We have so many wonderful conversations with clients about where they’d like to go and then what they’d like to do when they get there. It makes sense as many people have their “bucket list” of cities and countries they can’t wait to explore. However, attending a recent seminar got me thinking about those questions in reverse.
With huge crowds and over-tourism beleaguering so many travelers’ favorite destinations, there is wisdom to considering what you’d like to see and do first and then selecting a destination based on those priorities. We have many clients who want to go to the most popular places and then find the often sought after “hidden gems”. The problem with that is when a place is so popular, even those elusive gems aren't quite so hidden anymore.
So why not consider an alternative location altogether? If you’re interested in going to France and experiencing a city packed with cathedrals, art galleries, a riverside promenade, gardens, parks and delectable cuisine and wine, how about the incredible city of Toulouse as an alternative to Paris. The Pink City has fewer tourists than the City of Light and offers a more economical alternative.
Greece has over 200 inhabited islands plus a mainland packed with gorgeous beaches and archaeological wonders, not to mention insanely delicious food and raki. While not exactly off the beaten path, Crete, Naxos, Paros and Ios are among countless alternatives to Santorini and Mykonos which will more that fit the bill for a Greek island getaway while not requiring you to jostle for the best sunset view.
When the acqua alta rises in Venice, its already jam-packed streets and squares become even more so. Puglia is a region that offers wonderful ancient towns to explore, amazing food and wine, along with waterfront destinations with far fewer people competing for space.
We totally get the draw and are by no means suggesting that one shouldn’t visit Paris, Santorini or Venice – we adore those places and love planning for them too. But acknowledging the multitude of possibilities that exist is a great first step if one is looking to avoid the crowds and expense of visiting the world’s most treasured, and touristed, destinations.
If we can consider what we’d like to experience first and then find a destination that matches, we can reframe that “where to go” question and deliver the vacation of your dreams.
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