Hidden Gem Destinations That Are Cheaper (and Better) Than Tourist Hotspots
Traveling the world is an incredible experience, until you find yourself elbow-to-elbow with thousands of tourists, paying $15 for a bottle of water, and waiting in line for hours just to take the same selfie as everyone else. Sound familiar? The good news is that you don’t have to follow the crowds to have an unforgettable adventure. In fact, some of the best destinations are the ones that most people overlook. And the best part? They’re cheaper, less crowded, and often even better than their overhyped counterparts.
Here’s your guide to hidden gem destinations that will give you the experience of a lifetime—without draining your bank account or testing your patience.
1. Skip Santorini, Go to Milos, Greece
Santorini may be the poster child of Greek island getaways, but unless you enjoy overpriced seafood and dodging tourists with selfie sticks, it’s worth looking elsewhere. Enter Milos, a stunning Cycladic island with the same whitewashed charm and jaw-dropping sunsets—without the hefty price tag.
Free or Cheap Things to Do in Milos
Sarakiniko Beach – A lunar-like coastline with smooth white volcanic rock, perfect for sunbathing and photography.
Kleftiko Caves – Take a boat trip to these dramatic sea caves or rent a kayak for a budget-friendly adventure.
Try Local Greek Taverns – Milos’ seafood is fresher and cheaper than what you’d find in Santorini, and the local tavernas serve up hearty meals for a fraction of the price.
Where to Stay
Budget Option: Giannis Hotel ($50–$70 per night)
Mid-Range Option: Santa Maria Village ($100 per night)
Getting There
Fly into Athens International Airport, then take a budget-friendly ferry (starting at $30) to Milos. Flights to Milos are available but pricier.
2. Skip Paris, Go to Lyon, France
Paris is lovely, but between the overpriced lattes and endless queues at the Louvre, it can feel more like an endurance test than a vacation. Lyon, on the other hand, is France’s best-kept secret, offering world-class cuisine, rich history, and a charming riverside setting—at a fraction of the cost.
Free or Cheap Things to Do in Lyon
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière – Free to visit and offers one of the best panoramic views of the city.
Traboules of Vieux Lyon – Secret passageways dating back to the Renaissance, perfect for a free self-guided tour.
Parc de la Tête d'Or – A massive city park with a free zoo and beautiful botanical gardens.
Where to Stay
Budget Option: SLO Living Hostel ($30 per night)
Mid-Range Option: Hotel Silky ($110 per night)
Getting There
Lyon is a two-hour train ride from Paris (often as low as $25 with an early booking) or accessible by budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair.
3. Skip Bali, Go to Lombok, Indonesia
Bali is beautiful, no doubt, but between the Instagram influencers staging their “candid” shots and the skyrocketing costs, it’s not the peaceful paradise it once was. Just east of Bali, Lombok offers gorgeous beaches, fewer tourists, and cheaper prices.
Free or Cheap Things to Do in Lombok
Tiu Kelep Waterfall – A breathtaking waterfall that requires a short but scenic hike.
Selong Belanak Beach – Less crowded than Bali’s beaches and perfect for budget-friendly surfing lessons.
Hike Mount Rinjani – If you’re up for a challenge, this volcanic trek is both stunning and significantly cheaper than hikes in Bali.
Where to Stay
Budget Option: LoTide Surf Camp ($20 per night)
Mid-Range Option: Jeeva Klui Resort ($100 per night)
Getting There
Fly into Lombok International Airport from Jakarta or Bali (flights start at $40). Ferries from Bali cost around $10.
4. Skip Switzerland, Go to Slovenia
Switzerland is breathtaking—but so are its prices. If you want Alpine beauty, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages without needing a second mortgage, Slovenia is your answer.
Free or Cheap Things to Do in Slovenia
Lake Bled – A stunning alpine lake with a medieval castle on an island (free to walk around, cheap to rent a rowboat).
Ljubljana Old Town – One of Europe’s most underrated capitals, offering colorful streets, open-air cafes, and a lively market scene.
Triglav National Park – Free to enter, with incredible hiking trails and scenery.
Where to Stay
Budget Option: Vila Veselova Hostel ($25 per night)
Mid-Range Option: Hotel Cubo ($130 per night)
Getting There
Fly into Ljubljana Airport or take a train from Austria or Italy (Vienna to Ljubljana starts at $40).
5. Skip Iceland, Go to the Faroe Islands
Iceland has exploded in popularity, and while it’s undeniably stunning, the prices for food, accommodations, and tours can be brutal. For an equally dramatic Nordic adventure without the crowds and sky-high costs, head to the Faroe Islands.
Free or Cheap Things to Do in the Faroe Islands
Hike to Sørvágsvatn (The Floating Lake) – A surreal optical illusion where the lake appears to hover over the ocean.
Visit the Mulafossur Waterfall – A stunning free attraction that looks like it belongs on a postcard.
Explore Tórshavn – The world’s smallest capital, full of charm and free cultural experiences.
Where to Stay
Budget Option: Guesthouse Hugo ($70 per night)
Mid-Range Option: Hotel Føroyar ($150 per night)
Getting There
Flights to the Faroe Islands (Vágar Airport) are much cheaper than flights to Reykjavik. Budget airlines like Atlantic Airways offer great deals.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to follow the crowds to have an unforgettable travel experience. These hidden gems offer everything their overhyped counterparts do—stunning scenery, rich culture, and incredible food—but at a fraction of the cost and without the hassle.
So next time you're planning a trip, skip the overdone hotspots and go where the real magic happens.
Have a hidden gem destination of your own? Share it in the comments! And if you found this guide helpful, pass it along to fellow travelers looking for budget-friendly adventures.
