Anyone who has travelled to a tourism hotspot has experienced that exasperation when you realise that other visitors have also come to the same place you’re trying to relax.
Recent data from American Express Travel’s 2024 Trending Destinations List has revealed that 89 per cent of travellers want to want to go to destinations they’ve never visited before.
With more people craving new and unique experiences, there are plenty of hidden gems or travel dupes that offer all the joy with fewer people, and lower prices.
Here are American Express Travel’s top 10 “alternative” destinations that offer an “off-the beaten path” experience.
1. Porto Cervo
For people who fancy a taste of the luxurious lifestyle on the Amalfi Coast with fewer crowds,Porto Cervo in the Costa Smeralda or ‘Emerald Coast’ is a perfect alternative.
Located on the northeastern section of Sardinia, this beautiful village has a stunning Mediterranean landscape with turquoise seas surrounded by rugged cliffs.
Like the Amalfi Coast the Costa Smeralda is an A-list magnet, so keep your eyes peeled for celebrities while you sun yourself.
(Image: Getty)
2. Zermatt
Adventurous tourists love Italy’s incredible Dolomites for the awe-inspiring mountains and scenery, but the region’s popularity means it can see high volumes of holidaymakers. Luckily, Zermatt in Switzerland offers similarly beautiful views with fewer crowds.
Home to the iconic Matterhorn, this mountain village is famed for its amazing skiing and environmentally conscious ethos. Cars are banned in this city, unless they’re electric so people get around by electric taxis and buses.
After a long day on the slopes you can sample some local delicacies like raclette and fondue – or perhaps warm up with a hot chocolate.
(Image: Getty)
3. Niseko
Another perfect destination for tourists who love to ski is Sapporo in Japan – but there’s another option that’s up and coming.
Niseko has several resorts all served by top of the range chair lifts and over 2000 acres of terrain to ski.
There’s also plenty of delicious food to sample once you step off the slope. Many of them showcase Hokkaido’s seafood bounty—king crab and sea urchin can be tasted in familiar sushi format or in teeming rice bowls.
(Image: Getty)
4. The Seychelles
For holidaymakers who enjoy the lap of luxury, the Maldives is a popular choice – but there is another option that offers the lifestyle without the crowds.
The Seychelles are an archipelago off the coast of Kenya, surrounded by the balmy Indian Ocean. They are made up of 115 islands, each offering something a little different from rocky outcrops and sweeping mountains to amazing coral reefs perfect for snorkelling.
White sand beaches are the standard here, but there’s also dense rainforests and a whole host of native wildlife to marvel at.
(Image: Getty)
