Not all summer vacations are created equal.
Some destinations look amazing on Instagram but disappoint in real life. Others quietly offer unforgettable experiences—without the hype, crowds, or inflated prices.
In this guide, we compare the most overrated and most underrated summer destinations around the world. Our goal isn’t to shame popular places—but to help you make smarter travel decisions, based on value, experience, and authenticity.
Let’s dig in.
OVERRATED SUMMER DESTINATIONS
These places are popular for a reason—but that doesn’t mean they’re the best option for everyone.
1. Santorini, Greece
Why it’s overrated:
- Extremely crowded during peak months
- Overpriced hotels with average service
- Instagram-famous spots often overrun by tourists
What to do instead:
→ Visit Naxos or Paros for a more authentic Greek island vibe without the chaos.
→ Naxos offers better value with a monthly cost around $2,100, faster Wi-Fi (35 Mbps), and fewer tourists compared to Santorini’s $3,200/month average and lower connectivity.
2. Bali, Indonesia (Canggu & Ubud areas)
Why it’s overrated:
- Overdevelopment and traffic congestion
- Rising costs due to overtourism
- Beaches near Canggu are often polluted
What to do instead:
→ Try Lombok or the Mentawai Islands for unspoiled beaches and local culture.
→ Lombok features safer neighborhoods, faster Wi-Fi, and significantly less crowding—making it a rising star among mindful travelers.
3. Venice, Italy
Why it’s overrated:
- Cruise ship crowds dominate the narrow alleys
- High prices for food and lodging
- Touristy atmosphere with fewer locals
What to do instead:
→ Head to Trieste or Bologna for richer cultural immersion and local charm.
→ Trieste combines Adriatic beauty with local life, faster connectivity (40 Mbps), and lower costs than Venice.
4. Dubai, UAE (in summer)
Why it’s overrated:
- Temperatures often exceed 45°C (113°F)
- Outdoor activities are limited
- Most tourists end up staying indoors in malls
What to do instead:
→ Consider Georgia (Tbilisi) or Albania’s Riviera—they’re affordable and culturally rich.
→ Tbilisi, for example, has Wi-Fi speeds over 45 Mbps, a high safety score (89/100), and costs less than $1,200/month—ideal for digital nomads.
UNDERRATED SUMMER DESTINATIONS
These places don’t make every headline—but that’s exactly why they’re worth your attention.
1. Georgia (Country – not the US state)
Why it’s underrated:
- Stunning Caucasus mountain scenery
- Vibrant capital city (Tbilisi) with great cafes and history
- Extremely affordable for long-term stays
- Ranks high in safety (89/100), digital infrastructure, and value
2. Colombia’s Coffee Region (Salento, Manizales)
Why it’s underrated:
- Lush green valleys and hiking trails
- Unique rural culture and farm-to-table food
- Less crowded than Cartagena or Medellín
- Growing appeal for nature-loving remote workers
3. Albanian Riviera
Why it’s underrated:
- Crystal-clear Adriatic beaches without the crowds of Greece or Italy
- Inexpensive seafood and beachfront lodging
- Friendly locals and increasing travel infrastructure
- One of Europe’s best beach values with fewer influencers
4. Slovenia
Why it’s underrated:
- Lakes, forests, and Alpine charm
- Compact and easy to explore by train or car
- Offers both natural beauty and cultural cities (Ljubljana, Bled)
- Wi-Fi averages 50 Mbps and local transportation is top-tier
5. Naxos, Greece
Why it’s underrated:
- Often overshadowed by Santorini and Mykonos
- More spacious beaches, local tavernas, and relaxed pace
- Cheaper accommodation and faster Wi-Fi than most Greek hotspots
- Quietly becoming a favorite for those in-the-know
How to Choose: Overrated or Underrated?
Ask yourself:
- Do I want photos—or peace?
- Do I follow trends—or trust value?
- Do I want to feel like a guest—or a traveler?
Sometimes, less famous means more memorable. Choose with intention, not just Instagram influence.
Final Travel Wisdom
The best summer destinations aren’t always the ones with the most hashtags.
They’re the places that leave you feeling refreshed, enriched, and inspired.
This summer, skip the hype—and travel wiser.
📌 Coming Up Next
How to Book Last-Minute Flights Without Overpaying – Summer Travel Hacks That Actually Work
→ Discover real-time tools, booking tricks, and the best days to fly for less—even at the last minute.