaches, both featuring surf breaks and sandstone bluffs. And don't miss San Clemente Pier, which stretches out into the Pacific Ocean.

3. Most Popular

Milan, Italy

One of the world’s fashion capitals, Milan is packed with high-end shopping, historic buildings, and an outstanding dining scene.

Hidden Gem Alternative:

Lake Como, Italy

Nestled in the foothills of the Alps in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, Lake Como is not just for celebrities like George Clooney (who, in what's no secret to anyone, has a house here). This upscale destination showcases a blend of old and new and offers gorgeous natural scenery. Fun fact: the lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three slender branches that meet at the resort town of Bellagio. At the bottom of the southwest branch, visitors will find the city of Como, a place full of Renaissance architecture.

4. Most Popular

Seattle, WA

Surrounded by water and lush forests, Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, ideal for outdoorsy types or foodies. The city is legendary for its fish, and don't miss sampling the oysters.

Hidden Gem Alternative:

Boise, Idaho

Considered to be an up and coming destination, Boise offers an active arts community and a lively downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and nightlife.

5. Most Popular

Honolulu, Hawaii

Famed for its stunning beaches and volcanic Diamond Head crater, Honolulu is the most active and cosmopolitan city of the Hawaiian Islands.

Hidden Gem Alternative:

Princeville, HI

If crowds are not your thing, head to Princeville, on Kauai, an island known for its wild beauty and cliffside views overlooking the sea

6. Most Popular

Miami, Florida

Nicknamed Magic City, Miami has become the cultural center of Florida. Its skyline is ranked the third most impressive in the United States. The city’s beaches are also stunning.

Hidden Gem Alternative:

Daytona Beach, FL

Four hours north of Miami, the Daytona Beach region is lively and less populated, says Vacasa. Visitors will find arcades, clubs and regular concert entertainment here along the beach boardwalk. And of course, there's the Daytona International Speedway, which practically put this city on the map.

7. Most Popular

New Orleans, LA

This legendary city, which attracts countless travelers during Mardi Gras, is a popular destination year-round. Visitors can tour swamps, take haunted cemetery tours and more.

Hidden Gem Alternative:

Savannah, Georgia

Another destination known for its charming historic district and antebellum architecture, visitors here can ride horse-drawn carriages along cobblestone streets while soaking up the sunshine.

8. Most Popular

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Along the Yucatan Peninsula’s Riviera Maya strip, Playa del Carmen’s palm tree-lined beaches draw sizeable crowds.

Hidden Gem Alternative:

Tulum, Mexico

One hour away from Playa del Carmen, Tulum remains much less commercialized than its neighbor. Travelers can still find authentic restaurants and stores. Tulum's beaches and well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city are also a big draw.

9. Most Popular

Kissimmee, Florida

Adjacent to theme park-filled Orlando, it’s no wonder this Florida destination is so popular, particularly during the summer when kids are off of school and families are hitting the road for vacation.

Hidden Gem Alternative:

Davenport, FL

Just 10 miles from the magic of Disney, this sleepy community has plenty of accommodation options and it’s often more affordable than Kissimmee or Orlando.

10. Most Popular

Portland, OR

Known for its iconic breweries and eco-friendly culture Portland is an outdoor playground for travelers. Portland is particularly beautiful during the summer.

Hidden Gem Alternative:

Bend, Oregon

With a similar focus on art, music and craft beer, Bend is a less busy alternative to Portland.