5 Smart Alternatives to Crowded Summer Destinations in 2026

Many factors are affecting summer travel this year, and you may be debating where to go, how to get there, or whether to cancel trips you’ve already planned. Rising fuel prices are pushing up airfare, and even road trips are getting more expensive at the pump.

Beyond that, there are concerns about traveling abroad, connecting in the Middle East, or simply navigating U.S. airports (here’s hoping the government shutdown is resolved before summer travel picks up). And still, popular destinations — from European beaches to U.S. National Parks — will likely be packed, especially with major events like the FIFA World Cup.

We can’t solve every travel headache, but we can recommend destinations that may be easier on your wallet, less crowded, or simply closer to home. Instead of Paris, Ibiza, and Tahoe, consider these alternative destinations for your summer 2026 vacation.

1. Caribbean

The Caribbean is typically favored by U.S. travelers in the winter or spring, when they can escape freezing temperatures for warm sun and ocean waters.

Plus, it’s true that most Caribbean countries experience rainfall during the summer months, which coincide with the Atlantic hurricane season. However, the region’s beautiful stretches of sand are perfect destinations in the summer if you’re looking to have an easy and relatively affordable beach break.

For the past 3 summers, I’ve spent time in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Cancún, Mexico, and the Bahamas. And while it has been hot and humid, with occasional rain showers (and the dependable mosquito bite), I enjoy traveling to the Caribbean and Mexico during the summer.

It’s less crowded, and I’ve often found affordable hotel deals in both points and cash. (I would avoid Mexico City this summer unless you’re ready to deal with crowds and inflated pricing around World Cup game dates.) In fact, I found one-way tickets for as few as 9,000 American Airlines miles on certain summer dates for routes to and from destinations like Punta Cana.

And a few Caribbean countries, such as Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, aren’t affected by the Atlantic hurricane season and typically see more consistent sunshine.

2. Midwestern Lakes, U.S.

There are tens of thousands of lakes in the Midwest, including fan favorites like Lake Michigan. The Great Lakes themselves span several states, but with so many, it’s easy to find one where you can enjoy an affordable vacation rental and not deal with airports or go too far from home. Wisconsin alone has 15,000 lakes, while Michigan has around 11,000.

Lake vacations are particularly ideal for families, large groups of friends, or anyone with a fuel-efficient car looking for a summer road trip.

Renting a home or apartment near or on the lake is often the best move. You can earn a ton of points (banks like Chase and American Express code VRBO as travel), and you can double-dip by using a shopping aggregator.

For example, at the time of writing, Rakuten is offering 4x on VRBO (you can choose to get cash-back, Bilt Rewards, or American Express Membership Rewards points. You could even triple-dip on rewards if you can find a credit card offer like an Amex Offer or a Chase Offer for VRBO.

I grew up in the Midwest, so many summer family vacations included lakes. One of my favorites was Saugatuck, Michigan, a charming town known for its peaceful vibes, art galleries, and gastronomy (think cider and cheese farms). Other standouts include Indiana Dunes State Park, with its blustery white sand dunes, and Lake Geneva, where Gilded Age mansions line the water.

Make sure to use the right credit card when booking VRBO stays. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®gets 3x points on travel purchases, and you can put the card’s $300 travel credit toward a VRBO stay.

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A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

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Earn 125,000 150,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

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If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

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• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

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• Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
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Plus, the card has valuable travel protections in case something goes wrong during your trip.

3. Azores, Portugal

You don’t actually have to go to mainland Europe to have a crowd-free European summer vacation — just head to the Azores. Although summer is peak season for these far-flung Portuguese Islands, their more remote, mid-Atlantic location means they never feel overly busy.

The archipelago is home to 9 islands, with its own landscape, vibe, and claim to fame:

• São Miguel: The largest island and first stop if you’re flying from the U.S. or mainland Europe. It’s home to the capital, Ponta Delgada, and features lush landscapes, including the famous Twin Lakes, which sit within a huge volcanic crater.
• Santa Maria: The sunniest island of the Azores, known for its sweet wine and mountain biking trails. On a sunny day, you can spot this island from parts of São Miguel.
• Terceira: This volcanic island is home to Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site and allegedly the Azores’ oldest city.
• São Jorge: Soak in the charm of São Jorge fajas, which are coastal plateaus that often feature small villages, flanked by massive cliffs. They were formed by landslides from sea cliffs or lava flows. It also produces the famous Queijo São Jorge, a sharp cow’s milk cheese.
• Pico: Known as the island of wine, it uses historical methods to cultivate its volcanic wines within a rugged, rocky landscape — the vines practically rise out of the volcanic rock soil.
• Graciosa: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Graciosa features rural villages, lava caves, and geothermal natural pools.
• Corvo: This other UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a haven for birdwatchers and is home to many waterfalls.
• Flores: Full of magnificent natural landscapes, it’s one of the best spots for hiking and exploring waterfalls, monolithic sea cliffs, and crater lakes.
• Faial: This island offers some of Europe’s best whale and dolphin watching.

You can fly from Boston (BOS) or New York (JFK) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) via Azores Airlines. Or fly from most European destinations with a stop in Portugal via TAP Portugal.

Once there, short flights or ferry rides between islands help you make the most of your time. Islands such as Faial, Pico, and São Jorge are just a few miles apart from each other.

4. New Mexico, U.S.

If you’re craving wide-open spaces and arid landscapes, New Mexico is the perfect summer vacation, especially if you’d rather travel domestically. It’s not nearly as hot as Arizona, thanks to its higher elevation, so you can enjoy a Southwest-style vacation without the extreme temperatures.

Flights to Albuquerque (ABQ) are often affordable in both cash and points. For example, according to Google Flights and the Points Path browser extension, you can get there in June on American Airlines from Chicago (ORD) for $199 or just 7,500 miles.

Driving through New Mexico is a one-of-a-kind experience. The state is home to 535 miles of New Mexico’s Route 66, where you can admire the mountainous scenery and cruise past kitschy and nostalgic neon signs, roadside diners, and historic motels.

Nature buffs can explore the sprawling dunes of White Sands National Park, hike the dramatic Rio Grande Gorge Trail, or trek the caves in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The state is also known for its delicious Mexican food, which makes an excellent meal before or after a hike. And if you’re into the supernatural, the Roswell UFO Festival occurs annually each July.

5. Colombia

If you’re hoping to beat the heat this summer, Medellín is called the city of eternal spring for a reason. Daytime temperatures hover around 78 degrees Fahrenheit — ideal for exploring neighborhoods like Laureles and El Poblado or enjoying outdoor dining. Also consider celebrating the city’s famous weeklong flower festival, which occurs annually in August.

And if you prefer even cooler weather, Bogotá is your best bet, as temperatures rarely go above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. There, you can hike Montserrat Mountain, ride bikes through the colorful Candalaria district, or admire the oversized legacies of Fernando Botero at the Botero Museum (fans of the artist can also admire Botero sculptures outdoors in Botero Square in Medellín).

You can fly to Bogotá affordably on Spirit, according to Google Maps and Points Path, from a few different U.S. hubs. Summer rates can start at just $211 or 11,500 points per way between Dallas (DFW) and Bogotá (BOG).

If it’s culture, beach, and history you’re after, Cartagena is your spot. Sure, it’ll be hotter and more humid, but you can stay at the newly opened Four Seasons Cartagena, which has a pool with gorgeous city views and relaxing vibes (summer rates start at $780 per night).

For something more cost-effective, the seafront Hilton Cartagena, just outside the Walled City, starts at $176 or 51,000 Hilton points per night.

Take in the street art in the funky Getsemaní neighborhood, explore the historical churches and colorful buildings, or salsa dance the night away. For white sands, boat over to the nearby Rosario Islands or Isla Barú, both of which have stunning, crystal clear waters.

July also marks the start of the dry season in the Colombian Amazon. You can fly from a major hub like Bogotá to Letícia (LET) in southern Colombia, and hop on an Amazon cruise or hike through the region.

Final Thoughts

You can always opt for a more typical summer vacation, such as heading to Disney World, Rome, a sandy beach on the Greek Islands, or California’s sunny shores, but choosing a destination from this list could mean spending less and enjoying a crowd-free summer. Either way, make sure to plan ahead for the best prices, dig into your stash of points and miles, and get to the airport early.