According to an Expedia.com survey, 86 percent of U.S. adults who plan to vacation this summer are somewhat to very likely to consider an off-the-beaten-path destination and 10 percent of all summer vacationers are already planning to travel to one.

Here are a few alternative vacation spots to consider.

Instead of Paris, try Quebec City. France receives more foreign tourists per year (around 75 million) than any other country. If you don't feel like sharing your vacation with millions, but still want a French-tinged experience, look north to Quebec City, a ville right out of a fairy tale, in the French-speaking Canadian province of Quebec.

Instead of Cancun, try Tulum. Steer clear of the crowds and rowdy margarita bars in wildly popular Cancun by driving about two hours south along Mexico's Caribbean coast to the area around Tulum. There you can experience cultural and ecological treasures, such as the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, and the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Instead of Orlando, try the Wisconsin Dells. Orlando conjures up images of Disney's Magic Kingdom, but also of long lines, high prices and the heat of central Florida. For an alternative, consider kid-friendly Wisconsin Dells where you will find 18 indoor waterparks, the highest concentration in the world.

Instead of Hawaii, try Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. If Hawaii is too far away or too expensive, consider a trip to the Dominican Republic, located just a few hours from many east coast cities. Off the radar of most travelers, it's now one of the fastest growing destinations among those using online travel planning services.