Europe Is Overcrowded This Summer. Explore These Dazzling Destinations Across The Americas Instead

While Europe is equipped with a staggering amount of historic cities and scenic seaside villages for visitors to explore, overtourism is a pressing issue all across the continent, with iconic destinations like Portofino and Dubrovnik growing choked with visitors as peak season approaches. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of spectacular tourist destinations scattered across both North and South America, each one offering its own unique array of historic landmarks, gorgeous natural landscapes, and top-tier drinking and dining destinations. Rather than spending your vacation packed into De Wallen like a sardine, forgo the trans-Atlantic flight this year and opt for a journey across these stunning islands and cities instead.

For Wildlife Lovers: Antigua

Hoping to get in touch with the natural world this summer? Look no further than Antigua, a verdant Caribbean island that’s rife with fascinating flora and fauna. In the Antiguan interior, Wallings Reservoir serves as a paradise for visiting birders, with avian species like the Caribbean elaenia, Antillean crested hummingbird, and northern parula all calling the area home—and just a short drive south, Carlisle Bay offers ultra-luxurious accommodations complete with an added opportunity for ecotourism. Just beyond property limits, Cades Reef is teeming with dazzling tropical fish for resort guests to marvel at, while private catamaran tours are available for booking as well, offering the opportunity for visitors to bask in the biodiversity of Antigua’s Great Bird Island, a crucial haven for one of the earth’s rarest snake species.

For Gastronomes: Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has earned worldwide acclaim for its hold on the global music scene, with artists like Bad Bunny and Rauw Alejandro topping charts across the planet in recent years—and this vibrant island is no slouch when it comes to drinking and dining, either. In the capital city of San Juan, visitors can experience the rich flavors of the region firsthand on an excursion with Get Shopped, kicking off with a history-focused walking tour followed by a three-course tasting experience that culminates with mofongo, a treasured Puerto Rican dish that’s packed with green plantains, chicharrón, and garlic. And for cocktail aficionados in particular, the Caribe Hilton offers particularly suitable accommodations, equipped with three massive outdoor pools, beachfront access, and Caribar, an on-property venue that’s believed by many to be the birthplace of the piña colada.

For Relaxation: Miami Beach

If you forgot to renew your passport in time for summer, there’s no need to worry—Miami Beach is perfectly equipped to deliver an incredible vacation without having to set foot on international soil. North of the dazzling party center of South Beach, the city’s Mid-Beach district offers a much more laid-back environment, with The Confidante serving as the perfect spot for a little rest and relaxation. While visitors can spend the day enjoying a cocktail at the adults-only outdoor pool or sunbathing on the beach just past property limits, The Lounge is the perfect destination for a decadent meal, serving up hearty dishes like smoked chicken tacos, crispy calamari, and cubano sandwiches. After dinner, there’s no shortage of Mid-Beach bars offering the perfect nightcap, with venues ranging from the rum-centric WunderBar to Hoja Taqueria, a top destination for Oaxacan fare and agave spirits.

For Outdoor Adventure: Curaçao

The largest of South America’s ABC Islands, Curaçao serves as one of the most underrated outdoor adventure destinations in all of the Caribbean, equipped with 444 square kilometers of arid landscape for visitors to explore. For a deep dive into the more remote reaches of the island, Eric’s ATV Adventures highlights attractions like the island’s northern caves and massive ostrich farm during their 3.5-hour East Tour, while Tourrific Curaçao showcases the spectacular beauty of the local beaches atop a jetski—but when it comes to true thrills, nothing tops an abseiling adventure atop the Queen Juliana Bridge. Led by local guide Albert Schoop, this heart-pounding excursion leads visitors to the top of the tallest bridge in the Caribbean, after which they descend 56.4 meters with nothing more than a rope attached to them. After a long day packed with thrills, the Pietermaai Boutique Hotel serves as the perfect place to unwind, offering lush gardens and two outdoor pools just east of Curaçao’s vibrant Punda district.

For All of the Above: Panama City

Officially established in 1519, the aptly-named Panamanian capital of Panama City tends to fly under the radar when it comes to tourism, but this historic settlement offers a massive array of activities perfectly suited for every type of traveler. For history buffs and fine dining aficionados alike, Hotel La Compañia is the perfect base for exploring the city, equipped with three separate wings that highlight Panama’s French, Spanish, and U.S. influences. During a stay, guests can enjoy a lavish dinner at 1739, a storied space that’s home to refined French fare and more than 1,800 wine bottles, while award-winning restaurants like A to Z Chef’s Table and Fonda Lo Que Hay are just a short walk away. As an added bonus for wildlife lovers, Panama City is located just 45 minutes from Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, a massive nature preserve that’s home to caimans, capybara and sloths.