europe
lofoten islands, norway
🌡 Temperature: 12–18°C (54–64°F)
⭐ Activities:
- Hike to Reinebringen for panoramic views.
- Visit the Lofotr Viking Museum and try Viking-style games.
- Go on a scenic RIB boat safari to spot sea eagles and seals.
❌ Why it’s empty: Most summer tourists choose warmer destinations in Southern Europe.
saaremaa, estonia
🌡 Temperature: 15–22°C (59–72°F)
⭐ Activities:
- Explore Kuressaare Castle and its interactive exhibits.
- Visit Kaali Meteorite Crater, one of Europe’s rare impact sites.
- Cycle along the coastal trails to spot wild orchids.
❌ Why it’s empty: Estonia isn’t a mainstream summer vacation spot.
asturias, spain
🌡 Temperature: 18–24°C (64–75°F)
⭐ Activities:
- Take a boat trip along the coast to spot dolphins.
- Walk the Covadonga Lakes trail with breathtaking mountain views.
- Visit the Jurassic Museum of Asturias, featuring dinosaur fossils.
❌ Why it’s empty: Spain’s Mediterranean beaches overshadow its cooler northern coast.
the albanian alps, albania
🌡 Temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F)
⭐ Activities:
- Hike the scenic Valbona-Theth trail.
- Take a boat ride on the stunning Komani Lake.
- Visit Theth village to explore its waterfalls and stone towers.
❌ Why it’s empty: Most travelers visit Albania’s beaches, leaving its mountains untouched.
americas
haida gwaii, canada
🌡 Temperature: 12–18°C (54–64°F)
⭐ Activities:
- Explore the ancient Haida villages and totem poles at Sgang Gwaay.
- Go on a whale-watching tour to see orcas and humpback whales.
- Hike through mossy rainforests in Naikoon Provincial Park.
❌ Why it’s empty: Remote and accessible only by ferry or plane.
ometepe island, nicaragua
🌡 Temperature: 26–30°C (79–86°F)
⭐ Activities:
- Kayak through the wetlands of Río Istián to see exotic birds.
- Swim in Ojo de Agua, a natural spring pool.
- Explore petroglyphs from pre-Columbian times.
❌ Why it’s empty: Nicaragua isn’t yet a major tourist destination, and most travelers head to Granada or the beaches
We visited Nicaragua a couple of years ago, have a read of our adventure over here.
pucon, chile
🌡 Temperature: 5–14°C (41–57°F) (Winter in Southern Hemisphere)
⭐ Activities:
- Soak in the hot springs of Termas Geométricas.
- Take a guided horseback ride through Mapuche indigenous lands.
- Visit Villarrica National Park for scenic walks and waterfalls.
❌ Why it’s empty: Chile is in winter mode, and tourists prefer warmer destinations.
asia
coorg, india
🌡 Temperature: 16–28°C (61–82°F)
⭐ Activities:
- Take a family-friendly safari in Nagarhole National Park to see elephants.
- Visit a coffee plantation and learn about the process from bean to cup.
- Explore Abbey Falls and Dubare Elephant Camp.
❌ Why it’s empty: Most travelers prefer the Himalayas or Goa during summer.
tottori sand dunes, japan
🌡 Temperature: 24–32°C (75–90°F)
⭐ Activities:
- Try sandboarding down the dunes.
- Visit the Sand Museum, featuring intricate sculptures made of sand.
- Ride camels across the dunes for a desert-like experience.
❌ Why it’s empty: Tourists focus on major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
sumba island, indonesia
🌡 Temperature: 22–30°C (72–86°F)
⭐ Activities:
- Explore traditional Sumbanese villages with unique thatched-roof houses.
- Swim in Weekuri Lagoon, a crystal-clear saltwater lake.
- Visit stunning, empty beaches like Nihiwatu and Walakiri Beach.
❌ Why it’s empty: Bali dominates Indonesian tourism, leaving Sumba overlooked.
africa
São Tomé and Príncipe
🌡 Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
⭐ Activities:
- Snorkel or dive in Bom Bom Island’s vibrant reefs.
- Take a chocolate tour at one of the island’s cocoa plantations.
- Hike through Obo National Park to spot monkeys and tropical birds.
❌ Why it’s empty: Remote, hard to get to, and barely known outside of Africa.
blyde river canyon, south africa
🌡 Temperature: 10–25°C (50–77°F)
⭐ Activities:
- Take a boat tour through the canyon to see waterfalls and hippos.
- Walk the easy Three Rondavels viewpoint trail.
- Explore Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a unique rock formation with natural pools.
❌ Why it’s empty: Overshadowed by Kruger National Park and Cape Town.
Why spend your summer navigating tourist-packed hotspots when you can enjoy hidden gems, authentic experiences, and stress-free family travel? From Norway’s breathtaking fjords to Indonesia’s secluded beaches, these 12 crowd-free summer destinations offer the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture—without the long lines or high prices.
Ready to plan your next unforgettable family trip? Whether you need custom itineraries, family-friendly accommodations, or insider travel tips, I am here to help! Reach out and let’s design your perfect, hassle-free summer getaway.
