We can all agree it's hard to pass up a trip to popular cities like Paris or Rome, but sometimes the best trips come from travelling off the beaten path. From a small fishing town in Croatia to a ski village in the Japanese Alps, we've rounded up 10 alternative destinations to add to your 2019 travel bucket list [1]. In the New Year [2], ditch your go-to spots and book a trip to somewhere completely new.
Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia offers incredible history and many of the same draws as more popular European destinations like Copenhagen. Take a medieval tour of the city, stroll the cobblestone streets of old town, visit the Kadriorg Art Museum, and then check out the incredibly exciting nightlife.
"Lesser-known European cities are becoming more mainstream to travellers with the increased accessibility," Anna Fawcett, global head of marketing at Topdeck Travel [4] told POPSUGAR. "Destinations like Tallinn offer much of the same charm that Americans cherish most about what they've already seen in Europe — like everyone's favourite, cobblestone streets — with new touches they've yet to experience."
Livingstone, Zambia
Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa [5] have long cemented themselves as top African destinations, but Zambia is definitely one to watch. Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River lie just within its southern border, and white water rafting, river cruising, bungee jumping, and gorge swinging are some of the scenic and outdoorsy activities to be enjoyed. If you're looking for a way to soak up yourself in the African bush, consider booking Victoria Falls river safari [6] tour to see the magnificence of the falls from a unique vantage point.
Rovinj, Croatia
Rovinj is a quaint little fishing town on the Adriatic Sea, and truly Croatia's hidden gem. Fully surrounded by water, this city has all of the amazing seafood that Dubrovnik and Split have, but with less crowds. It's the perfect holiday destination with a number of five-star resort options to choose from.
Hakuba, Japan
Japan's major cities attract tourists all year long, but most don't realise the country boasts some of the best ski slopes in the world. Instead of hitting the mountains of Colourado, check out the powder in Hakuba and warm up to some delicious ramen while you're there. If you don't know where to start and want to ski the Japanese Alps, try Topdeck's Ski Japan [7] tour in Hakuba.
The Similan Islands, Thailand
With Maya Bay no longer an option as of 2018 [8], travellers can still enjoy the warm blue-green Andaman Sea, the blinding white sands, and marvelous limestone when visiting the Similan Islands. The islands offer a quiet scene, combining rainforests and pristine beaches with a touch of history, having been made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. Intrepid Travel's Cruising the Thai Islands [9] adventure cruise is specifically curated to take travellers to the country's less-visited islands without tourists.
Annecy, France
A great alternative to overcrowded cities like Venice is Annecy, a charming French city filled with picturesque canals, ornate bridges, and pastel-coloured buildings. It is one of France's prettiest medieval towns right on the shore of Europe's cleanest lake. For peace and relaxation, stay at Auberge du Pére Bis [10], which is surrounded by the mountains and lake.
Lima, Peru
Forget Machu Picchu and head to Lima. Lima is Peru's newest up-and-coming city because if its culinary scene, historic sites, and magical union of the past and the present. The Country Club Lima Hotel [11], a historic hotel located in the prestigious San Isidro neighbourhood, has long been a favourite of the region's high society and celebrities.
Alberta, Canada
Perhaps one of the most photo-worthy locations in the world, Alberta is usually overlooked for popular choices like Iceland or Norway. However, there's a chance of catching the Northern Lights without the long flight. Head to Alberta for skiing, yoga in the mountains, glacier walking, and relaxing hot springs. Also, Alberta's brand-new wellness hideaway, the Kananaskis Nordic Spa [12], is the first Nordic spa in the province and worth the visit.
Laguna Beach, USA
Perfect for beach-lovers, Laguna Beach in California is a town that lacks the crowds and tourists that frequent nearby Venice Beach in Los Angeles. Travellers who love nature can explore the scenic Heisler Park and Crystal Cove State Park. At the Surf & Sand Resort [13], guests can indulge in fresh coastal fare and enjoy the views, since all rooms have an oceanfront private balcony.