According to the latest study by Skyscanner in partnership with OnePoll, 94 percent of Germans are open to traveling to underrated or lesser-known travel destinations, with more than half (58 percent) saying they would be willing to swap their favorite holiday destinations for an alternative option, if it could save them money.
The desire for new and unfamiliar travel destinations also seems to be increasing. In 2022, just 54 percent of German travelers surveyed said they would like to explore new places rather than return to a longtime favorite travel destination. This is reflected in a surge in searches for underrated travel destinations on Skyscanner this year, including Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) up 233% and Rijeka (Croatia) up 87%.
Since almost half of German travelers (46 percent) have not yet booked their summer vacation this year, according to the Skyscanner study, and 38 percent of respondents say they have not yet decided on a summer vacation destination, Skyscanner's new "Destination Finder" is helping. In the mobile Instagram app, travelers start the conversation with a simple message, such as "Hello," then answer a series of questions and then receive suggestions for suitable, lesser-known alternatives to the usual vacation hotspots.
Escape the tourist crowds and save money with new holiday destinations this summer
For the 56 percent of German travelers who prefer a new holiday country to the tried and tested classic travel destinations (37 percent), an alternative not only has to be a place where they can escape the tourist crowds, but also be cheaper than a classic holiday destination. For example, travelers swap the sandy beaches of Fuerteventura (return flights from €220 in July from Düsseldorf) for the coast of Asturias in Spain (return flights from €80 in July from Düsseldorf) or the historical sights of Rome (return and return flights from €100 in August from Berlin) against the medieval city of Vilnius in Lithuania (return flights from €65 in August from Berlin).
Save by traveling to underrated destinations
| Classic travel destination | underrated Destination | Savings (based on current return economy prices in July/August) | Why choose an alternative? |
| Corfu, Greece | Saranda, Albania | Transport, groceries and leisure activities are significantly cheaper in Saranda | In Greece, holidaymakers pay about twice as much for transport, food and leisure activities as in Albania. If you choose a flight to Corfu, you can also take the ferry from there to Saranda (30 minutes, 20 euros) and save on the spot. With its rugged coastline, idyllic bays and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saranda is the perfect base for exploring the Albanian Riviera. |
| Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain | Asturias, Spain | Düsseldorf – Fuerteventura 220€ Düsseldorf – Asturias 80€ = 64% savings | Fuerteventura is known for its stunning beaches. But the sea in Asturias in the north of mainland Spain, with its crystal clear water and beautiful sandy beaches, also attracts more and more tourists every year. The Costa Verde, the "Green Coast" of Asturias, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered - perfect for solo travelers, groups and families. |
| Rome, Italy | Vilnius, Lithuania | Berlin – Rome €100 Berlin – Vilnius €65 =35% savings | The old town of Vilnius is also called the Rome of the East. It is one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe and scores with impressive architecture. There is also a very beautiful castle near Trakai: Trakai Moated Castle. All three Baltic States are among the cheapest destinations in Europe to travel to, with Estonia being the most expensive, Latvia being the second most expensive and Lithuania being the cheapest once holidaymakers are there. |
| Venice, Italy | Chioggi, Italy | Transport, groceries and leisure activities are significantly cheaper in Chioggia | Chioggia is best known as "Little Venice". It is located at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon and offers everything that Venice is all about, only much smaller and far less crowded. It is about 60 km from Marco Polo Airport by car. For those looking for a quiet and inexpensive alternative to Venice, with the same charming canals, boats and architecture, Chioggia is a great choice. Plus, one of the region's best and most famous beaches is just a short walk across the seawall at Sottomarina. |
| Los Angeles, USA | Boston, United States | Frankfurt – Los Angeles €950 Frankfurt – Boston €540 = 44% savings | Boston has been named one of the "Best Big Cities in the USA" by Condé Nast Traveler, but it's not nearly as well-known as other US cities (like LA or New York City). Both Boston and Los Angeles are popular destinations for backpackers. Boston offers a handful of cheap hostels to choose from. The average cost of travel for the two cities is similar, but flights to Boston tend to be cheaper. |
| Cancun, Mexico | Bastia, France | Dusseldorf – Cancún €620 Dusseldorf – Bastia €170 = 73% savings | Corsica is known for its Caribbean blue waters and white, clean sand - a cheap alternative to the Caribbean Sea. |
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