The world is filled with must-see destinations we are told we need to tick off our ever-growing bucket-lists.
Behind these well-travelled hotspots are smaller, lesser-known attractions that are definitely worth your time.
It’s not to say you shouldn’t visit these popular locales (they’re some of our favourites), but you should try these alternative destinations on for size.
Avebury instead of Stonehenge
In Wiltshire England, Avebury is home to the largest stone circle in Europe and is an important site for modern Pagan and New Age worship.
Built around 2600BC, the massive monument circles the town, crossing roads and farmland.
The place has a strange, magical feel to it and attracts spiritual visitors and tourists alike. Unlike Stonehenge, you can actually get right up next to, and touch, the stones.
Avebury, England. Photo by Shadowgate Avebury, England. Photo by Gordon Robertson Avebury, England. Photo by Ed Webster
Burano instead of Venice
Part of Venetian lagoon, the island of Burano is like a miniature, colourful version of Venice and just a 40min water taxi ride from Venice proper.
The brightly painted houses, boat-lined watery streets, and bridges are a photographer’s and artist’s dream and compared to Venice, and the nearby island of Murano (famous for the glass), you’ll find it much less overrun with tourists.
It even has its very own ‘leaning tower’ – the bell tower of the 15th century San Martino Church.
Burano, Italy. Photo by O Palsson Burano, Italy. Photo by O Palsson
Bonneville Salt Flats instead of Salar de Uyuni
Known to many as the home of land speed racing, the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah are a mesmerising natural wonder (it’s also a great place to capture a tricky profile picture).
The Salt Flats are a massive 30,000 acre wide-open space on the edge of the Great Salt Lake basin and is largely made up of the same salt you put on your dinner table.
Though Bonneville is dwarfed by the massive Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia in size it is equal in beauty. Plus, as an added bonus, you could always time your trip to coincide with the racing and head to the Bonneville Speedway.
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. Photo by ceajaegirl Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. Photo by Eric Ward Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. Photo by ivanmladek2 Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. Photo by Eric Ward
Korčula instead of Dubrovnik
The jewel of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik just keeps on growing in popularity and while everyone should visit this beautiful spot at least once when the cruise ship crowds come ashore every day you may find yourself fighting through the mob rather than enjoying your surrounds.
The good news is there’s another Dalmatian spot well worth your time.
Like a mini-Dubrovnik, Old Town Korcula is a picturesque walled city, but thanks to its more isolated location it avoids being too overrun with visitors.
In its own right, Korcula is home to some of the best cuisine in the region, dozens of beaches, culture (the traditional Moreška sword dance) and history (despite what the Italians tell you) – Korcula was the birthplace of explorer Marco Polo.
Mývatn Nature Baths instead of the Blue Lagoon
Hidden in Iceland’s north is a little slice of heaven – the Mývatn Nature Baths.
Set in the lunar-like landscape of Jarðbaðshólar, lay back and relax in the steaming thermal waters – you may even catch the northern lights overhead if you’re visiting at the right time of year.
The Blue Lagoon’s proximity to Reykjavík Airport works both to its advantage and its disadvantage – it’s easy to get to, but this ease means it is often packed, and on days when the wind is blows in a certain direction the water can actually get a bit chilly.
The price is also a factor: adult entry into Mývatn costs between £16-£18, while the Blue Lagoon costs nearly double at around £29-£33 for a basic entry.
Český Krumlov instead of Prague
For many travellers the town of Český Krumlov is like Prague before Prague became popular.
A UNESCO Heritage Site, the city’s charming streets, an impressive castle, Renaissance and Baroque architecture make this a true fairytale town.
Shop for local arts and crafts and while away a few hours in one of the cities cafes.
Sarajevo instead of Istanbul
Sometimes called the Jerusalem of Europe because of its cultural and religious diversity, Sarajevo’s Old Town also bears a striking resemblance to east-meets-west feel of Istanbul – which is not surprising when you remember Sarajevo was once the most western outpost of the Ottoman Empire.
Since the Balkan Wars of the 1990s, Sarajevo has been largely untouched by mass tourism, but this is changing. Every year more and more visitors are drawn to the cobbled streets of Sarajevo’s old bazaar, Baščaršija, and its surrounding shops, restaurants and cafes.
The food is a real highlight: switch kebabs for ćevapčići and enjoy burek that’s just as tasty (if not better) than any found in Turkey and wash it all down with a rich bosanska kafa (Bosnian/Turkish coffee) and a side of rahatlokum (Turkish Delight) or a bottle of Sarajevsko Pivo, the city’s local beer.
Bagan instead of Angkor Wat
As Cambodia emerged as a must-visit destination on the Southeast Asian travel trail, the Khmer temple city of Angkor Wat became one of its most popular attractions.
Over in Burma/Myanmar, the country’s own version of Angkor Wat, Bagan, has become its biggest draw too. However, due to the political situation in Burma (Myanmar), Bagan only attracts about half the number of visitors as its Cambodian cousin, but this is changing as tourism figures continue to climb.
Built between the 9th and 13th centuries, today 2,200 of Bagan’s 10,000 Buddhist temples, stupa (pagodas) and monasteries remain. Stay for sunset and for a complete view take to the skies in a hot air balloon.
Waimea Canyon instead of the Grand Canyon
Waimea Canyon is the Pacific’s very own Grand Canyon on the Hawaiian Island of Kauaʻi.
At 14 miles long, one mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep, the canyon was formed by a combination of the usual erosion and the collapse of a volcano!
Clouds can sometimes interrupt the view, but if you visit on a sunny day the sight is spectacular.
Though smaller and younger than its Arizona namesake, it’s a lot closer to the beach!
The Golden Mile instead of Napa Valley
With 25 vineyards right on their doorstep the 4,000 people of Oliver in British Columbia, Canada should be a happy bunch.
Sitting in the only desert area of Canada, 16 miles north of the US, Oliver is at the heart of BC’s South Okanagan wine region.
The Golden Mile (well, more like 20km) is perfectly suited for producing merlot, chardonnay, gewürztraminer and cabernet sauvignon. Notable vineyards include Burrowing Owl Winery, Gehringer Brothers, Blasted Church and Nk’Mip Cellars – North America’s first First Nations owned and operated winery.
Aside from vineyards, the region’s mild climate makes it just right for outdoor activities and growing crops of cherry, peach, and apple orchards, tomatoes, pumpkins and peppers.
Featured Image by Paul Arps
