Smart Swaps: Where (Else) To Go & Why
Let's be real… The Amalfi Coast is iconic. Bali’s a dream. Paris will always be Paris. But if you’re looking for all the charm without the crowds, price tag, or peak-season pressure, there’s a better way to travel.
Enter: the “where else” destination — the second city, the hidden gem, the spot just off the main route that delivers the same kind of magic with room to breathe. Maybe it's a few towns over, or maybe it's a completely different country altogether… either way, it's not what everyone else is currently booking. That's exactly what we did this last weekend on Crete.
If you’ve been eyeing a popular destination but hesitating because of over-tourism, availability, or just a gut feeling that you want something different — keep scrolling.
Here’s what to swap, where to go, and why it’s worth it to step off the well-worn tourist path.
Instead of Chania… Crete with Charm & Space
Instead of Chania…
📍 Visit Paleochora, Crete: Similar seaside allure with a castle, lower prices, nice beaches, and a small town vibe.
While the hustle and bustle is real in Chania, those seeking to lose the crowds are going to Paleochora for a weekend getaway — a beach town on the akrotiri, with it's own castle, and two sides of the peninsula (one rocky and one sandy). It’s relaxed, sun-soaked, and rich in local flavor with wine tasting and gelato— a perfect fit for slow travelers and foodies alike. We had the perfect weekend getaway over the 4th of July weekend.
💫 A Perfect Day in Paleochora: Ease into the morning with a freddo espresso at Castello, then wander up the hill to the castle and some history. Then at midday, stroll through town for pizza at Odysseia, and Vakakis Family for their incredible gelato. Nocciola is my favorite - yep hazelnut! Later in the afternoon, head to the beach or some air conditioning for a nap and a shower, before heading out to a wine tasting before a long slow dinner at El Greco overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Instead of the Amalfi Coast… Italy with elbow room
Instead of the Amalfi Coast…
📍 Visit Puglia, Italy: The same Italian seaside allure with more space, lower prices, and a more local feel.
While much of the world is squeezing into the Amalfi Coast, those in the know are heading to Puglia — a region full of whitewashed hill towns, coastal cliffs, olive groves, and conical-roofed trulli houses. It’s relaxed, sun-soaked, rich in local flavor — a perfect fit for foodies and slow travelers.
💫 A Perfect Day in Puglia: Ease into the morning with a cappuccino and a wander through a quiet historic town. Spend midday exploring nearby villages or relaxing along the coast. In the afternoon, head to a countryside wine tasting or olive oil estate tour, then end with a long, slow dinner under string lights at a local masseria.
Instead of Cabo… Mexico beyond the coast
Instead of Cabo San Lucas…
📍 Visit San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: All the color and charm of Mexico, but with deeper culture, better architecture, and a more intimate sense of place than the bustling, tourist-packed coast.
This highland town trades beach resorts for cobblestone streets, rooftop restaurants, and colonial-era elegance. It’s colorful, creative, and quietly sophisticated — with a food, art, and design scene that rivals bigger cities, all set in a walkable, welcoming setting.
💫 A Perfect Day in San Miguel: Start with coffee on a sunny terrace, followed by browsing local artisan markets or boutiques. Spend your afternoon visiting galleries, taking a casual cooking class, or enjoying a leisurely rooftop lunch. Wind down with a golden-hour stroll and a candlelit dinner overlooking the town square.
Instead of Thailand… Same Magic, Quieter Vibes
Instead of Thailand…
📍 Visit Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast: The same tropical beauty with fewer crowds — and bonus access to wildlife, surf, and tea country.
If you’re dreaming of warm beaches and laid-back days, Sri Lanka’s southern coast delivers — without the party scene. Here, you’ll find surf-friendly bays, wild coastlines, and a culture-rich mix of temples, colonial towns, and wildlife. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and surprisingly diverse for such a compact stretch of coast.
💫 A Perfect Day in Sri Lanka: Wake up to ocean views and start your day with a peaceful walk or gentle yoga. After a beachside breakfast, spend your morning exploring local culture or taking a surf lesson. Enjoy a long lunch with sea views, then relax in a hammock or visit a nature preserve. Finish the day with a sunset swim and dinner beneath the palms.
Instead of New England… Peak Color, Fewer Crowds
Instead of New England…
📍 Visit Hudson Valley, New York: The same cozy autumn energy, but easier to access and with fewer crowds.
Rolling hills, apple orchards, and historic small towns — Hudson Valley delivers all the fall magic of New England, minus the gridlock. It’s artsy, unfussy, and full of small-town charm with a quietly luxurious twist. Think cozy inns, farm-to-table meals, and long, scenic drives that demand a playlist.
💫 A Perfect Day in Hudson Valley: Start with a crisp morning walk through forest trails or farmland, followed by breakfast at a quaint café. Spend the afternoon browsing antique shops or visiting a sculpture garden. Cozy up with a glass of wine and a good book before heading to dinner at a farm-to-table spot.
Sometimes, the best travel experiences aren’t in the places everyone’s talking about — they’re just around the corner from the ones that are. These swaps might not be trending on TikTok, but they’re exactly the kind of thoughtful, immersive trips that stick with you long after you’ve unpacked.
💌 P.S. Have you ever fallen in love with a “where else?” destination? I’d love to hear what spot surprised you in the best way.
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