The Travel Alternatives: ‘Swaps’ to consider from Unforgettable Travel Company

Luxury experiential travel designer, Unforgettable Travel Company (unforgettabletravel.com) shares its recommendations for must-consider travel alternatives. These are suggested ‘swaps’ to consider in place of the most visited or popular destinations around the world, helping travellers to discover lesser-known gems and in cases, combat over-tourism concerns. The expert team at Unforgettable Travel Company will create bespoke itineraries for guests looking to experience these dupes with their first-hand knowledge and black book of contacts. 

Try Portugal’s Douro Valley instead of California’s Napa Valley.

The Douro Valley in Northern Portugal is a top recommendation to avoid the crowds and seek off the beaten path experiences that rival Napa Valley’s offerings. There are continually new gastronomic restaurants opening and with more than 80 wineries to choose from, this UNESCO World Heritage Site should be on traveller’s radars. Take a private sailboat along the Douro River through vineyards with century old wines. 

Unforgettable Travel Company offers bespoke itineraries to the Douro Valley, with a sample nine-night private Porto & Douro Valley itinerary from $2,875 per person. This includes accommodation, breakfast, private airport transfers, domestic transfers, a private Porto Sightseeing tour, Porto culinary tour, hike and lunch in Peneda- Gerês National Park, full day tour of Douro Valley, riverboat cruise on the Douro river and Braga Sanctuary Guimaraes tour. https://unforgettabletravel.com/discover-porto-douro-valley/ 

Try Italy’s Puglia Coastline instead of Amalfi

Explore one of Italy’s lesser-known regions, swapping the iconic Amalfi – and the subsequent crowds – for the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic coast and a more authentic Italian experience. The blue grottos and hilltop towns are comparable however come at a much more accessible price to discover.

Unforgettable Travel Company offers bespoke itineraries to Puglia, with a sample eight-night private Undiscovered Puglia itinerary from $4,677 per person. This includes accommodation, breakfast, private airport transfers, private tours with driver and English-speaking guide as well as entrance fees for sightseeing attractions. https://unforgettabletravel.com/undiscovered-puglia/ 

Try island hopping in Croatia instead of Greece

With more than 1,000 islands to discover in relatively close proximity, Croatia is a great alternative to island-hopping in Greece. The turquoise Adriatic sea provides similar picture-postcard views and swimming opportunities yet travel times between islands are reduced in Croatia. Discover a shared love of seafood and similar small-villages brimming with character, whilst also exploring UNESCO listed cities and expansive national parks. 

Unforgettable Travel Company offers seven night, small-ship cruises to Croatia from $2,225 per person, including breakfast, lunch, private transfers, all excursions and Wi-Fi. https://unforgettabletravel.com/croatia-small-ship-cruises/ 

Try the Slovenian Alps instead of Switzerland

The Swiss Alps are undoubtedly picturesque however the Slovenian Julian Alps provide a similar breathtaking vista at a more accessible price per person. Bright blue-green rivers weave between captivating mountains while Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj are must-visits. Drive through the Julian Alps to experience the area’s rich history, including stopping for hikes along paths carved by Russian prisoners of war. 

Unforgettable Travel Company offers bespoke itineraries to Slovenia, with a sample six-night private Lakes, Alps & Sights of Slovenia itinerary from $2,439 per person. This includes accommodation, breakfast and a rental car for the duration. https://unforgettabletravel.com/lakes-alps-and-sights-of-slovenia/ 

Try Mahale National Park, Tanzania instead of Uganda

For primates, Uganda has always been a popular choice thanks to its habituated chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. However, Mahale National Park in western Tanzania is very remote and secluded in comparison, whilst also home to wild chimpanzees that guests can track in their natural habitat with a professional guide. This may be combined with nature walks, cultural experiences and boat trips on Lake Tanganyika. 

Unforgettable Travel Company offers bespoke itineraries to Tanzania, with a sample nine-night private Tanzania: Off the Beaten Track itinerary from $13,983 per person. This includes three nights safari accommodation in Selous Game Reserve and three nights luxury safari accommodation in Ruaha National Park, all park fees and game activities, internal flights, all meals, three nights in Mahale Mountains and three nights full-board in Fanjove Private Island.  https://unforgettabletravel.com/tanzania-off-the-beaten-track/ 

Try Vietnam’s Ninh Binh instead of Halong Bay

Whilst world-renowned for its beauty, Halong Bay is now notoriously over-crowded now. Alternatively, head to ‘Halong on Land’ instead: Ninh Binh. This has the same dramatic landscape with impressive limestone mountains but also has cultural tours and smart boutique accommodation. Just two hours from Hanoi, it fits in very neatly with Hanoi and Mai Chau or Pu Luong for a north Vietnam itinerary.  

Unforgettable Travel Company offers bespoke itineraries including Ninh Binh, with a sample 15-night private Complete Vietnam itinerary from $4,840 per person. This includes all accommodation with breakfast and some lunches, mentioned tours and activities, entrance fees for any sightseeing, private driver and English speaking local guide and all regional flights. https://unforgettabletravel.com/complete-vietnam/