'Detour destinations' becoming a hot trend for travelers
Share this @internewscast.com

(NewsNation) — “Detour destinations” have become the hot travel trend this year, according to travel booking site Expedia.

According to Expedia.com, detour destinations are lesser-known places that tend to have fewer visitors compared to popular tourist attractions. These locations are recommended for inclusion in travel plans as either additional stops or even as primary destinations.

Travelers are increasingly interested in detour destinations because they offer a chance to connect more genuinely with local cultures and residents. Additionally, the problem of overtourism has led to overcrowding, environmental harm, and, at times, financial challenges for the communities involved.

About 63% of travelers are likely to choose a detour destination on their next trip, according to a recent report.

So, what were some of the top “detour destinations” in 2025?

Reims, France

Reims, located in northeastern France, has become a detour for many who want to avoid the crowds of Paris.

TripAdvisor describes Reims as a crucial destination along France’s Champagne trail, famous for its major champagne producers, expansive avenues, and well-maintained medieval churches.

This photograph shows the Gothic Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral in Reims, eastern France, on July 4, 2025. (Photo by FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI / AFP) (Photo by FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP via Getty Images)

The city’s impressive Gothic cathedral was once the site where French monarchs were crowned, which still inspires many to come and pay homage.

Brescia, Italy

Brescia is located between Milan and Verona and ranks as the second-largest city in Lombardy, Italy. The city is acclaimed for its stunning views of lakes and mountains.

“Brescia is noted for the art treasures housed in its numerous churches.”

View Towards North Side. Brescia. Lombardy. Italy. Europe. (Photo by: BlueRed/REDA/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The city is notable for its Pinacoteca Tosio-Martinengo, an impressive picture gallery, and its medieval museum that features significant works by artists from the 15th and 16th centuries who were part of the Brescia school.

Cozumel, Mexico

Away from the regular hotspots of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Cozumel has become a great alternative for those vacationing in Mexico.

A travel guide describes one location as an island paradise, featuring white sand beaches, coral reefs, modern amenities, and vast untouched natural areas.

Cozumel, Mexico, San Miguel de Cozumel, Plaza del Sol Mercado de Artesanias, artisanal shopping market, alfresco dining. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Cozumel offers quietly authentic neighborhoods while also boasting tourist-friendly playgrounds. Those who venture from the tourist areas can find garages with shrines spotlighting the Virgin and spirited Caribbean energy in the air.

Santa Barbara, California

Travelers who don’t want the glitz and glam of Los Angeles have found their way to Santa Barbara.

“Visit California” describes Santa Barbara as a “charmingly small city, 90 miles north of Los Angeles,” that “hugs both the beaches and Highway 101.”

Harbor and Santa Barbara Pier looking south from Drone elevated view, California. (Photo by: Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

“If you’re traveling without a vehicle, though, worry not: the city is proud of its car-free navigability, and also offers easy access by train.”

Santa Barbara is the home of more than three dozen wine tasting rooms along the walkable Urban Wine Trail. Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara is a camper’s dream with tent and RV sites with hookups.

Waikato, New Zealand

Placed in the northern region of the country, Waikato consists of stunning gardens, a variety of shopping, popular nightlife and a robust restaurant scene.

Buddhist Monks walking on the sand of Hot Water Beach. An underground river of hot water flows from the interior of the earth to surface in the Pacific Ocean at Hot Water Beach, North Island. Waikato Region, New Zealand. (Photo by: Keith Levit/Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Girona, Spain

Away from the burgeoning cities of Barcelona and Madrid, Girona has its own distinct feel.

“A medieval little gem that feels completely distinct from Barcelona, only an hour to its south,” said travel blog Go Ask A Local. “Whereas Barcelona is cosmopolitan and endlessly bustling, Girona is distinctly Catalan and it has the pleasantly relaxed energy of a big town rather than a city.”

View of Girona’s colorful facades and their reflection and the city’s bridges from the banks of the riu Onyar in Girona in Catalonia in the northern Spain on December 27, 2024. (Photo by Jc Milhet / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP) (Photo by JC MILHET/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

Fukuoka, Japan, and more

One of Japan’s ten most populated cities, Fukuoka is known as the historic gateway to Asia.

Per Japan Guide, “Because of its closeness to the Asian mainland (closer to Seoul than to Tokyo), Fukuoka has been an important harbor city for many centuries and was chosen by the Mongol invasion forces as their landing point in the 13th century.”

The city of Fukuoka, Japan, on Saturday, May 28, 2022. Photographer: Shoko Takayasu/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates has been deemed a detour from Dubai, while Krabi in Thailand has evolved into another option for those who want something different from Phuket. Canmore in Canada is a substitute for travelers who look outside of Calgary.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Kyoto hikes tourist tax by 900% amid overtourism surge

Kyoto Implements 900% Increase in Tourist Tax in Response to Overtourism Surge

Kyoto is set to significantly increase its accommodation fees starting March 2026,…
Bodycam video shows New York police officers rescue choking 10-month-old baby in Corona, Queens

Watch: Heroic NYPD Officers Save Choking Infant in Queens with Quick Response

In Corona, Queens, a 10-month-old infant’s life was saved by the quick…
The 22-day government shutdown is now the second-longest in US history

Historic Standoff: Unpacking the 22-Day Government Shutdown and Its Impact

The longest government shutdown on record spanned 35 days during the first…
Celebrities from Prince Harry to Steve Bannon call for ban on AI 'superintelligence.' What is it?

Why Celebrities Like Prince Harry and Steve Bannon Are Demanding a Ban on AI Superintelligence

(NEXSTAR) – An open letter urging the cessation of progress in “superintelligence”…
Cheerleader dies after being shot at high school bonfire, remembered for having 'spunk to her step'

Tragic Loss: Beloved Cheerleader Fatally Shot at High School Bonfire, Celebrated for Her Spirited Legacy

Tragedy struck a high school gathering in Pinson, Alabama, when a young…
Woman charged with abandoning newborn child at NYC subway stop

Newborn Found Abandoned at NYC Subway: Woman Faces Charges

Authorities in New York City have apprehended a woman accused of leaving…
US Marshal, illegal alien shot in Los Angeles immigration operation

US Marshal and Undocumented Immigrant Injured During Los Angeles Immigration Enforcement Operation

In Los Angeles on Tuesday, a U.S. Marshal and an undocumented immigrant…
Former ESPN Host Blasts Boy Competing Against Daughter

Ex-ESPN Host Criticizes Boy Competing Against His Daughter in Sports Event

Outrage Erupts as Christian Ponder’s Wife Criticizes Transgender Participation in Girls’ Sports…
Illinois Rep. Hoan Huynh says Customs and Border Patrol agent pulled gun on him near Montrose, Kimball in Albany Park, Chicago

Illinois Rep. Hoan Huynh Alleges Gun Incident with Border Patrol Agent in Chicago’s Albany Park

CHICAGO (WLS) — An Illinois state representative, who is also a candidate…
Immigrant rights group calls for removing pregnant women from detention

Advocacy Group Urges Release of Expectant Mothers from Detention Facilities

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Pregnant women detained by U.S. immigration authorities…
Putnam man arrested for threats toward neighbor

Putnam Resident Arrested for Alleged Threats Against Neighbor: Community Safety Concerns Rise

A man has been accused of threatening a neighbor and her family…
'Dancing with the Stars' week 6: Popular couple sent home on 'Wicked Night,' celebrating music from movies

Wicked Night’ Shocker: Fan-Favorite Couple Eliminated on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Movie Music Week

LOS ANGELES — On “Dancing with the Stars,” the night was enchanted…