Discover the Allure of Lesser-Known Travel Destinations in 2025

Did you know that a remarkable 63 percent of travelers are inclined to explore lesser-known and less crowded destinations on their next adventures? This insight comes from travel giant Expedia, which has curated a list of 11 enticing ‘detour destinations’ for 2025. As they aptly put it, “Traveling in 2025 is about making our trips work a little harder, by lingering a little longer and adding a smart side-trip within easy reach of our gateway city.” While we all dream of iconic locations like Cancun, Barcelona, or Paris, a carefully chosen detour can significantly enrich any classic itinerary.

Beyond simply ticking off more places from our travel bucket lists, ‘detour destinations’ allow us to mitigate the challenges of overtourism, which poses significant problems for local communities through strained essential services and congested infrastructure. With this in mind, here’s a detailed exploration of Expedia’s top alternative destinations for the upcoming year; hopefully, they’ll inspire you to venture a little off the beaten path.

Visit Reims – France’s Unofficial Champagne Capital

Just a swift 45-minute ride from Paris via the TGV high-speed train, Reims, a former capital of France, awaits exploration. While perhaps lesser-known, Reims proudly holds the title of the unofficial champagne capital of the world. Along with nearby Épernay and Ay, it stands as one of the primary hubs of champagne production. The city is home to renowned champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot, Lanson, and Taittinger.

Below the bustling streets, the famed bubbly ages in a labyrinth of caves and tunnels, some of which date back to Roman times and are open for guided tours. Above ground, Reims serves as a walkable gateway for vineyard explorations. If champagne doesn’t tickle your fancy, the city is rich in culture, boasting the UNESCO-designated Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. Once the site of countless royal coronations, visitors today can marvel at Marc Chagall’s stunning stained-glass windows, a modern highlight of this historic masterpiece.

Brescia – A Serene Escape from Milan

Nestled in the Alpine foothills between Lake Garda and Lake Iseo in Lombardy, Brescia is a mere 40-minute train journey from Milan, yet it feels worlds apart from the bustling metropolis. This charming city is so steeped in culture that it was awarded the title of Italian Capital of Culture for 2023, alongside nearby Bergamo. Brescia boasts some of the most significant Roman ruins in northern Italy, a majestic medieval castle perched on a hill, and the breathtaking 15th-century Chiesa del Santissimo Corpo di Cristo.

Art enthusiasts will find delight in the seemingly endless galleries, including the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo Art Gallery, which houses one of the region’s most important art collections. After soaking up the rich culture, don’t miss the chance to unwind at one of the nearby lakes, where hiking, boat trips, and wine tasting at local vineyards await. And of course, indulge in Brescia’s delectable Alpine dishes at one of its beautiful Renaissance-era piazzas, perhaps accompanied by an Aperol Spritz or two.

Travel to Girona – Spain’s Unsung Architectural Gem

While Barcelona attracts throngs of tourists, just a short 40-minute train ride away lies Girona, a city often overlooked yet brimming with architectural wonders. Northern Catalonia’s largest city is a true feast for architecture enthusiasts, featuring a fascinating blend of styles ranging from the medieval Barri Vell to the Roman Força Vella fortress ruins and stunning Modernista villas.

A leisurely stroll along the picturesque River Onyar is an experience not to be missed. For breathtaking views, walk across the Gustave Eiffel-designed Pont de les Peixateries Velles bridge, which showcases the vibrant, colorful buildings lining the river. If the weather turns sour, seek refuge in the quirky Museu del Cinema, a delightful tribute to the world of cult cinema. And when hunger strikes, indulge in a Xuixo pastry, a delightful treat filled with rich crema catalana.

Where Else Made the ‘Detour Destinations’ List?

• Cozumel, Mexico: Known as the country’s scuba paradise, Cozumel is a small island in the Caribbean Sea, offering a serene alternative to the bustling Cancun and Playa del Carmen. This hidden gem remains relatively undiscovered and undeveloped, making it a year-round haven for avid divers and home to underwater sculptures at Chankanaab Adventure Park.
• Abu Dhabi, UAE: While Dubai steals the spotlight, Abu Dhabi, located just 90 minutes away, is equally deserving of attention. Highlights include the awe-inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, nearly the size of four football fields, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, known as France’s largest cultural project abroad. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic Corniche waterfront esplanade and embark on a desert safari to witness the stunning dunes of Rub‘ al Khali.
• Palm Springs and Santa Barbara, California: Both around two hours from the ever-popular Los Angeles, Palm Springs is famed for the Coachella festival but is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with hiking trails and natural mineral pools. Meanwhile, Santa Barbara, framed by the stunning Santa Ynez Mountains, is a food lover’s dream, boasting perfect surfing conditions, microbreweries, and a vibrant farm-to-table culinary scene.
• Canmore, Canada: Just 75 minutes away from Calgary, Canmore offers a more laid-back alternative to the tourist-favored Banff. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this charming town is perfect for outdoor lovers, with ample opportunities for exploring breathtaking waterfalls, blue lakes, fishing, boating, and skiing.
• Fukuoka, Japan: Famed as Japan’s friendliest city, Fukuoka is a five-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo. Known for its stunning spring cherry blossoms, delectable seafood, and rich ramen culture, this city also boasts ancient temples and vibrant cultural festivals.
• Krabi, Thailand: As an alternative to the bustling Phuket, Krabi lies just an hour away by speedboat. Its stunning Andaman coastline is a playground for adventurers, offering excellent kayaking and snorkeling opportunities alongside world-class rock climbing at Railay. It’s also a perfect launch point for island-hopping excursions to the idyllic Koh Phi-Phi and the lesser-known Koh Lanta.
• Waikato, New Zealand: While Auckland may be on your travel radar, just over an hour and a half away lies Waikato, a region of breathtaking natural beauty. With black-sand beaches, world-class surfing, and thrilling river-rafting opportunities, this area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t forget to explore the spectacular Waitomo Caves, where countless glowworms illuminate the darkness with their enchanting glow.