Looking to avoid the crowds and make the most of summer travel in 2025? On this episode of Unpacked, Afar contributor Mark Ellwood—a seasoned traveler who has spent most of his life living out of a suitcase—shares the off-the-beaten path summer adventures you can enjoy, again and again.

On this episode you’ll discover:  

Don’t miss these moments: 

[07:54] The Midwest’s best-kept summer travel secret. 

[12:53] Surf in the part of Scotland most people forget is there. 

[14:30] How to vacation like an Italian and avoid tourist traps. 

[20:30] Affordable flights and volcanic adventures: Why the Caribbean is a hiker’s paradise. 

While many travelers flock to hotspots like the Amalfi Coast or Rocky Mountains, Mark Ellwood reveals off-the-radar destinations, seasoned travel hacks and ways to enjoy popular locations without the crowds. 

Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter, Behind the Mic, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our second podcast, Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.

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