2025: The Year of Detour Destinations
Travel in 2025 is all about breaking away from the beaten path and discovering the charm of detour destinations. These hidden gems offer travelers a chance to explore lesser-known cities that are just a short journey away from major metropolitan areas, providing unique experiences, fewer crowds, and often more authentic local interactions.
First off - What even Are Detour Destinations?
Detour destinations are secondary cities located near popular tourist hotspots that offer equally compelling experiences but with less tourism pressure. These locations provide travelers with a more intimate, nuanced travel experience while still being conveniently accessible from well-known urban centers. They are rising in popularity thanks to a viral Expedia article called Unpack ‘25 and we are so glad they are finally making their way into the limelight!
Top Detour Destinations to Explore in 2025
Santa Barbara
The Coastal Alternative to Los Angeles
Less than a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara offers a completely different atmosphere from the bustling metropolis. With its Spanish colonial architecture, pristine beaches, and world-class wineries, this coastal gem provides a serene alternative to LA's urban landscape. Travelers can enjoy:
Stunning Mediterranean-style architecture
Beautiful Pacific Coast beaches
Excellent wine tasting experiences in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley
A more relaxed, small-town atmosphere with rich cultural heritage
Bordeaux
The Sophisticated Complement to Paris
While Paris captures global attention, Bordeaux emerges as a sophisticated detour destination that offers its own unique allure. Located in southwestern France, Bordeaux provides:
Stunning 18th-century architecture
World-renowned wine region experiences
A more relaxed urban environment
Exceptional culinary scenes
Easy access to beautiful Atlantic coastal regions
Girona
The Cultural Treasure Near Barcelona
Overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Barcelona, Girona is a medieval city that offers travelers a deep dive into Catalan history and culture. Just a short train ride away, Girona provides:
Beautifully preserved medieval old town
Rich Jewish heritage
Stunning Gothic and Romanesque architecture
Game of Thrones filming locations
A more intimate cultural experience compared to Barcelona's tourist crowds
Why Detour Destinations Matter in 2025
The rise of detour destinations reflects broader travel trends:
Sustainable tourism by dispersing visitor numbers
More authentic, less commercialized experiences
Opportunity to support smaller local economies
Reduced environmental impact from overtourism
Chance to discover hidden cultural gems
Planning Your Detour Destination Trip
When exploring these alternative locations, travelers should:
Research local transportation options
Book accommodations in advance
Connect with local tour guides
Be open to unexpected discoveries
Respect local cultures and communities
As we move into 2025, detour destinations represent more than just alternative travel spots—they're a philosophy of travel that prioritizes depth, authenticity, and meaningful experiences over simply checking famous landmarks off a list. Embrace the detour, and you might just find your most memorable travel experiences await you in these unexpected corners of the world.
