The Best Places For Americans To Take A Vacation Right Now

Summer is almost over; there is time for one more adventure. You've saved up your hard-earned money and vacation time, and it all comes down to one question:  Where are you going to go?

While people are flocking to the neighboring Ireland, you stop at the often overlooked Northern Ireland. You can find amazing package deals that include backpacking and tours. Make sure you check for them on Groupon or Living Social. Prices in general in the country are not very high. A major tourist attraction, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, is also one of the scariest. The Dunluce Castle, an iconic Medieval Irish castle on the Antrim Coast, is a must-see.

California and Hawaii are the first states that come to mind when people think about surfing. But North Carolina, and especially Kill Devil Hills, ranks just as high. Don't pay attention to the name, this is a peaceful town. If you like slow pace, this is the place to be. The best surf spots are Avalon Pier, S-Turns and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The summer is the time to go in this Southern town as everything seems to wake up and revive.

Did you know that Jackson Hole offers great river surfing conditions? The town is not just perfect for word-class skiing. With its proximity to national parks like Grand Teton and Yellowstone, it is an outdoor adventurer's paradise. There's no shortage of trails, waters and wildlife to discover. Paddle the Snake River, which has sections calm enough for kids and others exciting enough for adrenaline junkies, or head out on a wildlife safari.

The Alabama Gulf Coast offers something for everyone. Tourists and locals enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing and skim boarding on the beaches. Fishing is big there, too. Charter fleets leave every day. The Gulf Shores has a lot of wildlife and nature trails. When you need a break from those sugar-white clear sandy beaches, go on a zip line course over the waters of Lake Shelby.

The Greek island of Rhodes is home to beautiful beaches and a picturesque landscape of green hills and valleys. With beginnings dating back to antiquity, Rhodes offers an authentic experience of Greece that mixes old and new. Stroll through the Old Town of Rhodes to see medieval fortress-like buildings, bastions, alleys, old houses, fountains, squares, and the magnificent Palace of the Grand Master, which currently operates as a museum.

This is the "transition" period—deals are plenty and crowds are practically non-existent. You can easily find tours that are both educational and entertaining, so you can be sure to walk away with more knowledge and more fun than you have ever had. A tour of Monteverde's cloud forests, the area's crown gem, is well worth it.

The No. 1 destination on the rise in the U.S. is Gatlinburg, according to TripAdvisor. Visit before it gets too crowded. People describe it as beautiful, clean, and very peaceful. Gatlinburg offers access to the Great Smoky Mountains and lots of good places to eat delicious southern food. And in 2016, nearby Dollywood opened the world's fastest wooden roller coaster. There are some good end-of-summer deals. Cycling in the Smokies, zip lining and mountain golf are some of tourists' favorite activities.

While everybody is going to Paris and London, you head south to Portugal. Located on the southernmost region of the country, the Algarve is where you'll find stretches of sparkling beaches, spectacular cliffs, and quant historic villages. This Mediterranean gem offers something for everyone – swimming, fishing, hiking, boating, and golfing are popular activities with tourists.

This is an up-and-coming destination. Resting on both sides of the Danube River, Hungary's capital city is often referred to as the "Little Paris of Middle Europe." Tourists are drawn to Budapest for its rich history and modern allure. Visit numerous World Heritage Sites such as the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, and Millennium Underground Railway (the world's second oldest metro line). The city is a place where music and art thrive and history is ever-present.

Look beyond Costa Rica if you are considering a trip to South America. The wine, the tango, the fishing, the mountaineering, the nightlife, the architecture – the reasons to visit this beautiful country are endless. Buenos Aires is one of the world's most exhilarating capital cities, with astonishing art, captivating neighborhoods, and excellent food. Iguazu Falls should be on your bucket list. See the Hornocal Mountains, one of the most colorful places on Earth.

Believe it or not, the UK is among the most adventurous countries in the world. Devon is a spectacular region of strong contrasts, with two gorgeous shorelines, two national parks and five official Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The area is known for stunning beaches and awesome breaks for surfing. After that explore the gorgeous green countryside to reconnect with nature and relax.

You don't have to leave the country to go on vacation on an island. You won't find any high rises, board walks or traffic jams. Chincoteague Island, Virginia's only resort Island, which is just 7 miles long, is a serene tourist destination. It is home to the famous Chincoteague Wild Ponies. They are free to roam across Assateague Island's National Shoreline. Other things visitors enjoy are beachcombing, boating, fishing, kayaking, clamming, crabbing, swimming, hiking, and bird watching.

Boat tours, swimming, fishing, ranger talks, evening programs, camping, and other activities are offered. Bike along the famous 33-mile Rim Drive to see the country's deepest lake – 1,943 feet. Explore old-growth forests or wildflower meadows, and climb mountains for great views of the lake. The breathtaking views make the national park a very desirable camping location. The Mazama Campground offers sites for $31, according to NPS.

If you want to know everything about the Vikings, visit Oslo, the capital. The museums have many artifacts that had been excavated from graves all over the country. Norway has so many rivers that it's no surprise kayaking has become so popular. The Flam Railway through Norwegian Fjords offers rugged scenery and massive inlets that are absolutely magnificent.  No matter when you decide to explore Norway's secret gems and culture, you'll find exhilarating adventures. Visit Tromso for the most stunning views of the Northern Lights; you can see the natural phenomenon more than 250 nights a year.

Stay for the serenity, lobster, and charm quaint Bar Harbor offers. The fact that it's so close to Acadia National Park is a bonus. It has long been known for its stunningly rugged natural coastline, and the best way to take it all in is from the water during the summer months. This national park is one of the best spots to paddle the U.S. coastline. Visitors can also go hiking, camping, and storm watching on the Schoodic Peninsula, and view the gorgeous sunrise over Cadillac Mountain.