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Top Summer Destinations - But Better!

By Editorial Team

November 2, 202410 min read

Summer trips have a special place in everyone’s heart. From childhood, summers have been amazing, and as we have grown, they still evoke a great deal of enthusiasm. If you are thinking of planning a fun and exciting summer vacation - solo, romantic, or family - then we have the A-list for all the offbeat, unique, and very new destinations that will make your summer unforgettable, without making a big hole in your pocket.

Forget mainstream destinations; we have brought you some equally amazing places and top Destinations to visit in Summer with lower crowds and lower prices. Take a look and start your planning!

Quick Overview of Top Summer Destinations

1. Albanian Riviera – Explore peaceful beaches, seafood, and coastal hikes
2. Sri Lanka (South Coast) – Famous for surfing, wildlife, and cultural charm
3. Nicaragua – The land of Lakes and Volcanoes
4. Slovenia – Destinations of alpine beauty, lakes, and wine tours
5. Porto – Famous for port wine, history and rich culture
6. Rovinj – A coastal dream town with old charm

1. Instead of Santorini in Greece…Try the Albanian Riviera

From commercialised crowded alleys to peaceful coastal vibes, skip going to Santorini, and choose to enjoy the region of the Albanian Riviera. Your next summer vacation can be different and fun. Go and explore little towns in the region, and if you are a seafood lover, then it is definitely a paradise for you. For a beach lover, this place is quite peaceful, and one can enjoy water activities and also go for coastal hikes and enjoy serene ocean views while trekking in the Albanian mountains.

Why Choose it: Awesome beaches like Ksamil Beach, Best for Seafood Lovers, Coastal Hikes, Exploring towns like Himarë and Sarandë

Ideal Duration: 5 to 7 days

Approximate Cost: For a budget-friendly range of $400–$700 per person by choosing local guesthouses, public transport, and traditional eateries.

2. Instead of Bali in Indonesia…Try Sri Lanka’s South Coast

You read it right! Exploring Sri Lanka’s South Coast can turn out to be an unforgettable summer trip for you. This not-so-talked-about region is pretty happening with a varied range of experiences, activities, and attractions to explore. While Bali is a mix of nature, spirituality, and nowadays, a hub of great parties, it has become a tourist magnet and is turning overcrowded. Take up a cultural and historical exploration at sites like Galle Fort, explore cinnamon factories, and learn about local culture with village walks. For some water fun and oceanic views, you can go to Mirissa and Weligama.

Why Choose it: Weligama is great for surfing, and Mirissa is known for whale watching. Visit Galle Fort, explore Tea Plantations and enjoy flavourful seafood curry and hoppers, all wrapped in warm local hospitality and vibrant culture.

Ideal Duration: 7 to 10 Days

Approximate Cost: Around $350–$600 per person, including local transport, budget stays, meals, and activities.

Travel Hack: Start in Galle and follow the coast eastward by train or bus, stopping at key places like Mirissa, Tangalle, and Yala for a seamless, scenic, and budget-friendly South Sri Lanka trip.

3. Instead of Tulum in Mexico…Try Nicaragua

Tulum has turned into a crowded and expensive hotspot. Nicaragua, the land of lakes and volcanoes, offers colonial cities, volcanic landscapes, and Pacific surf breaks at a fraction of the price. Stroll through the colourful streets of Granada on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, take a ferry to Ometepe Island with its twin volcanoes, try volcano boarding down Cerro Negro near León, and end your trip with surf and sunsets in San Juan del Sur. Summer is the green season here, so expect lush landscapes and the odd afternoon shower.

Why Choose it: Explore colonial Granada and León, Ometepe Island’s twin volcanoes, volcano boarding on Cerro Negro, the active crater of Masaya Volcano, and surfing in San Juan del Sur.

Ideal Duration: 7 to 10 Days

Approximate Cost: Around $400–$700 per person, including budget stays, local buses, meals, and activities.

Before You Go: The U.S. State Department currently advises travellers to reconsider travel to Nicaragua (Level 3) due to risks of crime, wrongful detention, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Check the latest travel advisory before booking.

4. Instead of Switzerland…Try Slovenia

Indulge in some potica cake while looking over the snow-capped mountains of Slovenia. Why go to Switzerland and make your money flow like sand from your hands, when you can enjoy the same kind of serenity, natural beauty, and peace in Slovenia? To roam in cooler mountain air, escaping the summer heat while admiring the majestic Julian Alps, is something you will never forget. Or, witnessing the magical Lake Bled next to an iconic castle, or relaxing on wine tours amidst lush landscapes, Slovenia is hands-down one of the top summer destinations.

Why Choose it: Let the magic of Slovenia sink in with Lake Bled’s fairytale island, Ljubljana’s vibrant café culture, and Triglav National Park’s alpine hikes. Explore Postojna Cave, sip local wine in Brda, and savour hearty dishes like žlikrofi and potica.

Ideal Duration: 6 to 8 Days

Approximate Cost: A mid-range budget of $600–$900 per person, with budget-friendly accommodations, public transportation, and meals.

5. Instead of Paris in France…Try Porto

Looking for a cultural high, good wine, and old town vibes? Skip Paris and head to Porto! We know that the fantasy of watching the Eiffel Tower must feel fascinating, but the crowd may cover your excitement, and the high prices will definitely feel like a burden. Instead, explore the place where port wine flows in the glasses and old town charm vibes flow in the air. Enjoy your summer in this beautiful city of Portugal with a picturesque waterfront view and vibrant culture.

Why Choose it: In the city where the old world charm meets youthful energy, wander around Ribeira’s riverside, cross Dom Luís I Bridge, explore Livraria Lello, sip Port wine in Gaia, shop Bolhão Market, and enjoy azulejo churches, local cuisine, and Douro River sunsets in a compact, scenic city.

Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 Days

Approximate Cost: For a budget-friendly trip, it will cost you €50–€70 per day, which includes hostel stay, local meals, attractions, and transport.

6. Instead of Venice in Italy…Try Rovinj

Time has changed Venice; the old waterways, the romantic vibe, and the old charm have now sunk into commercialisation and crowds. Instead of Venice, you should plan a trip to Rovinj. It is a coastal town in Croatia, and it has the same old town charm as Venice but a younger and more vibrant vibe. Rovinj has everything: authentic charm, forests and coastal trails as natural beauty, swimmable coastline, laid back and relaxing culture, and it is affordable!

Why Choose it: Wander through cobblestone alleys, art galleries, and stand by its scenic harbour. Enjoy cliffside swimming, biking in Golden Cape Forest, and fresh seafood at waterfront konobas. Sunset views and wine tasting complete the laid-back Istrian coastal experience.

Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 Days

Approximate Cost: It might cost approximately €50–€70 per day, including hostel or guesthouse, local meals, renting a bike, and attractions.

Conclusion

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the best and least crowded destinations for Summer trips?

For a fun summer vacation, you can choose from many destinations like Porto, coastal towns in Croatia like Rovinj, Nicaragua in Central America, Slovenia as an alternative to Switzerland, and many more. These places are less crowded and have great experiences to offer.

Are all the above-mentioned destinations visa-free for US and EU citizens?

Yes, except Sri Lanka, where one will require an e-visa or ETA, all the other countries are visa-free for US and EU citizens.

Are these destinations safe for solo travellers?

Most of these destinations are considered safe for solo travellers. Just keep the general safety measures in mind. Nicaragua is the one to check carefully: the U.S. State Department currently rates it Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), so review the latest travel advisory before booking.

Can I use public transport easily in these places?

Yes, public transport is readily available in all these countries. Buses, metro and cabs are reliable, affordable, and approachable in these destinations. Apps and Google Maps help navigate easily, making it simple to explore these places without renting a car.

How can I travel between cities in these countries on a budget?

Use local buses, trains, or budget airlines. In destinations like Slovenia and Portugal, regional trains and buses are affordable and efficient. For a more scenic experience, try trains along coastal routes like those in Sri Lanka or Croatia.