{"id":25218,"date":"2024-12-19T18:03:24","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T16:03:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.joinmytrip.com\/blog\/?p=25218"},"modified":"2024-12-19T18:03:24","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T16:03:24","slug":"alternative-travel-destinations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.joinmytrip.com\/blog\/en\/alternative-travel-destinations\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Alternative Travel Destinations to Popular Places"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We want to travel to the best or viral places when we plan our trips. However, going to more popular destinations can equal to larger crowds, higher prices, and even less safety. You might feel invited to travel to less-touristy destinations instead and explore what they have to offer. Good news – alternative travel destinations welcome you to add more stamps in your passport, enjoy unique experiences, and immerse yourself in a new culture. Let’s delve into the 16 alternative destinations to popular places like Spain and Thailand<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternative Travel Destinations – Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Lyon, France<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Albania<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Sardinia, Italy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Ljubljana, Slovenia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Lagos, Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Georgia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Glasgow, Scotland<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Rhodes, Greece<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Lombok, Indonesia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. South Korea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. Sri Lanka<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  13. Jordan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  14. Chicago<\/a>, USA<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  15. Provincetown, USA<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  16. Cartagena<\/a>, Colombia<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Lyon, France<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Lyon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Alternative to: Paris, France<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do you know that Paris welcomed over 50 million tourist in 2024? In order to flee from large tourist crowds, some travelers go to Lyon instead. The beautiful city houses Renaissance-styled buildings and intricate art museums. It is also the gastronomical capital of France<\/a> where you can find authentic quenelles de brochet <\/em>(creamed fish or meat) and steaks. Visiting Lyon means go on a culinary galore, hopping from Michelin-star restaurants to traditional bouchons<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Albania<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Albania<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Alternative to: Greece<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Niels, our CEO who had traveled to 30 countries, notes Albania as one of the best alternative travel destinations in Southern Europe<\/a>. The country sits on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, housing flawless beaches and impressive historical sites. The capital Tirana showcases Albania\u2019s long history from the Ottoman to Soviet times. In summer, the locals flock to Sarande to laze on the beach and stroll around medieval old towns. Niels also said that Albania<\/a> has top-notch hospitality. It is also a budget-friendly destination with a lot of nice hostels and apartments to stay in.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sardinia, Italy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"alternative<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Alternative to: Amalfi Coast<\/a>, Italy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cSardinia offers a diverse range of attractions, from stunning beaches to historical sites and charming towns. It is also a perfect winter refuge to escape the cold,\u201d says TripLeader Windy<\/a>, a local in Italy. So, get ready to explore the colorful town of Cagliari, hit the beach trail of Grotta delle Sirene, and spoil your tastebuds with fresh Sardinian cuisine. Windy adds a note that Sardinia<\/a> has an extensive choice of beach resorts, especially on the southern part of the island. She has also booked one for her upcoming winter trip<\/a>!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ljubljana, Slovenia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"alternative<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Alternative to: Barcelona<\/a>, Spain<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ljubljana\u2019s colorful facade and Gothic architecture will remind you of Barcelona\u2019s. Moreover, this capital of Slovenia<\/a> has a youthful vibe showcased in various cultural, sports, and party scenes. As you land on Ljubljana, the Ljubljanica Canal can be the first stop of your trip. The canal looks romantic, fringed with gaudy storybook houses and frescoes cafe. Make sure to also visit Tivoli Park that is dotted with sculptures and historical buildings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Lagos, Portugal<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Alternative to: Ibiza, Spain<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Lagos offers stunning coastlines and vibrant nightlife, without the hustle and bustle of Ibiza. It is a town in southern Portugal\u2019s Algarve<\/a> region. Lagos is fringed with massive cliffs facing the Atlantic Ocean and picturesque coves. After hitting the beach, you can explore Lagos\u2019 nightlife. The bars and nightclubs are leaning towards the edgy yet vibrant vibes. Therefore, Lagos is one of the best alternative travel destinations in Southern Europe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Georgia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Alternative to: Turkey<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cGeorgia is a hidden paradise, that is \u201cnot touristy\u201d, but is gaining popularity among travelers,\u201d says TripLeader Lama, who has hosted two successful trips to Georgia<\/a> this year. She took her TripMates to Tbilisi<\/a>, the historically rich capital of Georgia. They explored Old Tbilisi, a centuries-old area that features traditional houses, the hilltop Narikala Fortress, and museums. Moreover, Lama says that food in Georgia is her favorite part of the trip! So, try khinlaki, ostri<\/em>, and other traditional dishes that share similarities to Turkish and Arab flavors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Glasgow, Scotland<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Alternative to: London, England<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do you love London but feel that it is too crowded? Head to Glasgow instead! The city stretches 401 miles away from London, but is unmissable during your Scotland trip<\/a>. Glasgow is the beating cultural heart of Scotland. It houses a dozen of museums, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery. However, you don\u2019t need to enter a museum to see Glasgow\u2019s true charms. Its series of Victorian-styled buildings take you traveling back into time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rhodes, Greece<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Alternative to: Mykonos, Greece<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cRhodes is known for its beautiful landscapes but actually it offers so much, including rich history,\u201d says TripLeader Mohammed. He traveled around Greece<\/a> in 2022 and chose this stunning island as his favorite. \u201cRhodes has the best weather all year round and great traditional food,\u201d he recommends. With that being said, you can have long beach days on the powdery shores and stroll around Old Town Rhodes to find an authentic tavern. It is one of the best alternative travel destinations to more popular islands, like Santorini<\/a> and Mykonos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Lombok, Indonesia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Alternative to: Bali<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stretching half-an-hour flight away from Bali<\/a>, Lombok is an overlooked paradise. I visited Lombok with the main agenda of hiking Mount Rinjani, but ended up falling in love with its overall natural beauty. Mount Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia<\/a> and I might say the most beautiful. It houses the sapphire-colored Lake Segara Anak, which creates a contrast to the mountain\u2019s greyish craters. Moreover, Lombok\u2019s beaches, like Tanjung Aan and Senggigi, can compete Bali\u2019s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One of the main differences between Bali and Lombok is the culture. Please note that most locals in Lombok are Muslims, which means they value modesty and courtesy. Alcohols are not as easily found as in Bali, but resorts and hotels provide them. Nightclubs are rarely found in Lombok, but you can head to the Gili Islands if you crave some night outs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Alternative to: Singapore<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A vibrant city where different cultures melt together – that is Kuala Lumpur<\/a>! I spent three days in Kuala Lumpur to munch on Melayu dishes, stroll around the bustling Bukit Bintang, and go shopping. I found out that Kuala Lumpur is a tapestry of three main cultures – Malaysian, Indian, and Chinese. Therefore, I got to spot a beautiful Hindu temple, wander around the Petaling Street (Chinatown), and repeatedly order teh tarik<\/em>. At a glance, Kuala Lumpur will remind you of Singapore<\/a>. It also has a neat and affordable public transportation system to take you anywhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    South Korea<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Alternative to: Japan<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    South Korea<\/a> offers a mix of futuristic cities, ancient temples, and stunning landscapes. The country will immediately remind you of Japan<\/a>, making it a great alternative. South Korea<\/a> has gained worldwide popularity due to Kpop music and Korean drama. The culture largely influences tourism, as Kpop fans flock to districts like Gangnam and Itaewon to see the official stores of their idols. Moreover, beautiful places like Nami Island and Hangang Park became popular due to dramas. If you don\u2019t consider yourself as a fan to either, South Korea still stuns you with its traditional culture, cherry blossoms-dotted landscape, and flavorful dishes like tteokbokki<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Traveling to alternative destinations opens the door to authentic and enriching experiences. From the gastronomic delights of Lyon to the untouched beaches of Sri Lanka<\/a>, these underrated spots promise adventure, culture, and beauty without the chaos of over-tourism. Next time you plan a trip, consider exploring these hidden gems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Or you can skip the planning part and have the way shown by passionate locals! JoinMyTrip connects travelers worldwide in a travel-loving community. You can meet fellow travelers who love to explore different kinds of travel styles or connect with a local guide. They will have your back during your trip, ensuring an exciting and safe travel experience. Check out JoinMyTrip and meet your perfect travel buddy! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

    \n