Summer is one of the most popular times of year to go on vacation. Whether it’s to take advantage of the time off work or the more enjoyable weather, avid travelers tend to flood the most popular tourist destinations around the world during the summer months. And while visiting bucket list locations like Paris, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro is a great way to spend a vacation, there is nothing quite like taking a step off the beaten track to avoid the crowds of tourists. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of six underrated destinations to consider for your next summer adventure. Keep reading to discover which one is right for you.
North America | Nova Scotia, Canada
First up on our list is the beautiful maritime province of Nova Scotia. Situated on the Atlantic Coast of Canada just north of Maine, USA, Nova Scotia boasts breathtaking scenery all year round. While not as popular as other Canadian destinations such as Toronto or Vancouver, Nova Scotia has something to offer everybody.
For the outdoorsy folks, a drive down the scenic Cabot Trail offers a plethora of breathtaking hiking trails and coastal views, as well as the opportunity to visit some of the province’s artisanal villages and towns. A stop in the city of Halifax offers plenty of opportunities to visit some of the many bars and restaurants as well as the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. And for wildlife lovers, no trip to Nova Scotia would be complete without a whale watching tour through the northern Atlantic Ocean.
Nova Scotia is a remarkable, often overlooked gem of a summer travel destination. And there’s no better way to visit than by making it a pitstop in your cruise itinerary. For those interested in visiting this Canadian coastal paradise, consider booking a voyage with Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, or Carnival Cruise Line.
South America | Uruguay
Our South American pick is Uruguay, a small country in the southeastern corner of the continent directly south of Brazil. With a mix of European, African, and Indigenous cultures, Uruguay is the perfect destination for those wanting an authentic Latin American experience without battling the crowds of neighboring São Paulo, Brazil, or Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The coastal capital of Montevideo is the perfect port of entry for tourists wishing to explore this destination. Foodies will appreciate the diverse, world-class cuisine offered at the Mercado del Puerto (Port Market), and history buffs can get their fill at the many museums and historical sites, including the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site Colonia del Sacramento, an old neighborhood with roots dating back to the 17th century. Uruguay is also a nature-lover’s dream, boasting pristine beaches, relaxing natural hot springs, and many protected wildlife preserves , such as the seaside Santa Teresa National Park.
One thing to note is the fact that because it is in the southern hemisphere, a trip to Uruguay during the months of June, July, and August would technically be a winter vacation. But not to worry, the country boasts mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re interested in stopping in this beautiful South American port, consider booking a cruise through Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, or MSC Cruises.
Europe | Georgia
Not to be confused with the American state, the country of Georgia is located in the Caucasus region of Eastern Europe. With the Black Sea to the east and the Caucasus Mountains to the north, Georgia has plenty to offer in the way of sightseeing, culture, and cuisine.
The three main cities of Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi are filled with exciting opportunities wholly unique to this Eastern European gem. In addition to strolling the historic streets of Old Tbilisi and relaxing at one of the many beach resorts on the Black Sea, travelers can go skiing in the Caucasus mountains, exploring through abandoned Soviet buildings, and wine tasting through the many specialty markets in the major cities.
Georgia’s long history from ancient to modern times as well as its crucial location on the Black Sea, make it an unbeatable destination for tourists looking to explore a different side of Europe. For the cruise enthusiasts out there, consider booking a Black Sea cruise through MSC Cruises or Norwegian Cruise Line.
Africa | Equatorial Guinea
When most people think of Africa, they think of safari rides through the Serengeti or a trip to the Great Pyramids of Giza. But with over fifty unique countries to explore, the African continent has a lot of underrated destinations to discover.
Equatorial Guinea is a small country on the continent’s western coast, comprising both mainland and island territories. As the sole African country with Spanish as an official language, Equatorial Guinea offers many unique features to the curious globetrotter. From journeying through the woodland wilderness of Monte Allen National Park to lounging on the sandy beaches of Corisco Island, Equatorial Guinea is the perfect place to explore the natural wonder of Western Africa.
In addition to the infinite opportunities for hiking, swimming, and wildlife expeditions, Equatorial Guinea also has a unique and rich cultural diversity. While it used to be a Spanish colony, this relatively young country also maintains cultural influences from several other European powers such as France and Portugal as well as numerous indigenous African tribes. While strolling the streets of its capital city of Malbao, you’ll have the opportunity to see an exciting mix of architectural styles, taste authentic fusion cuisines, and hear a variety of dialects and accents spoken by its diverse population.
If you’re planning a voyage through West Africa with Norwegian Cruise Line or Hurtigruten Expeditions, consider making a pitstop in Equatorial Guinea for an unforgettable African adventure.
Asia | Cambodia
As the largest continent on Earth, Asia is ripe with destinations of all varieties for your next summer getaway. If you’re looking for a place off the beaten path, Cambodia might be the country for you. Located on the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia, this small country nestled between Vietnam and Thailand has a rich, fascinating history as well as a unique Southeast Asian cuisine.
One of the most popular tourist destinations is the ancient city of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning over 400 acres and dating back to the 12th century. After spending a few days exploring this ancient wonder, journey to the capital of Phnom Penh, where you can test your spice tolerance by getting a taste of Cambodian cuisine in one of the many street markets. The naturalists will enjoy an expedition through Bokor National Park, a large rainforest filled with everything from French Ruins to breathtaking scenic trails.
Cambodia is the perfect destination for those looking to explore a unique culture with modern and ancient influences. Consider exploring this charming country by boat by taking a river cruise with Aqua Expeditions or Avalon Waterways.
Oceania | Tasmania
Last but not least is the Australian state of Tasmania, an island off the continent’s southern coast with unique biodiversity and endless opportunities for escape. This destination is the outdoor lover’s paradise, as hoards of foreign tourists rarely visit its National Parks, rugged mountain ranges, and luxurious beaches.
Starting in the port city of Hobart, travelers can get their cultural fix by visiting many museums and art galleries that have been popping up in recent years, including the famous MONA: Museum of Old and New Art. This is also the perfect location to dive into local Tasmanian history by visiting the Hobart Convict Penitentiary.
But the true wonder of this Australian paradise is its natural beauty. With National Parks such as Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair, Freycinet, Tasman, and Mount Field, there is no shortage of opportunities to explore some of the richest landscapes on Earth. Whether you want to summit mountains for the breathtaking views or sail down a river to catch the native Tasmanian wildlife in their natural habitat, Tasmania has something to offer to everybody.
Don’t miss your chance to discover this underrated Australian getaway. If you’re interested in checking off Tasmania from your cruise bucket list, consider booking your next voyage from Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean.
When the world is your oyster, deciding where to spend your hard-earned summer vacation can be difficult. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and take a stroll down the road less traveled, then these six travel destinations are the perfect options for you. Whether you’re wanting to lounge on the less crowded tropical beaches of Uruguay, hike through the Great Caucasus Mountains in Georgia, or visit the last remnants of Spanish colonialism in Africa in Equatorial Guinea, these underrated travel destinations are sure to give you the adventure of a lifetime.
