Hate crowds? Travel to these less-busy destinations
Part of the joy of traveling is being free to explore a new place. But if every sight you attempt to see is packed like sardines, you’re bound to leave frustrated and disappointed.
If you’re thinking about visiting Paris, Tokyo or another über-popular spot anytime soon, we’ve found alternative destinations that offer a similar experience—and a lot more elbow room.
Read more: How to budget, plan and save for your next adventure
1. Instead of Paris, visit… Hamburg
Dreaming of boat rides down the Seine? Hamburg, Germany's second largest city, connects to the North Sea by the Elbe River. It has more canals than Amsterdam and Venice combined.
The city's central boulevard, Jungfernstieg, connects the old town to the newer section of the city, and it skirts the banks of one of the two peaceful Alster Lakes (Inner and Outer). Once an exclusive shopping district, Jungfernstieg now has stores tailored to a variety of budgets. When you’ve had your fill of shopping, Hamburg’s sprawling warehouse district, Speicherstadt, has an array of attractions, including a model railway system, historical dungeon tour and maritime museum.
Since water surrounds this city, make a point to enjoy the local fish dishes. Herring is served here in many forms, as is räucheraal, smoked eel that street vendors have sold since the 19th century.
2. Instead of Buenos Aires, visit… Montevideo
Head to Uruguay instead of Argentina for a South American urban adventure. Buenos Aires may be a larger, grander city than Montevideo, but you’ll instantly fall in love with the relaxed pace of this charming oceanside capital.
The heart of Montevideo lies around the Plaza Independencia, built in the 19th century on the grounds of a former Spanish citadel. The city’s most popular beach is Playa de Los Pocitos, known for its soft sand and city skyline views. Active travelers will enjoy the nearly 14-mile long Rambla, a riverfront sidewalk that’s ideal for a walk, jog or bicycle ride.
The food scene in Montevideo runs the gamut from exceptional barbecue to sophisticated seafood. Mollejas, or sweetbreads, are a must-try dish, while wine lovers can enjoy an afternoon exploring local vineyards. (Tip: Order a bottle of the hearty red Tannat, a grape that’s thrived here for hundreds of years.)
3. Instead of Prague, visit… Ljubljana
Prague exploded as a tourist destination in recent years, but lovely Ljubljana, the picturesque capital of Slovenia, has (thankfully) stayed under the radar. Both cities trace their roots to the Austro-Hungarian empire, but Ljubljana has a more Mediterranean vibe. Founded in the 12th century, the city has retained traces of its Roman roots, most notably in the charming old town district. The area boasts scenic canals, historic bridges and a vibrant café culture. Considered one of the world’s bluest lakes, nearby Lake Bled is also a must-see as either a day trip or a destination of its own.
Ljubljana is quickly becoming a go-to culinary destination, thanks to a generation of young farm-to-table chefs. Expect to find everything from rabbit legs to beef tartare and plenty of expertly prepared vegetables on the menus. But for a true taste of Slovenian food, sample the traditional dumplings known as, which come with both sweet and savory fillings.
4. Instead of Miami, visit… Condado Beach, Puerto Rico
Looking for a sun-kissed, beachy vibe? Skip Florida and venture to Puerto Rico’s Condado Beach. Located in an upscale San Juan neighborhood, just a short ride from Old San Juan, the oceanfront community offers a vibrant tropical scene with fewer crowds than in Miami.
The local white sand has calm, clear waters where bathers can see straight to the bottom. If you tire of lying on the sand, you can paddleboard or kayak in Condado Beach’s lagoon. Or, you can arrange a sailing or snorkeling excursion.
Like other Caribbean islands, Puerto Rican food is a celebration of flavor. Be sure to sample the local cuisine like mofongo (garlicky mashed green plantains), chicharrones (pork rinds) and arroz con gandules—Puerto Rico’s national dish of rice and pigeon peas. With its mix of Taino, African and Spanish influences, the dishes are as lively and diverse as the locals.
