10 Unexpected Places to Visit Based on the Destinations You Love

Italy is an inspiring destination, with art, gastronomy, and empires to explore, and if you have enjoyed the rolling hills and coastal towns, South Africa provides a gorgeously immersive alternative. Instead of Tuscan wines, you can indulge in the small towns and culinary delights of the Winelands as you sample local favorites and hidden gems.

Relax on golden sands among charming coastal villages lining two oceans or wander along the ridges of the stunning jagged mountains. Replace the marvels of visiting the Big Three cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice with the wonder of a traditional safari, searching for the famous Big Five of buffalo, rhino, leopard, elephant, and lion to embrace the slower pace of an exciting adventure during your South Africa tour.

Learn more: South Africa Travel Guide

France is known for its seductive diversity, from lavender fields to Bohemian cafes, colorful coastal towns to impressive collections of art, and Argentina offers equally enticing beauty in its timeless intensity. Instead of the chic French Alps, Argentine Patagonia offers access to the rugged and untamed wilderness of the high-altitude plains.

Instead of the boulevards of Paris, Buenos Aires’ neighborhoods brim with streetside tango and antique shops, restaurants with flowing wine and cafes with lively discussions. Whether looking for glaciers or gauchos, delectable wines and chocolates, or unparalleled local cultural experiences, if you enjoy France, an Argentina tour is a simple and inviting transition.

Learn more: Argentina Travel Guide

Peru is a powerhouse of ancient civilization and unique, vibrant marketplaces that embody the historic cultures of the diverse topography, easily matched by India’s ancient beauty, charm, and heritage.

With fortresses rising out of the desert, jungle terrain hiding the likes of tigers and elephants, and marketplaces brimming with colors and stunning aromas, an India tour is an invitation into the majestic destination that can feel like moving through a storybook.

Trade Machu Picchu for the Taj Mahal, the rainbow hues of the Pisac Market for the lively buildings of the Pink City, and the Amazon River for the Ganges, as you uncover new ways to visit local communities, witness the fascinating wildlife, or explore ancient temples and the myths they have inspired while embracing the luxuries of India.

Learn more: India Travel Guide

The United Kingdom is known for its castles and culture shaping much of European history and an Ireland tour can take you deep into a nation of heritage and storytelling inspired by the emerald land and sea.

Castles, rolling hills, antique pubs with roaring fires, soaring sea cliffs, and quiet villages hiding ancient legends reveal the depth of wonder and beauty spanning the country. Walk cobblestone lanes for a romantic ambiance for couples, listen to rich folk songs before visiting enchanting castles, or learn the art of falconry at an opulent estate for a taste of what makes Ireland unique and endlessly compelling.

Learn more: Ireland Travel Guide

Australia is a dreamscape, where ancient communities care for unique ecosystems, and Belize demonstrates similar care for the beauty of local history and wilderness hosting the world’s second-largest barrier reef.

With island getaways and towering Mayan ruins, colorful coral gardens home to sea turtles and exotic fish, sharks, and rays, it’s easy to find parallels between Australia’s jungle terrain and Belize’s tropical atmosphere.

From boating to hiking, delicious culinary traditions to fascinating marine life, find a unique opportunity for exploration and discovery across land and sea during your Belize vacation.

Learn more: Belize Travel Guide

Scandinavia is a collection of countries famous for their layered fjords, vibrant seaside villages, fabulous cross-country skiing, wildlife, and the Northern Lights, and while visiting New Zealand, you can find bountiful wilderness, welcoming locals, and the elusive Southern Lights.

Whether enjoying whale watching or surfing, eager to sail Fiordland National Park or walk along the crunching ice of Fox Glacier, New Zealand is a combination of relaxing retreat and epic landscapes, fairytale towns and adrenaline-fueled activities.

A New Zealand tour can take you from the pristine, golden-sand beaches of the North Island to the penguins wandering the South Island coastline. Also, find one of the few countries on Earth with views to the Southern Lights or bask in charming meadows as you enter the home of Hobbiton. Embrace a wine tour, indulge in a hiking tour, or relax knowing the wide variety of vacation ideas you can explore during your trip.

Learn more: New Zealand Travel Guide

Japan is known for Tokyo’s futuristic ambiance and Kyoto’s embrace of traditional life, as well as the famous beauty of cherry blossom season, and while Spain may seem like a surprising country to compare with Japan, the orange blossom season is a wonderful echo. As the orange trees bloom in southern cities like Seville, the aroma sweeps through the streets, creating a friendly welcome as the petals unfold beneath the likes of the cathedral and Alcázar.

In the Basque region, small plates known as pintxos are crafted with meticulous flavor, with ingredients used with intention, similar to the creation of sushi. While Spain may initially feel far different, the underlying beauty and preserved culture can demonstrate charming connections to Japan during your Spain tour.

Learn more: Spain Travel Guide

Bali and Thailand have many similarities, with famous temples, world-class beaches, and welcoming culture, and if you have enjoyed the diverse landscapes and activities of the former, Thailand can immerse you in the ancient traditions of culture and cuisine, or the thrill of discovering hidden islands dressed with tropical splendor.

Places like Bali beckon visitors eager to scuba dive in search of whale sharks or enjoy delicious culinary experiences, and as you discover Thailand as a multi-faceted destination, you can embrace the inspiring Michelin-starred restaurants, visit an ethnic-minority village, or lounge on pristine white-sand beaches. View elephants in the wild or lounge on exotic beaches, learn to cook traditional meals or find incredible shopping opportunities. The thrill or serenity of a Thailand tour is up to you.

Learn more: Thailand Travel Guide

Brazil is ineffably captivating, with sensational beaches, vibrant life, and incredible wilderness. With a culture shaped by Portuguese influence, a visit to Portugal instead of Brazil trades scarlet macaws for red castles, the promenade of Rio de Janeiro for the Moorish architecture of Lagos, the artistic perspectives of Salvador with the artisan charms of Lisbon.

Embrace the alluring flavors of port and the mouthwatering ingredients of iconic dishes, share in European traditions and wander through antique fortresses.

Find birdlife, wildlife, and protected woodlands and valleys for delightful hikes that add to the natural allure of a landscape that joins the storybook tales of knights, kings, and preserved towns during a Portugal tour.

Learn more: Portugal Travel Guide

Croatia is often an alternative to visiting Greece, but with the growth in its popularity, especially around famous Dubrovnik, Split, and the islands, a Greece tour offers a collection of easily accessible corners that feel untouched by crowds, yet still support the luxuries, comforts, and surprises for which the country is celebrated.

Places like Santorini are famous for epic ruins, delicious cuisine focused on simple ingredients, and remarkable cliffs, but Greece is famous for its culture, defined as the foundation of Western Civilization, and shares famous hotspots like Athens and under-the-radar gems like Paros, Sifnos, and Skopelos.

When indulging in the greater wonders of Greece, it is easy to indulge in the vibrant flavors and bask on unforgettable beaches in the country’s hidden gems, away from the seasonal crowds, for an enlightening experience.

Learn more: Greece Travel Guide

The beauty of an alternative destination is about amplifying the experiences you prefer and understanding your personal goals. Whether eager to cruise Mediterranean islands or interested in discovering the evolution of local cuisine, eager to indulge in gold-sand beaches or enticed by the promise of historic, gilded palaces, you can enjoy your interests away from the crowds for a fuller and more intimate trip.

If you are interested in discovering hidden-gem honeymoon destinations, looking for inspiration on fulfilling your trip of a lifetime, or eager to find inspiration for a multi-generational vacation, working with a Zicasso travel specialist will give you local knowledge and experience to help you plan your perfect trip.