In the wake of many people crowding the world’s most popular destinations, overtourism has progressed from a buzzword to a rallying cry for change in how and where we choose to explore.
This shift gave rise to 2024’s “destination dupe” trend — where people traveled to different, less-crowded cities with the same appeal and attractions as busy tourist destinations. That concept is now evolving into 2025’s emerging travel movement: detour destinations. The term was coined in a recent travel trends report from Expedia, where data suggests that 63% of travelers plan to include these lesser-known locales in their itineraries next year.
But what exactly are detour destinations, and how can you incorporate them into your next itinerary? Below, travel experts break it down.
What is a ‘detour destination’?
“Detour destinations are destinations within reach of more expected or traditional locales but off the beaten path enough to provide a completely different experience than their more in-demand neighbors,” explained Kimberly Denison, founder of Denison Travel.
Detour destinations don’t necessarily encourage travelers to skip popular tourist attractions. Instead, the trend emphasizes balance — spending less time on your trip in oversaturated cities and more time exploring under-the-radar areas nearby.
“Post-pandemic, eco-conscious travelers are prioritizing more meaningful and sustainable travel experiences,” said Jeremy Clubb, founder of specialist expedition cruise providers Rainforest Cruises and Antarctica Cruises. “They’re looking to tread lightly, support local communities and dive deeper into the character of their chosen destinations.
But there’s also a growing appetite for variety: People still want the predictability of those tried-and-true “bucket list” icons, but now also the surprises that lie just beyond them. Detour destinations offer the best of both worlds, letting travelers mix well-known landmarks with more personalized, authentic adventures.”
Chelsea Glass, founder and CEO of Heart of Travel, shared how her company incorporates detour destinations into their itineraries: “We’ve been strategic in seeking out new places and experiences to incorporate into our tours that give our travelers a more authentic experience while bringing tourism revenue to smaller communities and locally owned businesses.”
“Many of the experiences we’ve incorporated into our tours have been born out of personal experiences…
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