Every summer, millions of travelers pack their carry-ons and head to Europe, fully prepared to battle the insane crowds in Rome, Barcelona, and London. I love those major hubs, but spending your vacation elbow-to-elbow with thousands of sweaty tourists completely drains the magic out of the experience.
When Liz and I are plotting our European escapes, the goal is always to find the secondary cities. We want the staggering ancient history, the incredible food, and the pristine coastlines, but without the chaotic congestion.
Historically, reaching these underrated gems required brutal, multi-stop travel days. You had to fly into a massive hub, deal with customs, and squeeze onto a tiny commuter flight.
That barrier is officially gone. A massive shift in the aviation industry has just unlocked three of Europe’s most stunning and secure destinations for American travelers.
Here is exactly where you need to go this summer, and how to get there without the headache.
1. Bari, Italy
If you want the breathtaking coastal cliffs and turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea without the crushing gridlock of the Amalfi Coast, you need to head southeast to the Puglia region. Bari is the ultimate gateway to this undiscovered Italian coastline.
- The Vibe: Bari offers a deeply authentic, rugged Italian experience. You get a beautifully preserved historic Old Town and easy access to the iconic, beehive-shaped Trulli buildings of the surrounding region. It is one of the largest ports on the Adriatic, meaning the air is breezy and the views are endless.
- The Ground Experience: The culinary scene here is incredibly rustic. While the massive seafood markets offer everything under the sun, I usually go straight for the region’s famous handmade orecchiette pasta. It is the perfect city to grab my camera and spend hours wandering, capturing the dramatic limestone architecture against the deep blue ocean.
- The Travel Hack: United Airlines launched the only nonstop flight from the U.S. to Bari, flying directly out of Newark/New York (EWR) starting May 1, 2026. They are running this Boeing 767-300ER route four times a week.
2. Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Most American tourists flock to the blistering heat of southern Spain or the crowded streets of Madrid. But if you head to the northwest coast to the Galicia region, you will find a completely different world.
- The Vibe: Santiago de Compostela is the historic endpoint of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Because of its deep roots, the capital city is absolutely loaded with stunning cathedrals and perfectly preserved medieval architecture. It feels like stepping straight into a high-fantasy epic.
- The Ground Experience: The climate in Galicia is much cooler and greener than the rest of Spain, making it the ultimate escape from a brutal summer heatwave. It is a highly walkable, incredibly safe city where you can spend hours exploring quiet, ancient stone plazas without constantly guarding your pockets.
- The Travel Hack: Reaching this corner of Spain used to be a massive logistical chore. But on May 27, 2026, United started offering the first regularly scheduled, nonstop service between the U.S. and Santiago de Compostela. The flight leaves from Newark/New York (EWR) three times a week on a Boeing 737-MAX8.
3. Split, Croatia
Croatia has exploded in popularity, but many travelers still get bogged down trying to reach the coast. Split perfectly blends thousands of years of history with a vibrant, modern coastal energy.
- The Vibe: The city is literally built into and around the ancient Roman Diocletian’s Palace. You can explore some of the oldest historic sites in the world, like the Cathedral of Saint Dominus, before walking straight out onto the massive, palm-lined Riva promenade right on the water.
- The Ground Experience: Split is the ultimate Mediterranean basecamp. You can spend the morning eating incredible Mediterranean staples like creamy risotto by the harbor. In the afternoon, it is the perfect launching pad to charter a boat and adventure out to the stunning Dalmatian Islands, like Hvar, for a day trip.
- The Travel Hack: United launched a brand-new, nonstop summer route from Newark/New York (EWR) directly to Split beginning April 30, 2026. Operating three times a week on a Boeing 767-300ER, United will be the only airline offering this direct connection from the U.S..
The window to experience these three incredible cities before the rest of the travel world catches on is starting to close. Grab a seat on one of these new direct flights and secure your peace of mind this summer.
