Traveling This Summer? Here Are All the Best Places to Consider
It’s that time of year again. You’ve made your resolutions, and you’re thinking about all that you want to do and see in 2024.
As a travel agency owner, this is the beginning of what we like to call “wave season,” a three-month stretch between January and March where our clients are eager to start planning their trips for the year ahead.
In short, it’s busy season.
And if you have your heart set on Europe this summer, the possibilities are just about endless. So today, I am here to highlight some lesser known destinations across the pond-–a few rising stars, if you will.
With that in mind, here are four of the best places to consider for 2024. We can’t wait to see where the year takes you.
THE CYCLADES, GREECE
To be honest, the Cyclades are never a bad idea. And while your mind might immediately jump to heavy hitters like Santorini and Mykonos, we have our eyes on more under-the-radar gems like Paros, Naxos, Milos, and Ios.
You’ll get the full Greek island hopping experience–complete with sparkling blue water, untouched beaches, and restaurants dishing up the catch of the day.
The best part? Minimal summer crowds, at least for now. With more lux properties opening each and every month, I suspect that these islands won’t stay under-the-radar for long.
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN
If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie, San Sebastian should definitely be on your radar. This small coastal town in Basque country is where food dreams come to life. From lowkey pintxo bars to upscale Michelen star restaurants (about 19 and counting at this point), I promise you won’t go home hungry.
Beyond the food, you’ll have access to great surfing and beautiful beaches. And unlike in Barcelona and Madrid, the crowds will be slim—even in peak summer months.
SICILY, ITALY
The White Lotus really put Sicily back on the map. (Our travel agency had more clients head to Sicily in 2023 than ever before.) And I fully expect trip requests for spots like Palermo and Taormina to keep rolling in for 2024.
So, what waits for you in Sicily? A beautiful island with diverse landscapes—like volcanoes, mountains, and beaches—and a rich history. Not to mention the traditional Sicilian gastronomy and collection of complex wines.
Whether you add it to your Italian itinerary or make it a separate trip entirely, you won’t regret experiencing summer in Sicily.
THE AZORES, PORTUGAL
Off the Coast of Portugal, you’ll find the beautiful islands of the Azores. While travelers across the internet have crowned the Azores a “dupe” (read: a duplicate) of Hawaii, I feel that description doesn’t quite do it justice.
The landscapes are vast, the beaches are beautiful, and the water is the most amazing shade of blue. But there are some very noteworthy differences: the prices are lower, the crowds are thinner, and the land is still largely untouched.
Splendid in the summer—but really can be enjoyed any time of the year. Highly recommend.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
Travel planning doesn’t have to be a complicated, time-consuming process. Our team of certified travel advisors is here to help—if you want to partner with our team on your next trip, scheduling an initial consultation call is the perfect place to start.
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