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- Why new nonstop flights matter for smart summer travel
- Bari, Italy — Puglia’s coastal secret with Adriatic views
- Santiago de Compostela, Spain — Cool, green Galicia and medieval charm
- Split, Croatia — Ancient palace walls meet island-hopping coastlines
- Booking tips to lock in peace and space
- Where to prioritize and how to pack your days
Summer in Europe no longer means squeezing into packed piazzas and waiting hours for a table. New nonstop routes from the United States are making it easier to reach lesser-known European cities that deliver history, beaches, and food — without the tourist crush. Here are three destinations to consider, plus how to get there on direct flights that skip the usual hub chaos.
Why new nonstop flights matter for smart summer travel
Direct air service changes more than travel time. It removes the stress of connections, long security lines, and lost luggage risk. For Americans chasing quieter streets and authentic local scenes, nonstop routes open options that were once logistically painful.
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- Fewer transfers means less chance of delays and missed connections.
- Less airport time lets you start exploring sooner.
- Direct flights often arrive at regional airports that put you closer to coastal towns and historic centers.
Bari, Italy — Puglia’s coastal secret with Adriatic views
Why Bari should be on your radar
Bari sits on Italy’s southeastern heel and serves as a perfect base for exploring Puglia. Think limestone alleys, fishing ports, and dramatic sea cliffs — all without the constant crush of Amalfi-level crowds.
What to do and eat
- Explore the Old Town with its tight lanes and ancient basilicas.
- Seek out seafood markets and local trattorie serving handmade orecchiette.
- Take day trips to iconic Trulli homes and sandy coves along the Adriatic.
How to fly there from the U.S.
United Airlines now operates the only nonstop U.S.–Bari service. The carrier began flying four times a week from Newark/New York (EWR) on a Boeing 767-300ER starting May 1, 2026. That direct link cuts out long transit days and gets you to Puglia faster.
Santiago de Compostela, Spain — Cool, green Galicia and medieval charm
What makes Santiago different
Santiago de Compostela is the traditional finish line of the Camino de Santiago. It’s a compact, walkable city known for its cathedral, cobbled squares, and a calmer, greener climate than Spain’s hotter south.
Local life and atmosphere
- Wander medieval plazas that feel frozen in time.
- Enjoy seafood galore, with Atlantic flavors rather than Mediterranean heat.
- Experience a safer, quieter urban pace ideal for solo and slow travel.
New direct access from Newark
United launched a regular nonstop from Newark (EWR) to Santiago de Compostela on May 27, 2026. The service runs three times weekly on a Boeing 737-MAX8, making Galicia far easier to reach for U.S. travelers.
Split, Croatia — Ancient palace walls meet island-hopping coastlines
Why Split stands out
Split fuses deep Roman history with modern Adriatic life. The city grows right out of Diocletian’s Palace, and the waterfront promenade hums with cafes, boats, and a lively local scene.
How to spend your days
- Tour Diocletian’s Palace and climb bell towers for sweeping views.
- Eat risotto and grilled seafood beside the harbor.
- Use Split as a launching point for Dalmatian islands like Hvar and Brač.
Direct flight options
United began a nonstop Newark–Split route on April 30, 2026. The airline flies this route three times weekly on a Boeing 767-300ER, the only direct connection from the U.S. to Split during summer service.
Booking tips to lock in peace and space
Choosing less-touristed cities is only half the battle. Book smart to keep your trip calm and comfortable.
- Book early for the best fares and seat selection on new nonstop routes.
- Consider midweek departures to avoid weekend spikes in demand.
- Use flexible tickets or travel insurance in case schedules change.
- Look for ferries or regional trains once you arrive to skip expensive car rentals.
Where to prioritize and how to pack your days
These cities reward a slower pace. Plan for long meals, short transit times, and afternoon walks rather than frantic sight-seeing lists.
- Balance one big attraction with several neighborhood strolls per day.
- Reserve time for spontaneous discoveries and local markets.
- Bring versatile clothing for coastal breezes and cooler inland evenings.
