Escaping the Crowds: Discovering Hidden Gems Instead of Tourist Traps
The world’s most popular destinations are often swarmed by tourists taking countless selfies. It can be nearly impossible to find a quiet spot near a landmark due to Instagrammers and TikTok influencers capturing their ‘perfect’ pose. As a result, many travelers are seeking alternatives—places that share a similar charm but remain untouched by mass tourism and high prices. Here’s our guide to some of the best ‘destination dupes’.
Swap Sydney for Perth
Known for its iconic harbour and landmarks, Sydney is an Australian city magnet. However, it consistently teems with visitors. For a more secluded experience, head to Perth, Western Australia. You can swim with dolphins and enjoy pristine beaches. Rottnest Island, famous for its cute quokkas—cute creatures that resemble a mix of a cat and a kangaroo—offers a unique attraction just a two-hour boat ride away.
Head for Perth, the often-overlooked west coast, where you can swim with dolphins and enjoy pristine beaches
Also in Perth, quokkas—extremely cute cross between a cat and a kangaroo—live exclusively on Rottnest Island
Book it: A 16-night fly/drive holiday in Western Australia, including three nights in Perth, car rental, 15 nights’ accommodation, and return flights starts from £3,400 per person at trailfinders.com.
Swap Prague for Krakow
Prague’s Charles Bridge, brimming with gothic towers, statues, and saints, is one of the most photographed bridges in the world and often bustling with crowds. To avoid the throngs, try Kraków, a historic city in southern Poland. Explore its 14th-century Wawel Castle, the vibrant old Jewish quarter Kazimierz, and the impressive Renaissance masterpiece known as Cloth Hall on the picturesque Rynek Glowny.
Kraków’s historical sites include the 14th-century Wawel Castle and Kazimierz
Book it: Three nights at the Plaza Boutique Hotel with flights from Gatwick start from £198 per person at easyjet.com.
Swap Paris for Bordeaux
Paris offers elegant boulevards, a newly restored Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, but all are usually overwhelmed by tourists. For a less crowded option, consider Bordeaux. A standout spot is the Place de la Bourse, an 18th-century square featuring Miroir d’Eau, a reflecting pool along the Garonne River. The Cité du Vin, resembling a giant wine decanter, houses a stylish exhibit dedicated to wine.
The Place de la Bourse, an 18th-century square with the Miroir d’Eau at Bordeaux
Book it: Four nights staying at FirstName Bordeaux with Gatwick flights start from £554 per person at britishairways.com.
Swap Croatia for Montenegro
Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is famous for its sparkling waters and citadels, especially Dubrovnik, which often suffers from heavy cruise traffic. A preferable alternative is Montenegro, known for its majestic mountains, the luxurious marina in Tivat, and the UNESCO-listed town of Kotor, featuring charming squares with outdoor dining.
Montenegro’s spectacular mountains, glitzy marina in Tivat, and UNESCO-listed town of Kotor
Book it: Four nights at the Regent Porto Montenegro hotel with Stansted flights start from £1,193 per person at jet2holidays.com.
Swap Mainland Greece for Albania
Parga, a bustling town on Greece’s mainland, features pastel-colored mansions and a historic Venetian fortress, but it can be exceptionally crowded during high season. For a quieter, more affordable option, consider Albania. This destination offers a mountainous landscape, clear blue waters, and beautiful beaches such as Saranda and Vlore.
Albania’s mountainous landscape, crystal-clear waters, and beaches such as Saranda and Vlore
Book it: Seven nights at the Melia Durres Albania hotel with Luton flights start from £1,230 per person at travelrepublic.co.uk.
Swap the Taj Mahal for Bibi Ka Maqbara
Recreating Princess Diana’s famous Taj Mahal photo is nearly impossible due to selfie-taking crowds. A lesser-known temple dedicated to love, Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, bears a resemblance to the Taj Mahal and was constructed by Shah Jahan’s grandson as a shrine to his late wife. This lesser-visited site offers reflective pools and a tranquil garden.
Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, resembling the Taj Mahal in Agra
Book it: A 16-night ‘Heart of India’ tour, including two nights in Aurangabad, starts from £6,115 per person with Heathrow flights at coxandkings.co.uk.
Swap Venice for Annecy
While Venice is renowned for its gondolas, St. Mark’s Square, and Grand Canal, its infamous overcrowding can be overwhelming. Instead, explore Annecy in the Haute-Savoie region known as the ‘Venice of the French Alps.’ Enjoy the meandering canals, gliding swans, picturesque mansions, and winding medieval streets with breathtaking views of the Alps.
