Second best is the best, in this case. According to Booking.com, "second-city" travel is becoming more and more of a thing as travellers veer away from overcrowded destinations and toward cities or locales that offer similar attractions and vibes without throngs of tourists. One plus? They're usually more affordable, too.
Where to go: Trade Italy's Amalfi Coast's most well-known spot of Positano for the more under the radar and very authentic seaside hamlet of Atrani. Swap Dubrovnik for Mostar in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina. Island hop to Paros or Ios in lieu of crowded Santorini in Greece. The bricks of feta taste great on all of the Greek Islands.