How to try the new travel trend that takes you off the beaten path
Big cities, major cultural sites, bucket-list destinations and world-famous tourist attractions are all well and good, but there's much to be said for exploring places that are a little more off the beaten track when planning your next holiday. That doesn't have to mean venturing completely into the unknown, however, or missing out on all the buzz of those tried-and-tested spots that are well worth experiencing too.
Looking for the type of trip that offers the best of both worlds? Look no further than the biggest travel trend of 2025: detour destinations. According to Expedia's research and latest travel trends report, travellers are increasingly looking beyond the popular hotspots and taking detours to lesser-known destinations nearby, in search of the less crowded, more authentic but still close to the action.
In fact, Expedia reports that 63% of consumers say they are likely to visit a 'detour destination' on their next trip. Little wonder, then, that it's places such as Reims in France, Brescia in Italy, Cozumel in Mexico and Santa Barbara in California that are trending right now, over and above their more famous nearby counterparts of Paris, Milan, Cancun and Los Angeles, respectively. Each is an easy day trip away, as well as being a main attraction in itself – it's up to you to decide how to split your time between them.
If this style of travel sounds right up your street and you're keen to hop on the detour destinations trend, we've made a list of our top suggestions, below.
The best detour destinations to visit in 2025
The Hague - detour from Amsterdam
If beaches, historical monuments, museums and a thriving cultural scene are what you look for in a holiday destination, then why not consider The Hague? It's easily walkable, jam-packed with things to see and do, and just a short detour from Amsterdam – without the tourist hordes.
VISIT THE HAGUE AND AMSTERDAM ON A TULIPS CRUISE
THE HAGUE CITY BREAKS WITH EXPEDIA
Lake Orta - detour from Lake Como
Lake Orta is considered by some to be the most beautiful of all the Italian lakes, and once you visit, it's not hard to see why. Located just a short while away from the world-famous Lake Como, it boasts stunning scenery, picturesque villages, elegant architecture, beautiful gardens and beaches, all of which can be enjoyed in relative peace.
VISIT LAKES ORTA AND COMO WITH GH
Mljet - detour from Hvar
Just off the coast of Croatia's Peljesac peninsula lies Mljet, one of the most beautiful islands of the Adriatic. Covered in lush forests, far from the madding crowds and boasting pretty lakes as well as 5,400 acres of designated national park, this is nothing short of a hidden gem.
GO ISLAND HOPPING IN CROATIA WITH GH
Nagasaki - detour from Hiroshima
If you're planning on visiting Japan in 2025, make sure to add Nagasaki to your itinerary. Located on the northwest coast of the island of Kyushu, the city is best-known for the major attack it suffered during World War II – memorialised at the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum – but its fascinating history stretches far beyond that. The local cuisine and night-time views are excellent, too.
VISIT NAGASAKI OR HIROSHIMA ON A JAPAN CRUISE
NAGASAKI CITY BREAKS WITH EXPEDIA
Trondheim - detour from Bergen
Much more than just a connecting point for the coastal cruises, Trondheim is a worthy destination all of its own, filled with history, beautiful scenery, charming wooden buildings, a lively student population, and excellent bars and restaurants.
VISIT TRONDHEIM ON GH'S NORWAY CRUISE
TRONDHEIM CITY BREAKS WITH EXPEDIA
Padua – detour from Venice, Italy
Padua has the water, basilica, frescoes and fabulous food without crowds of Venice. You can visit the lesser-known city and other gems of the Veneto region including Chioggia, Vicenza and Burano on a luxurious eight-day cruise with Good Housekeeping, while also ticking off the Venetian highlights in between.
CRUISE VENICE AND VISIT PADUA WITH GH
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