Go Here, Not There — Alternatives to the World’s Trendiest Destinations

It seems like every day my Instagram feed is overflowing with envy inducing images from someone else’s exotic vacation.

Stunning beach-scapes, sparkling white buildings, and palm trees swaying in the breeze are all laid out in front of me, igniting the wanderlust.

The problem is that the same destinations keep popping up. Whether it’s St.Barts, the Amalfi Coast, The Hamptons, or Iceland — it seems like everyone is going to the same places.

But what if you don’t want to follow the crowd? Where do you go on vacation if what’s trendy isn’t your thing? Yahoo Travel investigated some of the world’s trendiest vacation destinations and discovered their fabulous, and sometimes unexpected, alternatives.

1. Tampa instead of Miami

Tampa’s got plenty of culture, beaches, and nightlife to offer. Plus, roller coasters! (Photo: Matthew Paulson/Flickr)

The vibrant city of Miami has been a popular destination for international jet-setters for decades. With its pristine beaches, year-round warmth, rich cuban influences, and lively nightlife, it is no wonder Miami has become one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. However, the Floridian city of Tampa, on the Gulf Coast side of the Sunshine State, has just as much action and diversity as Miami. With a rich mix of cultures including Greek, Cuban, Spanish, and Native American, combined with a modern architectural landscape, the city has a lot offer its visitors. Amusement parks, world class golf courses, picture perfect beaches, tropical waters, an array of restaurants, and several large museums are just a handful of the major highlights. The climate in the Bay area is also better than Miami — a regular breeze from the bay helps to cool the city and reduce the humidity.

Related: Thursday Night: Hops and History in Tampa, Florida

2. Newfoundland and Labrador instead of Iceland

Newfoundland and Labrador is full of stunning landscapes and incredible icebergs. (Photo: piknic/Flickr)

If warm waters and white sand beaches aren’t your thing, one of the most popular destinations in recent years has been the North Atlantic island of Iceland. Perfect for the more adventurous traveler, visitors to Iceland can swim in natural volcanic hot springs, go whale watching, climb a glacier, and even take in the Northern Lights. But if you want to try something new, why not sample Newfoundland and Labrador? Incorporating the island of Newfoundland and the mainland region of Labrador, this northern Atlantic region has a history of human inhabitation that goes back over 9,000 years. Each year, more than 10,000 humpback whales make their journey down the coastline making it one of the most spectacular whale watching destinations on Earth. Newfoundland and Labrador also boasts an area of coastline which is known locally as “Iceberg Alley,” because of the abundance of the frosty giants, some of which are up to 10,000 years old. Interestingly, this coastal stretch was likely the path taken by the famous iceberg responsible for sinking the Titanic, just 400 miles off the Newfoundland coast.

3. Oslo instead of Copenhagen

Oslo is a wonderful European city full of art, culture, shopping, and restaurants. (Photo: Getty Images)

The Danish capital of Copenhagen is a foodie’s paradise, with fifteen Michelin starred restaurants within the city limits (three of which have two stars each.) Add in the rich Viking history, great architecture, and wonderful people, and the Danish capital is a fun and friendly destination to visit. But just across the Skagerrak Strait lies Oslo, the capital city of Norway. Similarly steeped in Viking history, the municipality is home to around 650,000 people, and is currently ranked as the fastest growing city in Europe. The central downtown area contains diverse architecture, an impressive choice of museums and galleries, exciting restaurants, and great shopping!

4. Nashville instead of Austin

Barbecue, boots, and honky tonks – Nashville is one rockin’ town. (Photo: Jon Hicks/Corbis)

The state capital of Texas is called the “live music capital of the world,” and is home to over 250 live music venues. With a vibrant arts scene and an array of incredible restaurant options, Austin has become a seriously cool place to visit. But then there is Nashville a.k.a. Music City. Famous for its thriving country music scene, this vibrant city has experienced a renaissance in recent years. The dive bars, honky-tonks, and hot chicken joints are all still there (and are still worth a visit), but the Tennessee state capital has seen an influx of more trendy establishments, making it a foodie and craft-cocktail lovers paradise.

Related: Honky Tonk Is Optional on the Perfect Evening in Nashville

5. North Fork, NY instead of The Hamptons, NY

The North Fork is a great escape from the city, with plenty of restaurants and wineries to keep you full and happy. (Photo: Joe Shlabotnik/Flickr)

The Hamptons are exclusive, expensive, and picturesque. It’s home to many a celebrity vacation home and has become a summer playground for the rich and famous. This group of villages and hamlets form the South Fork of Long Island, New York, but what about the North Fork? This 30-mile long peninsula might be shorter in length than its southern counterpart, but it doesn’t fall short anywhere else. There is plenty to see and do in North Fork, from miles of unspoiled beaches, great wineries, splendid farm-to-table (or sea-to-table) restaurants, and one of the country’s biggest Lavender farms. This charming stretch of coastline is also more laid back —with dozens of quaint seaside villages each with its own hustle and bustle. And lastly, the North Fork is a rustic and more affordable option than the Hamptons. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

6. Budva, Montenegro instead of Positano, Italy

Beautiful Budva can give any Italian town a run for its money. (Photo: Douglas Pearson/Corbis)

The village of Positano is located on Italy’s Amalfi coast, and is considered the country’s most photogenic location thanks to the colorful buildings that decorate the hillside towards the crystal clear waters. The area is known for its culinary splendidness and…Beyonce vacations here. Need we say more? However, just across the Adriatic Sea from Italy’s Eastern seaboard is the medieval coastal town of Budva in the small Balkan country of Montenegro. Popular in the 80’s, the country is still recovering from a drop in tourism following the Yugoslav wars fought by its neighbors. This means current visitors are greeted with a less “touristy” and more authentic experience. Budva is rich in cultural and historic monuments, and features some of the best beaches anywhere in the Mediterranean, if not the world. A vast array of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, as well as plentiful restaurants, cafes, and bars make Budva and idillic, but lively destination.

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