Underrated European Destinations Perfect for Avoiding Crowds

This summer, Europe is definitely the place to be for family travelers. With popular destinations like Greece and Italy receiving an overwhelming number of tourists this summer, many rethink plans and look for options that can still let them enjoy a spectacular European vacation without having to fight throngs of tourists at every turn.

Germany is often overlooked in favor of destinations featuring ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, or trend-setting fashion and culinary scenes, but savvy travelers find it is actually a great option for families. In the summer, temperatures are significantly cooler than other parts of Europe, and the country’s culture and history are both fascinating and enchanting. The countryside boasts picturesque villages, castles and stunning landscapes ripe for exploring, while metropolitan cities like Berlin and Munich offer food and art scenes that let you truly connect with the country’s diverse population.

Slovenia has been gaining quite a bit of traction in recent years thanks to influencers who have discovered the country’s remarkable beauty, but it is still unknown enough to give you the quintessential European vacation without feeling like you are drowning among crowds of tourists. From the breathtaking views of Lake Bled to a cuisine influenced by neighboring countries like Italy and Croatia, the country is awash in beautiful scenery and great food, not to mention seemingly endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors at places like the northern town of Kranjska Gora, home to incredible hiking trails.

If your heart is set on a European vacation complete with sunny beaches and stunning coastal scenes, Croatia is a must. While the country enjoys plenty of popularity among tourists in the know thanks to its use as a filming location for Game of Thrones, crowds are smaller compared to nearby Greece and Italy. And if the extra breathing room and cheaper prices aren’t enough to convince you, Croatia’s beaches are on par to rival the best in Europe, and the country’s Mediterranean cuisine is quite similar to the food found throughout Greece.