Skip to main content

Summer hot spots: Where to head to on vacation this year

Summer is almost upon us and that means vacation. With the dollar getting stronger each week and a relatively robust economy, getting out of dodge has never been easier nor more affordable. But where should you head to this year if you’ve only got a week or two of vacation time? We’ve picked the five best under-the-radar summer travel spots—from national parks to quaint towns to whole countries—in the U.S. and beyond. So pack your bags and dopp kits and hit the road. Your journey awaits.

Isle Royale National Park

Recommended Videos

The United States is known for its vast national park system—who hasn’t heart of Yellowstone or Glacier?—with thousands of miles of wooded and coastal terrain featuring native flora and fauna. One of the least-visited and -heralded national parks is Isle Royale on Lake Superior. Michigan’s national park is a little more than 200 square miles in area but packs a wallop in scenery and solitude. It’s a backcountry mecca, boasting acres of unspoiled rocky terrain and small lakes amid spruce and fir trees. The island doesn’t have any permanent residents nor roadways, which means you have to head here by ferry or seaplane. Hike, kayak, scuba dive, or bike to your heart’s content. You might spot moose or wolves or a variety of other reptiles and mammals.

Rangiroa

Bora Bora is well known to honeymooning couples but nearby lies an island chain worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, world-class diving and authentic feel. Rangiroa is the one of the largest atolls in the world and is a scuba diver’s paradise. Shaped like South America, the atoll has only two permanently inhabited islands but its coral reef and sandy beaches lure in-the-know visitors every year. Divers head to Les Sable Roses—yes, that’s really pink sand!—to spy marine fauna. Shoppers haggle with local farmers for affordable freshwater pearls. Le Sauvage remains the place to stay on Motu Avea Rahi. Here you won’t find a spa, electricity, water sports or WiFi. It’s a place to literally and figuratively unplug from the every day (don’t worry, the staff does provide oil lanterns after sunset).

Montenegro

I wrote about Albania before but nearby Montenegro deserves a mention, too. This coastal Balkan nation is filled with national parks, historic cities and beautiful unspoiled beaches. Think Croatia 20 years ago. Like it’s neighbor to the south, Montenegro is an emerging economy with tourism as its strong suit. You’ll find old towns and beautiful lakes galore. Head to the Ulcinj coast region on the Adriatic Sea for well-preserved monasteries, sandy coves and beautiful blue water. Perast is a small town in Boka Bay that boasts old architecture and seaside restaurants featuring flavorful grilled fish. Skader Lake sits in a valley with indescribable views. Breathe in the air and breathe in the joy.

Segesta, Italy

If you think you’ve seen one ruin you’ve seen them all, think again. Segesta, Italy, is fast becoming a go-to spot on the archaeological vacation circuit. Once the capital of the ancient and elusive Elymian people, today it enjoys an enviable position as a historic site not overrun with tourists. Encompassing seven structures, the site is worth a day trip if you’re staying in Sicily. The doric temple, built around 430 BC, is the highlight, boasting 36 well-preseved columns. The other six structures on the site—the amphitheater, agora, fortress, church, mosque and city walls—are a must for history buffs, and photographers will enjoy picture-perfect views of the hills and canyon beyond from various vantage points. Local thespians sometimes enact plays at the amphitheater during the summer.

Røros, Norway

Since Frozen became a hit, everyone is Norway crazy and thanks to great deals on Norwegian Air, it’s never been easier or cheaper to get there. Yes, Oslo, Bergen and the fjords are a must but don’t miss picturesque Røros. Situated just below the Arctic Circle, this small mountain town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts clean lakes and forested valleys that can be enjoyed year round. Try your hand at mushing or taste some rømmegrøt (aka sour cream porridge) at one of the local farms. Admire the medieval-looking wooden one- and two-story homes in this former mining town that was destroyed by the Swedes in the late 1600s.

Shandana A. Durrani
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Shandana A. Durrani has been a magazine editor and travel writer for more than two decades. Her work has appeared in numerous…
Avoid the wait: The most and least delayed U.S. airports this summer
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)

While summer is a great time to get away, many factors can lead to delays. Among them are overloaded schedules, crowds, and weather, which can make an exciting trip into an arduous journey. But there’s another factor that predicts delays: the airport.

Upgraded Points studied metrics from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to learn which airports (and airlines) are most likely to face summer flight delays. The study covered June through August in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Here’s what the data showed.

Read more
Morocco’s newest luxury stay? Le Méridien just opened in Casablanca
Le Méridien has officially landed in Morocco
Le Meridien Casablanca

Le Méridien has officially opened its doors in Morocco, bringing European glamour and a creative spirit to the heart of the city. The newly opened Le Méridien Casablanca is designed with the modern traveler in mind. Think 145 chic guest rooms, a rooftop lounge with amazing Atlantic views, a serene spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a 25-meter indoor pool for that perfect post-flight reset.

Foodies will feel right at home with five vibrant dining spots, from globally inspired dishes at Le Marché to Mediterranean flavors at Le Safran, coffee-infused cocktails at Latitude Bar, and sweet treats at The Scoop gelato corner. The Rooftop Lounge is also a must-visit for sunset sips and panoramic views.

Read more
10 summer travel passport and visa tips every traveler should know
Don’t let passport problems derail your summer travel plans
Passport and vintage camera on a world map

There’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of realizing your passport has expired just weeks or even days before a big trip. 

I’ve been there. Maybe you have too. Or you know someone who has. You spend all that time planning the perfect itinerary, booking flights, and daydreaming about your destination… only to get tripped up by a simple technicality that could’ve easily been avoided.

Read more