TravelLocal reveals five destinations where late planners can still find space, calm, and character this summer – all crafted by local experts.
With over 60% of Americans yet to finalize their summer travel, there’s still time – and still space – for those seeking a quieter, more distinctive escape. TravelLocal, the tailor-made travel platform, shares five destinations where high-season doesn’t have to mean high-density.
Each itinerary is designed by local travel experts and avoids the usual bottlenecks. The result? Crowd-free experiences with a deeper sense of place.
“Just because you didn’t book in January doesn’t mean you’ve missed out,” says Huw Owen, Co-founder of TravelLocal. “The beauty of tailor-made travel is that it’s flexible. These trips still have space - and they feel exclusive, even if you book in May.”
5 Incredible Summer Trips You Can Still Book Now - Without the Crowds
Georgia – Wild landscapes and timeless villages
Svaneti, Georgia
With its vast mountain ranges and low visitor numbers, Georgia offers striking landscapes and cultural depth without the crowds. In the northeast, reach Tusheti via the Abano Pass – one of the highest drivable roads in the Caucasus – and stay in ancient villages like Dartlo, where time seems to pause. In Svaneti, trek from Mestia to Ushguli on Georgia’s most iconic multi-day route, passing glacier-fed rivers and medieval towers.
Insider tip: Don’t leave without trying steaming plates of khinkali and golden khachapuri, kubdari (spiced meat bread) and chvishtari (cheesy cornbread) and sample wine from the world’s oldest winemaking tradition.
Trip: Secrets of Svaneti | 8 days from US$2,700pp (excl. flights) | Fully customizable.
Scotland – Legends, landscapes and long days
Kintyre, Scotland
Scotland is ideal for a more spacious summer. In the Hebrides, pedal the remote Golden Road or boat to the puffin-filled Shiant Isles. On Islay, forage for seaweed with a local guide, while Galloway offers stargazing in Europe’s first Dark Sky Park. Venture to the Kintyre peninsula for a coastal walk and a peated gin with a view – or take the ferry to tiny Gigha for beach walks and slow afternoons.
Insider tip: For fewer crowds and a deeper connection, travel in late spring or early autumn - ideal for slow hikes, scenic road trips, or lingering whisky tastings.
Trip: Scottish Highlands Adventure | 12 days from US$6,000pp (excl flights). Fully customizable.
"TravelLocal planned our trip flawlessly. We did a self guided option and drove through Scotland which gave us the freedom to also choose activities on our own."
Jeffrey, traveled to Scotland in Sep 2024
Ecuador – Amazon adventure and Andean peaks
El Ángel Reserve, Ecuador
For those seeking big landscapes without big crowds, Ecuador is a surprise standout. Stay in Isinliví or Chugchilán along the Quilotoa Loop, where cloud forests and crater lakes are shared with farmers and llamas, not tourists. In Angochagua, an indigenous Andean village, time moves gently. Even popular regions like Otavalo and the Amazon hold space for solitude – stay outside town or in remote jungle lodges near Tena.
Insider tip: For something surreal, hike through the eerie páramo landscapes of El Ángel Reserve, where you may go a whole day without seeing another soul.
Trip: Ecuador Highlights incl the Amazon and Galapagos | 19 days from US$6,000pp (excl. flights) | Fully customizable.
Jordan – Hidden trails and warm hospitality
Petra, Jordan
Jordan’s early summer weather is dry and bearable, especially in the highlands north of Amman. Hike forested trails near Ajloun and Jerash, a softer side of the country that few travellers see. Then descend to the Dead Sea - eerily still, deeply salty, and unlike anywhere else on Earth. Float, rest, and stay the night in an eco-lodge tucked between the cliffs and palm groves.
Insider tip: In Petra, skip the main path and follow hidden trails with a local guide who knows the carvings, caves, and secrets of this ancient rose-red city.
Trip: Nature and history tour of Jordan | 9 days from US$2,330pp (excl. flights) | Fully customizable.
Northern Portugal – Wine, waves & space to breathe
Ericeira, Portugal
Skip the crowds of the Algarve and head north for a gentler rhythm. Inland, Dão’s family-run wineries feel far from the tourist trail, while quiet surf towns like Nazaré and Ericeira blend coastal energy with local charm and the beaches around Moledo and Vila Praia de Âncora are often near-empty, even in summer!
Insider tip: In Viana do Castelo, Art Nouveau façades meet goldsmith traditions and community folk festivals that still feel truly local.
“In 10 days I was able to cover a lot of Portugal without feeling rushed. TravelLocal took all the stress out of travelling and I felt safe at all times. Thank you for such a wonderful holiday."
- Elizabeth, traveled to Portugal in Oct 2024
Trip: Northern Portugal | 11 days from US$6,690pp (excl. flights). Fully customizable.
TravelLocal is redefining what travel looks like. By connecting travelers directly with vetted, in-country experts, the platform offers fast-turnaround itinerary planning, real-time availability, and meaningful, locally rooted experiences - no generic tours or one-size-fits-all packages. TravelLocal’s on-the-ground experts can craft a custom itinerary around your interests, food, wine, art, or nature, all without the crowds
About TravelLocal
TravelLocal connects travelers with trusted in-country experts to design tailor-made vacations, offering real-time availability and deep local knowledge. Every itinerary is private and fully customizable – ideal for those seeking authenticity without the overwhelm. Discover more at TravelLocal.com
