Beyond the Usual Suspects: The Rise of 'Detour Destinations' in 2025
How travellers are looking to skip the crowds without skipping the icons
There’s a lot of chat about veering away from your typical tourist hot spots, but it seems that travellers aren’t quite ready to skip Paris, Milan or Tokyo just yet. Expedia and other travel experts are highlighting a new trend: ‘detour destinations’ - locations near tourist hot spots but without, well, the tourists (or as many). A recent survey found that 63% of travellers are already planning these detours as an addition to their itineraries, opting for quieter, authentic experiences that don’t require abandoning major cities.1
Think Reims instead of Paris. Santa Fe over Albuquerque. These places feel fresher, a bit more personal and offer a unique side to famous hotspots. Here’s why detours are shaping up to be 2025’s travel darling - and a mix of recommendations from across the globe for your next detour-worthy adventure.
Why Travellers Are Opting For Detours
Overtourism Fatigue
Even the most iconic destinations can feel oversaturated. After long lines and seas of selfie sticks, the romance of a place can start to wear thin. So travelers are looking to places such as Reim (about 130km from Paris) or Girona (about 100km from Barcelona), which promise to offer the best of both worlds: proximity to major attractions with a breather from the crowds of tourists.
The Search For Authenticity and Local Connection
More travelers are after genuine moments and local flavours. Detours to spots such as Santa Fe, New Mexico (approximately 105km from Albuquerque) or Nara in Japan (only about 35km from Osaka), offer travellers a chance to experience a different side of a region’s culture, often with a slower pace and more personal encounters.2
Sustainability
Supporting lesser-visited spots can help spread tourism dollars beyond the main hubs. Travellers are increasingly mindful of reducing their impact and visiting smaller communities can be seen to ease the strain on hotspots while creating a positive economic impact. On the flip side of the coin, one could argue that inviting tourists into these new places could see them end up like the original hotspots. But that’s a whole other discussion.3
Social Media Appeal
The draw of these ‘hidden’ gems is not just their relative quiet - it is their uniqueness. In a world where social media travel content is so saturated, people are seeking out content that offers something different from the well-known angles (and heavily posted) angles of Paris or Tokyo. For the Instagram-savvy traveler, a local festival in a less-visited town offers something that feels original.
Top Detour Destinations for 2025
To get a taste of what 2025 has to offer, here’s a mix of detour destinations, each offering a unique spin on nearby cities and regions.
Reims, France (from Paris)
The heart of Champagne country, Reims, is just an hour away from Paris. It is known for its Gothic cathedrals and, of course, Champagne tastings. Raise a glass to skipping the Paris chaos.
Santa Fe, USA (from Albuquerque)
While Albuquerque has its Southwestern charm, Santa Fe’s adobe architecture, art galleries and deep Native American heritage make it a standout detour. A short drive north, it’s great for art lovers and history buffs alike.
Girona, Spain (from Barcelona)
A medieval gem with cobblestone streets, riverside cafes and historic architecture, Girona offers a slower, more intimate take on Catalonian life. It’s ideal for travellers who want Barcelona’s charm without the hustle.
Nara, Japan (from Osaka)
Nara may not be far from Osaka, but it feels like a retreat into Japan’s spiritual side, with ancient temples, gardens and freely roaming deer. It’s a peaceful contrast to Osaka’s vibrant energy.
Kamakura, Japan (from Tokyo)
Known for its historic temples, coastal views and the iconic Great Buddha, Kamakura is a short train ride from Tokyo. It’s an easy detour for travellers craving a calmer escape from Tokyo’s electric pace.
Brescia, Italy (from Milan)
Although you don’t have to stumble far in Italy to come across Roman ruins and medieval buildings, Brescia offers Italy’s history with fewer crowds than Milan.
Canmore, Canada (from Calgary)
When you think of the Rockies your mind will likely go to Banff. But set against the Rockies, Canmore is an outdoorsy gem for those who want to avoid the tourist magnet of Banff. Depending on the time of year you go, you can ski, hike, bike and take in as much mountain magic as you like, without the heavy foot traffic.
Cozumel, Mexico (from Cancun)
An easy ferry ride from Cancun, Cozumel is packed with coral reefs and serene beaches that feel more untouched and less commercial than Cancun’s busy resorts. A haven for divers and snorkelers!
Fukuoka, Japan (from Tokyo)
Japan’s culinary city, Fukuoka, is Toyko’s laid-back cousin. Visitors go for the coastal views, famous food markets and local temples. It’s a distinct, more grounded experience compared to Tokyo’s bustling streets.
Waiheke Island, News Zealand (from Auckland)
Known for its vineyards, olive groves and beaches, Waiheke is a short ferry from Auckland. It’s a natural paradise that is perfect for wine lovers and travelers who enjoy a day at the beach.
Why Detours Reflect Changing Travel Preferences
Travellers are not sniffing at the Eiffel Tower and Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing - they still want to visit them - but they also want more. These nearby detours make combining major landmarks and also getting off the beaten path, more accessible, time-efficient and cost effective. It is definitely easier to pack the whole family onto a train for a quick day trip rather than having to overhaul their entire itinerary.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have noticed the rise in demand for slow travel. Detour destinations fit under this umbrella where the focus is on enjoying fewer locations more fully. These spots give travellers the option to linger in a region a little longer.
https://www.expedia.com/newsroom/unpack-25-travel-trends/
https://www.expedia.com/magazine/travel-trends-unpack-25/detour-destinations/
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/the-2025-travel-trends-turning-unheard-of-destinations-into-tourist-hubs/