Are you a beginner traveler looking to explore new destinations for summer travel? We’ve curated a list of great places outside the United States that are ideal for beginners and easy to navigate.
1. Portugal
Porto, Portugal old town skyline from across the Douro River. 
Aerial View of Belem Tower in the morning, Lisbon, Portugal 
The Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal, is known for its Mediterranean beaches and golf resorts. Whitewashed fishing villages perched on low cliffs, overlooking sandy coves, were transformed in the 1960s and now its central coastline between Lagos and Faro is lined with villas, hotels, bars and restaurants.
Portugal is the perfect destination for summer travel: it offers a mix of history and natural beauty. In Lisbon, you can explore historic neighborhoods and ride vintage trams. Porto is known for its riverside views and wine tasting in the Douro Valley. The Algarve region is famous for its beautiful beaches.
2. Spain
(Beyond Barcelona and Madrid)
Spain, Seville. Spain Square, a landmark example of the Renaissance Revival style in Spanish architecture 
Aerial view of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia Spain 
BILBAO, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 28, 2017: The Guggenheim Museum is a museum of modern and contemporary art, located in Bilbao, northern Spain
Spain has much to offer beyond its major cities. Seville is known for its flamenco culture and historic architecture. Valencia has the City of Arts and Sciences and great beaches. Bilbao features the renowned Guggenheim Museum.
3. Ireland
Shoppers on Grafton Street. Dublin, Ireland 
Temple Bar Pub at Temple Bar district in downtown Dublin 
World famous Cliffs of Moher, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. Aerial view of widely known tourist attraction on Wild Atlantic Way in County Clare.
Ireland is known for its scenic landscapes and rich history. Dublin offers a mix of history and modern life. The Wild Atlantic Way provides coastal views, and the Cliffs of Moher are a must-see. Enjoy traditional music and explore ancient sites.
4. Greece
(Beyond Athens and Santorini)
Rhodes Island, Greece, a symbol of Rhodes, the main entrance of the famous Knights Grand Master Palace (also known as Castello) in the Medieval town of rhodes, a must-visit museum of Rhodes. 
Stunning views of Kalyves bay and beach. Beautiful Crete island, Creece 
The ancient theater of Epidaurus (or “Epidavros”), Argolida prefecture, Peloponnese, Greece.
Greece has many lesser-known but equally exciting spots. Crete has archaeological sites and beaches, Rhodes features a medieval old town, and the Peloponnese region offers quiet beaches and historical sites.
5. Italy
(Beyond Rome, Florence, and Venice)
Almafi Coast houses built on the cliff 
View of a woman admiring an ancient temple in Sicily. Sunny day. Cool straw hat. 
View through an open window with shutters looking down on the colorful picturesque village of Varenna, Italy, on the shores of Lake Como at summer.
Italy has many charming areas beyond the well-known cities. The Amalfi Coast offers stunning views. Sicily is rich in history and culture. Northern Italy’s lakes, like Lake Como, are perfect for a relaxing visit.
6. Croatia
Aerial panoramic view at famous european travel destination, Dubrovnik cityscape on Adriatic Coast, Croatia. 
Spit, Croatia – July 25, 2014: Diocletian Palace under summer sky 
Aerial view of Korcula Island, Croatia.
Croatia combines history and natural beauty. Dubrovnik’s walled city is a highlight. Split’s Diocletian’s Palace offers a look into ancient times. The islands of Hvar and Korčula have great beaches and clear waters.
7. Austria
Austria, Rainbow over Salzburg castle 
Church Heiliger Franz of Assisi at Mexikoplatz, Vienna, Austria 
Hiking Group In Valley Of Umbalfaelle On Grossvenediger With View To Mountain Roetspitze In Nationalpark Hohe Tauern In Tirol In Austria
Austria is known for its cultural heritage and natural landscapes. Vienna has imperial palaces and a rich musical history. Salzburg offers beautiful architecture and scenic views. The Alps are great for hiking and outdoor activities.
8. Switzerland
Little swiss town with gothic church on Lake Lucerne and Alps mountain, Switzerland 
Water jet fountain with rainbow in the lake of Geneva and the cityscape of Geneva. 
Serene scene of woman SUP boarding on lake in Alps in summer
Switzerland is perfect for nature and adventure lovers. Lucerne offers lake and mountain views. Interlaken is a center for adventure sports. Geneva has many museums and cultural sites.
9. Netherlands
(Beyond Amsterdam)
Traditional houses on the Oudegracht (Old Canal) in center of Utrecht, Netherlands. 
Aerial shot of Rotterdam skyline with Erasmus bridge at twilight as seen from the Euromast tower, The Netherlands 
Traditional dutch windmills and houses near the canal in Zaanstad village, Zaanse Schans, Netherlands, Europe
The Netherlands has much to see beyond Amsterdam. Utrecht has canals and is an old medieval town. Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture. Though this blog is focused on summer travel, we also recommend the tulip fields of Keukenhof as a spring highlight.
Prepare for Your Summer Adventure
For all these destinations, you’ll need a valid passport. If you don’t have a passport or need to renew it quickly, especially with summer coming up, contact us at The Passport Office. We can help expedite your passport process so you can enjoy your travels without hassle.
All the summer travel destinations listed do not require a visa for up to 90 days. However, we recommend always checking the State Department website before visiting a new country for visa updates, travel notices, and safety precautions.