7 Summer Vacations to Take Before They Get Trendy

One of Canada’s most alluring provinces, Nova Scotia offers gorgeous landscapes, seaside charm and a booming culinary scene. Think: lighthouses and lobster traps, colorful harbor villages and winding coastlines. In other words, exactly like Maine but without the expensive accommodations and throngs of tourists Instagraming their seafood.

The North Fork of Long Island doesn’t actually want to be the Hamptons, and instead of five-star hotels and trendy restaurants you’ll find quaint barns, cozy bed-and-breakfasts and laid-back vineyards where you can amble away the afternoon. Stay in the historic seaside town of Greenport, a low-key summer escape for everyone from artists to fishermen.

In Mexico, Tulum serves as a laid-back, bohemian alternative to the raucous spring break capital of Cancun. In Portugal, the sleepy fishing town of Comporta is a similar antidote to the overrun Algarve beach region. Head an hour south of Lisbon for sandy dunes, empty beaches and rustic fields covered with wildflowers. Thatched-roof huts and funky design villas add an extra bohemian feel.

Imagine Napa’s idyllic countryside, fine wines and world-class culinary scene…but in a stunning European setting. Alsace, on the German-French border, is home to a 105-mile wine route known for stellar whites and farm-to-table specialties like cheese, cabbage and foie gras.

Somehow the mass of tourists who flock to the Mediterranean each summer haven’t yet discovered Minorca, a gorgeous Balearic island off the Spanish coast. The capital port city, Ciutadella, remains remarkably tranquil thanks to farmhouse-converted hotels rather than big resorts and nightclubs.

Unlike Yellowstone or Yosemite, which are overwhelmed by tourists, Olympic National Park in Washington is relatively untapped. Go for the rainforests and hiking trails. Stay for the laid-back beaches defined by driftwood and jutting sea stacks.

A handful of wealthy Turks have already discovered this gem on the Aegean as an unspoiled alternative to the popular summer town of Bodrum. But so far, very few Americans are in on the secret. Like the popular Greek islands, this darling spot features cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings and outdoor restaurants serving fresh vegetables and mezze. But here you can actually find a beach chair and avoid spending your entire paycheck on a hotel room.