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Contrary to what social media would have you believe, a great summer vacation doesn’t have to be an extravagant, all-encompassing affair.
Some of the best holidays I’ve ever had have been cheap, peaceful city breaks spent surrounded by loved ones or going on solo excursions – anyway, if that sounds like something you’d be interested in, chances are it the lists that come out this time of year and talk about how beautiful Ibiza, Mykonos or Bali is, don’t help much.
So, where are you going?
The good news is that you can always draw inspiration from it Airbnbs latest trends report, a piece that outlines some of the most underrated cities across the country to visit in July, and no, places like New York, Miami, Vegas, Orlando and Seattle don’t come close to this list.
Saratoga Springs, New York
New York City is so iconic that it has become almost synonymous with the state itself, which explains why so many beautiful nearby destinations are perpetually overlooked – but that doesn’t justify it.
So this summer, think outside the box and head to Saratoga Springs instead.
This month you can even enjoy the highly anticipated Saratoga Race Course (which opens on July 11), a perfect nod to the region’s long and rich equine heritage; this particular event alone dates back to 1863.
Besides the races, Saratoga Springs is also known for its amazing spas and thriving arts scene, so if you’re looking for a place where you can relax and entertain at the same time, you’re onto a winner.
Leadville, CO
If you prefer an outdoor vacation, you might want to consider Leadville.
At 10,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains, this former mining town has both historical intrigue and that adventure kick that most popular destinations lack this time of year.
Hike the Mineral Belt Trail, picnic near Turquoise Lake, and take a scenic train ride through the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad – if that doesn’t make you feel in tune with America’s breathtaking nature, I don’t know what will what shall.
Lancaster, California
Can’t find inspiration for that next great travel photo shoot?
A good camera and a trip to the poppy fields of Lancaster are just what the doctor ordered.
Try not to blink too much as you walk through Lancaster, though—between the Aerospace Walk of Honor, the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, and the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, there’s so much beauty and culture to take in that you won’t don’t miss a second.
Bangor, Maine
There’s a lot more to Bangor than meets the eye, and with so many other travelers starting to take notice, you’ll want to book your trip here before the city falls victim to mass tourism.
If you’re a Stephen King fan, chances are you’ve been wanting to come here for a while – not only is this the author’s birthplace, but it’s also a place where you can take a real Stephen King tour that takes you through every main site related to his work, including his Victorian mansion and some of the most iconic locations that inspired his novels.
Everyone else can spend their days kayaking the Penobscot River, exploring the famous Acadia National Park, or enjoying the local culture at some of the most exciting events of the season, of which the Bangor State Fair has to be my favorite.
Wenatchee, Washington
With Seattle being crowned America’s best summer getaway, it’s no wonder that Washington’s smaller (although much more reasonably priced) cities aren’t gaining the same level of popularity.
However, when it comes to the Wenatchee, it may be worth it to get away from the crowds.
Known as ‘the apple capital of the world’, this orchard-filled city looks like something straight out of a movie.
Even if you’re not thrilled about all the wine and cider tastings that happen this time of year (although it’s hard to see why that would be), you can always fill your Wenatchee itinerary with bike rides through Riverfront Park, walks in the Ohme Gardens and jet ski sessions in the Columbia River.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
