Let’s be real, First name / friend.

 

 The Amalfi Coast is iconic.

 Greece is a dream.

 Paris will always be Paris.

 

Case in point, in another episode of “Do As I Say, Not As I Do ” 

 

I just returned from a few days in Rome, in early September, during Jubilee. All of the things I have been warning you NOT to do this year.  

 

How was it? Hot, crowded, and expensive.  Don't get me wrong, I am not ever suggesting that you skip Italy!  But just be prepared to pay more and expect crowds during peak season.  

 

But if you’re looking for charm without the crowds, crazy price tag, or peak-season mess….

 

Enter: the “where else” destination — the second city, the hidden gem just off the main route that delivers magic with room to breathe. Maybe it's a few towns over, or maybe it's a completely different country altogether… either way, it's not where everyone else is currently going.

 

If you’ve been eyeing a popular destination but hesitating because of over-tourism, availability, or just a gut feeling that you want something different — keep reading.

 

Here’s some ideas on what to swap, where to go, and why it’s worth it to step off the well-worn path.

 

But don't listen to me, I just booked myself to go to  Greece next summer……

 

📍 Visit Puglia, Italy: The same Italian seaside allure with more space, lower prices, and a more local feel.

 

While much of the world is squeezing into the Amalfi Coast, those in the know are heading to Puglia — a region full of whitewashed hill towns, coastal cliffs, olive groves, and conical-roofed trulli houses. It’s relaxed, sun-soaked, rich in local flavor — a perfect fit for foodies and slow travelers.

 

💫 A Perfect Day in Puglia: Ease into the morning with a cappuccino and a wander through a quiet historic town. Spend midday exploring nearby villages or relaxing along the coast. In the afternoon, head to a countryside wine tasting or olive oil estate tour, then end with a long, slow dinner under string lights at a local masseria.

 

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: All the color and charm of Mexico, but with culture, better architecture, and a more intimate sense of place than the bustling, tourist-packed coast.   

 

This colonial hill town trades beach resorts for cobblestone streets, rooftop restaurants, and hotel elegance. It’s colorful, creative, and quietly sophisticated — with a food, art, and design scene that rivals bigger cities, all set in a walkable, welcoming setting.  It is like Europe without the jetlag. 

 

A Day in San Miguel: Start with coffee on a sunny terrace, followed by browsing local artisan markets or boutiques. Spend your afternoon visiting galleries, taking a casual cooking class, or enjoying a leisurely rooftop lunch. Wind down with a stroll and a dinner overlooking the town square.

 

Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast: The same tropical beauty with fewer crowds — and bonus access to wildlife, surf, and tea country.

 

If you’re dreaming of warm beaches and laid-back days, Sri Lanka’s southern coast delivers — without the party scene. Here, you’ll find surf-friendly bays, wild coastlines, and a culture-rich mix of temples, colonial towns, and wildlife. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and surprisingly diverse for such a compact stretch of coast.

 

A Perfect Day in Sri Lanka: Wake up to ocean views and start your day with a peaceful walk or gentle yoga. After a beachside breakfast, spend your morning exploring local culture or taking a surf lesson. Enjoy a long lunch with sea views, then relax in a hammock or visit a nature preserve. Finish the day with a sunset swim and dinner beneath the palms.

Sometimes, the best travel experiences aren’t in the places everyone’s talking about — they’re just around the corner from the ones that are. These swaps might not be trending on TikTok, but they’re exactly the kind of  immersive trips that stick with you long after you’ve unpacked.

 

P.S. Have you ever fallen in love with a “where else?” destination? Hit reply and share, I’d love to hear what spot surprised you.