5 Underrated Summer Destinations to Add to Your 2025 Travel Bucket List
It’s finally summer!!!! School’s out, travel is in session.
Except if you’re an adult because we still have to go to work every day.
I do not have a lot of travel planned this summer (yet) but I do have a few places on my list that I would love to visit in the summer. So call this my manifestation list if you will.
So if you want to switch your travel up from the usual summer spots like Florida, Italy, Spain, etc., I got you covered. These are some underrated spots that have been on my never-ending summer travel bucket list and I thought I’d share them with you!
MONTENEGRO
Why Visit Montenegro in the Summer: Adriatic coastlines, affordable, and fewer crowds than Croatia with the same vibe.
Montenegro landed a spot on my list when I visited Croatia about 2 years ago. They are neighbors and I met a bunch of people who visited while in Croatia - came back raving about it because it’s insanely gorgeous! If you still want the Adriatic summer vibes but without the crowds, this is the spot for you. Better visit before it blows up!
Kotor: This harbor town is filled with so much history and has a gorgeous bay surrounded by mountains. Plus it’s affordable and apparently has a great nightlife!!
Perast: From pictures, this looks like the Interlaken of Montenegro. This slower, tiny village will be a great place for jaw-dropping views and restaurant patios.
There is so many other small towns to explore here and I hope to check it visit as soon as I can (before the TikTokers catch on).
SICILY
Why Visit Sicily in the Summer: Island life, slow travel, and dreamy Mediterranean views
I know I said I wouldn’t talk about Italy but hear me out. Technically this is an Island, and the vibe of Sicily feels so removed from the hustle and bustle of what you normally think of when you think of Italy. This island is all about slow living. Towns like Taormina and Cefalu which have started to slowly become popular.
Here you are going to find incredible food, turquoise waters to swim in, small towns, and islands to hop around. Sounds like European summer to me.
MALTA
Why Visit Malta in the Summer: Walkable towns, crystal-clear waters, colorful architecture
When I was planning my trip to Italy last year, I almost chose Malta — but went with Sardinia instead. Still thinking about it though…
Malta is an archipelago (or a group of islands) and it basically translates into island hopping. And that usually means there are going to be insane views of the water. This is Europe’s best kept secret.
Think blue lagoon, rooftop cocktails, beautifully colored buildings, and historic streets. It’s going to be your European paradise and is extremely walkable.
MAINE
Why Visit Maine in the Summer: Lobster rolls, lighthouses, coastal charm, and that classic summer vibe.
Of course I had to at least put a US city on here. Maine has speaking to me for years now. I haven’t explored much of the Northeast region of the US but if I were to picture what summer is all about, it would look like this state. The coastal towns, sailboats and lighthouses, lobster rolls, linen clothing, always being outdoors - that is the definition of summer to me.
I don’t even know where to start - there is so much to see here. Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Portland, Camden, and Kennebunkport.
It truly has everything you want in the summertime: hiking, whale watching, cutesy towns, amazing food. Not to mention, summer is the prime time for lobster rolls!!
SINGAPORE
Why Visit Singapore in the Summer: Tropical weather, modern luxury, and major solo travel energy
This has been coming up more and more recently landing it a spot on my want to travel to list. Being a tropical city, it’s always warm and sunny here so you can never go wrong visiting any time of year. It’s also rated one of the safest countries in the world, especially for solo travelers!
The Great Singapore Sale happens in the summer which is their annual shopping event that offers discounts and promotions on goods and services. There’s beach clubs and lush gardens by the bay, incredible shopping, it truly has it all!
TLDR: My Summer Travel Bucket List
If you’re tired of the same vacation spots everyone goes to every year, consider these gems:
Montenegro for Adriatic coastline without the Croatia crowds
Maine for cozy coastal charm and lobster everything
Sicily for slow living and scenic seaside towns
Malta for Mediterranean views and historic charm
Singapore for a tropical city escape that has everything
Now all I need is a plane ticket... and maybe some PTO.
Where are you heading this summer?
Tell me below or tag me in your travel plans over on Instagram @amberallover_. 🌞✈️
