10 Travel Alternatives to Top Vacation Spots

Lots of travelers have similar bucket lists; they want to see the Eiffel Tower, the Tower of London, the Colosseum in Rome and Times Square in New York City. But there are lots of places on the planet for amazing experiences without wading through a sea of tourists. Let's look at a few top travel alternatives.

rooftops in slovenia

Skip Venice for Slovenia

Yes, you could squeeze into a gondola, jammed shoulder to shoulder with tourists as you float through the iconic canals of Venice. Or head over to neighboring Slovenia for an immersion into centuries-old culture that is sure to impress. We're talking about medieval castles and fairy tale towns that seem tailor made for Instagram. And if you've always dreamed of a trip to Tuscany but don't want to fight the crowds, Slovenia's wine region of Goriška Brda may be for you.

todos santos mexico

Todos Santos Instead of Cabo

Cabo San Lucas has rightfully made a name for itself as one of the top destinations in Mexico. And its success can be measured in high hotel prices and lots and lots of visitors each year. But there's a wonderful beach spot just about an hour up the coast from Cabo. At Todos Santos you'll find inviting streets of cobblestone, perfect for browsing the eclectic shops, local art galleries, and a foodie scene that won't disappoint. And the idyllic beaches match anything you'll find in Cabo San Lucas.

bocas del toro panama

Bocas del Toro in Place of Costa Rica

Costa Rica has been the reigning champ for tourism in Central America for a few decades now. And there are wonderful places there, from beaches to rainforests. But did you know that there's an equally exotic getaway waiting for you in Panama? Set on the Caribbean side of the county, Bocas del Toro offers a tropical getaway with white-sand beaches and shimmering turquoise waters. And lots of lush islands to explore.

killarney ireland

Check Out Killarney Instead of Dublin

Sure, it may be on your wish list to enjoy a pint in Dublin. But lots and lots of other travelers plan to do the same. So maybe skip the trip to Dublin and instead journey to the west coast of Ireland for a charm-filled stay in Killarney. Explore the stroll-friendly town, filled with inviting shops and quaint pubs that rival the friendly spots you'll find in Dublin. Plus, Killarney's got nature near with trails that run through a vast forest and a large lake.

raja ampat islands

Bail on Bali for Raja Ampat

Bali may be the dream destination for many who want to have an exotic South Seas getaway. But it's not the only isle that offers such an escape. The Raja Ampat Islands welcome with truly stunning landscapes, where lush jungles stand against glimmering ocean waters that lap against powder-white beaches.

tobago bay

Tobago Over Trinidad

Travelers from all over the globe head to Trinidad to get a true taste of the Caribbean, with the sounds of calypso in the tropical air and world famous nightlife. But you can have a similar island experience without all the crowds. Trinidad's neighbor Tobago offers a more-chill Caribbean experience, with white-sand beaches and dense rainforests that just beg for exploration.

hokkaido japan

Instead of Tokyo, Head to Hokkaido

An international destination that welcomes visitors from all over the world, Tokyo has its share of attractions to be sure. But perhaps the bustle of the metropolis isn't for you. Maybe, instead, you'd like to travel north to the isle of Hokkaido, one of Japan's less-developed spots. While the city does have its metropolitan offerings, and a great restaurant scene, Hokkaido shines for its nature escapes, including volcanic lakes and ancient forests.

Fernando de Noronha

Choose Fernando de Noronha Over Rio

There may be no place in the world such as Rio de Janeiro. Especially when the masses descend during carnival time. But Brazil has another jewel that many locals aren't aware of. Set on the Atlantic coast, the archipelago Fernando de Noronha invites to stroll golden sand beaches, backed by dramatic sea caves and stunning waterfalls. Plus, you'll find some of the country's best snorkeling in crystal clear waters.

utrecht netherlands

Utrecht Over Amsterdam

One of the most-popular cities to visit on the planet, Amsterdam does look like an Instagrammer's dream with idyllic canals along charming historic streets. But it's not the only town in the Netherlands with such idyllic scenes. Utrecht welcomes Gothic structures along streets that date back centuries, as well as a world-class dining scene and culture galore.

San Sebastian Spain

San Sebastian Instead of Barcelona

Anyone who has strolled the jam-packed Las Ramblas in Barcelona may have wished that the crowds were a little thinner. So take a trip north for a little more elbow room in an iconic Spanish city. Like Barcelona, San Sebastian sits along a coast, with wonderful beaches that give way to a historic city with architectural gems just about everywhere you look.

So perhaps you'll skip some of the travel destinations that are sure to be overrun by tourists and check out some e travel alternatives that make for great vacation spots.


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