You don’t have to fall for the tourist traps of the world. Choose one of many detour destinations and enjoy some wonderful hidden gems near popular destinations.
Discover incredible towns and destinations just a short drive from the world’s most popular tourist hotspots. Get the same breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences without the massive crowds, inflated prices, and tourist traps. From charming mountain villages near Aspen to pristine beaches close to Cancun, these hidden gems offer authentic local experiences that most travelers completely miss.
Segovia and Toledo
If you want to enjoy the beauty of European castles and Spanish culture, but don’t want to fight the crowds in Madrid, head to Segovia or Toledo. These can be great alternative travel spots that give you a wonderful experience that makes it easy to enjoy the beauty of castles, majestic aqueducts, and amazing landscapes. These towns are located less than an hour from Madrid, which means you can visit the famous city if you want, but you might fall in love with either of these towns and the authentic culture that you find without the touristy vibe.
Capitol Reef National Park
The crowds that gather at Zion National Park can make your experience much less enjoyable than you might like. Head to one of the detour destinations available and enjoy Capitol Reef National Park to enjoy the natural scenery and outdoor adventures expected of the parks of our great nation. The grandeur of southern Utah is available to you at this park, which is one of the lesser-known destinations among the National Parks lists. You’ll see towering cliffs, colorful canyons, and ancient petroglyphs to give you the views and scenery you’re sure to love.
Greenville, South Carolina
Charleston might be the most famous city in South Carolina to visit, but it can become crowded, and booking a restaurant can be a hassle during the tourist season. If you’re a foodie and want to enjoy the southern charm of South Carolina, head to Greenville and enjoy one of the best crowd-free vacation spots in the state. You can enjoy wonderful food and stay at some gorgeous hotels or bed and breakfast locations to experience the pure southern charm you’ve been searching for.
Rouen, France
While there is no match for Paris and its legendary locations, if you want to enjoy some amazing museums and beautiful architecture, check out Rouen. As one of the most interesting detour destinations, this city can be one of the best budget travel alternatives to the high-priced, tourist-heavy experiences you’ll find in Paris. This art-filled city can be a fantastic place to visit and you won’t have to fight the crowds at the Louvre but can enjoy the amazing art and museums of Rouen. You’ll also find wonderful French cuisine and beautiful scenery that make this a fantastic hidden gem.
Bath, England
Several amazing stories have taken place in Bath, and if you’re a Bridgerton fan, this is the place to go. Bath is well-known but is still one of the off-the-beaten-path towns that most tourists don’t visit. It might be on their list, but it’s one of those “if we have time” kind of places for many tourists. If you make Bath your destination, you’ll have some amazing experiences, see places that are part of the stories you’ve read, and can stay at the Gainsborough Bath Spa and experience the luxurious rooms and spa experiences offered, exclusively by the town’s naturally warm, mineral-rich waters.
Huntington Beach, California
Forget about Los Angeles and enjoy the calm, peaceful, and amazing views of Huntington Beach. As one of the most amazing detour destinations, you can enjoy the place that is known as Surf City USA, especially if you want to learn how to surf. This town is only a 40-minute drive from Los Angeles and offers you ten miles of coastline, five beaches, and amazing beach pier, and it is the calm and relaxed vibe you’re after. This can be the perfect low-key beach getaway for your days in the sun. Enjoy the amazing bonfire rings that are lit at night and watch the stars come out.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Everyone knows about Cancun, and that’s the problem. When you need to enjoy your vacation away from tourists, head to Riviera Maya and experience the serenity of the rainforest and some amazing beaches. This is a great place for some tropical sunshine, giving you the place you want to be when it’s time to enjoy more nature and less nightlife. This short detour can be one of the coolest places you’ve ever visited, with caves that can be explored and some great resorts, but without the crowds that flock to Cancun.
