Looking to avoid the crowds and make the most of summer travel in 2025? On this episode of Unpacked, Afar contributor Mark Ellwood—a seasoned traveler who has spent most of his life living out of a suitcase—shares the off-the-beaten path summer adventures you can enjoy, again and again.

Looking for the Best Places to Travel in Summer?

On this episode you’ll discover:  

• How to find the best summer travel deals and get the most out of a summer trip. 


• Hidden gems in the U.S., Europe and beyond, that locals love. 


• Ideas to weather-proof your summer and find alternative escapes you won’t forget. 

The Midwest Isn't the Only Place With a Well-Kept Secret

Don’t miss these moments: 

[07:54 ] The Midwest’s best-kept summer travel secret. 

[12:53 ] Surf in the part of Scotland most people forget is there. 

[14:30 ] How to vacation like an Italian and avoid tourist traps. 

[20:30 ] Affordable flights and volcanic adventures: Why the Caribbean is a hiker’s paradise. 

Do You Need an Amalfi Intervention?

While many travelers flock to hotspots like the Amalfi Coast or Rocky Mountains, Mark Ellwood reveals off-the-radar destinations, seasoned travel hacks and ways to enjoy popular locations without the crowds. 

Resources: 

• Read the transcript of the episode.


• Visit Mark’s website or follow him on Instagram. 


• Want to discover more off-the-beaten path destinations? Explore this section of afar.com. 

Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.

** New Opportunity: What's one tricky travel topic you want us to unpack? Send us a voice message here, for a chance to weigh in and be featured in an upcoming episode. **