No, this post isn’t a review of the Broadway show, If/Then, although I did enjoy seeing its debut in D.C. starring the ridiculously talented Idina Menzel.
Debuting in D.C. before heading to Broadway? That hardly ever happens! But I digress.
No, this post is for anyone who has ever thought, Where Should I Travel To Next? This post highlights eight incredibly well-known and highly sought-after destinations and their lesser-visited, and in some cases, lesser known counterparts. This post highlights sixteen glorious destinations–all sharing some remarkable commonalities, yet each unique and notable in its own way.
While I certainly have some favorites on this list (Turkey and Buenos Aires to name a few), these fabulous destinations are featured in no particular order.
#1: If you love PARIS…
The incomparable Eiffel Tower
Braving the traffic in front of the Arc de Triomphe
…then you’ll love BUENOS AIRES:
You’ve probably heard this comparison being made many times before, but it’s worth repeating because it’s so true: Buenos Aires truly is the Paris of South America. Similar to Paris, countless cafes called bodegones line the bustling city streets serving mouthwatering food and wine. This cosmopolitan city is brimming with stunning architecture, lovely plazas and lively outdoor markets, sprawling public parks, and plenty of world-renowned museums. Buenos Aires boasts a vibrant arts scene that’s topped off with alluring tango that’s so prevalent, that you would need to be holed up in your hotel room for the entirety of your trip to miss it. Need even more reason to visit this incredible city? Costs here are a fraction of what you would spend in Paris–pretty much the only expensive part of Buenos Aires is getting there. One of our all-time favorite cities.
Relate Reads: Versailles, Tango in Buenos Aires
Casa Rosado
The colorful & bold La Boca District
Numerous bodegones line the busy city streets
#2: If you love MIAMI…
…then you’ll love CARTAGENA:
Just as sexy and sultry as Miami (if not more), the alluring old town of Cartagena is oozing of sophistication and splendor. With stunning views of the sea, a varied and creative dining scene, elegant plazas, chic boutiques, and a myriad of vivid colors and quaint backstreets at the turn of every corner, Cartagena is every bit as dynamic, hip, and fabulous as Miami (without the cheese and inauthenticity!).
Related Read: Cartagena
#3: If you love GREECE…
Views from the Acropolis
…then you’ll love TURKEY:
Pergamon
One of our top five favorite trips and T’s number one country of all time, I should warn that you that we are a bit (okay, a lot) biased when it comes to Turkey. They say if you want to see Greek ruins, then you should head to Turkey, and I’d say they certainly do have a point. While the Acropolis is of course impressive, Ephesus, the granddaddy of Turkey’s classical ruins, blew us away. There are so many fantastic historical ruins throughout Turkey including Pergamon, Heriapolis, and Troy (yes, THAT Troy), but the Greek ruins are just the beginning. Istanbul is absolutely incredible–one of the most fascinating cities we’ve ever been to. To even try to compare it to Athens would be downright insulting; if you ask me, there’s just no comparison. The coastline and beaches are spectacular, although we didn’t spend a ton of time on the coast so it’s hard for me to compare it to Greece, where the islands are some of the best and most beautiful we’ve ever experienced. Other-wordly places like Pammukale and Cappadocia (the latter being my absolute favorite place we visited in all of Turkey) really set Turkey apart from so many other destinations.
Of course, I’m not naive to Turkey’s current state of political unrest and instability, so you may want to wait a bit before visiting. But out of all the destinations on this list, Turkey is the one I recommend the most.
Ephesus
Troy
Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula
Related Reads: Athens, Santorini, Pamukkale
#4: If you love COSTA RICA…
Playa Hermosa on the Pacific
Surfing in the Osa Peninsula
…then you’ll love NICARAGUA:
San Juan del Sur at sunset
In my opinion, these two probably share the most similarities than any other comparison on this list. Both boast stunning natural beauty of lush jungles, beautiful beaches, and towering volcanoes. In Costa Rica, surfers flock to the laid-back hippie town of Tamarindo (where we got married 13 years ago, by the way!), and in Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur is the good-vibe spot to head to. While I absolutely adore Costa Rica, one could argue that there are more advantages to traveling to Nicaragua: it’s generally cheaper than Costa Rica, and it’s still not as popular, making for less crowds and commercialism. But alas, the secret is out and has been for some time now. More and more people are visiting Nicaragua (and for good reason!), so go soon before it gets too built-up, like its more popular neighbor!
Enjoying the majestic views of San Juan del Sur after hiking to Mirador del Christo
Related Read: Granada
#5: If you love SAN FRANCISCO…
Sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay
All Aboard!
…then you’ll love LISBON:
I had read prior to our trip to Lisbon that it was reminiscent of San Francisco and that became evident from the moment we began to explore the city streets. Sometimes referenced to as the Sister City of San Francisco, both cities are complete with cable cars, hills, scenic water views and a phenomenal food and wine scene. Moreover, and probably the most apparent resemblance, is each metropolis’ iconic bridge, which were both built by the exact same construction company. Lisbon is a captivating city; it’s easy to be swept away by its welcoming locals, blissfully laid-back pace, widespread charm, and striking beauty. And by Western European standards, it’s gleefully affordable. An extensive Lisbon travel guide post is coming very soon!
Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge
Panoramic views from São Jorge Castle
Lisbon’s oldest district: Alfama
#6: If you love PERU…
Machu Picchu: One of the most incredible sites we’ve ever seen.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas
Cusco Cathedral located on the Plaza de Armas
…then you’ll love GUATEMALA:
The ancient Mayan citadel, Tikal
Over the past decade or so, Peru’s tourism has skyrocketed, so I’m somewhat baffled why more people aren’t following suit and visiting Guatemala. Of course, I know that Machu Picchu is often the main draw for visitors (it was for us), and it’s easy to understand why: Machu Picchu is hands-down one of the most incredible sights we have ever visited. Period. With that said, there is so much more to Peru than its famed Inca citadel, and the similarities between Peru and Guatemala are quite significant. They are both home to picturesque colonial cities, Cuzco in Peru and Antigua in Guatemala; they’re both brimming with lively local markets selling colorful and beautiful handicrafts, vibrant textiles, fresh produce, and traditional clothing; both have world-renowned lakes, Titicaca in Peru and Atitlan in Guatemala; and of course, both are home to ancient civilization citadels, Machu Picchu in Peru and Tikal in Guatemala. Guatemala is definitely more affordable than Peru, and if you are traveling from the U.S. or mostly anywhere else in North America, you’ll spend less time in the air to get there. If Guatemala isn’t on your travel radar, it should be!
Related Reads: Machu Picchu, Guatemala
Around the charming colonial town of Antigua
Lake Atitlan
#7: If you love COLORADO…
The imposing Rockies
Garden of the Gods
…then you’ll love IDAHO:
I’ve lost count of how many people have laughed out loud when T and I have told them how much we love Idaho. I’m not sure how many different ways I can say that Idaho is absolutely gorgeous. Majestic mountains, scenic rivers, endless outdoor pursuits, and endless beauty–sounds a lot like Colorado, right? I promise, if you even remotely like Colorado, you will fall in love with Idaho!
Whitewater rafting the Salmon River
Bald Mountain
Related Reads: Colorado, Idaho
#8: If you love PRAGUE…
Breathtaking views of the Charles Bridge
…then you’ll love BUDAPEST:
Budapest’s Chain Bridge spans the striking Danube River
I’m thrilled that Budapest has become more mainstream over the past recent years and is appearing much more frequently on the tourism trail. When we visited in Budapest in 2004 (How on earth was that 14 years ago?!?), that was definitely not the case. Budapest was and still is a bit grittier and edgier than Prague, and that’s what makes it all the more alluring. While these two Eastern European cities share many commonalities, both are situated (and are split) by famous rivers, both have castle districts, famous bridges, outstanding churches and picturesque squares, they each have their own style and lure. Prague is more pretty-as-a-postcard and fairytale-kind-of-magical, whereas Budapest’s beauty emanates more from its avant-garde and offbeat style. While we visited each city separately, many travelers combine them, making for a spectacular Eastern European trip!
Hungarian Parliament Building
One of my favorite aspects of Budapest: the thermal baths & spas!
I hope this post inspires you to maybe venture out of your comfort zone and try somewhere new–maybe somewhere you never thought you’d travel to! There is so much of this wondrous world to explore–and I for one, plan to see as much of it as I possibly can.
Related Reads: And I Think To Myself, What a Wonderful (but Sometimes Scary) World
Recent Reads: Kansas City, Aruba, DC Dining Winter 2018
Love this! Nicaragua and Idaho were on my list – now I need to make it happen!
Yes, you guys would love them both!