I ditched my elitist view toward popular destinations — now, I embrace them

I’ve always loved traveling, but I’ve never been too keen on taking the well-trodden paths. Maybe it’s because I’m an introvert. Maybe it’s because I’m from a relatively unknown place myself.

Whatever the reason, I’ve always enjoyed visiting spots that are more under the radar. And, I’ll admit it: I had an “elitist” attitude towards popular destinations. In other words, I took a sort of pride in avoiding the “tourist traps” in favor of places few had heard of. 

However, after visiting some well-traveled sites, I discovered their allure. Here’s how I went from being “too cool” for places like Paris and Rome to a more open-minded traveler.

I’ve Always Loved Lesser-Known Places

Previously, I only picked offbeat destinations — like Georgia

I have a long-standing love for the Republic of Georgia. Mention Georgia and almost everyone thinks of the state. Most Americans haven’t heard of the country and the first question I have to answer is, “Where is that?”

Georgia has been steadily growing in popularity, especially with digital nomads, but it’s still well off most Americans’ radars. Most tourists visiting Georgia hail from Russia, Türkiye, or Eastern Europe. Visitors from North America are usually the least common.

Georgia’s “obscurity” combined with the uniqueness of its culture make it feel like a true hidden gem — if not another world altogether! It’s exactly the sort of place I’m comfortable in.

I preferred obscure parts of popular destinations, such as Kodiak vs. the rest of Alaska

Along with obscure countries, I always enjoyed seeking out less-visited corners of established destinations. What better example than my own hometown: Kodiak, Alaska? Alaska is a well-known destination, but the vast majority of tourists visit the mainland or the Inside Passage. 

Kodiak is only a 45-minute flight from Anchorage, but it’s just small enough and remote enough to be overlooked by most tourists. Of course, they’re missing out. It’s a tiny town with maybe 100 miles of road, but it has fantastic hiking trails among other great things to do.

I’d choose the underdog of two “rival cities,” like Madrid over Barcelona and Glasgow over Edinburgh

In 2017, I traveled to Scotland and chose a weekend in Glasgow over Edinburgh. In 2019, I wanted to visit Spain on my way to Georgia and the question of Madrid vs. Barcelona came up. Ever the contrarian, I chose Madrid. 

Madrid may not be as popular, but it is more famous for art, museums, and culture. What more could a “snob” like me want? 

To my credit, I did “condescend” to stop in Barcelona — for about 15 minutes on the train ride to France. I was, however, far from disdainful of the city. I honestly wish I would’ve had more time to see Barcelona.  

This leads me to my next point… 

A Few Popular Destinations Changed My Mind

London, England: I realized that destinations don’t need to be niche to be enjoyable 

I’d been to London several times, usually as a stopover, and liked the city. It is a popular place, but there was still a part of me that ignored statistics and preferred to think of it as somehow “niche.” 

For example, despite memes about British food, I found there were tons of great restaurants in London. Still, the UK’s not what comes to most minds as far as foodie tourism.

Revelations like this made me tell myself I was “different” for going there — but why was that necessary? Further travels would only deepen the cracks in my facade of disdaining the “beaten path.”

Rome, Italy: I went for the history, but found many other aspects of the city to be charming

If there is one thing that can triumph over my love of obscurity, it’s my love of history. And few places on the planet can rival Rome, Italy in that category.

I was on my way back to Georgia in 2023 and was scouting out tickets. Rome happened to have the best prices for the European leg. I prefer to make stopovers when traveling and shudder at the idea of a mere several-hour layover — only if I absolutely must! 

So, I decided to spend 5 days touring the Eternal City and I am so glad I did. Timeless landmarks transported me back to the time of the Caesars. Pastel-colored apartments along cobblestone streets offered a refreshing change from the suburbia I called home. Majestic cathedrals invoked a sense of awe with their soaring domes and gilded interiors.

This is just the shortest possible summary of what I experienced during those five short days. And I would happily go back at the drop of a hat, despite its obvious popularity. 

Paris, France: I was hesitant at first, but later surprised by how much I enjoyed visiting the Eiffel Tower

My most recent return from Georgia took me through Poland and France. The tickets back to the US were cheapest from Paris so I figured, why not see the City of Light? Upon arrival, the contrarian in me felt an almost instinctive desire to avoid the Eiffel Tower.

It was March and the weather was far from ideal. I had a good rain jacket and a stubborn love of walking places, so I set out to explore Paris on foot. My wanderings eventually led me to the Eiffel Tower and after some internal deliberation, I decided, “Why not? I’ll check it out.”

I was more than a little chilly, having underestimated how cold it could get in Paris, so it was a welcome relief to stop by a kiosk on the second floor for coffee and an eclair (it is Paris, no?). It was a great place to warm up for a bit before ascending the tower. 

The views from the top were fantastic, even if somewhat reduced by the fog. The man who built the tower, Gustave Eiffel, lived in an apartment at the very top of the tower. The idea of living in this lofty perch intrigued me. The apartment is now closed, but you can peer in at the residence that had one of the best views in history. 

Had I passed on this Parisian landmark, I would have missed out on this new perspective (both literal and figurative). My inner artist was also captivated by the way the rain fell off of the tower in the wind. Sadly, my phone camera couldn’t properly capture the sight, but it would have been perfect for a film noir movie.

Niagara Falls, New York/Canada: I considered this destination as an afterthought, but then discovered its beauty 

Back in August, I traveled to Niagara Falls for a conference. The falls themselves were more of an afterthought. To me, it was yet another well-trodden path that fit into the category of, “Oh yeah, sure. I’d love to visit it someday”… after literally everything else. 

Visiting European mainstays, I could do — but American? How pedestrian!

The hotel where the conference was held was not even a mile from the falls. So, one evening, I went out for a walk, and there it was. 

I was surprised by how beautiful the falls were. Add the fact that the sun was setting, and the sight became even more majestic. Two days later, I went over to the Canadian side and discovered even better views, along with many more attractions. 

Here’s My #1 Tip:

Visit popular destinations during the off-season

I hate crowds, so I take to off-season travel like a fish to water. That’s one aversion I’m much less likely to overcome anytime soon. 

My visit to Paris was in the off-season and that definitely made it more enjoyable for me. There were still longer lines, but not nearly what you’d find in summer. Although peak season offers warmer temperatures, I’m the kind of weird person who enjoys traveling in “bad” weather. 

Similarly, you’re supposed to avoid Rome in August. But despite warnings around weather and crowds, I went anyway and found it to be quite pleasant. The city was also lovely when I re-visited in November. 

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Overall, I’m glad to have experienced these popular places. There’s a good reason they are so well-traveled. I would have definitely missed some memories if I’d stuck to my taste for the obscure.

But at the end of the day, I still love the quieter corners best. Give me a pint in one of the quiet, dimly-lit pubs in Dublin over a beachside margarita in the Bahamas any day! Although… I think I’m now more likely to pencil in a jaunt to the Caribbean one of these days. We will see!

What are your travel tastes? Do you like the big-name destinations — or, like me, do you love the quieter corners of the world? Let me know in the comments below!

Next up, read my article on what I’ve gained from roots-based travel.