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A full-time traveler who's been to 67 countries says these 3 are underrated gems for summer trips
Courtesy of Tia Thomas
- Tia Thomas, a full-time traveler, has visited 67 countries and over 100 cities.
- Her favorite underrated countries for summer trips are Pakistan, Montenegro, and Albania.
- She said she enjoyed a lot of quiet hikes in Pakistan and beautiful landscapes in Montenegro.
For as long as I can remember, summer has felt like the most popular time to travel.
After all, school is out and the weather is sunny and warm in many places worldwide. However, this also means vacationers can run into crowds if they plan to hit a popular travel destination.
Fortunately, there are underrated spots out there that may not feel as packed in the summer. Just ask Tia Thomas, a full-time traveler and founder of Why Not Adventures, a tour company focusing on hidden-gem destinations.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Thomas has been traveling nonstop for the last three years. She's been to 67 countries and over 100 cities across six continents.
In an email interview, she told Business Insider three of her favorite underrated countries for summer vacations that usually aren't crowded with tourists.
Courtesy of Tia Thomas
Thomas said she had the time of her life visiting Pakistan in June 2024.
"You would not believe the places I had all to myself," she said, recalling trekking glaciers and camping in solitude beneath mountains over 22,000 feet tall.
The country has many beautiful landscapes, and Thomas especially recommends hiking from Fairy Meadows to the base camp of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-tallest mountain on Earth.
She also suggests travelers head to Rakaposhi Base Camp and stay at Hapakun Campsite for glacier views. They can also drive the Karakoram Highway, one of the world's highest paved roads that's surrounded by mountain views.
If you're a thrill seeker, visit Skardu, where you can drive motorbikes, paraglide, ride horses, or go on desert safaris.
She also recommends spending a night in the mountain village of Karimabad, which offers boutique accommodations and local markets with handmade goods.
History buffs should also visit Lahore's iconic UNESCO sites, such as the Lahore Fort citadel and Badshahi Mosque.
Courtesy of Tia Thomas
Montenegro is Thomas's all-time favorite country. She's been to the small European country multiple times, most recently in June 2024.
"It has everything for an amazing summer vacation," she said, including "picturesque old towns and cobbled streets with alfresco dining, beautiful beaches, mountain backdrops, and underrated national parks."
Thomas said Montenegro's beaches, mountains, and architecture are similar to what you'd find in Italy, but without as many crowds. After all, the Balkan country typically receives millions fewer visitors a year.
While there, she recommends visiting the coastal town of Kotor to take a boat trip around the bay or a cable car to the alpine coaster that goes down a cliff overlooking the bay.
Travelers can also enjoy the historic architecture in the nearby town of Perast, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
While in Montenegro, Thomas also suggests visiting Sveti Stefan for a beach day and Skadar Lake for kayaking.
Courtesy of Tia Thomas
Just south of Montenegro, Albania is an underrated spot for relaxing beach vacations and adventurous trips.
"Not only does it have a gorgeous coastline, but the mountains are incredible," she said.
Thomas visited the country in June 2023 and hiked to waterfalls, mountain passes, and alpine rivers. She said she didn't see many other tourists during her trip.
She recommends hiking in the Alps of Albania National Park and stopping at the Albanian Riviera, a coastline with turquoise water and white-sand beaches similar to what you'd find in more crowded spots in Europe.
The country's also home to Ksamil, which some have nicknamed the "Maldives of Europe," but Thomas recommends heading a little more north to Himarë instead. Both places have beautiful beaches, but the latter is usually far less crowded.