10 Destinations You'll Love If You Loved Somewhere Else
No, this post isn’t a review of the Broadway show, If/Then, although I did enjoy seeing its debut in D.C. starring the ridiculously talented Idina Menzel.
Debuting in DC before heading to Broadway? That hardly ever happens! But I digress.
No, this post is for anyone who has ever thought, Where Should I Travel To Next? This post highlights ten incredibly well-known and highly sought-after destinations and their lesser-visited, and in some cases, lesser known counterparts. This post highlights twenty glorious destinations, all sharing some remarkable commonalities, yet each unique and notable in its own way.
While I certainly have some favorites on this list (Turkey, Buenos Aires, and Jordan, to name a few), these fabulous destinations are featured in no particular order.
Love Paris? —> Visit Buenos Aries
La Boca, Buenos Aries’ Most Colorful Neighborhood
You’ve probably heard this comparison being made many times before, but it’s worth repeating because it’s so true: Buenos Aires truly is the Paris of South America. Similar to Paris, countless cafes called bodegones line the bustling city streets serving mouthwatering food and wine. This cosmopolitan city is brimming with stunning architecture, lovely plazas and lively outdoor markets, sprawling public parks, and plenty of world-renowned museums. Buenos Aires boasts a vibrant arts scene that’s topped off with alluring tango that’s so prevalent, that you would need to be holed up in your hotel room for the entirety of your trip to miss it. Need even more reason to visit this incredible city? Costs here are a fraction of what you would spend in Paris, pretty much the only expensive part of Buenos Aires is getting there. One of our all-time favorite cities.
My Suggestion? See As Many Tango Shows As You Possibly Can During Your Time in Buenos Aries
Love Miami? —> Visit Cartagena
A gorgeous blend of Spanish colonial charm and vibrant Caribbean energy, Cartagena's enchanting Old Town exudes sophistication, splendor, and a touch of sultriness. With stunning sea views, a creative and diverse dining scene, elegant plazas, chic boutiques, and a kaleidoscope of colorful buildings and charming backstreets around every corner, it's easy to see why so many travelers fall under this captivating city's spell. Whether sipping cocktails on a rooftop terrace at sunset, wandering the flower-draped streets of the historic center, or lingering over a leisurely dinner in one of its atmospheric plazas, Cartagena invites visitors to slow down and savor every moment. Yet beyond its postcard-perfect beauty, it is the city's warmth, rich culture, and infectious energy that make Cartagena truly unforgettable.
Steeling Smooches in Cartagena
Love Greece? —> Visit Turkey
Istanbul: a City Unlike Any Other
One of our all-time favorite trips. I should probably disclose that we're a bit (okay, a lot) biased when it comes to Turkey.
People often say that if you want to see Greek ruins, you should head to Turkey, and after visiting, I'd have to agree. While Athens' Acropolis is undeniably impressive, Ephesus, the crown jewel of Turkey's ancient ruins, absolutely blew us away. And Ephesus is just the beginning. Turkey is home to an incredible collection of archaeological sites, including Pergamon, Hierapolis, and Troy.
Ephesus: Where History comes Vividly to Life
But Turkey's appeal extends far beyond its ancient history. Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities we've ever visited, a captivating blend of cultures, religions, and centuries of history. Comparing it to Athens hardly seems fair; the two cities offer entirely different experiences, and Istanbul stands in a category of its own.
Turkey's coastline is equally stunning, although we didn't spend enough time there to make a fair comparison to Greece, whose islands remain among the most beautiful we've ever visited.
Soaking in the Magic of Crete
What truly sets Turkey apart, however, are its uniquely otherworldly landscapes. From the dazzling white travertine terraces of Pamukkale to the surreal rock formations and cave dwellings of Cappadocia, my favorite destination in the entire country,Turkey offers a level of diversity that few places can match.
Cappadocia's Otherworldly Beauty Almost Doesn’t Feel Real.
Love Sedona? —> Visit Moab
If you fell in love with Sedona's red rock landscapes and outdoor adventures, consider this your invitation to visit Moab. Like Sedona, Moab is surrounded by dramatic desert scenery and endless opportunities to get outside and explore, but with a more rugged feel and generally fewer crowds.
Getting Carried Away in Sedona
Moab serves as the gateway to both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, making it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Beyond the national parks, we loved horseback riding through the striking red rock landscape and watching the sunset from Dead Horse Point State Park, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the American Southwest.
Exploring Moab's Spectacular Red Rock Landscape on Horseback
Forever a Favorite: Arches National Park
Add in Moab's charming downtown, filled with local shops, restaurants, and outdoor outfitters, and it's easy to see why this Utah gem has become one of our favorite outdoor destinations.
Golden Hour at Dead Horse State Park
Love Costa Rica? —> Visit Nicaragua
In my opinion, Costa Rica and Nicaragua share more similarities than any other pair on this list. Both offer stunning natural beauty, from lush rainforests and pristine beaches to towering volcanoes and abundant wildlife. In Costa Rica, surfers flock to the laid-back beach town of Tamarindo (where T and I got married 21 years ago, by the way!), while in Nicaragua, the vibrant surf town of San Juan del Sur delivers a similarly relaxed, carefree vibe.
Chasing Sunsets in San Juan del Sur
Beyond the coast, Nicaragua's colorful colonial city of Granada charms visitors with its brightly painted buildings, lively plazas, horse-drawn carriages, and rich history, offering the same blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty that makes Costa Rica so beloved.
Bright Colors and Colonial Charm in Granada, Nicaragua
As much as I adore Costa Rica, Nicaragua has a few advantages of its own. It's generally more affordable, attracts fewer crowds, and retains a bit more of the off-the-beaten-path feel that many travelers seek. That said, the secret has been out for quite some time. More and more visitors are discovering Nicaragua's charms, and for good reason. If it's been on your travel wish list, don't wait too long before experiencing it for yourself.
Love Napa? —> Visit Paso Robles
Paso Robles, You Had Us at Wine
If you love Napa Valley's rolling vineyards, award-winning wineries, and exceptional food scene, you’ll love Paso Robles. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles offers many of the same qualities that have made Napa a world-renowned wine destination, but with a more relaxed atmosphere and a fraction of the crowds.
Like Napa, Paso Robles is home to hundreds of wineries ranging from intimate family-run operations to grand estates, many offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The region has also developed an impressive culinary scene, with farm-to-table restaurants, artisan food producers, and plenty of opportunities to savor local flavors alongside outstanding wines.
Sipping My Way through Paso Robles
What we loved most about Paso Robles is its laid-back charm. Tasting rooms tend to feel less formal, the pace is slower, and visitors can enjoy a more intimate wine country experience. Whether you're spending the afternoon vineyard hopping, exploring the charming downtown square, or enjoying a sunset over the vines, Paso Robles delivers much of what we all love about Napa with a little less fuss.
Wine Country Without the Crowds
Love Peru? —> Visit Guatemala
I've always been surprised that Guatemala doesn't receive the same level of attention as Peru. While Machu Picchu understandably draws visitors from around the world — even after all these years, it remains one of the most incredible places we've ever visited — Guatemala offers many of the same qualities that make Peru so appealing: rich history, vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and remarkable ancient ruins. Both countries are home to beautiful colonial cities, colorful local markets, world-famous lakes, and extraordinary archaeological sites, from Machu Picchu in Peru to the awe-inspiring Mayan city of Tikal in Guatemala.
Look At These Two Babies!
The Colorful Streets of Antigua, Guatemala, One of Central America's Most Charming Colonial Cities.
Perhaps most appealingly, Guatemala is often easier on both the wallet and the itinerary. It's generally more affordable than Peru and, for many travelers from the United States, significantly closer and easier to reach. If Guatemala isn’t on your travel radar, it should be!
Love Colorado? —> Visit Idaho
Tackling the Rapids on Idaho's Salmon River
While Idaho may not fly under the radar quite as much as it once did, it still doesn't receive the same level of attention as neighboring Colorado, and that's a shame. T and I have long been singing Idaho's praises, and for good reason. With its majestic mountains, rushing rivers, endless outdoor adventures, charming mountain towns, and breathtaking scenery, Idaho offers many of the same qualities that make Colorado so beloved. If you enjoy hiking, skiing, rafting, or simply spending time in spectacular natural settings, there's a good chance you'll fall in love with Idaho, too.
Fly Fishing in Idaho's Beautiful Wilderness
Love Egypt? —> Visit Jordan
The Earl Years of Our Globetrotting Obsession
If, like us, you were left in awe by Egypt's ancient wonders, dramatic desert landscapes, and rich history, then Jordan might just be your perfect next destination. Home to the breathtaking city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Jordan offers the same sense of marvel and discovery that makes Egypt so unforgettable.
After Years of Dreaming about Petra, It Still Managed to Exceed My Expectations
Beyond Petra, visitors can float in the Dead Sea, explore the otherworldly desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and even spend the night in a Bedouin-style dome beneath a sky filled with stars. Add in the remarkably well-preserved Roman ruins of Jerash, and it's easy to see why Jordan ranks among the most fascinating destinations in the Middle East. Rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Jordan delivers an unforgettable adventure from start to finish.
One of Jordan's Most Iconic Experiences: Floating in the Mineral-Rich Waters of the Dead Sea
When Sinking Simply Isn't an Option
Stepping Back Nearly 2,000 Years in the Ancient City of Jerash
Love Acadia National Park? —> Visit San Juan Islands
Soaking in the Serenity of the San Juan Islands
If Acadia National Park's rugged coastline, charming seaside towns, and outdoor adventures captured your heart, I think you’ll fall head over heels for Washington's San Juan Islands. Located between Seattle and Vancouver, the islands offer many of the same qualities that make Acadia so special: scenic coastal landscapes, abundant wildlife, fresh seafood, and endless opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring.
All Smiles with Our Dear Friend Kelby
Like Acadia, the San Juan Islands beg visitors to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty around them. One of our favorite ways to experience the islands was by biking around Friday Harbor, taking in the impressive coastal scenery and laid-back island atmosphere along the way. Add in the chance to spot wildlife and it's easy to see why this Pacific Northwest gem has become one of my favorite destinations in the United States.
Biking through Beautiful Friday Harbor
One of the joys of travel is discovering that the feelings a place gives you, wonder, excitement, relaxation, connection, can often be found elsewhere in the world. So if one of these destinations has stolen your heart, perhaps it's time to explore its equally enchanting cousin.