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Looking for an underrated destination for your summer trip? These are the best off path destinations worldwide for 2024!
Summer is the most popular time to travel for Americans, and many of the top destinations worldwide are extremely crowded during this peak travel season.
You might want to avoid some of these popular yet overrated destinations in favor of lesser-known hidden gem destinations instead.
Here's a look at 7 of the best underrated destinations worldwide to visit this summer.
1. Upper Peninsula, Michigan, USA
Although it's a beloved summertime destination for Michiganders, most other Americans have no idea the Upper Peninsula even exists!
This stunning region of Michigan is the perfect destination for a summer trip. Located in the northernmost part of the state, the Upper Peninsula (or UP) borders three of the Great Lakes.
Step back in time on beautiful Mackinac Island, road trip along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and hike in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
2. Riga, Latvia
Riga might not be the first city to come to mind when you think of the best European capitals to visit (what about Paris, London, and Rome?) but if you want to avoid the crowds (and heat!) this summer, it's one of the best places to go.
Located in the mild Baltic region of Europe, Riga is a pretty, colorful city with a quaint medieval Old Town. It's the perfect destination for a city break, and you can easily take day trips to nearby places like the seaside town of Jurmala or charming Sigulda.
3. La Paz, Bolivia
If you're looking for adventure, this summer is the perfect time to visit La Paz, Bolivia. Famous for being the highest altitude capital city in the world, this South American city is off the beaten path for many travelers but well worth a visit.
From La Paz, you can cycle the infamous Death Road, hike in the otherworldly Valley of the Moon, or take a multi-day tour of the epic Uyuni salt flats.
4. Sedona, Arizona, USA
Sedona in the summer? You might think it sounds crazy to visit this notoriously hot desert destination in the summer when temperatures are highest, but it's actually a surprisingly good time to go to Sedona.
Summer is the off season in Sedona, so you can enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds. Early morning or evening are the best time to do any outdoor activities, while afternoon is perfect for relaxing by the pool or enjoying a spa treatment or indoor fitness class in this wellness-focused destination.
5. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Tucked away between the larger and more popular countries of Italy and Croatia, Slovenia is still not on the radar for many travelers.
But this small European country is worth visiting, and picturesque Lake Bled is perfect for a summer getaway. With a fairytale-like castle, a charming lakeside town, a little island in the middle of the lake, hiking and cycling trails, and a national park just a five-minute drive away, Lake Bled is the ultimate summer destination.
6. Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Summer is the best time of year to visit Canada for amazing weather. One of the most underrated destinations in Canada is Nova Scotia, one of the Maritime provinces along the eastern coast.
Halifax is the gateway to exploring the best of Nova Scotia, including Peggy's Cove, Annapolis Royal, Lunenburg, and more.
7. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Finally, one of the most exotic destinations to visit this summer is Zanzibar. If you're looking for a beach getaway in a unique and underrated destination, this is an amazing choice.
Summer is the best time of year to visit this gorgeous island, which is growing in popularity as more travelers discover the beauty of this beach paradise.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.