The problem with must-do destinations is that they tend to be on everyone else’s bucket lists, too. Instead of jostling with hordes of travellers in the world’s over-touristed hot spots, we’ve rounded up six alternative places to visit where you can experience the destination rather than the crowds.
Six travel dupes where you can avoid the crowds
24 April 2025
Instead of: Bora Bora
Go to: Raivavae
Bora Bora in Tahiti’s Society Islands is the embodiment of a tropical island fantasy. Think crystalline lagoon, white sand, over-water bungalows… plus throngs of honeymooners and Instagram influencers. To avoid these snap-happy crowds, head to Raivavae, in the Austral Islands – Tahiti’s southernmost archipelago. Remote and rustic, you won’t find any luxury resorts on Raivavae. Instead, you can stay in an authentic Tahitian guest house and visit the jaw-droppingly beautiful motu Vaiamanu. Here, you can lie on a deserted white sand beach and swim in a warm, tropical lagoon the colour of blue Powerade, likely with no one else around.
Instead of: Noosa
Go to: Mooloolaba
Noosa, on Australia’s Sunshine Coast is, without a doubt, picturesque. Think golden sand beaches, bougie boutiques and plenty of people. Meanwhile, just 40 minutes’ drive south, Mooloolaba has prawns. It’s the home of giant crustaceans and you can gorge yourself silly on seafood here. But if pescatarian delicacies are not your cup of tea, Mooloolaba also boasts plenty of other foodie options. Not to mention the day spas, coastal cruises and a stunning beach with white sand so fine it squeaks.
Instead of: The Milford Track
Go to: The Humpridge Track
The Milford Track is known as ‘the finest walk in the world’. Traversing Fiordland National Park, this Great Walk takes you deep into some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery. But with that reputation, it’s also an adventure that you have to book well in advance and run the risk of joining queues of hikers during the peak summer season. However, the Tuatapere Humpridge Track, New Zealand’s newest Great Walk is not nearly as well known. A three-day loop will take you through beautiful native forest, along the breathtaking sub-alpine Hump Ridge and around the southern coast of Aotearoa. Best of all, you don’t need to rough it. Options range from a classic ‘freedom walk’ through to more luxurious packages, guided walks and even helicopter or jetboat options.
Instead of: Bali
Go to: Raja Ampat
In recent years Bali has become overrun by backpackers, yogis and surfers from around the world, which somewhat diminishes its reputation as a revered spiritual sanctuary. However, because Indonesia is comprised of thousands of islands there are still many less-touristy destinations to discover here. The islands of Raja Ampat are a sublime option, with pristine beaches, lush jungle and thriving reef ecosystems. Whether you’re into kayaking, diving or hiking, it’s the ideal spot for an adventurous escape.
Instead of: Camino de Santiago
Go to: Via Francigena
The Camino de Santiago, aka the Way of St. James, is the network of iconic pilgrim trails traversing the northwestern corner of Spain that leads to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. It’s a well-trodden route that is bustling with tourists during the European summer. By contrast, the Via Francigena is older, longer and less crowded. This alternative route is an epic journey from England, through France and Switzerland, to Rome. While the entire trail is probably far too much of a stretch for the average holiday, one of the loveliest sections wends its way on ancient roads and through picturesque countryside in Tuscany. Here, the pilgrim trails have been rehabilitated, signposted and modernised with app support making it an accessible option for a European hiking holiday without the crowds.
Instead of: Amsterdam
Go to: Copenhagen
Amsterdam doesn’t need much introduction as a heady party hotspot, but if you’re looking for a European city break without the hectic hype, why not head to Copenhagen in Denmark instead. While offering a similar setting of cute, coloured houses, cobbled streets and canals, Copenhagen doesn’t feel overrun by tourist hordes. In fact, the city sees approximately 10 million fewer visitors each year than its neighbour in the Netherlands. Take a cycling or canal tour to explore the city, indulge in the thriving foodie scene or spend a day at one of the fascinating museums, all with plenty of space to breathe.