Where to Go Instead: Crowd-Free Alternatives to Popular Summer Destinations
Celebrating in Belgium
You’ve been dreaming of a summer vacation—something unforgettable for your family, filled with connection, adventure, and a little luxury. But as the calendar flips to spring, the reality starts to set in: popular destinations are filling up, prices are soaring, and the idea of battling crowds just isn’t what you had in mind.
The good news? You don’t have to settle. There are incredible places around the world that offer just as much beauty and excitement as the well-trodden favorites—without the lines, the rush, or the stress.
I specialize in helping families like yours plan unforgettable summer trips that match your style—whether that means skipping the tourist trail altogether or simply finding quiet luxury in familiar places. If you’re looking for a more relaxed, more personalized way to travel this summer, here are some of my favorite alternatives.
Instead of the Amalfi Coast → Try the Dalmatian Coast (Croatia)
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Just across the Adriatic, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast offers stunning seaside villages, historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split, and yacht-lined harbors—without the wall-to-wall crowds of southern Italy in July.
👉 With private boat tours, quiet beaches, and family-run restaurants, it’s the kind of place where your family can slow down and savor summer. Prefer to explore coastal Europe by water without the chaos of big cruise crowds? Small ship cruising with Windstar might be the perfect fit for your family.
Instead of France’s Lavender Fields → Try Canada’s Alpine Meadows
Banff National Park
The South of France is beautiful, but July and August bring peak-season tourism. Canada’s Banff and Lake Louise offer wildflower-covered valleys, turquoise lakes, and endless mountain adventures in a peaceful, fresh-air setting.
👉 Whether you're hiking, taking a luxury train journey, or staying at a historic lodge, the Canadian Rockies deliver big wow-factor with plenty of space to breathe. Want to make the journey even more memorable? A luxury train trip on Rocky Mountaineer adds a layer of magic to your time in the Canadian Rockies.
Instead of Greece’s Islands → Try the Azores (Portugal)
Sete Cidades, Sao Miguel Azores
If you love the idea of island-hopping and outdoor adventure, but don’t want to elbow your way through Santorini in high season, the Azores are a magical (and under-the-radar) option. Think hot springs, waterfalls, dramatic coastlines, and charming towns.
👉 It’s the perfect mix of natural beauty and European charm—with fewer cruise ships in sight.
Instead of Big Cities → Try a Villa in the Countryside
Villa in Tuscany
Paris, London, and Rome are iconic—but they’re also bustling in the summer months. Instead, consider a family villa in Provence, the Cotswolds, or even Tuscany, where you can enjoy private space, curated day trips, and immersive local experiences.
👉 Villas give families room to relax, reconnect, and create a slower-paced trip that still feels elevated and special.
Instead of Theme Parks → Try Costa Rica or Hawaii
Bridge in Monteverde rainforest in Costa Rica
If you’re tempted to default to theme parks for family fun, pause before you book. Destinations like Costa Rica or Hawaii offer family adventure with a luxury twist—think ziplining, snorkeling, rainforests, and sunsets, all without standing in lines.
👉 I can help you find resorts and activities that cater to kids and parents, so everyone’s vacation feels like a true break.
Let Your Travel Dreams Take the Lead—I'll Handle the Rest.
Traveler exploring a waterfall in Hawaii
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to spend hours researching where to go, what’s still available, or whether your kids will like the hotel you chose.
That’s my job.
When we work together, I listen to your goals, your style, and your priorities. Then I curate a custom trip that matches your family—not a generic itinerary, but one that feels personal, seamless, and worth every penny.
✨ Whether you’re dreaming big or just trying to escape the crowds, your summer can still be extraordinary.
Let’s plan a trip that fits you—and makes your whole family glad you didn’t settle.
