Planning the perfect summer getaway takes weeks of research, preparation, and planning to pull off successfully. But before you get to the planning and booking stage, you need to decide where you’re going. There seem to be endless great options out there. There’s nothing wrong with visiting the same familiar places over and over again, but sometimes you want to go a little off the beaten path and go somewhere you’ve never been before. Whether you’re in the mood to enjoy nature with stunning views, hiking trails, and secluded lodges, or looking for a big-city getaway surrounded by trendy restaurants, unique neighborhoods, and great shopping, we’ve got you covered. We have a variety of ideas for you. you.
From islands to national parks, here are 15 underrated summer travel ideas that are perfect for exploring new places without the crowds.
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Domestic destinations:
Finger Lakes, New York | Voyagers National Park, Minnesota | Isle Royale National Park, Michigan | Catalina Island, California | San Juan Islands, Washington | Crystal River, Florida
International destinations:
Kosovo | Budapest, Hungary | Copenhagen, Denmark | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Sardinia, Italy | Mauritius | Kyoto, Japan | Bora Bora | Quebec, Canada
domestic destinations
The Lake House on Canandaigua
finger lakes, new york
A favorite among New York City residents, the New York Finger Lakes are definitely an idyllic destination. Perfect for a summer weekend or week-long trip with the family, this area has some of the most beautiful waterfront. Dotted with adorable small towns, the 11 long, narrow lakes that make up this region are the stuff of East Coast summer dreams. Make the most of your trip by exploring a nearby state park. Hiking, biking, exploring. Enjoy everything the lake life has to offer, from jet skiing to swimming.
