Skip the Crowds: 4 Smart Destination Swaps
Let’s be honest: there’s a reason the Amalfi Coast, Cabo, and Paris are on everyone’s travel wish list. They’re popular for a reason. But when you're staring down sold-out hotels, cruise ship crowds, and the stress of planning around peak season chaos, it's hard to get into vacation mode.
That’s where “smart swaps” come in. This is the art of choosing destinations that offer all the charm, culture, or scenery of the hotspots, just without the elbow-to-elbow tourism. Sometimes it’s about picking a nearby region with a slower pace; sometimes it’s about pivoting to a totally different country that checks the same boxes in a more relaxed, immersive way.
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to zig when everyone else zags, this one’s for you. Here are four of my favorite destination swaps that trade in crowds for culture, affordability, and room to breathe, all without sacrificing what makes a trip special.
1. Instead of the Amalfi Coast… Visit Puglia, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is a dream, but it’s also packed, pricey, and gets booked out months in advance. If you’re looking for the same romantic coastal feel, just with a little more breathing room, head to Puglia instead.
Located in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is known for its whitewashed villages, olive groves, seaside towns, and laid-back pace. It’s a food lover’s paradise, full of rustic trattorias, incredible local wines, and some of the best olive oil you’ll ever taste.
Why You’ll Love It:
Fewer tour buses, more local flavor
Trulli houses and charming towns like Alberobello, Ostuni, and Locorotondo
Easy access to beaches and countryside
Better value for boutique hotels and masseria stays
A perfect day in Puglia: Wander quiet alleyways in a historic hill town, stop for fresh focaccia and espresso, take a scenic drive to the coast, and wrap it all up with a sunset dinner under string lights at a countryside farmhouse.
2. Instead of Cabo… Visit San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Cabo has its place, especially if you’re looking to sit poolside with a drink in hand. But if you’re craving something more rooted in culture and design with just as much sunshine, head inland to San Miguel de Allende.
This highland city blends colonial architecture, a thriving art scene, and gorgeous boutique hotels into one perfectly walkable package. It’s romantic, colorful, and ideal for those who want to slow down and soak it all in.
Why You’ll Love It:
A vibrant arts and culinary scene
Rooftop restaurants and boutique hotels with personality
Historic charm without the beach resort vibe
A great option for long weekends or cultural deep dives
A perfect day in San Miguel: Start with coffee and pastries on a terrace, stroll through local galleries and artisan markets, break for lunch at a rooftop spot with panoramic views, and end the day with live music and mezcal cocktails in a cozy courtyard.
3. Instead of Thailand… Visit Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast
Thailand is often the go-to for tropical escapes and island-hopping. But if you’re looking for a slightly less-traveled alternative with equally stunning beaches and rich culture, Sri Lanka might be your new favorite.
The southern coast is dotted with surf towns, tea plantations, wildlife parks, and colonial-era cities. It’s peaceful, scenic, and perfect for anyone looking for a mix of wellness, adventure, and culture without the crowds.
Why You’ll Love It:
Laid-back beach towns like Mirissa and Weligama
Wildlife experiences from elephant safaris to blue whale watching
Easy add-on to Sri Lanka’s central tea country
Still affordable and relatively under the radar
A perfect day in Sri Lanka: Enjoy a beachfront yoga session, hop on a tuk-tuk to explore temples or a spice market, sip fresh coconut water by the sea, and end the evening with curry and cocktails under swaying palms.
4. Instead of New England in the Fall… Visit Hudson Valley, New York
New England gets all the attention come autumn, and all the traffic too. But if you’re chasing cozy vibes, fall foliage, and weekend-getaway energy without the crush of leaf peepers, Hudson Valley delivers.
Just a couple hours north of NYC, the region is full of charming small towns, apple orchards, scenic hikes, and stylish inns. You’ll still get the crisp air and changing leaves, but with easier logistics and fewer crowds.
Why You’ll Love It:
Chic farm-to-table dining and wineries
Antique shops, art galleries, and historic mansions
Gorgeous drives through rolling countryside
Plenty of cozy, design-forward accommodations
A perfect day in Hudson Valley: Sip cider by a firepit, take a slow drive along a scenic route with stops at orchards or vintage shops, and cozy up with a seasonal tasting menu at a charming local inn.
Why Smart Swaps Matter
Smart swaps aren’t just about dodging crowds, they’re about unlocking a different kind of travel. One that feels more personal, more connected, and more like you. And the best part? These alternative destinations often offer better value, better availability, and a whole lot more authenticity.
If you're not sure where to start or want help matching a destination to your travel style, that’s where I come in. I help clients design thoughtful, fully customized itineraries, whether you’re looking to trade Amalfi for Puglia or discover a completely new corner of the world.
Let’s plan a trip that fits you, not just what everyone else is booking.
