Summer is the perfect time of the year to let yourself wander and explore lesser-known destinations away from big crowds that often go hand in hand with more popular tourist spots.
We know the amount of effort that comes with planning the perfect summer trip since we’ve been there; from finding the perfect destination to being on time for your flight and finding a secure place to store your precious belongings.
For those who want to satisfy their wanderlust and embark on new memorable adventures but don’t know where to start this guide is for you.
Stay with us as we unveil to you the 9 most underrated summer travel ideas, get a little off the beaten path, and go somewhere you haven’t been before.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
1) Climb the Pico Volcano
Nestled in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands in Portugal. Each of these wonderful islands comes with its unique charm.
Often overshadowed by famous spots in mainland Portugal, such as Porto and Lisbon, the Azores offer unique picturesque landscapes.
More specifically, Pico Island, the second largest formed island of the Azores, features Ponta do Pico, a magnificent volcano that offers breathtaking views from the summit.
You can climb the mountain 24/7 from May 1st to September 30th, but it’s best advised to do so at night to get in time to the top for sunrise. Plus, you can also camp at the top of the mountain.
It’ll take approximately 3 hours for the climb, and 4 hours for the descent.
Note: Only 30 hikers can be simultaneously at the top, so If you want to guarantee your spot on the mountain you can do so by reserving your climb ahead of time.
2) Discover Serene Buddhist Temples in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang in Laos is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the few truly exotic travel destinations around the globe.
It’s an alternative paradise that boasts a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural scenery.
Luang Prabang has numerous Buddhist temples, which are an integral part of this hidden gem.
Some worth visiting temples are Wat Aham, Wat Phra Bat Tai, Wat Xieng Thong, and Wat Wisunarat.
Visitors can explore these serene sacred sites and participate in local traditions to fully immerse themselves in the local culture.
What should be noted here is that the weather in Laos is typically hot and can get quite humid.
So take that into account when preparing your backpacking checklist this summer.
Store your luggage safely with Stasher!
Choose between 5000+ trusted hotels and shops near you
3) Go on a Boat Tour of the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs
Located between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are a cluster of 18 volcanic islands that offer magical landscapes that entice the visitor with their steep cliffs and rugged coastlines.
Since they are located in the northern part of Europe, winter is quite a chilly season to explore these islands.
On the other hand, summer is the best time to experience the Faroe Islands’ unique culture, and even engage in bird watching and boat tours.
Taking a boat tour of the Vestmanna bird cliffs is a fantastic and enjoyable way to experience the Faroe Islands’ dramatic landscape and rich birdlife.
Boat trips often last about 1.5 hours and are available from April to September, which is the best time to see the cliffs and the nesting birds.
4) Hike the Long-Distance Cammino di Santa Barbara
Hiking the Cammino di Santa Barbara is a marvelous summer travel idea to explore the rich history and natural beauty of Sardinia.
Although Sardinia has been rising in popularity in recent years, it is still more of a well-known paradise among the people of Italy.
Often overshadowed by other Italian cities such as Rome and Venice, Sardinia remains an underrated summer destination with many things to see and do.
One of the excursions worth doing once stepping foot in Sardinia is hiking the long-distance Cammino di Santa Barbara.
This long-distance trail offers a unique journey through the island’s ancient mining heritage.
As you walk and roam around, you’ll encounter a diverse landscape of sea, mountains, and mines.
The patron saint of miners is Santa Barbara, and that’s why on the trail you will bump into many churches dedicated to Santa Barbara.
5) Explore Medieval Castles on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye in Scotland boasts numerous historical castles, many of which date back to medieval times.
Dunvegan Castle, Duntulm Castle, and Armadale Castle are a testament to the Isle of Skye’s rich history and are a must-visit for anyone interested in Scotland’s medieval past.
The Isle of Skye is an ideal, although underrated summer destination when the temperatures are mild and visitors have a better chance for good weather.
More specifically, June is a fantastic time to visit Scotland, since it’s the beginning of summer which means you’ll get the most daylight hours of the year to explore hidden gems.
So if you want to be enchanted and avoid other unique, yet touristic spots such as Edinburgh, you should give it a try and be mesmerized!
6) Admire the Midnight Sun at Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park is located in the far northern part of Sweden, within the Arctic Circle.
Although Abisko National Park is renowned for its spectacular Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis which occur during September and early April, this majestic park is a great place to visit during summer months.
The park experiences a season of eternal sunshine during the summer months, also known as the midnight sun, where the sun is visible 24/7.
This is a phenomenon that occurs around the summer solstice in late June.
So, if you want to enjoy a romantic getaway with your other half, but away from the crowds, then this is the spot to visit.
7) Visit the Picture-Perfect Village of Bampton
Bampton is a village in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, around 1.5 hours from Bristol Airport.
While it’s not as widely known as some other summer destinations, it has its unique charm and is an ideal choice for those seeking a quieter and authentic summer experience.
Its picturesque streets and historic church allure each visitor to explore it.
Plus, if you’re a fan of the TV series “Downton Abbey”, you’ll probably recognize Bampton as the filming location for the fictional village of Downton!
8) Visit the Musée Cinéma et Miniature in Lyon
Besides the Instagramable Paris, France is also home to other equally beautiful cities such as Lyon.
More specifically, if you can’t wait to immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience this summer, then the Musée Cinéma et Miniature in Lyon is the place for you.
This unique museum celebrates the magic of cinema and the art of miniatures, located in a Renaissance building that’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of Old Lyon.
The museum features a huge collection of original cinema artifacts, such as costumes and props from movies like Star Wars, Mary Poppins, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Alien, Matrix, Batman, and Terminator.
Opening hours:
- Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Address: 60 Rue Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon, France
9) Discover the Cave of Poseidon in Karpathos
Karpathos, the second largest of the Greek Dodecanese islands, is a hidden gem for travelers seeking a serene and culturally rich experience.
Unlike Mykonos or Santorini, it’s more remote and secluded and often overlooked by travelers.
However, since it still remains unspoiled it’s the ideal destination for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty during their summer vacations.
The island boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and its unique natural hidden gem, the Cave of Poseidon, is not to be missed.
This unique cave in ancient times served as a sanctuary dedicated to either the god Poseidon or the goddess Aphrodite and it’s the perfect place to unwind, connect with nature, and recharge your batteries.
Let’s wrap things up with some final words.
In a Nutshell
Traveling is an exhilarating experience that provides us with memories of a lifetime.
If you are seeking a hidden gem to visit this summer, then our proposed summer travel ideas will hopefully aid you in making the destination-choosing process smoother and more tailored to your needs.
To make the most of it and live your trip to the fullest, make sure to store your belongings somewhere safe.
So, before you decide to move forward with the trip, go find a location to store your luggage with Stasher, and you’ll never have to stress about the safety of your luggage and other valuable items ever again.
