They say to never settle, but that’s exactly what travelers end up doing when visiting some of the most sought-after destinations on Earth.
When it comes to Europe, certain icons like Barcelona are unabashedly tagging their beautiful city streets with graffiti in a guerrilla anti-tourism campaign, while others like Paris are still as bustling as ever.
But the truth is, you don’t have to weave through elbow-to-elbow sidewalks, wait in long lines, or pay surging prices just because it’s summer.
According to Expedia, there are 3 surprising getaways seeing an influx of travelers looking to experience fewer crowds.
That may seem like a bit of an oxymoron — more travelers for fewer people — but it makes sense when the places in question aren’t the usual suspects everyone and their selfie stick has already overrun.
Without further ado, here’s where travelers are going in Europe this summer to avoid the hordes of fellow tourists.
Manchester, UK 🇬🇧
It’s not just blokes “across the pond” who are adventuring across the UK away from London’s summer crowds — it’s travelers all over the globe looking to take in the historic country’s delights with some extra breathing room.
London’s pubs are not just expensive but also quite a challenge to snag a barstool in the midst of all the double-decker tours.
Manchester, though? It feels more like real-deal England, with proper pubs, gritty yet cool neighborhoods, buzzing markets, and a music scene that’s been shaping British culture for decades
Better yet, Expedia claims Manchester is seeing a 15% drop in average hotel rates across the board.
If experiencing a refreshingly old-school (and more affordable) side of the UK piques your interest, you may not know there are 4 direct flights from the U.S. to Manchester (MAN) offered by Virgin Atlantic:
- Las Vegas (LAS) – seasonal
- Orlando (MCO)
- Atlanta (ATL)
- New York City (JFK)
Travelers are scoring the UK’s safety levels on our Safety Index with 89/100:
Courchevel, France
Maybe it’s just me, but the name Courchevel makes me want to plop down on a scenic patio, eat way too much cheese, and maybe just a little wine — okay, a lot…
To outsiders, Courchevel may not ring a bell, but it’s a very popular place tucked away in the staggering French Alps, known mostly for skiing and spending way too much money.
Think of it as the “Aspen” of France.
Summertime kicks those high prices down a notch, though, as Expedia is reporting a 20% cut in hotel rates.
Courcheval’s own tourism board hypes up their postcard village as great for hiking, mountain biking, e-biking, climbing, paragliding, golf, fishing, swimming, spa days, and family-friendly activities like tree-top adventure courses.
Most notably, for adrenaline junkies, there’s via ferrata, a protected cliffside climbing route with fixed cables and metal rungs that lets beginners get a taste of alpine mountaineering.
Ski season came to a close in April, but July 4 officially kicks off summer when the focus shifts to hiking and aforementioned outdoor activities.
Travelers are scoring France’s safety levels on our Safety Index with 87/100:
Getting here is fairly simple too, though a bit twisty and confusing.
You will actually want to fly into Geneva, Switzerland, another notorious wallet-drainer. There are multiple transfer options to choose from.
There are 3 nonstop flights from Geneva (GVA) to the U.S.
- Newark (EWR) – United
- New York City (JFK) – Swiss
- Washington DC (IAD) – United
Thasos, Greece
Think of this virtually unheard-of island as Greece’s “anti-Santorini” — you know, less selfie sticks, far fewer crowds in general, and way better prices that don’t take up your paycheck for a 2-night stay.
Thasos is one of Greece’s many up-and-coming islands, but travelers seem especially drawn to this one this summer — and with typical rates down 30%, according to Expedia, it’s easy to see why.
You’ll find the same blue-and-white dreamscape as Santorini and others, but rather than feeling the need to wake up at the crack of dawn like I had to for the perfect photo op, you can sleep in like a local and enjoy a slower pace in paradise.
Beaches are gleaming gold, waters are impossibly blue, and pine-covered hills live up to its “Emerald Island” nickname, as the perfect backdrop.
And make sure you hit up a local market to indulge in Thasos’ famous olive oil, honey, and island-made treats, many sourced from the olive groves blanketing those very hillsides.
Travelers are scoring Greece’s safety levels on our Safety Index with 89/100:
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