The Essentials

Alternatives to Popular, International Tourist Destinations

Photo: Istria

The World Tourism Organization forecasts that international tourist arrivals will reach 1.4 billion next year. 
 
Do you know what that means? It’s time to start considering Plan B — as in destinations that are actually great alternatives to everyone else’s bucket list.  
 
Here are some suggestions. Instead of getting crowded out in Dubrovnik by “Game of Thrones” fanatics in Croatia, travel instead to Istria. The peninsula is also home to a sliver of Slovenia and Italy. And the distances are quite manageable.  
 
Get away from the crowds in Mexico City and escape to the artsy town of Mérida. 
 
Don’t get swept away in a sea of people on the Charles Bridge in Prague.
 
Instead, go to the picturesque town of  Český Krumlov and see one of the best preserved Baroque theaters in Europe.