Destination swaps are my favorite way to travel. Instead of heading to a major hub, I head to a smaller, more regional city.
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It’s my preferred way to skip hectic crowds for more locally driven activities. Instead of tourist traps, there are hidden gems to be uncovered. Rather than the hustle, the daily rhythm is usually more relaxed.
To top it off, prices are more reasonable. And what’s better than saving money while experiencing a more meaningful vacation? While also missing out on crowds of tourists?
If you’re interested in maximizing your trips by learning the art of destination swaps, look no further. Here’s how to find international destination swaps, along with popular options that should be on your radar in 2026 and into 2027.
How to find a destination swap by yourself
Here’s how to nail a more off-the-beaten-path vacation. First, figure out where you want to go—and don’t be shy about picking out major cities, whether Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, or Amsterdam. Second, consider what makes that place stand out to you.
Is it the culture and atmosphere? What about the chance to sample local gastronomy? Are you hoping to make new friends and dance all night? Or do you prefer to go quiet for a zenned-out relaxathon?
Once you’ve identified why you’re interested in a specific hub, do a little research into neighboring cities that deliver on the vibe. For example, if you’re interested in visiting Kyoto, Japan, to experience traditional history, you might be pointed to a regional gem like Kanazawa, where few other tourists end up.
You could also start with my list of recommendations below. Remember: The idea behind international destination swaps is to take what attracts you to the large hub, then seek out smaller cities that do it better. Your goal is to avoid mass tourism and save big while you do.
Best international destination swaps to consider in 2026 and 2027
Skip Barcelona for Valencia
Skip Barcelona and head further down the coast to Valencia. Both cities are coastal, giving you beach access. Both cities are also cultural hubs where you can enjoy museums, contemporary art, and a slow pace of living. In Valencia, you’ll experience smaller crowds and less anti-tourism sentiment.
Skip Amsterdam for Rotterdam
Like Barcelona, Amsterdam is dealing with overtourism. That type of thing won’t ruin your trip, but you might find yourself feeling the tension more often than you’d like. For a deeper dive into Dutch culture, head to Rotterdam. The architecture is just as awesome, while the city’s university culture has led to more than a few awesome side quests for you to check out. Plus, prices are more affordable.
Skip Venice for Trieste
Are you noticing a pattern? I’m pushing you to rethink visits to Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Venice, which are notorious for having huge crowds of tourists, ultra-high prices, and tensions with locals. Trieste is an excellent destination swap for Venice because it’s just as coastal, has a few canals of its own, and has an Austro-Hungarian history that you’ll feel. If you love great coffee, you’ll also have the cappuccino of a lifetime in Trieste, home of Illy.
Skip Santorini for Paxos
The Greek Islands can be difficult to navigate due to the sheer number of choices. Paxos is still a popular island, but it’s not quite as busy as Santorini. It’s only seven miles long and has a relaxed atmosphere that doesn’t tend to attract crowds. Still, you won’t be marooned with nothing to do or limited ferry options, giving you a more balanced adventure—one that involves thousands of ancient olive trees and Caribbean-like white sand beaches.
Skip Mexico City for Oaxaca City
Mexico City is one of the world’s busiest, most expansive metro hubs. I recommend doing a destination swap with Oaxaca City on the country’s Pacific Coast. Oaxaca is home to indigenous groups with their own unique artisan crafts, culinary culture, language, and outlook on life. You’ll get to soak up a distinct ambiance as you laze away on the beach and visit nearby Puerto Escondido.
Skip Cabo San Lucas for La Paz
Cabo San Lucas is a fantastic place to party all night and adventure all day. But if you’re on the hunt for a quainter, more rejuvenating experience, head to nearby La Paz. The outdoor activities are world-class, from sea kayaking to whale watching, and the local culture is authentic and laid-back, giving you a cultural experience.
Skip New York City for Montreal
Head up to Canada if you’re dreading the hustle of New York City and its jaw-dropping prices. Montreal delivers on the more downplayed urban feel of NYC areas like Queens and Brooklyn. You’ve got tons of creative projects to check out, a handful of trendy neighborhoods where you’ll feel effortlessly cool, and more than a few large parks where you can get a dose of nature when the concrete gets to be too much.
Skip Tokyo & Kyoto for Kanazawa
Here’s an international destination swap that I mentioned up top: Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are large, overwhelming, and expensive. But smaller regional cities like Kanazawa have all that Japanese culture that you’re looking for… just in a more relaxing, digestible package. This doesn’t mean you need to skip Tokyo or Kyoto when you visit Japan—it’s just a reminder that you should devote some time and effort to getting off the tourist track.
Skip Thailand & Vietnam for Cambodia
Thailand and Vietnam are very different countries when it comes to history and culture, but they’re both well-known tourist hubs. Cambodia, on the other hand, is a little less developed for tourists, meaning you can find cultural experiences more easily. You’ve got ancient sites like Angkor Wat to check out, along with large cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to check out, along with natural wonders like the Mekong and Tonle Sap Lake.
Skip Cairo for Dahshur & Saqqara
If you’re hoping to see the Pyramids of Giza but are dreading the hectic heat of Cairo, head further south. You’ll still face heat, but, in exchange, you’ll be able to experience large, wonderfully preserved pyramids like Bent Pyramid, along with other structures built during the reign of King Sneferu. You can also head to Saqqara to check out the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which is the oldest in the world.
