If you’re planning a vacation this year, you might want to skip Paris, Rome, and Bali. Not because they’re bad. Far from it. They’re fantastically famous for a reason.

But popularity has a cost.

Today many of the world’s most celebrated destinations are struggling under the weight of their own success. Visitors face record crowds, soaring prices, long lines, packed attractions, and a growing sense that they’re sharing every experience with thousands of other tourists.

That’s why some of the best recent trips involve going somewhere else.

Not somewhere completely unknown. Just somewhere adjacent. Better travel to similar places that deliver many of the same rewards without the headaches.

For starters, consider skipping Paris and visiting Lyon instead.

Paris remains one of the world’s greatest cities. But Lyon offers remarkable food, beautiful architecture, walkable neighborhoods, rich history, and a distinctly French atmosphere with far fewer crowds. You can spend your mornings wandering centuries-old streets, your afternoons lingering in cafés, and your evenings enjoying some of the best cuisine in Europe — all without feeling like you’re standing in line for the privilege.

Likewise, if Rome is calling your name, consider Bologna.

Rome is extraordinary, but it can also be exhausting. Bologna delivers much of what travelers love about Italy without the hassle. Think historic architecture, vibrant piazzas, unforgettable food, and endearing locals. Better yet, many visitors still pass through Bologna without overnighting, leaving much of the city wonderfully livable and refreshingly local.

Then there’s Bali.

At the turn of the century, Bali felt like a tropical paradise discovered by adventurous travelers. Today, parts of the island can feel like an international convention of influencers, digital nomads, and tourists searching for the same sunset photo.

Instead, consider Lombok.

Located just east of Bali, Lombok offers beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, and a much slower pace. The scenery is just as spectacular, but the atmosphere often feels far more relaxed.

There’s definitely more. Instead of overcrowded Venice, there is similar charm for a lot less money in many other canal towns across Europe, Amsterdam very much included.

Instead of battling crowds in Iceland’s most famous locations, there are quieter corners of the island where nature felt less like a theme park. Instead of spending all my time in major capitals, I’ve often discovered more memorable experiences in “second cities” such as Kyoto over Tokyo where daily life unfolds at a more natural pace.

Why is that? Because when every restaurant appears on every list, when every viewpoint has a queue, and when every neighborhood caters primarily to visitors, travel feels less like exploration and more like consumption.

That’s not a criticism of popular destinations. It’s a reminder that there are often equally rewarding alternatives nearby.

So if you’re planning your next overseas trip, resist the urge to simply follow the crowd. By all means, visit the places you’ve always dreamed of seeing. But don’t stop there. Look one train ride farther. One island over. One region beyond the most famous landmark.

Because the best travel experiences aren’t always happening in the world’s most popular places. They’re increasingly happening next door.

Blake Snow contributes to fancy publications and Fortune 500 companies as a bodacious writer-for-hire and seasoned travel journalist to all seven continents. He lives in Provo, Utah with his wife, five children, and one ferocious chihuahua.