Skip the Tourists: Explore These 18 Alternative Vacation Spots
Are you tired of wasting time at crowded tourist hot spots? It is time to shed light on rued paths and discover places that are not so well known for their culture, natural beauty, and authenticity without the hordes of tourists.
The world offers endless alternative vacation spots waiting to be discovered, from remote islands to incredible cities and away from the noise of it all to less explored wilderness and vibrant culture hubs. Read on to discover 18 alternative vacation spots!
Tbilisi, Georgia
Organic tourism provides a framework for visitors planning trips to places for the purpose of immersing themselves in the natural and urban geography of a place. This picturesque city is set amidst the Caucasus Mountains and is home to stunning architecture and a number of historic fortresses and thermal baths.
Walk the Old Town’s crooked alleys, pastel colored houses, and crumbling churches, or take a cable car over to the tops of Narikala Fortress, with its panoramic views of the city.
Matera, Italy
Skip clogged up hotspots like Italy and head to Matera, a city carved into the limestone cliffs of the country’s southern region. Matera is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, which are one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities.
Matera has fewer tourists than Italy’s major destinations, so you can have Italy’s history without the masses. It has amazing cave hotels, local trattorias, and this UNESCO World Heritage Site to feel, explore, and truly feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Azores, Portugal
Between the Atlantic Ocean and Europe there is a hidden paradise, in the form of the Azores. Here, eco-tourism thrives as tourists can hike down verdant valleys, kayak in crater lakes, or watch whales in their natural habitat.
The Azores are far less crowded than Portugal’s mainland, and with so many visitors, there’s always room for another eager nature lover or adventure seeker. They’re famous for their geothermal wonders, with tourists lounging in natural hot springs.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Situated in the mountains of northern Laos, quiet Luang Prabang is a peaceful retreat, not even close to Southeast Asia’s crowding cities. This UNESCO World Heritage town is known for its Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture, and pristine riverside setting.
Visitors can come early just to see the sacred almsgiving ceremony when monks in saffron robes begin to collect food offering at dawn. The nearby area is filled with natural wonders such as the Kuang Si Waterfalls and the Mekong River, each offering different means of exploration — by boat or on foot.
Zadar, Croatia
Zadar provides a charming and less crowd dense experience on the Dalmatian Coast. This coastal city, historical and modern art combined, offers Roman ruins, medieval churches and the current Sea Organ, which uses the beats of the ocean to make music.
Zadar’s streets are quieter and its vibe more relaxed. The sunsets over the Adriatic Sea are legendary, a great way to conclude a day, as well as lend a little more visual inspiration to your travel photography.
Sibiu, Romania
Perched in Romania’s Transylvania region, Sibiu, is a medieval town with a history and charm to spare. Sibiu has well preserved Gothic architecture, fortified walls and houses that paint the town, which is blissfully apart from the hipsters.
Besides its old town, Sibiu provides a jumping-off point to the Carpathian Mountains where tourists go hiking, skiing or explore Romania’s natural landscapes.
Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania is easily known for its wild landscapes with jagged cliffs of Tasman Peninsula and pristine wilderness of Cradle Mountain presenting a more remote and untouched scenario than many of Australia’s best known destinations.
There are national parks with unique wildlife like the Tasmanian devil, national parks with hikers trekking through rain forests and rugged coasts. Tasmania, with its history dating back to Port Arthur, and emerging food scene is perfect for those who want to see Australia’s beauty without all the crowds.
Galway, Ireland
Ireland’s west coast bohemian capital of Galway is livelier and more laid back than Dublin. Offering colorfully painted streets and a wealth of live traditional Irish music this coastal city is a must if you’re looking for culture with an authentic Irish stamp.
Galway is also located in some of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes. Nearby, the Cliffs of Moher and the windswept Aran Islands are close, providing a blend of wild natural beauty and living, cultural heritage to top off Galway as a destination where you can soak up the heart and soul of Ireland.
Salta, Argentina
Argentina’s northwest has a nook of sapphire overlooked by Salta, a city of Spanish colonial architecture, colorful Andean landscapes and a thriving cultural heritage. Salta is less busy than the heady capital of Buenos Aires; its plazas are sleepy rather than festive, and its empanadas salteñas are to be sipped rather than shouted.
Located as the gateway to the stunning Quebrada de Humahuaca a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the high altitude vineyards of Cafayate, Salta is a great point to explore Argentinas natural wonders.
Comporta, Portugal
It’s the better than Portugal’s Algarve, a coastal village far away from the tourist’s active trip. Comporta is black and white sand beaches, rice paddies and bohemian vibes paradise, where you can relax in a quiet, stylish spot.
But for artists and designers Comporta remains a favorite for its understated luxury. Along uncrowded beaches, long visits can be savored on leisurely days, and a taste of fresh seafood and the local national nature reserves is possible.
Gdańsk, Poland
A port city on the Baltic coast, Gdańsk is a good reason to visit a place that combines history, culture, and seaside charm. Gdańsk’s beautifully restored Old Town has a rich maritime history, and in fact it’s just 20 minutes from the beaches of the Baltic Sea.
Its impressive museums and landmarks of its fascinating past, including its role in the Solidarity movement and World War II, are readily visible. If you’re hiking the cobblestone streets of the old town or beaching in the sea, Gdańsk is a peaceful but culturally rich alternative to the most commercial of Poland’s cities.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Stari Most, the most iconic Ottoman era bridge of Mostar, is one of most picturesque town in the Balkans. Located on the banks of the Neretva River, which divides the city, the blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture gives the town its great cultural landscape.
The city’s other draws include the nearby waterfalls, peaceful riverside cafés, and old markets, but Mostar’s bridge is the main attraction. Mostar, with far fewer tourists than neighboring Croatia, is an authentic and laid-back place to explore, away from the fray, to get beneath Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Rugged with dramatic peaks, quaint fishing villages, and the promise of the Northern Lights, the Lofoten Islands are a remote paradise of a place in northern Norway. Norway’s famous fjords are too well known to tourists, although the Lofoten Islands are just as picturesque but far less crowded.
Crystal clear waters, achingly beautiful untouched landscapes, and the simplicity of serenity of this Arctic wonderland await visitors who can kayak, hike, or just live there.
Oaxaca, Mexico
The vibrant city of Oaxaca in southern Mexico, has a rich indigenous culture, colorful markets and incredible food scene. Here you can get your bearings in the heart of Mexican traditions and feasts with some of the country’s best including mole and mezcal.
Oaxaca has beautiful colonial architecture and festivals like the Guelaguetza, but other than that, it’s well-known for its culinary appeal. Breathtaking landscapes, including ancient ruins and the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua, exist in the surrounding region.
Hokkaido, Japan
The wild, serene contrast of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, to the busy cities of Tokyo and Kyoto. Very well known for its natural beauty, the most stunning aspects include national parks, hot springs, and ski resorts to visit. Hokkaido is a year round destination for the outdoorsy types.
During winter, world class skiing is just one of the opportunities visitors have, and in the summer, it’s still possible to hike and enjoy the flower filled fields and volcanic landscapes. Hokkaido has fewer tourists than Japan’s more famous regions, making it the best vacation spot.
Novi Sad, Serbia
A relaxed alternative of Belgrade is Serbia second largest city, Novi Sad. Reminiscent of strolling European towns, Novi Sad sits along the Danube, and besides its amazing Petrovaradin Fortress, beautiful parks, and some chilling café culture, that’s pretty much all it offers.
The EXIT Festival, one of Europe’s biggest music festivals, takes place in the fortress, too, in Novi Sad. Outside its culture, its low prices and riverside charm make it a fun getaway for travelers who want to taste SERBIA’S culture, but without the crowds.
Valletta, Malta
Mediterranean hideaway Valletta, Malta’s capital, has far less tourists than Italy or Greece, but is every bit as pleasant. It is a compact city architecture, full of history and beautiful sea views, baroque point, memorable fortifications.
Check out the historic palaces, churches and museums, or simply spend a day by the azure waters of the Mediterranean, through the narrow streets of Valletta. Valletta is a city with a rich heritage, as well as relaxed atmosphere and coastal charm.
Kaikoura, New Zealand
A wildlife haven and an outdoor adventure playground, Kaikoura is on New Zealand’s South island. Kaikoura is known for its abundance of marine life, with whales, dolphins and seals.
Along with wildlife encounters Kaikoura’s dramatic coastline and towering mountains offer endless hikes, kayaking and even skydiving adventures.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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