June 1, 2020
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after
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As you’re soaking up the Caribbean sun in Sint Maarten, you spot land on the horizon. It’s the tiny island of Saba, known for its quaint villages, hiking trails and world-class diving. Your resort concierge tells you it’s an easy trip, just 90 minutes away by ferry. Who knew it was so easy to add a whole other island to your itinerary?
According to Expedia, 63% of travelers say they’re likely to visit a lesser-known destination as part of their next trip.1 These add-on “detour destinations” add variety to a vacation while also letting you avoid the crowds.
In short: If you’re already so close, then why not?
Detour destinations are the places you might not make a trip solely to visit, but still want to see. While the “destination dupes” trend suggests swapping a popular vacation spot for one that’s less crowded, detour destinations are a different concept. They’re not a substitute, but a nearby add-on to your itinerary.
They may be a day-trip spot or a place that invites you to stay a few days. They may be smaller towns within a day’s journey of a big city, or the wild coast far from the beach resorts. Detour destinations often feel special and authentic in a way the touristy spots don’t.
For example, consider a few of Expedia’s picks for the top detour destinations in 2025:
Yes! When you get a quote for travel protection, just list the countries you’re visiting. The price of your plan does not change if you visit more than one destination. Allianz Travel Insurance has the global reach to assist you wherever you roam.
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Bath is an easy day trip from London. Take the train from Paddington Railway Station, and in less than 90 minutes you’ll be in this picturesque city. Bath traces its history back to the 1st century AD, when Romans established a thermal spa there.2 Today, you can still see the Roman baths and a remarkable collection of artifacts, including Roman curse tablets that record ancient grudges. Or, take a “Bridgerton” walking tour of the Georgian buildings featured in the hit Netflix show: the homes of Lady Danbury and the Featheringtons, the modiste’s dress shop, Gunter's tea shop, and more.
About 90 minutes by train from Florence, the Tuscan town of Lucca can be explored in a day. Walk or cycle on top of the Renaissance-era defensive walls that encircle the old town to get a feel for the city. Then, venture onto its winding streets and see some of Lucca’s architectural treasures. These include the Duomo di Lucca that dates to the 11th century and the Torre Guinigi, a medieval tower crowned with a grove of oaks. Climb to the top for an unforgettable view of Lucca and the mountains beyond.
This detour destination isn’t just in another country but a whole other continent. The flight from Lisbon to Morocco usually takes about an hour and 45 minutes and can be remarkably cheap, depending on when you go.3 Give yourself two or three days to experience Marrakech’s bustling souks and sights. Must-sees include the historic Medersa Ben Youssef school, which was recently restored; the cacti of the Jardin Majorelle; and the ruins of El Badi Palace.4
Thailand is Travel+Leisure’s 2025 Destination of the Year, drawing visitors who spend a few days in the dizzying capital and then escape to the beach resorts of Koh Samui. Here’s another suggestion: Two and a half hours west of Bangkok by train (or under two hours in a taxi) is Kanchanaburi, a city that’s famous for its World War II history, spectacular temples, and the waterfall-filled Erawan National Park. Visit the bridge over the River Kwai, which was made famous by the movie of that name, and learn about its history in the Death Railway Museum.
You could easily spend a week in Cape Town, which some call the world’s most beautiful city. We recommend taking a day to visit a nearby gem: the old university town of Stellenbosch and the surrounding wine country, which is just 40 minutes east by car. Hire a driver to take you to some notable wineries, such as Vergelegen (founded in 1700), Waterkloof, which offers lovely views of False Bay, and Delaire Graff Estate, which might be the most beautiful of all.
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