Travelers are looking for “destination ducks.” This is a term popularized on social media to refer to alternatives to the most popular locations. If you want to avoid the crowds and discover hidden gems, consider these often-missed places from our A-list travel advisors.
If you like Mykonos, try the Greek island of Paros.
“Go to Paros, where you can enjoy the same Cycladic atmosphere, nightlife and architecture as Mykonos, but at a more affordable price. Or go to Naxos for a stay on a unique island full of the spirit of Santorini. In Croatia, Cavtat is a quiet alternative to Dubrovnik, with a Mediterranean feel, and Brac offers excellent boutique amenities and a Croatian island lifestyle similar to Hvar. Mina Agnos, Travelive
If you love Paris, visit Bordeaux, France.
Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in southwestern France.
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“This small and very friendly City of Lights is not only the gateway to the world’s largest wine region, but also a destination in its own right.” — Jonathan Alder, Jonathan’s Travels/TravelStore
If you love Tuscany, Italy, try Istria, Croatia.
“For wine lovers looking for an alternative to Tuscany, Croatia’s Istria region offers a variety of experiences. Like Tuscany, visit hilltop villages, taste great wine and olive oil, and spend time truffle hunting. From the same base, you can easily access the coast for boating and beach time.” — Sarah Groen, Bell & Bly Travel.
If you love Masai Mara, try Laikipia in Kenya.
The reticulated giraffe lives in the plains in front of Mt Kenya.
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“I recommend going to Laikipia in Kenya. The Masai Mara is a symbol of the Great Migration. Laikipia also has great wildlife viewing spots, but they are less well known. Travelers come here to see the Big Five There are endless activities to choose from. ” — Sean Stanley, Stanley Safaris
If you love Istanbul, try Izmir, Turkey.
“One city to consider in Turkey is Izmir, located on the Aegean Sea. In addition to being beautiful with great sights, it is also the most progressive city in Turkey and more affordable than Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Bodrum. Ephesus is just an hour away, as is Sardis, the capital of the Lydian kingdom where money was first invented, and the summer resorts of Cesme and Alacati are just a short drive away, as is the famous wine town of Urla. Accessible — Engin Kadastar, The Best of Turkey.
If you love the Great Barrier Reef, try Australia’s Ningaloo Reef.
A school of suckerfish and cobia swim beneath a whale shark at Ningaloo Reef, Australia.
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“Ningaloo Reef is located along Australia’s north-west coast and is another spectacular reef on the Australian continent. It offers unique experiences such as swimming with gentle whale sharks and humpback whales. The stunning reef is full of fish and turtles. , guests at Sal Salis can stay in luxury safari-style tents directly on the beach and swim to the reef themselves.” — Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossing.
If you like Italy’s Sicily, try France’s Corsica.
Houses built on the cliffs of Bonifacio, Corsica, France.
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“While Sicily is steeped in the afterglow of the White Lotus, Corsica remains the Mediterranean’s secret paradise. This mountainous island boasts a dramatic coastline with hidden coves, lush valleys and snow-capped mountains. But Corsica is not only beautiful, but also has a rich culture with ancient traditions and a unique language. Taste the unique gastronomy of Corsica, a perfect combination of seafood, local cheese, Corsican nature, culture and authentic experiences.” — Marc Bonte, French Side Travel.
If you love South Luangwa National Park, try Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park.
“Beautiful, sparsely visited and teeming with wildlife, the Lower Zambezi – Zambia’s ‘second park’ – is nestled between the Zambezi River and the Zambezi Escarpments, which form a dramatic backdrop. On a recent trip, I was captivated by the sights. Elephants bathing and playing in the river. The river is at the heart of what makes the southern Zambezi so special, from having lunch on a submerged sandbar to getting up close to hippos and crocodiles. Another benefit is the access to other parts of the park. There are many lodges that transport guests by boat — Samantha Gordon, Red Savannah
If you love the Cotswolds, try Tewkesbury in England.
A cottage near Abbey Mill in the town of Tewkesbury, England.
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“Stop by the lovely town of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire. As the city lies outside the Cotswold borders, you can still see many of the original black and white half-timbered buildings here.” — Nicola Butler, NoteWorthy
If you like Machu Picchu, try Peru’s Choquequirao.
Incan ruins in Choquequirao, Peru.
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“Choquequirao is a fascinating ruin hidden in the ridges of the Salkantay Mountains, its lesser-known sister site to Machu Picchu. It was probably one of the entrance checkpoints to the Incan Empire of Vilcabamba, reaching only 32 miles. No. Its remote location means it is likely to be shared only with the Andean condor that lives there.” — Lily Bunker, Jacada Travel.
If you like the Sahara Desert, try Africa’s Agafay Desert.
“Morocco’s Sahara desert is stunning and worth the long drive each way, but if you don’t have the time or aren’t interested in a road trip, experience the desert with a stay in a luxury tent and dinner under a bonfire at Agafay Although there are no vast expanses of soft sand dunes, Habitus Agafai Caravan is a secret playground surrounded by rocky dunes and is an immersive experience.” — Susan Neva , fascinating Africa
If you love Dubai, try Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.
The 28th century Daya fortress in northern Ras Al Khaimah.
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“Ras Al Khaimah is the UAE’s next hot spot. The region is growing rapidly as travelers look to expand beyond Dubai for something a little more extraordinary. It has been hailed as an adventure travel and first gambling approved destination in the region. ” — Mo Noubani, Travel Box International
If you love Melbourne, consider visiting Adelaide, Australia.
“Escape the hustle and bustle of Melbourne for a more intimate urban escape in Adelaide. With its compact size and boutique charm, Adelaide offers all the excitement of a big city in a more relaxed and personal environment. Get out of the house and explore the city’s quaint alleyways.”With a wide variety of bars and restaurants and a vibrant arts and culture scene, Kangaroo Island is within an hour of the city. , the Eyre Peninsula, the Flinders Ranges and the gateway to fine wine. vineyard. ” — Drew Kruska, “The Tailor”
