12 Under-the-Radar Summer Vacation Destinations

Way off the beaten path, near the town of Lanquín, Guatemala, Semuc Champey calls out to travelers looking to escape busy cities and noisy crowds. This quiet national monument is surrounded by dense forest and contains caves for adventurous wanderers to explore, while the relaxing, deep blue-green waters of the Rio Cahabon await those looking to take a dip. No one can resist wading in the pools beneath the waterfalls, which range from miniature cascades to divable cliffs.

Take a scenic drive on a gravel road in the Westfjords of Iceland to arrive at the remote Rauðasandur Beach. This wide expanse of shoreline is best viewed when the tide is low and the intriguing crevices of sand are exposed, revealing a breathtaking panoramic outlook. When the tide comes in, visitors are likely to spot seals close to the coast. For those interested in other exotic animal sightings, drive an hour farther west to reach Látrabjarg Cliffs, where you can find flocks of bright-beaked Atlantic puffins.

On the sparsely populated Hawaiian island of Molokai, you’ll probably be one of a few, if not the only beachgoer on Papohaku Beach, a secluded 3-mile stretch of the white sand. Waves crashing ashore serenade all in earshot with soothing sounds, while the distinctive lava rocks the islands are known for decorate partial strips of the coastline. Stroll the shore, search for highly desired Hawaiian sunrise seashells or kick back and do nothing in this peaceful, unspoiled location.

As if the locally sourced, organically grown food and carbon-negative status of Bhutan aren’t enough to inspire a visit, then maybe the glorious Punakha Dzong will finalize the feeling. Sitting at the convergence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers, Punakha Dzong contains temples and sacred buildings in marvelous fortress-style architecture, surrounded by exquisite landscaping and lush mountainsides. Stretching across the Po Chhu River, the Punakha Suspension Bridge, embellished by colorful prayer flags, connects the Dzong to nearby villages, expanding on the potential for an enriching summer experience away.

Unlike cities known for their party scene, such as Cancún, Mazanillo, Mexico, is a much more low-key place. In this mesmerizing port town, you can find the streets lined with vendors selling fresh produce and take water taxis along the canal. Calm waters and plenty of marlin call out to leisurely swimmers and fishers. Friendly residents, nearby resort facilities, and eateries overlooking the Pacific Ocean make this an ideal place to lay low while enjoying a luxurious summer vacation.

Off the coast of Greece, accessible only by ferry, an isle trio called Koufonisia covertly awaits the crowd-fatigued traveler. Also called Koufonissi, these three islands consist of Pano Koufonisi, the most populated and convenient of the trio; Kato Koufonisi; and Keros, mostly uninhabited isles with exceptional beaches. A slow pace pervades this tranquil destination, inviting wanderers to cruise out on a boat, take day trips to sample each tiny isle, or stay ashore in the shade to sit in the stillness of summer.

While everyone else heads to Miami this summer, take a detour to St. Augustine, Florida, a city with ample natural scenery and a deep history. Recognized as the first city in America, St. Augustine has a phenomenal beach for sunbathers and swimmers, but this place is also packed full of family-friendly things to do, such as visiting the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum or touring the extravagantly designed Flagler College, which was once the Ponce de Leon Hotel.

There is much for the inquisitive traveler to learn on a trip to Kibuye, Rwanda. Tucked in the western foothills of Rwanda, Kibuye sits on Lake Kivu, which contributes to the vast greenness of flora and fauna found throughout the area. Take a boat tour on the lake, go on safari, or learn about local heritage at the Bisesero Genocide Memorial Park, a significant historical landmark. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be purchased from street vendors, but many hotels have chefs ready to whip up something tasty and unique for vacationers.

One of the best towns for families to visit while on summer break is Duluth, Minnesota. This cozy city has beautiful bridges hovering over Lake Superior, including the landmark Aerial Bridge, as well as shoreside lighthouses and beaches — all the things that make for a quaint, peaceful place to see. A must-visit attraction is Canal Park, a waterfront area of town containing an aquarium, arena, and shopping centers, including the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace, where you can find everything from sweet treats and toys to seafood restaurants and art galleries.

The French-Canadian province of New Brunswick is often overlooked, but there's tons to do in this bilingual region. Moncton is the perfect city to enjoy your journey of the province. It's full of art, charm, and home to Magnetic Hill, where you can experience the illusion of your car rolling backwards up a hill (yes, you read that correctly). View large-scale murals adorning the sides of buildings, take a walk at Riverfront Park, or visit a winery that specializes in making wine out of foods other than grapes.

Much too often, Austria-bound globetrotters set their sights on Salzburg, but the nearby Salzkammergut region of small lake villages is a stellar storybook destination for summer travel. The colorful region is naturally decorated by Austrian alpine mountain ranges and mirror-glass lakes, including the Dachstein Mountains and Hallstatt Lake. Road trip through this humble region, and visit unusual sights, such as St. Michael’s Chapel, aka “Bone House,” named for the painted skulls inside.

It has been said that the stunning island of Montserrat closely resembles Ireland, but this Caribbean destination has a personality and cultural makeup all its own. Grand landmarks, including Soufrière Hills Volcano, and the sandy shore at Woodlands Beach, bring balance to this tropical locale. Browse the Montserrat National Museum to take in regionally rich culture, or rent scuba gear and explore the reefs offshore. With the blended balance of adventure and relaxation to meet every vacation expectation, Montserrat is the place to bring the entire family this summer!