Avoid the crowds and high prices with these alternative summer travel picks

Skip the tourist traps and explore these off-the-beaten-path destinations

By Amanda Teague Published May 10, 2025

Wilmington, North Carolina — Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Love the idea of a summer escape, but not the sky-high prices and packed tourist spots that come with it? You’re not alone, and there’s good news. Skyscanner’s 2025 Smarter Summer Report reveals wallet-friendly alternatives to major travel hubs that offer charm and adventure, minus the crowds.

“For many, summer feels like it goes by too fast. Travelers look forward to their summer vacation all year and this year people are looking to get the most of the season,” says Laura Lindsay, Global Travel Trends Expert. “They’re getting into the summer mindset earlier by making the ultimate summer playlist and looking up the weather of their dream summer destinations. To truly maximize the summer season, travelers are becoming more flexible than ever. They are stretching their budgets, extending their travel time and exploring more underrated destinations.”

Recommended Videos

This summer, 26% of American travelers are skipping over expensive tourist traps in favor of more affordable, less crowded destinations. And with 68% planning to stay stateside, travelers are uncovering hidden gems closer to home.

Topping the list of alternative U.S. destinations is Wilmington, North Carolina. Situated just north of Charleston, Wilmington offers beautiful beaches, a thriving art scene, and history-rich landmarks like the Battleship North Carolina, all without the tourist overload.

Dreaming of Hawaii but dreading the prices? Consider Hilo, Hawaii, known as the Big Island’s biggest small town. Here, you’ll find natural beauty at Wailuku River State Park, charming wooden storefronts, and easy access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Rounding out the top three is Atlanta, Georgia, a budget-friendly alternative to pricier southern cities like Orlando. Atlanta offers interesting Civil War and Civil Rights history, walkable downtown neighborhoods, and is a major travel hub, making it easy to reach and even easier to explore.

2025’s top alternative travel destinations

Wilmington, North Carolina: Average flight price: $105
Hilo, Hawaii: Average flight price: $168
Atlanta, Georgia: Average flight price: $170
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Average flight price: $171
New Orleans, Louisiana: Average flight price: $197
Cincinnati, Ohio: Average flight price: $199
Asheville, North Carolina: Average flight price: $217
Tampa, Florida: Average flight price: $239
Denver, Colorado: Average flight price: $239
Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Average flight price: $246

Contributor

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…

Topics

Destinations

Travel

4 travel tips from a flight attendant that will change the way you fly

Cabin Crew Member Denise Margrét Yaghi shares her top travel tips

A flight attendant checking on the inside of a cabin on an airplane

Ever wondered how flight attendants manage long flights, constantly hop between destinations, and still show up looking refreshed and energized? Me too. That’s why I spoke with Denise Margrét Yaghi, a Senior Cabin Crew Member at PLAY Airlines, to get her insider travel tips.

From smart packing strategies to staying healthy in the air and beating jet lag like a pro, Denise shares the expert habits that can make your next trip smoother, more comfortable, and, yes, actually enjoyable. Whether you’re heading off on vacation or bracing for a marathon flight, these tips will change the way you fly.

Travel

This surprising African country is this year’s hottest destination for wellness travel

Consider visiting Namibia for your next wellness retreat

Namibia

In recent years, wellness travel has surged in popularity as people seek to recharge and escape the pressures of daily life. According to Mastercard’s Travel Trends 2025 report, Namibia has emerged as the top wellness destination this year, surprising many as an unexpected leader in the global wellness travel scene.

Namibia’s landscapes, featuring towering red dunes, vast desert plains, and rugged mountains, create the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. The country offers an array of luxury lodges and spas, where visitors can indulge in treatments like massages, mud therapy, and exfoliation, all designed to help travelers unwind in a truly unique setting. Wellness companies like Our Habitas take it a step further, offering specialized experiences such as full-body masks, rose quartz facials, sunrise yoga, and massages with warmed stones.

Travel

45 million people are traveling for Memorial Day: Here’s how to avoid the traffic

AAA highlights the best times to hit the road during the holiday weekend

Traffic

Get ready for packed roads and long lines, as 45.1 million Americans are expected to travel over Memorial Day weekend this year, marking a new record, according to AAA. The travel period runs from Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26, and most of those travelers, nearly 39.4 million, are hitting the road. While air travel and other modes of transportation like trains, buses, and cruises are also up this year, driving remains the top choice for Memorial Day travelers.

With gas prices lower than last year’s average ($3.59 per gallon), road trips are more appealing than ever. In fact, 87% of travelers will be driving to their destinations, making traffic jams and congested highways all but guaranteed.

	
		OSZAR »