15 Popular Vacation Destinations to Skip – And Where To Go Instead

If you’re looking for a unique getaway, skip the well-known, overtouristed spots that have had their time to shine for far too long. Whether you’re looking for affordable alternatives to the favorites, off-the-beaten-path spots you’ve never considered, or just something new and fresh from your next getaway, these are the vacation destinations you’ll want to consider for your next trip.

Skip: Orlando, Florida

With higher-than-ever pricing at theme parks and resorts in Florida, taking that long-awaited trip to Disney World may be a more distant dream than ever. Thankfully, there are some increasingly impressive other theme park-centric destinations around the country that offer an even better experience for a fraction of the price.

Visit: Branson, Missouri

Head to Branson, Missouri for an alternative to Orlando that you may end up liking even more. Home to the Silver Dollar City theme park, this affordable midwestern gem is easily accessible for most of the country and has plenty of attractions, shows, and entertainment options to keep the entire family happy. Even better? Silver Dollar City has incredible food (even better than Disney!), authentic Ozark Mountains history, and recently debuted its newest blockbuster ride, Fire in the Hole.

Skip: New York City

When it comes to big city attractions there’s nowhere like New York City. But it’s more expensive than ever to visit this major metropolis, leading some travelers to consider other parts of New York State for a similar kind of city break.

Visit: Buffalo

Head upstate to the city of Buffalo for more than just football games. Buffalo hits above its weight when it comes to historical attractions and cultural institutions; a highlight is the newly expanded and enhanced Buffalo AKG Art Museum, which reopened last summer after a multi-million dollar total transformation. Of course, with Niagara Falls right next door, you’ll also get to experience the honorary “8th Wonder of the World” firsthand.

Skip: Cancun

Cancun has long been Mexico’s most desirable resort destination, with an incredible stretch of white sand and some of the biggest and buzziest all-inclusive resorts in the world. However, beaches here are so built up that some would argue they’ve lost their appeal altogether for those looking for some rest and relaxation.

Visit: Tulum

With a new international airport making this coastal gem more easily accessible than ever, Tulum, Mexico combines both accessibility and laidback luxury that travelers are increasingly looking for. Nearby ruins to explore and deep jungle-rimmed sink holes for swimming make it a destination that has so to offer. Stay at Lula Hotel, the recently rebranded and redesigned 19-key property that is the latest from the Colibri Boutique Hotels portfolio in Tulum’s vibrant hotel zone.

Skip: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is the most frequently visited Caribbean island, famous for its beaches and stunning resorts – but areas like the resort town of Punta Cana are so built up that they can be overwhelming rather than relaxing. Plenty of other destinations in the Dominican Republic worth considering have beautiful beaches with just a fraction of the visitors.

Visit: Samaná, Dominican Republic

One of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic for less crowded shores is the Samaná Peninsula, known for white sand shores, lush jungles, and gorgeous scenery. Stay at the newly reopened Cayo Levantado Resort, situated on a private island in the heart of Samaná Bay to experience the country’s first dedicated wellness resort. You may even see whales breaching during whale season right from your private balcony with a plunge pool.

Skip: The Hamptons

If you’re looking for a Long Island getaway this summer, drive past the upscale mansions of the Hamptons and keep going. More laidback, unfussy, and much more affordable destinations await just a short drive away.

Visit: Montauk

Located at the eastern tip of Long Island, Montauk is known for having stunning views, a laidback beach town vibe, and plenty of places to eat and things to do. Make sure to visit the 1796 Montauk Point Lighthouse and Camp Hero State Park with its World War II bunkers between trips to the beach.

Skip: Saint Lucia

The eastern Caribbean island of Saint Lucia is well-known as the honeymoon capital of the Caribbean, but there are plenty of other nearby island destinations worth exploring, honeymoon or not!

Visit: Dominica

Take a ferry from Saint Lucia to the island of Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean” for its incredibly lush landscapes, other-worldly volcanic landforms beneath the seas, and adventurous attractions like the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean. It’s a gem with an increasingly impressive array of resorts and hotels to choose from and scenery that will knock your socks off.

Skip: Miami, Florida

There’s nowhere in the United States like Miami, Florida, with its impressive mix of cultures, languages, traditions, and histories visible around every corner. However, travelers looking for a more relaxing, laid-back beach vacation should consider some of Florida’s smaller towns instead.

Visit: Vero Beach, Florida

Vero Beach is one of the few hidden gems on Florida’s eastern coast. Long-time locals say it feels like a window into how Florida was years ago, before most of the state’s beaches became so built-up and busy. Small, local eateries, nearly empty beaches, and a handful of cool hotels – new and historic – await.

Skip: St. Maarten

The Caribbean island of St. Martin / St. Maarten has both Dutch and French influence and has long been a popular destination with American travelers looking for an island getaway. However, newly added flights to nearby islands are starting to make other Caribbean destinations more popular than ever.

Visit: Antigua

Known for having exactly 365 beaches – one every day of the year – the island of Antigua is an increasingly accessible Caribbean destination for American travelers. Newly-added flights make the island easier to visit than ever. The island will welcome the brand-new Royalton CHIC Antigua this spring, bringing additional overwater bungalows to Antigua. Visitors can also choose from among the island’s many private villas for rent, including the breathtaking Villa Papillon, with its sweeping views over English Harbor and Pearns Point.

Skip: Hawaii

Hawaii has long been a favorite tropical destination for American travelers, with its stunning volcanic landscapes and incredible beaches. Looking for something different – and potentially more affordable – from your Pacific island vacation? Consider looking just a bit further afield.

Visit: Fiji

Even though it feels a world away, Fiji is surprisingly close to the West Coast of the United States, making it an easier getaway than many expect. Marriott offers a number of hotels and resorts across the country’s different islands, including the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay with overwater “bures,” or bungalows.

Skip: Vail, Colorado

There are few more popular destinations in the U.S. than Vail for a ski resort getaway. However, if you’re looking for something different from a ski vacation, consider looking further afield to some of the popular destinations abroad for an entirely unique experience.

Visit: Grindelwald, Switzerland

One of the most popular ski resorts in Switzerland is Grindelwald, nestled among high Alps peaks like the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch. Grindelwald has nearly 100 miles of ski slopes surrounded by some of the most incredible landscapes in Switzerland. Grindelwald is a year-round destination, too, with plenty of things to see and do throughout the year, like hiking trails, adventure sports, and sites like the Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe.

Skip: The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the great bucket list destinations in the United States for travelers, but there are plenty of other similar spots around the world that are just as impressive – or even more so.

Visit: Colca Canyon, Peru

Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States is the Colca Canyon in Peru. This profound crater is one of Peru’s most impressive attractions, well worth a visit after to Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the other incredible historic attractions of the Sacred Valley.

Skip: Key West, Florida

Just 90 miles north of Cuba, Key West has long been one of the most beloved beach destinations in the continental United States. However, it’s also an increasingly expensive spot for a vacation. Here’s where else to look for a beach getaway.

Visit: The Bahamas

Just a stone’s throw away from the Florida Keys are the islands of the Bahamas. The Bahamas is an incredible Caribbean island destination with white sand beaches, delicious local food, and plenty of incredible resorts to choose from.

Skip: Cartagena, Colombia

Colombia’s Caribbean capital of Cartagena is impressive – there’s no denying it – but it’s also busy, bustling, and more expensive than ever. Consider heading to nearby destinations that offer some of the same historic gems of Cartagena without the crowds.

Visit: Panama City, Panama

Panama City, Panama has long been one of the financial capitals of Central America, but its revitalized Old Town is drawing more visitors than ever. Spend a night at the centuries-old convent turned luxury hotel, Hotel La Compañía, before exploring historic churches, meandering along the waterway, and, of course, visiting the Panama Canal.

Skip: Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is certainly impressive – but there are so many other destinations in Canada worth the visit. Consider heading to other parts of the country for views that many visitors consider even more spectacular and much less over-touristed.

Visit: Banff

While Banff can get crowded during peak travel season, it’s one of Canada’s most impressive destinations. Visitors love Lake Louise, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, but perhaps even more remarkable is Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North), which connects Banff National Park with nearby Jasper National Park – you’ll want to stop for pictures every few minutes of your drive.

Skip: Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is bright, bustling, and more beloved than ever by travelers the world over. Whether you’ve already experienced this unmissable city or are just looking for an experience that’s a little different, there are plenty of other Latin American cities worth considering for your next trip.

Visit: Bogotá, Colombia

One of those Latin American capitals you’ll love is Bogotá, Colombia. While travelers tend to eschew Bogotá for destinations like colorful Medellin or coastal Cartagena, Bogotá offers an abundance of cultural and historic attractions that travelers enjoy, including the must-visit Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) and proximity to stunning nearby villages like Villa de Leyva.