You want to see the world’s most incredible travel spots. Trouble is, everyone else does, too! The busier those places become, the more you wonder if there are quieter options. Good news: there are. You just need to know where to look — and how to stay connected while you’re off the beaten path. Here are five swaps worth making.
Disclosure: Contributed post.
Instead of Dubrovnik, Try Kotor
Good things come in small packages, and Kotor proves it. For its size, the fortified Old Town holds a surprising amount of history — centuries of it, layered into narrow medieval streets.
Climb the fortress above the city, and you’ll get sweeping views across the Bay of Kotor — one of the Adriatic’s most dramatic sights.
Then settle into a waterfront restaurant for fresh seafood and local wine. Kotor sits in southwestern Montenegro, just a few hours south of Dubrovnik, making it an easy swap for Croatia’s most crowded coastal hotspot.
Best time to visit: Around May, it is best for spring hiking. September–October, when the water is still warm, the city has calmed down. Summer gets hot and busy; winter is cheap but chilly.
Practical tip: Bring good walking shoes. The climb to St. John’s Fortress is the highlight, with panoramic views over the bay. Don’t forget to download your maps offline — or set up a Saily eSIM before you land, so trail routes and bus times are always a tap away. Plans start at a few dollars, activation takes minutes, and you won’t have to hunt for a SIM kiosk at the airport.
Instead of Santorini, Try Naxos
Santorini is the most famous of the Cyclades — and the most Instagrammable! Even with Greek authorities adding cruise ship fees for Santorini and Mykonos, overtourism remains an issue. Luckily, the Aegean Sea is full of alternatives, and Naxos — the largest and most fertile island in the Cyclades — is one of the best.
The mythology alone is worth the trip: local legend says Zeus was raised here, and Theseus abandoned Ariadne on Naxos after defeating the Minotaur. If that doesn’t win you over, the whitewashed villages, turquoise beaches, and seriously good food will.
Best time to visit: Late May to early July or September — warm sea, sunny skies, lively but not crowded.
Practical tip: Rent a car. The mountain villages and quiet beaches beyond the main town are the best part.
Skip Venice for Trieste
Do you love Venice for the architecture, waterfront, and café culture, but don’t want the crowds? Then Trieste is a great alternative, with its architecture, waterfront, café culture, and lack of crowds. Sitting on the Adriatic near the Slovenian border, it mixes Italian grandeur with Austro-Hungarian character. Expect sea views, historic piazzas, literary cafés, and excellent seafood — at a slower, more local pace. Bonus: it’s Italy’s undisputed coffee capital.
Best time to visit: Spring or early fall, when it is warm enough for outdoor dining and long, romantic waterfront walks.
Practical tip: Don’t miss Piazza Unità d’Italia or Miramare Castle overlooking the sea. And learn the coffee lingo: order a nero for an espresso, a capo for one with a splash of milk.
Instead of Kyoto, Try Kanazawa
Kyoto is the obvious choice for Japanese culture — but not the most peaceful one (see featured photo). Kanazawa, a beautifully preserved castle town, offers geisha performances, tea ceremonies, and traditional arts at a far more relaxed pace, along with a samurai heritage you can still experience today.
Best time to visit: Spring for cherry blossoms, fall for colorful foliage and cooler temperatures.
Practical tip: Kanazawa is an easy Shinkansen ride from Tokyo.
Try Tomar Instead of Lisbon
Yes, Lisbon is gorgeous — seven hills, river views, that golden light! But if the tourism boom has you looking elsewhere, Tomar delivers Portugal’s culture and food in a much calmer setting. Once a stronghold of the Knights Templar, it’s steeped in medieval history and still feels genuinely local.
Don’t skip the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO-listed complex of cloisters, Manueline architecture, and centuries of Portuguese history.
Best time to visit: Spring or early fall — warm but comfortable for exploring on foot.
Practical tip: Getting to Tomar takes about 90 minutes from Lisbon by train or car. After sightseeing, reward yourself with fatias de Tomar, a rich egg-yolk dessert traditional to the city’s convent. It pairs well with a lazy afternoon and zero crowds.
Featured photo source: depositphotos.com.
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