Are you looking for off-the-beaten-path summer trips? Alan and I usually avoid traveling in the summer, preferring the less-crowded shoulder seasons of spring and fall.
But what if you don’t have a choice? Are you a boomer who’s still in the workforce? Or maybe you’d like to travel on a multigenerational trip when the grandkids are out of school. Or you just need a fun summer getaway.
Summer is the time when we concentrate on out-of-the-way destinations. Of course living in Montana, Alan and I are pretty much surrounded by places you’ve probably never heard about. But the U.S. (and the world) are full of secret finds and I’m here to share them with you.
We may be nearing the end of summer but these off-the-beaten-path summer trips will help you avoid the last-minute travel rush. Or save the ideas for next year.
Table of Contents
Explore Southeastern Alaska on an Adventure Cruise
Want to take the grandkids on an adventure that they’ll never forget? Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage with Un-Cruise Adventures is one of our favorite off-the-beaten-path summer trips.
This is an Alaska cruise with plenty of things to do and see but without the crowds. Wake up in quiet Alaska coves, watch whales cavorting in Frederick Sound, walk on glaciers and discover the cultural heritage of the Tlingits.
Un-Cruise Adventures offers a cruise for every pocketbook, from budget to luxury. Wilderness class ships—Explorer, Discoverer and Adventurer, with 60 to 76 guests—start at $4,800 per person while the Safari class ships—Quest and Explorer, with 22 to 36 guests—are more of a luxury option at $6,500 per person.
Boomer Travel Tip
MedjetAssist Members who are hospitalized 150 miles from home receive medical transport to a home-country hospital of choice. Memberships from $99.
Discover Beaches and History in Southern Italy
First off, I don’t recommend traveling to Italy during the summer unless you truly enjoy crowds and heat. But if your itchy travel feet are insisting upon a trip, consider the Adriatic coast of Southern Italy from Rodi Garganico to Gallipoli.
You won’t totally escape the crowds as this area of Italy is popular with locals and Europeans. And make sure your journey hugs the Adriatic coast for cooling sea breezes.
This trip is about slowing down, enjoying authentic Italian meals and exploring the region’s history. I recommend walking one of the nature trails in Gargano National Park, taking the ferry to Tremiti Islands, spending a day in Peschi—don’t confuse the white-washed houses for the Greek Islands—staying a few days in Trani, and enjoying the seaside town of Gallipoli.
Boomer Travel Tip
In today’s travel climate, trip insurance is a must. Compare policies and rates at InsureMyTrip.
Winston-Salem for Gardeners and Foodies
While summer crowds head for North Carolina beaches, turn your thoughts inland to Winston-Salem, home to Wake Forest University, tobacco tycoons, Moravian history and the best food you’ve ever tasted.
Spend a day exploring Old Salem, a Moravian settlement that’s similar to Colonial Williamsburg but on a more intimate scale. Gardeners will enjoy the authentic vegetable and flower gardens, learning about the seed saving program and watching craft demonstrations.
A morning walk through the historic grounds at Bethabara City Park is another gardener’s delight. Take it slow, touring the church and walking the nature trails while learning more about the Moravian culture.
For good eating, don’t miss the restaurants in the Arts District of downtown Winston-Salem. Sunday brunch at Sweet Potatoes is worth the line. For dinner, the Spring House wows with inventive twists on regional favorites.
Need an Italian fix? You’ll find it on a visit to Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery.
Rafting on the Salmon River on an Historical Tour in Idaho
Rafting on the main channel of the Salmon River travels through a portion of the two million acres of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. This is truly off the-beaten-path travel. To avoid the hassles of a do-it-yourself rafting trip, sign up for a journey with Mackay Wilderness River Trips.
Along the way, you’ll visit abandoned mines, old homesteads and Native American pictographs. You’ll be camping without the hassle as your guides take care of setting up camp and providing delicious meals.
This is just a small sampling of unique places to visit in the summer without the crowds. Enjoy!
