Will Taylor considers Santa Barbara as “the ideal escape from Los Angeles.”

During a recent visit to Los Angeles, the content creator from New York City wanted to extend his stay to catch a Kacey Musgraves concert. Initially, he thought about seeing her in LA but then decided to explore options a bit beyond the city.

“I anticipate it’ll take an hour to drive across town amidst the heavy traffic,” he shared with YSL News. He discovered that Musgraves would also be playing in Santa Barbara, a place he had never been to.

Only a short two-hour drive away, Santa Barbara appeared to be a refreshing change for Taylor. “It feels more personal, you can walk or bike nearly everywhere, and it isn’t overly crowded,” he remarked. As a design blogger, he found walking through neighborhoods to appreciate the city’s renowned Spanish colonial style particularly appealing.

“Travel can be rejuvenating, but it can also be taxing and overwhelming, particularly in large cities where planning is essential and traffic is a factor,” he stated. “Having a few days in a quieter locale allows you to unwind.”

Taylor’s encounter is not an isolated case. The travel trend for 2024 highlights “dupe destinations,” which are spots that offer similar atmospheres to well-known tourist sites. Conversely, in 2025, the emphasis will switch to “detour destinations,” which are lesser-known locations that provide travelers with a variety of experiences without diverging too far from popular attractions.

“Next year’s explorers aren’t only going for that dream vacation; they’re also adding trendy side trips,” Melanie Fish, VP of Global Public Relations for Expedia Group, told YSL News in an interview. “This approach allows travelers to feel they’re visiting their dream location while also engaging in something a bit unexpected. A detour destination is not entirely removed from the main path; it’s just a slight diversion from it.”

Reasons to explore detour destinations

Traveler Melissa Kruse believes that detour destinations provide an option for those weary of frequently visiting the same locations on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. “Even if people haven’t physically been there, these places are often overexposed on social media,” she shared with YSL News. “This can make the experience feel a bit less special, I guess.”

As she planned a month-long journey along Spain’s coast in October 2023, Kruse, who had been to Barcelona earlier, sought a place with a more “local vibe.” She selected Girona, a historic town known for its vibrant food culture and well-preserved medieval architecture, which even featured in “Game of Thrones.”

“It feels like stepping onto a movie set,” she noted.

Kruse appreciated meandering through Girona’s narrow cobblestone paths and found it much more budget-friendly compared to Barcelona. “Personally, I prefer an authentic experience where local eateries are readily available, as finding those spots in major tourist areas is becoming increasingly difficult,” she remarked.

Fish emphasized that taking a detour can significantly enhance the travel experience. By venturing away from the most frequented tourist zones, travelers can immerse themselves in authentic local environments and even try activities they might not consider otherwise.

“A detour destination can offer a completely different experience while still being accessible from a well-trodden area,” she explained.

One such detour location experiencing increased interest is Reims, France, according to Fish, who noted a spike in searches on Expedia.

“Just 45 minutes from Paris by train, Reims makes for a great day trip. But once you arrive in Champagne country, you’ll discover plenty to enjoy, including a gothic cathedral, champagne houses, and vineyard tours—offering a very different experience than what’s typical in central Paris,” she remarked.

Most sought-after detour destinations

Here are the locations Expedia has reported as having the most significant increase in search interest over the past year:

• Reims, France (detour from Paris)

• Brescia, Italy (detour from Milan)

• Cozumel, Mexico (detour from Cancún)

• Santa Barbara, California (detour from Los Angeles)

• Waikato, New Zealand (detour from Auckland)

• Girona, Spain (detour from Barcelona)

• Fukuoka, Japan
• Abu Dhabi, UAE (side trip from Dubai)
• Krabi, Thailand (side trip from Phuket)
• Canmore, Alberta, Canada (side trip from Calgary)

Tips for planning a side trip detour

According to Fish, there are numerous ways to organize a detour, whether it’s through discovering a unique activity that captures your interest or referring to a travel guide. However, she emphasizes that you shouldn’t feel obligated to stick to planned schedules.

For Taylor, attending a concert was a great reason to visit a detour destination that matched her travel style better.

“This trend is connected to specific cities located near popular tourist spots,” Fish mentioned. “Use it as a source of inspiration. You aren’t limited to detours that others have already explored. Check a map and create your own path.”

For Kruse, a bit of research proved valuable. While searching for places along the Catalonian coastline of Costa Brava, she discovered Girona and was attracted by its easy access from Barcelona – just about an hour by train, with frequent departures. Upon reaching Girona, she found it convenient to navigate the compact city on foot, which added to its charm.

Fish also pointed out that taking a detour can invigorate a place you’ve previously visited.

“Even if you think you’re familiar with a region, trying out a detour destination may surprise you,” she said.

(This article has been updated to fix a typo.)