10 Smart Alternative Spots Travelers Are Headed to This Summer

Travel is shifting this year. Instead of chasing the same old photo ops, people want more value for their money and room to actually relax. Popular destinations feel overdone. So, flight and booking data now point to quieter places taking the spotlight—spots where you can slow down, skip the crowds, and get a sense of place without emptying your wallet.

Ouarzazate, Morocco

This place is so stunning that it has been a backdrop for dozens of films. Plus, its old kasbahs offer more texture than tourist traps, and street markets serve regional dishes at modest prices. Flights cost less than those to Marrakech, and the desert light alone is worth the trip.

Zakopane, Poland

Poland’s mountain town doesn’t get the same press as the Alps, but those in the know are heading here for summer hikes and spa dips. Folk markets, smoky cheese stands, and a few thermal pools later, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t talking about Zakopane. For now, it’s staying that way.

Poprad, Slovakia

Poprad has emerged as a cost-effective base for summer trips. The city links easily to alpine trails and thermal spas while remaining far quieter than Western Europe’s mountain towns. Travelers use it as a base for hikes, then settle in for slow dinners along its easygoing central square, where you won’t hear many English conversations.

The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

This emerging luxury zone has drawn visitors looking beyond the Maldives. Resorts here combine environmental projects with high-end stays, and diving trips reveal pristine reefs. New infrastructure, protected reefs, and direct flights are helping its case. Unlike the usual luxury beach spots, this one’s still early enough to beat the crowds.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Luxembourg City moves at its own pace. In a couple of days, you’ll find quiet courtyards, sharp views from old ramparts, and live music drifting through the streets. The city, set between Belgium and France, draws travelers who want something central without the usual price tag or pressure to cram in every sight.

Shannon, Republic of Ireland

Instead of Dublin’s busy streets, Shannon gives travelers access to Ireland’s west coast at a slower pace. Its small airport connects to scenic drives and heritage sites like Bunratty Castle. Many choose it as a base to explore without paying premium city prices.

Eindhoven, Netherlands

Here, the average fares are still under £100. The city appeals to those looking for an urban trip without high costs or long lines. So instead of heading straight to Amsterdam, many are choosing Eindhoven. Plus, its design scene and walkable center add to the whole experience.

Kotor Bay, Montenegro

Stone lanes wind down to the water, and mountains crowd the horizon. Here, lunch by the bay costs less than you’d expect, and you don’t have to jostle for a view. Boats head out past cliffside churches, evenings settle quietly along the docks, and the crowds feel like they belong in some other country.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

A few years ago, Belfast wouldn’t have topped many summer lists, but that’s changing fast. Music festivals and food events are drawing weekenders from across the UK. The compact city center makes it easy to bounce from history museums to seafood spots without needing a car or an itinerary.

Kazbegi, Georgia

Kazbegi doesn’t appear on many bucket lists, but maybe that’s why people like it. It is located in the Caucasus and is known for remote mountain paths and local guesthouses that feel more like second homes. Hikes up to Gergeti Church offer views and quiet, a rare combination during Europe’s peak season.

Bremen, Germany

Bremen’s old town sits close to the river, where food stalls line up beside galleries and weekend markets spill out onto the cobblestones. Art lovers duck into museums, while others stroll the Weser promenade or linger over coffee. Direct flights from the UK keep this spot within easy reach for a quick and affordable getaway.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is not comparable to Paris, but it is running its own show and becoming a favorite alternative destination in the region. The half-timbered buildings, markets, and riverside cafés offer a different kind of French experience. You still get the culture fix, minus the elbow-to-elbow crowds.

Baden-Baden, Germany

You won’t find beer halls here, because Baden-Baden leans more toward opera, sculpture gardens, and long spa soaks. The pace is deliberate, with leafy parks and art exhibits breaking up your day. The spa-town crowd comes for wellness but sticks around for the low-stress atmosphere and unusually reasonable airfare.

Rodez, France

You’d be forgiven for not knowing where Rodez is, but that’s half the appeal. It’s the kind of place where lunch stretches into late afternoon, and no one’s rushing you. The town has become a low-key favorite for art lovers thanks to the Soulages Museum, with cheap flights sealing the deal.

Albania’s Southern Coast

Dhërmi and Himarë are pulling in travelers who want Mediterranean beaches without the sticker shock. It’s hard not to linger when beach bars double as grill joints and guesthouses run on first-name terms. You’ll spend less and still get clear water, slow evenings, and seafood caught that same day.