00:00Hey travel lovers! Welcome back to Fly With Passport, your ultimate guide to exploring the
00:05world without breaking the bank. I'm Valentino, a passionate traveler from New Zealand, and after
00:11visiting over 100 countries, I can tell you, some of the best places on earth aren't the ones
00:16plastered all over Instagram. Let's be honest, many of the world's most famous spots are crowded,
00:21overpriced, and honestly, kinda overhyped. But what if I told you there were better alternatives,
00:27places that offer the same jaw-dropping beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable vibes,
00:32but without the chaos. So today, I'm counting down the top 10 alternatives to popular tourist
00:38destinations. In reverse order, these are hidden gems, local favorites, and totally underrated
00:43spots that deserve a place on your bucket list. And trust me, number 1 and 2 are an absolute dream
00:49come true. Let's jump in. Number 10. Instead of Dubrovnik, try Mostar, Bosnia, and Herzegovina.
00:56We're starting off in the Balkans. Dubrovnik? Gorgeous, yes, but so packed in peak season,
01:02you can barely move through the old town. Now just a few hours away is Mostar, Bosnia,
01:07and Herzegovina, and it's honestly like stepping into a fairy tale. The iconic old bridge, cobbled
01:13streets, Ottoman architecture, and riverside cafes make it postcard perfect and way more relaxed.
01:20Plus, it's super affordable and full of heart. Don't sleep on Mostar.
01:24Number 9. Swap the Swiss Alps for Queenstown, New Zealand. Now this one's close to my heart.
01:31The Swiss Alps are epic, no doubt, but they'll burn a hole in your wallet,
01:34and in peak summer, they get busy. Enter Queenstown, right here in my home country,
01:39New Zealand. And here's the kicker. When it's summer in the US and Europe, it's winter here.
01:44Perfect timing to escape the crowds and chase powder. Queenstown is the adventure capital of the
01:49world. Think skiing, snowboarding, jet boating, bungee jumping, all surrounded by stunning mountains
01:55and lakes. Plus, you've got world-class wine and super friendly locals. Come for the snow,
02:01stay for the soul. Number 8. Pass on Bali. Try Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Bali's beautiful,
02:08but let's be real. It's packed. Influencers, beach clubs, traffic. It's not exactly the untouched
02:13paradise people imagine. But Raja Ampat? It's the real deal. Tucked away in eastern Indonesia,
02:19it's a remote cluster of islands with coral reefs, hidden lagoons, and crystal clear water that'll
02:25leave you speechless. It's a bit trickier to get to, but that's what makes it so special. It feels
02:30like you've discovered another world. Number 7. Forget Kyoto. Head to Kanazawa, Japan.
02:36Kyoto's temples and tea houses are iconic, but it's also become a hotspot for mass tourism.
02:42If you want that old-world Japanese charm without the crowd, go for Kanazawa. It's got samurai
02:48districts, gorgeous gardens, geisha culture, and fresh seafood straight from the sea of Japan.
02:54It's peaceful, culturally rich, and feels like stepping into the past in the best way possible.
03:01Number 6. Trade Phuket for Koh Yao Noi, Thailand. Phuket is fun, but also full of tourists and beach bars
03:09for something slower, softer, and more authentic. Check out Koh Yao Noi. This little island sits
03:15between Phuket and Krabi, but it's a world away in vibe. Quiet beaches, local fishermen, friendly locals,
03:22and jungle views for days. It's the kind of place where time slows down, and you really connect to
03:27nature, to culture, and to yourself. Number 5. Ditch Marrakesh? Explore Chef Chouen, Morocco.
03:35Marrakesh can be a sensory overload, and while that's part of the magic, it can also be overwhelming.
03:41Chef Chouen, on the other hand, is pure tranquility. Nestled in the Riff Mountains, it's known as the
03:46Blue Pearl, and once you see those blue-washed streets, you'll know why. It's smaller, quieter, and offers a
03:54calming, almost spiritual energy that's hard to describe. Just go. Number 4. Instead of Pattaya,
04:01Thailand, go to Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Pattaya's nightlife is famous, but it's often overcrowded and can feel
04:09a bit chaotic. If you want the party vibes without the craziness, head to Phu Quoc in Vietnam. This
04:15island is booming with mind-blowing nightlife, from beach bars to night markets and chill clubs,
04:21but with way fewer tourists. You get that electric energy mixed with a more relaxed, authentic
04:28atmosphere. Plus, the beaches and local food here are absolutely next level. It's the perfect spot to
04:35dance the night away and recover the next day in peace. Number 3. Skip Machu Picchu. Try Chocquirao, Peru.
04:43I love Machu Picchu, but if you want to feel like a true explorer, head to Chocquirao. This Incan city is bigger
04:51than Machu Picchu, but barely gets visitors. You've got a hike to get there. No trains, no crowds,
04:57just you and this incredible mountaintop fortress. It's raw, rewarding, and honestly, it's one of the
05:05best treks I've ever done. Number 2. Instead of the Maldives, visit Lakshadweep Islands, India.
05:13Everyone dreams of the Maldives, but it comes with a big price tag, and let's be honest,
05:18sometimes feels a bit manufactured. Lakshadweep, off the coast of India, is the undiscovered Maldives.
05:26Overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, white sands, but without the hefty price or luxury
05:34resort crowds. It's raw, untouched, and incredibly peaceful, and because it's still relatively unknown,
05:41you get to experience it all in a way that feels real. Number 1. Swap Santorini, Greece for Simi,
05:47Greece. And finally, my number 1 pick. If you've been dreaming of Santorini's whitewashed houses and
05:54ocean sunsets, but not the cruise ship crowds, go to Simi. Simi is a tiny island near Rhodes,
06:01and it is pure magic. Colourful neoclassical homes, a quiet harbour, hidden beaches, and that charming
06:09Greek island life. Without the tourist overload, it's Greece, as it used to be. Peaceful, authentic,
06:16and unforgettable. So there you go. 10 amazing alternatives to the most popular tourist spots,
06:23each one with its own beauty, culture, and story, but without the crowds, the noise,
06:28or the insta-hype. And before we wrap up, here's a quick recap of all the hidden gems we explored
06:34today. Mostar in Bosnia, Queenstown in New Zealand, Raja Ampat in Indonesia, Kanazawa in Japan,
06:42Ko Yao Noi in Thailand, Chef Chauan in Morocco, Fu Quoc in Vietnam, Chokwe Quirao in Peru,
06:50the Lakshadweep Islands in India, and finally, the beautiful Simi in Greece. Each one is waiting to offer
06:57you a travel experience unlike any other. If any of these destinations made it onto your list,
07:03let me know in the comments, or tell me about a hidden gem you found on your travels. I'm always
07:08on the hunt for the next adventure. If this video gave you even one new idea, do me a favor, like the
07:14video, share it with your travel crew, and make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any of my upcoming
07:20off-the-beaten-path adventures. Thanks for hanging out with me. Until next time, stay curious, stay kind,
07:26and keep exploring. Safe travels from Valentino, your global guide from New Zealand.
Comments