5 Off the Beaten Path Summer Destinations
Whether you’re attempting to save a buck or two by avoiding popular, money-hungry tourist attractions, or you’d like to add a little adventure to your life, give one of these easy-to-overlook, sometimes strange vacation spots a try, and then book an off-the-beaten-path vacation rental! Off-the-beaten-path-travel is as fun and cheap as it gets.
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is a surprisingly underrated travel destination on its own, so as you plan your European vacation, introduce yourself to this colorful country by spending some time in Reykjavik. Ride horseback on land created and shaped by volcanoes, bathe in thermal swimming pools, gaze in awe at towering waterfalls, tour Viking museums, watch humpback whales, party until dawn, participate in maritime festivals, and enjoy the sun, sun, and more sun (in the summer, Reykjavik sees 24 hours of it) – what more could you ask for in a summer vacation? After you return home, Reykjavik will be a travel secret you just can’t (and shouldn’t) keep!
2. Kaihalulu, Hana, Hawaii
Hawaii off the beaten path is especially astounding. The “Red Sand” Beach in Hana requires a lot of nerve and determination to get to due to the winding, narrow, and often steep trails that lead to it – but the journey is a scenic one, and you’ll be firmly rewarded upon your arrival. Kaihalulu is a refreshingly undeveloped beach encircled by intimidating cliffs, and it might just be Hawaii’s most visually stunning! Lava cinders are responsible for the beach’s characteristic red-black sand; the green vegetation and black rocky walls that surround the odd-colored shore give Kaihalulu a distinct look you won’t find anywhere else on earth. Kaihalulu is only for the most rugged and adventurous travelers, however; swimmers and snorkelers beware! Stay in a cozy Maui vacation rental if you plan to vist this amazing beach.
3. Marfa, Texas
Marfa is one of the Lone Star State’s most unusual offerings, and the vast majority of Texans probably couldn’t find it on a map – even though its outskirts include Big Bend National Park and Mexico! What brings tourists to this tiny desert town year after year? The Marfa Lights, mysterious bright and bouncing “ghost lights” that have infrequently though persistently appeared in Marfa’s night sky since the 1800s, have bewitched generations of sightseers who’ve hung out on Highway 90 and tried to catch a glimpse. Marfa is also where the famed Hollywood western Giant was filmed, so James Dean fans from all over the world routinely visit. Art lovers, too, flock to Marfa for its local Chinati Foundation, a museum celebrating minimalist art. This strange destination is especially suited for the summer because of its high elevation, which ensures temperate weather for camping, hiking, golfing, and hunting.
4. The Bronx, New York
The Big Apple casts a huge shadow over much of New York, but the Bronx is one of NYC's most overlooked boroughs. That's a shame, because roughly 25% of this densely-populated borough is an oasis of natural attractions. From the world-renowned Bronx Zoo to the New York Botanical Garden, the sights to see in the Bronx are certainly sights for sore urbanite eyes. Don’t forget to swing by the Bronx Museum of the Arts! A Bronx rental makes for a great New York vacation accommodation.
5. Homestead, Florida
Hurry to Homestead before word gets out about this South Florida gem. Just a 30-minute drive from Miami is a small, sunny town with lots to offer tourists – including the Biscayne and Everglades national parks. Biscayne National Park, which specializes in marine life and underwater excursions, is ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, hiking, boating, and wildlife watching. The park’s year-round events and activities are safe and fun for the whole family. The Everglades are an easy day trip away, but local attractions like the Homestead Miami Speedway should keep you occupied.