The 2022 Summer Vacation Spots You Don’t Know About Yet
The 2022 Summer Vacation Destinations Flying Under the Radar
National Travel and Tourism Week is winding down for 2022, and this year’s theme is the Future of Travel.
According to recent data from the U.S. Travel Association, 85 percent of Americans are expecting to travel this summer while 48 percent plan to take two weeks or more off of work. While many travelers will target sun-kissed seaside favorites and iconic national parks and even return to the world’s big cities more than two years since COVID-19, some will be fortunate enough to discover the world’s most underrated vacation spots.
Some might seek out a gastronomy-focused destination in the Mediterranean like Malta, and others will choose an off the beaten path gem closer to home such as northeast Pennsylvania’s sprawling Ricketts Glen State Park.
Whether you’re short on ideas or just in need of a tiny dose of motivation, here are some sensational summer destinations not to be overlooked.
Coronado, California
Located just across the bay from San Diego in SoCal, the resort city of Coronado is an ideal summer escape where travelers will find plenty of sunshine and charm. The expansive family-friendly beach and historic Hotel del Coronado are among the top highlights, but visitors will also be just a short trip from fun at Seaport Village, the San Diego Zoo and other marquee attractions across the bridge in America’s Finest City.
Malta
A booming gastronomic destination in the Mediterranean, sun-drenched Malta offers summer vacationers phenomenal weather in addition to a slew of one-of-a-kind experiences that they won’t find anywhere else, including private tours of historic sites, exclusive tastings of some of the best wine in the world and a deep dive into the local culture.
Topsail Beach, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Topsail Beach is a quieter alternative for summer vacationers who typically visit Myrtle Beach or even the Outer Banks. Visitors will discover miles and miles of gorgeous beaches in addition to charming museums, restaurants and shops. Fishing and water activities are also popular among travelers looking to maximize their time outdoors in this special seaside locale.
Gilbert, Arizona
Just southeast of Phoenix, Gilbert has it all, including sizzling summertime temperatures. Visitors to this underrated Arizona town will discover a multitude of exceptional restaurants and have their pick of a wide range of entertainment, from Broadway shows to outdoor adventures capitalizing on the Copper State’s remarkable desert landscape.
Dominica
The Caribbean’s “Nature Island” is a dream destination for adventure seekers this summer. Often overlooked and confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica has recently rebranded itself in an effort to ensure that travelers don’t miss out on its gorgeous beaches and a wealth of outdoor activities, highlighted by the 115-mile Waitukubuli Trail, the longest in the Caribbean.
Lahaina, Hawaii
Located on Maui’s western coast less than an hour from Kahului Airport, Lahaina is an enchanting historic whaling village offering visitors spectacular art galleries, shops and restaurants in bunches. The town’s walkable Front Street was even ranked among the “Top Ten Greatest Streets” in the country by the American Planning Association. In addition to endless sunshine, visitors can look forward to 55 acres of historic districts.
Loreto, Mexico
Often bypassed in favor of Los Cabos further south along Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Loreto is a hidden gem that visitors won’t soon forget. Awe-inspiring whale watching, authentic Mexican cuisine, eye-popping beaches and colonial architecture tours are just a small sample of what this Magic Town has to offer. And don’t sleep on the sunsets either.
Madeira, Portugal
Like Malta, many travelers venturing across the pond to Europe overlook the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira. Nonetheless, this under-the-radar destination offers an abundance of adventure and charm in the form of mountains, forests, beaches, villages and some of the best-tasting wine around. Getting there is even easier as the first-ever nonstop flight to Funchal from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport debuted last year.
Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania
For those looking to escape the beaten path on the East Coast, northeast Pennsylvania’s sprawling Ricketts Glen State Park is an easy choice, offering incredible nature highlighted by scenic trails and nearly two dozen stunning free-flowing waterfalls as well as camping and water activities like fishing and kayaking.