Alternative destination trips: the road less travelled
Insight Guides has launched a series of trips which highlight alternative destinations from the most popular, which can ensure you travel responsibly and sustainably. These trips, of course, still offer the chance to savour unforgettable travel experiences in spectacular destinations.
Trusted travel experts
The travel experts we partner with at Insight Guides all work for local tour operators – booking through them ensures you're supporting the local community. Their insider knowledge, coupled with their contacts and suppliers, means they can cover all your individual needs and requests, from sorting on-the-ground accommodation to transport. They will take care of all the planning and booking you a personalised itinerary. Your travel experiences will be tailored to your preferences – whether you want to take things at a slower pace, or choose to take part in socially conscious activities such as community development projects.
San Cristobal de las Casas instead of Cancun
Insight Guides Mexico’s Churros and Chiapas trip takes you from vibrant Mexico City, with its fabulous museums, grand monuments and imposing plazas, to San Cristóbal de las Casas in the highlands of Chiapas. Here, in the living Maya cultural centre of the state, you will spend days exploring canyons, waterfalls and national parks. The trip culminates in the dense rainforest of Chiapas, at Palenque, one of the most breathtaking of Mexico's spectacular Maya ruin sites.
Guadalupe Church, San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico. Photo: streetflash/Shutterstock
Northern Argentina instead of the more visited south
Insight Guides Argentina’s Northern Highlights trip begins in Argentina's cosmopolitan capital. Buenos Aires is home to broad plazas, grand colonial buildings, tango and succulent steaks. You will explore museums and churches in neighbourhoods such as upscale Recoleta, hip Palermo and bohemian San Telmo. Next, you will head to northeastern Argentina and the mighty Iguazú Falls. This awe-inspiring natural attraction is the highlight of an expansive subtropical national park. Moving on to Salta, you will discover the Andean heritage and natural wonders of this mountainous province. The trip finishes in Mendoza where you can relish the beauty and full-bodied Malbec wines of the region.
Iguazú Falls as seen from the Argentine side. Photo: sharptoyou/Shutterstock
Westfjords instead of the Ring Road
Insight Guides Western Iceland: Cliffs, Coast and Waterfalls trip o
offers the chance to embark on the road trip of a lifetime. In remote northwestern Iceland, you will visit dramatic natural landmarks such as the Latrabjarg Cliffs and the fabled Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls cascading over volcanic rock formations. You will also drive through beautiful glacial valleys and savour breathtaking sunsets. And after taking in Iceland's natural splendour, what better way to unwind than with a luxurious soak in natural hot springs?
House in the village of Stykkisholmur, Western Iceland. Photo: Beketoff/Shutterstock
Bordeaux instead of Paris
Insight Guides' The Romance, Food, and Wine of Bordeaux trip offers a delightful French culinary adventure in this spirited southwestern city. You will visit vineyards in the surrounding world-renowned wine-growing region, which produce some of its finest wines. During a gourmet cookery class, you will help create a culinary feast. The trip also features dinner in a romantic castle, as well as offering an insight on the fascinating history of this port city on the Garonne River. 
Mist over vineyards near Bordeaux, France. Photo: FreeProd33/Shutterstock
Northern Spain instead of the more popular South
Insight Guides' The cities, mountains and beaches of Northern Spain trip takes in the culture, natural beauty and rugged coastline of the north of Spain. The trip starts in the Basque Country resort city of San Sebastián, known for its sandy beaches and fine restaurants. After visiting Pamplona, you will move on to the wine region of Logroño, where you will tour an ancient wine cellar famed for its smooth red Rioja wines. Next, you will visit the medieval Old Town in Oviedo, before heading to the port city of Bilbao, home to the striking contemporary Guggenheim modern art museum, designed by Frank Gehry.
San Sebastián in the Basque Country, Spain. Photo: Thomas Dutour/Shutterstock
Ready to book your next trip?
Insight Guides can help you plan and book amazing trips to destinations around the world. Simply get in touch to share your ideas for the trip and to let us know when you would like to travel. Our local experts will then create a personalized itinerary based on your specific requirements. You can amend the itinerary until it's exactly how you want it before booking.
