If the idea of sitting on a crowded beach or fighting off the masses as you reach the peak of a hike fills you with holiday dread, it seems you are not alone.
Several recent surveys have found that travellers are now actively avoiding destinations that are likely to be crowded.
Looking beyond the Amalfi Coast, for example, travellers are visiting lesser-known stretches of shoreline, from the rugged beaches of Italy's Cilento Coast south of Salerno to Albania's Riviera.
In Southeast Asia, travellers are increasingly swapping Phuket and Bali's most congested districts for places like Vietnam's Quy Nhon and Thailand's Koh Lanta. And on the Greek islands, visitors are seeking a slower (and quieter) pace than that offered by Mykonos or Santorini, with a surge of interest in islands such as Naxos and Milos.
A global travel survey conducted this year by consulting firm Simon-Kucher found that 68 per cent of travellers would avoid a destination if they knew it would be crowded. The same study found strong support for measures designed to manage overtourism, including off-peak travel incentives and visitor limits.
This is also backed up by a study carried out by Expedia last year, which found that people are looking for “detour destinations”.
“Travellers are not only visiting the tried-and-true tourist destinations – they are adding detours,” Expedia said. “Detour destinations” are locations “near popular hotspots”, which makes them “ideal for day trips while also being attractive as main attractions”.
“In the hunt for the less crowded and less well-known, 63 per cent of consumers say they are likely to visit a detour destination on their next trip,” Expedia said.
The site compiled the top 10 trending detour destinations based on an increase in flight searches:
• Reims, France (detour from Paris)
• Brescia, Italy (detour from Milan)
• Cozumel, Mexico (detour from Cancun)
• Santa Barbara, US (detour from Los Angeles)
• Waikato, New Zealand (detour from Auckland)
• Girona, Spain (detour from Barcelona)
• Fukuoka, Japan (detour from Tokyo)
• Abu Dhabi, UAE (detour from Dubai)
• Krabi, Thailand (detour from Phuket)
• Canmore, Canada (detour from Calgary)
It seems that tourists are less willing to fight crowds, and much more interested in taking the road less travelled. All in all, it is good news for anyone looking beyond the algorithm.
Until next time, safe travels.
Travel news you may have missed
• Boutique adults-only hotel Oku Bodrum has opened in Turkey. Rates start from €500 ($581) a night at the resort on Bodrum's northern coast. Highlights of the 58-room hotel include Nikkei-inspired restaurant Teyo and a collection of artworks curated by Begum Guney.
• China is on track to become the world’s leading travel and tourism economy in the coming years if current growth is sustained, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. Last year, China welcomed more than 68 million international visitors, marking a 15.5 per cent year-on-year increase, almost three times the global growth rate of 5.4 per cent. International visitor spending rose by 10.5 per cent to $135 billion, passing pre-pandemic levels and outperforming the global average of 3.2 per cent. Compared to 2024, the country recorded 9 million more arrivals, representing the largest increase globally.
• Emirates airline has promoted its first Emirati female captains. Moving from pilots to captains, Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri both rose through the Emirates Group's National Cadet Pilot Programme and operate the Boeing 777 fleet.
• Four Seasons has announced the first of its 2028 private jet journeys, taking guests to a selection of new hotels including Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico, and Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, which will open later this year. The trips include immersive experiences, tailor-made for each location, with access to a dedicated team while travelling, including a concierge, chef and physician.
Saadiyat Beach recognised as one of world's best
Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi has been named one of the world's best stretches of coastline, ranking 19th in The World's 50 Best Beaches list for this year.
The beach was one of only two destinations from the Middle East, along with Detwah Lagoon in Yemen, to feature in this year's ranking. The list was compiled from votes by more than 1,000 travel professionals, including journalists, content creators and industry experts.
The 8km beach was praised for its white sand, turquoise waters and conservation efforts.
Yemen's Detwah Lagoon is on the western tip of Socotra Island, which was named a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008. It is known for its turquoise waters, white sand and distinctive trees. “The lagoon is surrounded by towering, rugged hills and dotted with unique vegetation, giving the area an almost otherworldly appearance. The shallow waters are teeming with marine life, including rays and small fish,” organisers of The World's 50 Best Beaches said.
From Entalula Beach in the Philippines to Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico, the full list will provide ample inspiration when it comes to planning summer trips. Read more here.
Travel buy
A travel fan may well be labelled a packing essential this summer, given the record temperatures we're set to see here in the UAE and around the world.
This option from Marks & Spencer makes for a light and portable accessory and can be charged by USB. Thanks to its hinge design, it can be held by hand or placed on a surface.
Spotlight destination: New Delhi
Hayley Kadrou recently checked into New Delhi's Leela Palace, a hotel that, as she discovered, gave her an insight into the Indian city's rich heritage and traditional cuisine.
At the hotel in the Diplomatic Enclave, she found a calm respite from the noise of city life. Inside, she enjoyed gilded displays of art and artefacts, a stunning collection of restaurants and outstanding service. Read her full account here.
Top travel tip
Before you travel, check local event calendars. You may find small festivals, sports matches, cultural performances and food fairs while you are in town, which can make for memorable highlights.
In the headlines
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