Summer Escapes for People Who'd Rather Die Than Queue for a Photo

This year, I'd genuinely rather break a toe than spend two weeks in Saint-Tropez. The moment a destination becomes an Instagram obsession, when everyone and their cousin is selling their YSL Loulou to finance two nights at the "it" beach club, I'm already looking elsewhere. It's the equivalent of the Cartier Love bracelet...

Maybe it's a character flaw, but I hate trends. Makes everything tacky.

Suddenly, the charming little fishing village is lined with influencers filming "Get Ready With Me" videos at 8 a.m. The hidden restaurant now has a two-hour wait. Hotel prices have doubled overnight, reservations require military planning, and somehow everyone is taking the exact same photo in the exact same linen dress. Everyone is stressed, and frustrated, and still they post pictures captioned "Time of my life!" Just because they spent months stalking and studying other's people socials and it seems like the popular thing to do.

The magic loudly slips away, i'm telling ya!

Don't get me wrong, I understand why places like Saint-Tropez, Ibiza, Positano or Santorini became famous. They're undeniably beautiful. But once a destination starts existing more for social media than for the people actually experiencing it, i'm out. I'd rather discover somewhere that still feels... authentic. Somewhere locals outnumber tourists. Somewhere dinner reservations don't require a personal assistant and you can wander without following a crowd.

So if you're craving a summer that's long on charm and short on clichés, here are few beautiful destinations I'd choose instead.

Collioure, France

Forget the French Riviera. Tucked away near the Spanish border, Collioure has colorful fishermen's houses, crystal-clear water, incredible seafood, and an artistic soul that inspired Matisse. It feels effortlessly French without trying too hard.

Piran, Slovenia

Imagine the romance of Venice, but quieter, more affordable, and without thousands of cruise ship passengers. Piran is all pastel buildings, tiny alleyways, waterfront cafés, and Adriatic sunsets that deserve far more attention than they get.

Lake of Bays, Ontario, Canada

Everyone talks about Lake Como, which is truly beautiful, believe me, but if what you're really crave is mornings on the water, pine forests, loons calling at sunset, and cabins with docks instead of designer boutiques, head north. Lake of Bays, in Ontario's Muskoka region, is quintessential Canadian summer. Rent a cedar cottage, kayak before breakfast, spend afternoons reading in an Adirondack chair, and finish the day around a fire pit under a blanket of stars.

Syros, Greece

Everyone rushes to Mykonos. The Greeks often head to Syros. Elegant architecture, beautiful beaches, fantastic tavernas, and a slower pace make it one of the Cyclades' best-kept secrets.

Menorca, Spain

While Ibiza parties and Mallorca fills up, Menorca quietly remains the sophisticated sibling. Think secluded coves, turquoise water, charming villages, and evenings that revolve around good food instead of velvet ropes.

Monhegan Island, Maine

Forget the Hamptons. Skip Martha's Vineyard. Just ten miles off the coast of Maine sits Monhegan Island, a tiny, car-free island that's been attracting painters, writers, and nature lovers for over a century. There are dramatic cliffs, lobster shacks, weathered cottages, winding hiking trails, and some of the best ocean views on the East Coast. There are no chain hotels, no traffic, and no influencer beach clubs. It's New England at its most authentic.

Kotor, Montenegro

If you've been dreaming of dramatic coastlines and medieval streets, skip the Amalfi Coast crowds and head to Montenegro instead. Kotor offers breathtaking scenery, centuries of history, and a fraction of the tourists.

The Dolomites, Italy

Italy isn't just about beach clubs and Aperol Spritz by the sea. The Dolomites are one of Europe's most spectacular mountain ranges, where jagged limestone peaks rise above emerald alpine lakes and flower-filled meadows. Spend your days hiking, riding cable cars, cycling through mountain passes, or lingering over long lunches at cozy mountain huts. The scenery is cinematic, the air impossibly fresh, and evenings are made for crisp wine and hearty northern Italian cuisine. It's the kind of place that reminds you summer doesn't have to mean sand.

The truth is, the best trips rarely come from chasing trends. They come from wandering down streets you didn't see on TikTok, lingering over long lunches, chatting with locals, and discovering places that still have a sense of mystery.

Because luxury isn't standing in line for the photo everyone else already posted. Luxury is feeling like you've found somewhere that's still a secret.

At least until everyone else catches on