Rethink summer
The most popular summer destinations, such as the Mediterranean coast and major cities, can be hot, crowded and expensive. Consider places where the season suits the weather.
Quieter options
- Baltic coast and Nordic countries: Long daylight hours and mild weather in Estonia, Latvia, Sweden and Finland.
- Scotland and Ireland: Dramatic landscapes, with variable weather.
- Alpine regions: Hiking, lakes and cooler air in Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia.
- Southern hemisphere winter: Patagonia, New Zealand and South Africa are cooler but have ski and wildlife seasons.
- Eastern Europe and the Balkans: Albania's coast, Montenegro's mountains and Bulgaria's Black Sea.
- North America: National parks outside the busiest areas.
Tips
- Choose less famous towns nearby.
- Go early in the day.
- Visit midweek.
- Book accommodation early, since summer fills up.
- Plan outdoor time in the morning and rest in the afternoon.
Be flexible
Look at your travel dates: late spring and early autumn can give you summer weather with fewer crowds.
Weather and crowds vary each year.
