Save 30% on airport lounge access and escape the crowds this summer

The airport lounge access deal will let travellers enjoy a quiet space away from the crowds, with complimentary snacks, drinks, WiFi and comfortable seating

Make the airport the best bit of your journey this year with access from £24 for Priority Pass members (Image: Priority Pass )

It is time to set our sights on the upcoming summer holidays. Whether travellers have already secured their booking or are just beginning to plan, the countdown to a sun-soaked getaway has officially started.

Priority Pass is currently offering a 30% discount on airport lounge access, allowing holidaymakers to enjoy chic spaces away from the throngs, complete with complimentary nibbles, beverages, WiFi and cosy seating.

Securing an airport lounge is the ultimate travel hack for dodging jam-packed airports. There are more than 1,700 Priority Pass airport lounges to choose from.

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This deal will enable travellers to experience the luxury of first-class without the hefty price tag. Nestled away from the hectic terminal waiting areas, guests can enjoy refreshments, queue-free bathroom facilities and WiFi for work or leisure.

For families jetting off with children, they also provide a welcome break from the chaos of large terminals, making it easier to keep an eye on the little ones and keep them entertained. All Priority Pass airport lounges come equipped with flight information screens.

30% off airport lounge access 30% off Priority Pass Buy Now on Priority Pass Product Description Get a discount on airport lounge access with Priority Pass this summer

Some even offer sleep pods for lengthy layovers, and the option to indulge in dedicated spa areas and treatments at an extra charge. The Priority Pass digital membership is instantly available via the app, allowing travellers to book and unwind as soon as they sign up.

Unlike one-off lounge passes, Priority Pass allows usage on both outbound and return flights, whereas a single-day lounge pass only covers one leg of the journey. This typically works out cheaper than purchasing a single-use entry pass for a departure lounge, and the more frequently you use the lounges, the more cost-effective your subscription becomes.

If Priority Pass airport lounges don’t quite tick all your boxes, single-use airport passes can be booked through Expedia, with Heathrow Airport lounges starting from £34. There are also other options available for airports across the UK and further afield. It’s worth mentioning that Holiday Extras offers a variety of airport lounge deals, along with car hire, hotel stays and more.

The Priority Pass app comes with additional benefits such as early access to duty-free shopping, premium fitness content, and the ability to pre-book lounges. Members can also enjoy spa treatments, gaming zones, pre-order takeout, private transfers, and discounted car rentals worldwide.

Selected lounges have shower facilities for freshening up (Image: Priority Pass )

Travellers who’ve used Priority Pass airport lounges in the past have been voicing their opinions on Trustpilot. One jet-setter recounted: “Six family members visited the lounge in Florence, Italy, while waiting for our flight back to the USA. It was very relaxing, good food and drinks, nice bathrooms, no wait to get in. Very good experience.”

Another traveller said: “Been using Priority Pass in Europe for over a year. I made 22 visits last year and all of the experiences were smooth. Zero complaints and I would highly recommend Priority Pass to anyone interested.”

A third passenger wrote: “Our experience was very good! The staff at Heathrow Airport was courteous and efficient. The food was good and the lounge was nice although rather crowded! Would definitely use the lounge again!”.

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However, it hasn’t been all rosy, with a less satisfied customer commenting: “I like the clubs, but they aren’t at all the airports I fly out of. Lately, they have been crowded and have to wait. Often they are located in different terminals than the one I fly out of.”

Despite a few hiccups, the consensus is that securing a spot in a Priority Pass airport lounge has generally been a hit with flyers. Another user concluded: “Literally a life saver when travelling. I love having a place to relax and grab a bite to eat or a drink before a flight. It’s truly a game changer.”

Cancun has plenty to offer, from hidden cenotes tucked within its tropical inland jungle to the luxury resorts along its miles of white-sand beachfront. With such beauty comes great interest, and you can set yourself up for success by planning your ideal Cancun trip around your preferences, whether you desire good weather, fewer crowds, or lower prices.

“It’s never a bad time to visit Cancun,” says Alberto Herrera, the hotel manager of the Marriott Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort, who loves living in the area thanks to the 80-degree temperatures year-round and access to warm, turquoise seas. ”But it’s good to keep a few things in mind when planning your trip, like how warm and less crowded early summer can be, which is great if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience.”

It’s true, Cancun is always hot, but there are times of the year when the heat lessens and the humidity remains at bay. Cancun’s high season runs from December to April, when temperatures hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s another peak during the popular summer travel months of July and August, but that’s when the humidity is extreme and the daily temperature averages around 92 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here’s a general breakdown of Cancun’s tourist seasons:

High Seasons: Late December to early April; July to early September

Late December to early April; July to early September Shoulder Seasons: Late April to June; late November to early December

Late April to June; late November to early December Low Season: Late September to early November

Below, we’ve mapped out the best times to go to Cancun, depending on how you want to spend your vacation.

Michela Buttignol/Travel+Leisure

Best Times to Visit Cancun for Smaller Crowds

The best time to visit Cancun and avoid the crowds is from late April to early June, following the winter and before the rush of summer travelers. The weather is still hot and sunny, but the smothering humidity hasn’t yet peaked. It’s important to note the temperatures start to climb by the end of May, and July and August are the hottest months, with extreme humidity and temperatures reaching 92 degrees Fahrenheit.

The second-best time to visit Cancun for smaller crowds is from mid-January to early March, right before spring break. It’s considered the sweet spot: You’re still traveling during the high season when the weather is at its best, but you’re missing the rush of holiday travelers. Prices tend to drop, crowds thin out, and the weather is still warm, sunny, and dry, with average daily temperatures around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to take a chance on booking a trip during hurricane season, late November to early December is also an excellent time to visit for great weather and fewer crowds.

The Cancun Lighthouse. Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Best Times to Visit Cancun for Good Weather

There’s a reason December to April is the high season in Cancun—it’s when the area experiences its best weather conditions. You can expect sunny skies, low humidity, and warm (but not too warm) temperatures. It’s also Cancun’s dry season, so the likelihood of rain is low, with only the possibility of an occasional shower. Daytime temperatures peak in the mid-80s, while evenings dip into the low 70s Fahrenheit and could even call for a light jacket.

This is also why many families—and travelers in general— visit Cancun during this time, making it an ideal destination to celebrate Thanksgiving, the December holidays, and New Year’s. From mid-November to early December, the weather is excellent, as is late April to early June, when conditions are warm but still on the drier side.

Large resorts along the coast of Cancun. Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Best Times to Visit Cancun for Lower Prices

When the rush of Easter and spring break comes to an end, prices for hotels and airfare decrease. The weather in Cancun is still pleasant in April, though it gets significantly hotter and more humid by June, and the swell of summer vacationers has yet to arrive. This means you have a greater availability for accommodations and a more affordable entry point. This time of year is not to be confused with September to November, when prices are low due to hurricane season (more on that below).

Another way to get the best prices on your trip to Cancun is to consider when you travel within the week. Traveling midweek—particularly Monday to Thursday—often means better prices. Flights are more economical, hotel rates are lower, and you’re simultaneously avoiding crowds that tend to congregate in the resorts and beaches during the weekend travel rush.

Downtown area of Cancun. Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Worst Times to Visit Cancun

Cancun may be an idyllic beach destination, but there is a downside: It falls within the Atlantic hurricane zone. This makes late September to late October the worst time to visit, as the odds of a tropical storm are high. To ensure a smooth trip with favorable weather, it’s best to avoid booking travel from September to November since stray storms can occur at the edges of this season.

September and October are also the rainiest months in Cancun. Frequent downpours and high humidity levels are to be expected. This weather won’t be too troubling for hotel guests who plan to stay at a resort for their entire visit, but for those wishing to explore the area on a road trip, this concentration of rainfall could make driving hazardous. The risk of road closures due to washed-out streets is also greater. In fact, some resorts take advantage of this low season by closing to address annual maintenance needs.

The 2024 Summer Olympics are set for July and August in Paris. In late 2023, accommodations in the City of Light were up 300% for these peak dates, with hotel rooms costing more than €1,000 per night. Combine high prices and intense crowds with the swelteringly high temps that plague many parts of Western Europe in the summer months, and — poof! — those visions of a romantic, dreamy (and affordable) summer vacation in a city like Paris or destinations like Spain, Greece, and Italy, seem to disappear.

But all is not lost. If you want to avoid the crowds, high prices, and intense heat this summer (or at least avoid 2 out of the 3), you can still have a wonderful European vacation in summer 2024. Here’s how to plan your trip and where to go.

How To Choose a Destination in Europe for Summer 2024

If you’re looking for the least crowded cities in Europe in summer, start by avoiding some of the most popular destinations, such as Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and Barcelona. Data shows that bookings in these spots increased by up to 86% from 2022 to 2023, according to the Airlines Reporting Corporation.

When it comes to European travel in the summer of 2024, here’s what to consider:

Crowds

Certain destinations are becoming increasingly popular, especially in summer. Events such as the Olympics mean that a city like Paris will be busy and full this summer. Other spots, like the aforementioned Rome, Amsterdam, and Barcelona, are seeing major increases in summer bookings, meaning you’d face long lines and crowds, especially at popular tourist attractions, in these cities.

You may also want to avoid crowded and popular islands such as Mykonos, where a lack of tourist and transportation infrastructure can make it hard to get around or access key attractions.

Heat

The summer of 2023 was the hottest on record in Europe, according to scientists, and as someone who survived that summer in Spain (and 15 summers before that in the Mediterranean), I can attest to the fact that European summers in many popular destinations are slowly but surely becoming unbearable. Reports of tourists collapsing outside the Colosseum in the hot Roman sun and wildfires in Greece in 2023 are making locals and future tourists concerned about what summer 2024 will bring.

Take temperature into consideration when planning European travel in the summer of 2024. Ensure that if you do choose a particularly hot destination, your accommodation has air conditioning — it’s not a given in Europe.

Prices

Summer is one of the most expensive times to travel, especially in Europe. And with peak award pricing on almost every airline, gone are the days you could expect to catch a deal using points or miles. With both cash and reward prices high, you’d spend a lot just flying to Europe this summer.

Choosing a more affordable destination (maybe skipping Paris, where hotel rooms are triple the price, thanks to the Olympics) can help you save money on things like accommodation, meals, and activities.

The 10 Best Destinations in Europe This Summer: Avoid the Crowds, Beat the Heat, and Save Money

Here are some of the best destinations for avoiding crowds, beating the heat, or getting better prices this summer. Although each place might not meet all 3 requirements, we did our best to pull in cities and islands where you can expect to win with at least 2 out of the 3 factors.

1. Istria, Croatia

The charming city of Rovinj in Istria, Croatia. Image Credit: Moritz Bechert via Pixabay

Let all the tourists head to Dubrovnik, fighting the sweaty crowds through the tight streets, attempting to have an authentic moment in the tiny walled city. Yes, Dubrovnik is incredible, but it’s best to visit in the off-season. Spend summer in the real Croatia: Istria.

Istria is a peninsula in northwest Croatia, home to around 300 miles of stunning coastline and centuries’ worth of historic sites. It’s known among locals for its quaint seaside and hilltop villages like Rovinj, Motovun (get your medieval wall fix here instead of Dubrovnik), Porec, and Hum. Porec features one of Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Euphrasian Basilica, while Hum is reportedly the smallest town in the world.

Although Istria sees Croatian tourism in the summer, you wouldn’t encounter nearly as many visitors as you would along the Dalmatian Coast — it’s also more affordable and cooler than other areas of the country.

One of the best ways to explore the island is via road trip — fly into Pula (PUY) then rent a car, or take a road trip from a larger city further from the peninsula, like Zagreb (ZAG) or Zadar (ZAD).

Hot Tip: If you’re renting a car in a European country, make sure to rent using a travel credit card that offers car rental insurance, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Benefit from primary collision damage waiver insurance, which can cover you in the case of theft or damage. Make sure to read the fine print before renting to ensure you get coverage in whatever European country you’re visiting.

2. Azores, Portugal

The Azores in Portugal. Image Credit: Yves Alarie via Unsplash

The Azores, a Portuguese archipelago of 9 volcanic islands, lies in the middle of the Atlantic, slightly more than halfway between the U.S. and Europe. The off-the-beaten-path destination remains pleasantly cool(ish) in the summer, never seems to feel crowded (ferry to the smaller islands for fewer crowds or stick around the larger islands for more to do), and is affordable. You can also fly nonstop to the largest island, Sao Miguel Ponte Delgada Airport (PDL), on Azores Airlines from New York (JFK) in under 6 hours.

The island’s remote location and dramatic scenery (think volcanic craters, craggy cliffs, and moss-covered mountains) make it feel decidedly exotic, from its bubbling natural hot springs to its famous crater lakes. Whale-watching is a popular activity on the island, and summer is the season you have the best chance of spotting sperm whales. It’s also an optimal destination for diving, especially if you want to see whales up close. The islands’ waters are home to nearly 30 different whale species.

If you prefer to taste wines, head to Pico Island, which has the most wine production, or islands like Terceira and Graciosa. Thanks to the islands’ unique position in the Atlantic and their volcanic soil, Azores wines are sharp, flavorful, and mineral-y.

Don’t leave without visiting some of the Azores’ famous lakes: Sete Cidades, a collection of lakes inside a volcanic crater, and Lagoa do Fogo, prime for hiking.

3. The Lake District, Italy

Monte Isola, an island in Lake Iseo in Italy. Image Credit: Reinhold Schlager via Pixabay

The Italian Lake District has some of the most picturesque and dramatic fresh waters in the world — clear waters backed by towering mountains, charming villages, and historic palazzi. This destination is easily accessible from hubs like Milan by car or train, but if you avoid the touristy Lake Como, you’ll find that the lesser-known lakes are incredibly beautiful and less busy in summer, like lakes Iseo, Garda, Maggiore, Orta, and Lugano.

While these destinations aren’t particularly cheap, you can find more affordable B&Bs, hotels, or home rentals here than in Lake Como. And though it will be hot, it usually isn’t nearly as bad as Italy’s southern coastal beach towns or islands such as Sicily, which can see extremely high temps in the summer.

There’s plenty to do for all types of travelers around the lakes. The towns that surround them are incredibly quaint, featuring lakeside dining, boutiques, and bicycle rentals. You can boat or ferry around the lakes or hike in the nearby hills. To avoid the tourist hordes, head to Lake Iseo, and make sure to visit Monte Isola, Europe’s largest lake island.

Hot Tip: Driving Italy’s weaving roads can feel daunting, so instead of renting a car, consider using the country’s Trenitalia services. Frecciarosa is the train operator’s high-speed line, though most of the trains heading to lake towns are regional services leaving from major cities like Milan.

4. Lapland, Finland

Finland is especially charming in the summer. Image Credit: LUM3N via Pixabay

An increasingly popular summer destinations as the Mediterranean gets hotter and hotter, northern Finland’s vast outdoor expanse has plenty of space for everyone. Although it’s popular in winter (Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland’s capital, is where Santa Claus lives), it’s also the land of the midnight sun, where you can actually enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight in the early summer. The solstice is a particularly popular time to visit, when you can experience never-ending parties and celebrations. And Christmas in July doesn’t sound all that bad, either.

The midnight sun phenomenon continues through Finnish Lapland’s countryside, where you should head if you want to get off the grid and into nature. Besides hiking and biking, you can also pan for gold, do yoga with reindeer, canoe, kayak, river raft, or experience Finnish saunas (the area has summer highs of around 60 degrees).

Besides the more traditional hotels and rental cottages, this area also has many unusual types of lodging that adventurous travelers can test out. Consider staying in a treehouse, igloo (even in the summer), glass hut, log cabin, wilderness lodge, or other original accommodation.

5. Canary Islands, Spain

A white sandy beach in Spain’s Canary Islands. Image Credit: Roy Buri fvia Pixabay

These 7 Spanish islands are actually closer to Africa than Spain. Still, don’t expect scorching summer temps, as these islands remain breezy and cooler than most of mainland Spain. Not only are these islands affordable and enjoyable destinations for a vacation (think sun, sand, and budget all-inclusive hotels), but, surprisingly, summer isn’t high season. Because the islands have year-round sun and warmth, winter is actually when most Europeans head over to defrost, meaning you can easily enjoy a crowd-free summer vacation here.

Gran Canaria and Tenerife (you can now fly nonstop on United from Newark (EWR)) are the largest islands, but if you want to surf, head to Fuerteventura, known for its empty sands and beginner-to-advanced-level swells. You’ll find yourself all by your lonesome if you head to the volcano-backed Cofete Beach, part of Jandía Natural Reserve. Most visitors don’t bother driving 30 minutes on a dirt road to arrive at the remote, lengthy shoreline, but the rugged, golden sands are worth it.

Thanks to its varying elevations and microclimates, Tenerife is full of natural wonders, including black sand beaches, vineyards, cloud forests, and Teide, the highest point in Spain. Meanwhile, the pristine island of La Gomera features a magical laurel forest just an hourlong ferry ride from Tenerife.

Hot Tip: The Canary Islands are popular among European tourists, so you can fly from nearly any major European hub to the larger islands like Tenerife (TFS) and Gran Canaria (LPA), as well as Fuerteventura (FUE) and Lanzarote (ACE), on a variety of full-fare and low-cost carriers. If you prefer to visit the smaller islands, like El Hierro, La Gomera, and La Palma, you may have to take a ferry from one of the larger islands.

6. Lake Annecy, France

France’s charming Lake Annecy. Image Credit: Pat via Pixabay

If you want to visit Paris for the Olympics, go, then immediately escape the hot and pricey city for a refreshing lakeside retreat. Many French islands and coastal destinations like St. Tropez and Cannes are crowded, hot, and overpriced in the summer months, but Lake Annecy, even when busy, feels delightfully relaxing and spacious.

Although Vieille Ville, the most popular town along the lake, may feel busy, its colorful architecture, background of towering peaks, and fairytale charm (think enticing flea markets, baroque churches, bistro after bistro with outdoor seating, and the Thiou River) have earned it the nickname “Venice of the Alps.”

The lake itself is ringed by pine-covered woods, rolling hills, and the occasional chateau, as well as several miles of walking trails. Lakeside beaches are the perfect places to relax and cool off with a refreshing swim, followed by a picnic among the verdant lake surroundings. You can also rent bikes and cruise around the lake to take in the full picture.

Note that even though Lake Annecy is in France, if you’re coming from the U.S. without a stop in Paris, the closest airport is Geneva (GVA) in Switzerland.

7. Faroe Islands, Denmark

The lighthouse in Mykines on the Faroe Islands. Image Credit: Philipp Waldhauer via Unsplash

Getting to the remote Faroe Islands isn’t as simple as getting to most other European destinations, which is why most visitors head over in summer when the better weather means easier access. Still, although summer is high season, the locals boast that you’ll still encounter more sheep than people (there are more than 70,000 sheep there), and there’s also a large population of puffins.

The islands are north of Scotland, between Norway and Iceland. Although the archipelago is Danish, it’s not part of the EU. Thanks to its far-flung location, the islands’ natural wonders are pristine — imagine sea cliffs like the famous Drangarnir rock formation, waterfalls, and even manmade attractions like grass-roof houses.

Don’t miss Lake Sorvagsvatn, a lake on cliffs that tower above the ocean, and plan to take a day trip to Mykines (arrive via ferry or helicopter) to view its lighthouse and native seabirds, including puffins.

Hot Tip: While you’d think getting to such a remote destination would be expensive, it’s actually not too bad. You can fly there for a couple hundred euros round-trip from destinations like Copenhagen (CPH) and Reykjavik (KEF) to Vágar (VAE). The Faroe Islands has its own airline, Atlantic Airways, which operates flights from destinations like London Gatwick (LGW), Paris (CDG), Barcelona (BCN), and other destinations. The airline also operates a once-per-week, nonstop seasonal route from New York Stewart (SWF) to Vágar (VAE) in late summer into early fall.

8. Paros and Antiparos, Greece

The whites, blues, and florals of Antiparos, Greece. Image Credit: Dimitris Kiriakakis via Unsplash

Although many visitors to the Greek islands want to start with the ever-popular Santorini, which is more expensive than ever, or Mykonos, where it’s impossible to get a taxi or beach chair in the summer, there are hundreds of other Greek islands out there. If you’re really looking for a crowd-free European vacation, going to one of the other ones is the best idea you may have all summer.

Our top picks for a Greek island summer vacation to beat the crowds and keep prices in check are Paros and Antiparos. Although the main port of Paros, Parikia, may feel busy, you should be able to get a spot on the beach without issue around the rest of the island, even during the summer months. You may want to stay in the charming, whitewashed town of Naoussa as opposed to the more crowded Parikia, though — hotel stays are significantly cheaper there than in Santorini. You can also reach the nearby island Naxos with a 40-minute ferry ride.

To get even further off the beaten path, take the 10-minute boat ride from Pounda port in Paros to Antiparos. Antiparos doesn’t have much in the way of nightlife — it’s a quieter island for relaxation and escaping the crowds. Both islands are relatively windy, ideal for kitesurfing or windsurfing.

9. Slovenia

Summer in Slovenia is green and beautiful. Image Credit: Hasmik Ghazaryan Olson via Unsplash

Summer is Slovenia’s busiest tourist season, but it still won’t feel that crowded unless you head for the packed shores of Lake Bled. It’s the ideal country for a family road trip, so you can stop and see many different types of landscapes and have distinct experiences, even with the kids in tow. The first country to be given an award for being a “green country” by the Green Destinations organization, Slovenia is perfect for sustainable travelers.

Start with a visit to Postojna Cave Park, a network of caves complete with a castle built into the side of a mountain. Particularly well-suited for children is a cave train that they can explore the tunnels on. Next, go to one of Slovenia’s 14 certified natural thermal spas. Many are family-friendly, and it’s a great way to cool off during a hot summer (which isn’t even that hot compared to many other European destinations).

Family-friendly hikes are simple throughout the Julian Alps, thanks to a variety of beginner trails and paths, which are well-marked and easy to find. More advanced cyclists and hikers, as well as adventure enthusiasts, may prefer Triglav National Park — you can also kayak, raft, canyon, and paraglide there.

Finally, only a small portion of Slovenia is on the coast (the country has less than 30 miles of seaside coastline), but it’s still worth a visit, especially Izola. Just expect pebble beaches instead of sand.

10. Beara Peninsula, Ireland

The Caha Mountains in Ireland. Image Credit: Colin C Murphy via Unsplash

Stay cool this summer with a trip to Ireland. While you’ve probably heard of the popular Ring of Kerry driving route, are you familiar with the Ring of Beara? This lesser-known road trip route takes you to charming villages, isolated natural wonders, and plenty to do and see.

The route is just under 100 miles, running through ranges like the Caha Mountains and the sandstone Slieve Miskish Mountains, as well as tiny villages, waterfalls, and stunning coastlines featuring offshore islands. Although most will probably want to drive the route, cyclists may want to tackle part of it on a bike, like the Caha Pass.

Popular stops include hikes or walks through the woods and waterfalls of Glengarriff Nature Reserve; dining in Kenmare, a foodie destination with colorful rowhouses; and Garnish Island, which you can reach on a ferry from Glengarriff Pier, home to a colony of adorable seals. Drive through Healy Pass, admiring the rolling hills and sheep, stopping to take photos along the way.

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Final Thoughts

A European summer vacation is a popular choice for many U.S. travelers for good reason. The continent is home to iconic tourist attractions, incredible beaches, and millennia of history. But overtourism, high prices, and extreme heat can ruin a vacation, especially during the high season.

Make sure your trip is affordable, refreshing, and crowd-free by choosing one of the destinations on this list for your summer 2024 vacation. Save those blockbuster, popular European spots for the shoulder or low season for better prices, fewer crowds, and cooler weather.

Trinity Lake, at its fullest, has 145 miles of shoreline and is 2.5 million acre-feet of water. It is an artificial lake formed by the creation of the Trinity Dam, a massive earth-filled dam, in the 1960s. (Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

The Trinity Alps is home to several campgrounds, resorts and limitless backcountry camping spots. There are several campgrounds around Trinity Lake, including Hayward Flat, Jackass Springs and Bushytail, which has showers. Rental cabins and resorts (and also a Buddhist retreat center where you can rent various accommodations) are scattered throughout the Trinity Alps for those wanting to sleep in something beyond a nylon-walled tent.

Here are some of the campgrounds that hikers should consider when planning a trip to the Trinities.

Big Flat Campground

Big Flat Campground Coordinates: 41.06774331659005, -122.93508337539711

Cost: No fee.

Bathrooms: Vault toilets.

Water: Creek only; will need to boil what you collect or bring a filter.

Open: Seasonally, depending on snow levels.

Dogs allowed? Yes.

Remote and deeper in the Trinities than others on this list, the Big Flat Campground in Klamath National Forest has nine first-come, first-served campsites just off the South Fork of the Salmon River. It is farther north than other sites on this list, nearest to the Coffee Creek community where there’s a general store that sells cold beer and sandwiches.

Hikers camping here will have several trails to choose from, including arduous but rewarding treks to Caribou Lakes, the Yellow Rose Mine or Ward Lake. The site sits at about 5,000 feet and is typically closed until later in the summer when snow in the area has melted enough for the campground to be safely accessed. It is best to call or check in person at the ranger station to ensure your vehicle is suitable to make the drive on Coffee Creek Road.

Bridge Camp Campground

Bridge Camp Campground has 10 campsites, each with picnic tables and fire rings. (Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

Bridge Camp is a 10-site first-come, first-served campground situated along the Stuart Fork, a tributary of the Trinity River, in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Situated about 17 miles north of Weaverville, the campground has potable water available from Memorial Day to Oct. 31.

Bridge Camp Campground Coordinates: 40.87315136119416, -122.91633473487053

Cost: $20/night.

Bathrooms: Vault toilets.

Water: Potable water available from Memorial Day to Oct. 31.

Open: Year-round.

Dogs allowed? Yes.

To reach the campground, you’ll drive through the charming Trinity Alps Resort, which rents out rustic red cabins named after California counties, and onto a narrow gravel road. Use extreme caution on this final stretch of your journey as the southern edge of the roadway has a steep drop-off that plunges down to the Stuart Fork.

The campground is an arboreous escape shaded by massive old trees and, under safe conditions, guests can enjoy a cool dip in Stuart Fork’s clear waters.

Backpackers will often stay a night here because it shares its location with the Stuart Fork Trailhead, where they can start a multi-day trip to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes, which are 14 and 15 miles away, respectively. This trip to reach the 21-acre Emerald Lake (at a depth of 68 feet) and 43-acre Sapphire Lake (at 200 feet deep) is one of the most popular among backpackers in the Trinities. The Stuart Fork trail also makes for great day hiking regardless of how far you go.

As a bonus, Trinity Alps Resort, only two miles from the campground, has a general store that’s open to the public and features an ice cream counter and a restaurant, Bear’s Breath Bar & Grill, that advertises a “world famous” spaghetti buffet — just in case you forget your can opener and need an easy spot for dinner.

Lifestyle This California national park is ‘chill Yosemite,’ an outdoor wonderland without crowds Kings Canyon National Park is only a five-hour drive from Los Angeles and boasts a glacier-carved valley, a roaring river, hulking granite mountains, massive ancient trees and countless waterfalls. It’s like Yosemite without the crowds.

Mary Smith Campground

Mary Smith Campground Coordinates: 40.731118668910945, -122.8077442443847

Cost: $30-135 plus fees.

Bathrooms: Flush and vault toilets.

Water: Potable water available.

Open: Generally open from early April through Oct. 31. Reservations required from June 8 to Sept. 30.

Dogs allowed? Dogs are not allowed inside the yurts but are allowed in kennels outside the units, and at tent sites.

Mary Smith, a 17-site campground on Lewiston Lake shoreline, treats guests with one thing none of the other sites on this list provide: glamping. Six of its campsites, each available to reserve through recreation.gov, offer yurts including queen beds with linens, down comforters and pillows, along with two nightstands and an oversized rug. Outside the yurts, guests will find armchairs, a coffee table, fire pit and picnic table. Not a bad place to rest after hiking and swimming all day!

The campground, shaded by large pine and other trees, has flush and vault toilets and drinking water. Guests can marvel at great views of the lakes and wildflowers that blanket the area through the summer. It’s a great spot to camp for anyone wanting to kayak or canoe, as the lake has a 10-mph speed limit for watercraft.

Ripstein Campground

The Ripstein campground has 10 sites for tent camping near the popular Canyon Creek trailhead. (Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

Ripstein Campground Coordinates: 40.87632941356905, -123.02811654908179

Cost: No fee.

Bathrooms: Vault toilets.

Water: Creek only; will need to boil what you collect or bring a filter.

Open: Open year-round.

Dogs allowed? Yes.

Ripstein is a 10-site first-come, first-served campground in Shasta-Trinity National Forest that’s shaded by tall trees with a natural soundscape of nearby Canyon Creek. It has multiple roomy campsites, including a few next to the river that deliver pristine views and privacy.

The popular Canyon Creek Trailhead is just under a mile away, and a popular swim area is close too. Nearby parking areas can fill up on weekends so it’s best to arrive early to the trailhead or walk from your campground. Backpackers use this campground as a quick stopover before heading out.

Although Ripstein doesn’t have potable water or flush toilets, it boasts a landscape so vibrant and green, it feels like walking into a fairy tale. For those campers willing to rough it a bit, it’s an A-plus choice.

Spain, France, Greece and Italy are some of the most popular holiday destinations for Britons, but visiting these countries during peak season can leave you fighting off crowds at the beach or at popular landmarks.

Speaking exclusively to GB News, a travel expert explained how shifting the times and cities you visit could make all the difference.

Co-founder and board chair at TourAxis Jakes Maritz said avoiding peak periods – like the summer months and British school holidays – is worth considering if you want to avoid masses of tourists, and more expensive prices. He said: “This is one tip we cannot recommend enough. Summer is great, but shoulder season is where the magic happens. Enjoy milder temperatures, fewer crowds and unbeatable discounts on flights, accommodations and activities.

The expert tips can help you avoid the crowds GETTY

“For example, Athens’ Acropolis costs €30 (£25) to visit in summer but is cheaper in winter. Sun-soaked spots like the Greek Islands and Portugal still shine in the off-season, minus the heat and hassle.” If shifting the time when you travel isn’t possible, changing the destination could be another way to save. Visit lesser-known areas in your holiday country of choice. Jakes continued: “There’s no denying the timeless allure of cities like Paris, Venice and Barcelona. However, Europe’s charm doesn’t end there. “Beyond the tourist hotspots lies a world of lesser-known gems just waiting to be explored. Think vibrant energy, rich history, and fewer crowds.”

So, where should you go instead? The travel pro suggested alternative destinations to consider this year. He told GB News: “Discover the cool summer vibes of Riga, Vilnius, Tallinn, and Helsinki. Trade Venice for enchanting Ljubljana, skip the pricey Greek Islands for captivating North Macedonia, or swap the bustling French Riviera for the stunning, unspoiled shores of Albania’s Riviera.” If you are going to visit one of the more popular holiday spots, do your research ahead of time. There may be hidden treasures worth visiting, which could be much less busy than the main tourist spots. Jakes explained: “Even the busiest cities usually have a few unsung spots which locals love but tourists rarely frequent.