In the wake of many people crowding the world’s most popular destinations, overtourism has progressed from a buzzword to a rallying cry for change in how and where we choose to explore.
This shift gave rise to 2024’s “destination dupe” trend — where people traveled to different, less-crowded cities with the same appeal and attractions as busy tourist destinations. That concept is now evolving into 2025’s emerging travel movement: detour destinations. The term was coined in a recent travel trends report from Expedia, where data suggests that 63% of travelers plan to include these lesser-known locales in their itineraries next year.
But what exactly are detour destinations, and how can you incorporate them into your next itinerary? Below, travel experts break it down.
What is a ‘detour destination’?
“Detour destinations are destinations within reach of more expected or traditional locales but off the beaten path enough to provide a completely different experience than their more in-demand neighbors,” explained Kimberly Denison, founder of Denison Travel.
Detour destinations don’t necessarily encourage travelers to skip popular tourist attractions. Instead, the trend emphasizes balance — spending less time on your trip in oversaturated cities and more time exploring under-the-radar areas nearby.
“Post-pandemic, eco-conscious travelers are prioritizing more meaningful and sustainable travel experiences,” said Jeremy Clubb, founder of specialist expedition cruise providers Rainforest Cruises and Antarctica Cruises. “They’re looking to tread lightly, support local communities and dive deeper into the character of their chosen destinations.
But there’s also a growing appetite for variety: People still want the predictability of those tried-and-true “bucket list” icons, but now also the surprises that lie just beyond them. Detour destinations offer the best of both worlds, letting travelers mix well-known landmarks with more personalized, authentic adventures.”
Chelsea Glass, founder and CEO of Heart of Travel, shared how her company incorporates detour destinations into their itineraries: “We’ve been strategic in seeking out new places and experiences to incorporate into our tours that give our travelers a more authentic experience while bringing tourism revenue to smaller communities and locally owned businesses.”
“Many of the experiences we’ve incorporated into our tours have been born out of personal experiences or connections that different team members have acquired over the span of their lifetimes in Latin America,” she explained.
Some of these tours include well-loved destinations like Antigua, Guatemala, and Oaxaca, Mexico, but also detour destinations such as Huehuetenango, Guatemala, and Capulalpam de Méndez, Mexico, where visitors can experience unique cultural traditions and a slower pace of life.
“Many beautiful places around the world are eager for more visitors, while popular destinations overwhelmed by millions of tourists are hoping to reduce their numbers,” said Penelope Bielckus, travel blogger and content creator at The Flyaway Girl.
For this reason, Bielckus recommended places like Sitges, near Barcelona, Spain; Nagoya, near Kyoto, Japan; and Memmingen, near Munich, Germany. These detour destinations allow travelers to experience quieter escapes while still being close to iconic attractions.
Klaus Vedfelt via Getty Images
What to consider when planning a trip to a detour destination.
“Travel to detour destinations is rising due to a desire to escape overcrowded, over-commercialized destinations and seek out places that retain their authenticity, traditions and local charm,” explained Marino Cardelli, founder of travel tour company Experience BellaVita. “Travelers are looking for destinations where they can relax, away from the crowds, and immerse themselves with locals in unique experiences that are increasingly disappearing or threatened by the rise of mass tourism.”
In addition to authentic cultural immersion and fewer crowds, these destinations provide opportunities to support local economies directly.
“These lesser-known spots allow travelers to connect with local culture in meaningful ways, supporting small-business owners, artisans and entrepreneurs whose work truly reflects the essence of a destination,” Glass explained. “Rather than funneling dollars into large-scale, mass tourism, these destinations empower local communities, creating a more sustainable and enriching travel experience.”
Affordability is another major draw. Lisa Chen, CEO and president of ToursByLocals, noted that “detour destinations can often be less expensive than the popular, traditional destinations with inflated prices, meaning that you can experience more for your money.”
That said, travel experts agree that some challenges also exist. Limited public transportation, tourist infrastructure and amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi or reliable cell service can make navigating these areas more difficult for unprepared travelers.
While social media has spotlighted these hidden gems, travel experts recommend working with travel agents or tour companies with deep regional expertise to identify detour destinations that suit your preferences and help you navigate these potential challenges before arrival.
“The right tour operator and consultant is key to bridging the gap between curiosity and accessibility,” said Justin Chapman, an African safari expert at Go2Africa. “They help clients step confidently into uncharted territory.”
Natalia Borzym, an independent travel adviser with the luxury planning service Travel With Character, highlighted the role of travel professionals in easing the challenges of exploring new destinations. Detour destinations “can feel intimidating for travelers, but agents and tour companies offer reassurance by providing reliable information, safety tips, and 24/7 support when needed,” she explained.
With thoughtful planning and local expertise, detour destinations offer immersive travel experiences, quieter escapes, budget-friendly adventures, and a chance to support sustainable tourism in under-visited communities.
“Authentic experiences like these are so important for our souls,” explained Nadine Brady, luxury travel expert and founder of bespoke travel agencies travl.love and Limelight Escapes. “They remind us of our shared humanity, spanning across the globe, and have the power to shift our perspectives. We come home a little changed, a little inspired — humbled by the beauty of the world and the people within it.”
“This is such a contrast to the feeling of returning from somewhere where we’ve just been another cog in the machine,” Brady continued. “To me, detour destinations represent the future of travel. They’re not about escapism but transformation — traveling in a way that enriches us, connects us, and inspires us to see the world, and ourselves, differently. These are the places that remind us why we fell in love with travel in the first place.”