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There’s still plenty of time to plan your perfect trip this summer.
Of course, a road trip into the mountains or a week at the beach are ideal ways to spend your summer vacation, but if you’re looking for the best places to fly to, read on.
Fox News Digital spoke with several travel experts to find out how people can pursue their travel passions, whether that be solo travel, couples trips, getaways with friends or special family getaways.
International destinations you can travel to for the best holiday this summer
Check out these six appealing options, each with plenty to offer.
1. Ireland
If you want to explore your own (or your friends and family’s) Irish heritage, play a game of golf or simply immerse yourself in the world of food and drink, the Emerald Isle is a place worth considering.
The Emerald Isle is a unique mix of bustling cities like Dublin and Belfast, charming coastal towns like Cork and Galway, and rolling countryside spread across the spectacular island. (iStock)
It has a unique mix of bustling cities such as Dublin and Belfast, charming coastal towns such as Cork and Galway, and rolling countryside spread across a magnificent island.
With direct flights from airports across the Midwest and East Coast, getting there is easy — convenient for the young and the young at heart.
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While in Ireland, be sure to visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, where, according to its website, you can enjoy a “brewery experience” with tastings and a rooftop bar telling the stories behind “Ireland’s famous beer.” Also consider visiting the Jameson, Teeling and Pearse Lyons whiskey distilleries.
Afterwards, enjoy a peaceful evening at the centrally located Grafton Hotel.
According to travel experts, Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse is a “must” addition to your itinerary if you’re visiting the region. The brewery experience tells the story of “Ireland’s famous beer,” as well as offering tastings and a rooftop bar. (iStock)
According to Canada-based travel agency Intrepid Travel, the best time to travel to Ireland is considered to be the summer months.
Summer months offer great weather, but it is also peak season, so expect crowds at popular tourist destinations.
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According to the Irish Tourist Board, if you want to avoid the crowds, you should consider traveling in the ‘off season’ in autumn.
2. Catalina Island, California
Another destination you can consider for your summer getaway is Catalina Island, located about 50 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, about an hour by ferry.
Catalina Island is just an hour’s ferry ride off the coast of Los Angeles. (iStock)
Offering something for every type of traveler, this versatile destination features fine dining and luxury hotels, and visitors can also camp in the island’s natural terrain.
Other highlights include water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding.
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While on land, check out Wrigley Memorial Botanical Gardens or enjoy the natural beauty of the island’s more than 100 hiking trails.
“Catalina Island is a Mediterranean-style resort close to the West Coast and a good alternative to Italy’s Capri,” said Christy Hudson, a travel expert for Expedia in Seattle.
Travel experts say Catalina Island isn’t too expensive for a Mediterranean-style getaway. (iStock)
“Both destinations offer breathtaking coastal views, crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling, and a relaxed island vibe.”
But the price difference is big.
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A flight from Austin, Texas, to Los Angeles costs $310, while a flight from Austin to Naples, Italy, costs an average of $1,870, Hudson said.
3. The Dolomites in Northern Italy
If you’ve been dreaming of a splurge-worthy dream trip to Italy but want to avoid the crowds this summer, you might want to consider an alternative Italian getaway.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds during your summer trip to Italy, consider this resort in the Dolomites in northern Italy. (iStock)
Brian Tan, CEO of Mountain View, Calif.-based Zikasso, said that while Italy remains a high-demand destination for Zikasso travelers, the company is also seeing an increase in trips to lesser-known areas such as the Dolomites in northern Italy.
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“It’s located away from the usual crowds of Rome, Florence and Venice and offers cooler temperatures, stunning mountain views, lush valleys, memorable drives and charming towns such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, site of the 2026 Winter Olympics,” Mr Tan said.
Moreover, he said, a region like the Dolomites could easily be combined with a traditionally popular major gateway city like Rome.
4. Denmark
Copenhagen is probably the most visited city in Denmark.
This Scandinavian country offers endless culture, history, culinary experiences and coastal bounty.
Denmark may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a beach vacation, but the country has more than 4,500 miles of coastline with uncrowded, white-sand beaches. (iStock)
“Denmark has more than 4,500 miles of coastline and uncrowded, white sandy beaches, making it a surprisingly good destination for a beach holiday in peak summer,” said Daniel Burnham, senior aviation expert at Going.com.
“In the last 10 days, we have seen fares starting at $375 for nonstop flights from Boston, New York, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles to Copenhagen for travel from July to November 2024,” he said.
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Plus, a trip to Denmark can be a great springboard to explore other European countries such as Finland, Norway, Sweden and the UK.
5. St. Vincent
If you’re a Caribbean lover but don’t want the typical “been there, seen there” island experience, consider St. Vincent, where “Pirates of the Caribbean” was filmed.
If you want to travel to the Caribbean but want to avoid the crowds, check out St. Vincent. (iStock)
“Now there’s a new Sandals opening there, and it’s a great property,” said Kelly Connor, a travel advisor with AAA Club Alliance in Marlton, New Jersey.
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“This is the first all-inclusive [offering] The island has 50 lush acres, a beautiful beach and is surrounded by mountains and rainforest.”
Saint Vincent is located south of Saint Lucia in the eastern Caribbean.
One travel expert says St. Vincent is a must-visit destination, offering a “relaxing getaway that’s still unspoiled and offers the best beach getaway without the tourist swarms.” (iStock)
“Right now, we can enjoy a relaxing getaway where nature is pristine and there are no hordes of tourists, giving us the ultimate beach vacation,” Connor said.
“The rainforest is teeming with tropical birds and cascading waterfalls, while the exotic beauty beneath the tranquil turquoise waters makes for fantastic snorkelling and scuba diving.”
6. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores, Alabama, is becoming increasingly popular among travelers looking for a combination of beautiful beaches, outdoor activities and Southern hospitality, according to information provided to Fox News Digital by Booking.com.
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It’s a quintessential beach resort, with 32 miles of white sandy beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
Check out these six holiday destinations recommended by travel experts that are true gems packed with charm. (iStock)
A must-see for nature lovers, Gulf State Park also offers kayaking, fishing and hiking.
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A dolphin cruise also offers the chance to see these adorable mammals while also allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Gulf coastline.
This destination is very family friendly and perfect for multi-generational trips.
