Bucket list travels: 5 alternative destinations

If you are anything like us, then you definitely have a list of dream places that you look at every time another meeting invitation appears on your work calendar or when another unfinished project starts to smoke.

We are sure that all these dream places are insanely expensive. The good news is that they don't have to be. We researched popular itineraries at fedafone booking and then compared peak season prices with alternative destinations to find very similar but underrated travel options for you. Details are in this article!

Santorini → Tinos

Finding an underrated alternative to one of the most iconic islands in the world is a difficult task. But just a 20-minute ferry ride from Mykonos is Tinos, a quiet and unassuming Greek island with some very scenic spots. And although there are no blue domes of Santorini, no many Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels - here you can enjoy 80 windmills, 1000 artistic dovecotes, 50 villages located on the slopes and a wonderful statue of the Virgin Mary. But its biggest attraction is that there are no tourists here!

Those who want to spend a romantic vacation, enjoy true tranquility with beautiful views, delicious food and unique experiences, but are not ready for crowds of tourists, overpriced everything in the season and endless noise - feel free to go to Tinos instead of its more famous neighbor. If you still cannot imagine traveling without a crowd and are eager to sacrifice your personal space in order to preserve truly unforgettable memories, come here by August 15, when pilgrims crawl 800 meters from the ferry port to the church of Panagia Evangelistria.

Cairo → Amman

Bazaars, hookahs and antiquities are only the beginning of a journey through the Middle East, and, fortunately, it is not limited by Egypt. For a dream trip with Cairo-like history, culture and architecture, head to Jordan's underrated capital, where the past intertwines with the present, making it perfect alternative destination.

Start by visiting the ancient Amman Citadel, considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world. Here is the imposing Temple of Hercules, as well as fragments of huge statues. Next comes the Umayyad Palace, the Roman Theater and Ain Ghazal, not to mention the Jordanian Museum (the largest in the country) which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and some of the oldest statues known to man.

Get out of the city to enjoy the mesmerizing scenery of this place, especially the village of Iraq al-Amir, which boasts 10 caves dating back to the copper age, as well as the remains of the Ozymand castle. Non-historical attractions include the Franco-Arabic Film Festival (held in July), the shopaholics' paradise of Souk al-Bukharia in the city center or the huge Gold Souk with jewelry to suit all tastes and budgets; and a gourmet Mecca at Souk Al-Sukar, which sells sweet baklava. Falafel, mansaf (lamb in sauce) and yalangi (dolma) can also be found on every corner.

Hong Kong → Taipei

If skyscrapers, city parks, huge malls and gourmet cuisine beckon and delight you, then Taipei should definitely be on your travel list. This city not only has a worthy alternative to Victoria Peak - in the very center of Taiwan's capital, Elephant Mountain is located, where you can have a great walk, enjoy panoramic views, eat delicious food and try new things, as well as go shopping.

Be sure to check out the chain restaurant Din Tai Fung - this is where the world-famous bao steamed buns originated. If it's vital for you to take a few shots for your Instagram, then feel free to book a table at Joel Robuchon's L'Atelier restaurant with two Michelin stars, where you can taste the best French cuisine in a sensual red interior.

Set aside at least one evening for street food! Start at Shilin Night Market, the largest street food market in the city, with a variety of food and an unparalleled bustling atmosphere that will leave you with a lasting impression. Be sure to try the oyster omelette and fried taro balls (Ningxia Night Market), grilled beef cubes, peppered pork buns and fried tea (Raohe Night Market). A true paradise for street food fans!

Los Angeles → Austin

The self-proclaimed "live music capital of the world" rivals the capital of Hollywood when it comes to art. This liberal Texas city is growing a little slower than Los Angeles, but it still has chic hotels, award-winning gastronomy and artsy contemporary art.

If you don't mind spending hours in line, then stop by Franklin's BBQ for his famous pulled pork, brisket and turkey delicacies. If you don't get along with lines, then be sure to try the beef ribs at Terry Blacks and the juicy steak at J-Prime. Then head to Sixth Street for drinks and live music (country or other). Sixth Street is divided into 2 parts - West and East. We recommend visiting the bars on West 6th Street, where it is quieter. If you're still determined, you can start at Pete's Dueling Piano Bar for an hour or two of fun, then head to the Recess Arcade Bar or have some nice seating at the stylish Eden Cocktail Bar.

Austin is also great for outdoor activities. A good way to get to know the city is to jog along the Colorado River to Barton Springs, a natural pool fed by underground wells. Finally, there is one cute tradition in the capital of Texas that you will surely enjoy! Take a seat on the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset to watch the bat colonies wake up and take flight.

Toronto → Tampere

People, known for their friendliness, a laid-back lifestyle and the best of modern amenities combined with stunning lake views… how many places on the planet can offer something as idyllic? Well, two certainly can, but Finland's underrated Tampere can, among other things, offer very comfortable weather in July (only a few degrees cooler than Toronto), making it the perfect alternative for those looking for something a little different. . Moreover, it actually surpasses the Canadian city in terms of lake views, as it is located between two cities (Pyhäjärvi and Näsijärvi), not on the edge of one.

When visiting Tampere, don't forget to spend a day in the famous Finnish saunas Saunaravintola Kuuma, where after soaring you can try an incredibly delicious pike and crab pie and grilled Iberico pork tenderloin at a local restaurant.

Tampere, like Toronto, is known for its culture - there are museums of art and photography, galleries and exhibitions for every taste. The main feature of the city is the local art museum, which houses more than 14,500 different exhibits, including a unique collection of the Moomin artist Tove Jansson. For big Moomin fans, there is a separate themed museum that will appeal to both children and adults.

Travel and discover new routes, unknown countries and cities, try new dishes and feel the unique atmosphere of novelty with fedafone booking. Focus on the upcoming trip and enjoy life!