Why ‘Secondary’ Cities Should Be First On Your List |
Travel is all about discovery, and one of the best ways to truly understand a destination is to venture beyond its most famous centers. So-called secondary cities often become favorites precisely because they offer what major capitals no longer can: space, authenticity, and experiences that feel personal rather than packed. |
Yes, we all love Paris, but take a two-hour train to Lyon and you’ll discover a city celebrated for its gastronomy and historic old town, Vieux Lyon. Roman ruins, medieval streets, and classical architecture make it ideal for exploring on foot. In the old town, look for the medieval traboules, covered passageways originally built to protect raw silk from the elements and still used today as local shortcuts. |
The Brecon | Adelboden, Switzerland |
Skiers know there’s nothing like a winter escape to the Swiss Alps, but it pays to look beyond the most talked-about resorts. Instead of St. Moritz or Zermatt, consider Adelboden, a traditional alpine town in the Bernese Oberland favored by Swiss locals. The Adelboden–Lenk ski area spans two valleys connected by lifts and hosts annual FIS World Cup slalom races. Visit in winter for exceptional skiing or return in summer and fall for hiking through alpine meadows. Adelboden delivers year-round appeal without the crowds. |
Whisky lovers may already be familiar with Islay, but this rugged island still feels far removed from Scotland’s main tourist routes. Known for its peaty single malts and dramatic coastal scenery, Islay makes a compelling addition to a trip centered around Edinburgh. A visit offers the chance to slow the pace, explore distilleries, and take in Scotland’s elemental landscapes before returning to the mainland. |
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In Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang stands apart not for scale but for ritual. Each morning at sunrise, hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk silently through the streets to receive alms, a tradition that has shaped daily life here for centuries. The city’s layout follows the curve of the Mekong, with temple roofs peeking through palm trees and colonial-era villas lining quiet lanes. A visit is defined less by sightseeing and more by rhythm, marked by river crossings, hilltop temples like Mount Phousi, and evenings that unfold slowly along the water. |
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The Vines Resort Spa | Mendoza, Argentina |
In South America, Mendoza offers a dramatically different pace from Buenos Aires, trading city energy for altitude and open space. Sitting at the edge of the Andes, this region is shaped by irrigation channels fed by mountain snowmelt, which make viticulture possible in an otherwise arid landscape. Vineyards stretch toward the foothills, with wineries designed to frame the peaks as much as the wine. |
In Japan, Tokyo often dominates itineraries, but a journey to Nikko feels worlds away despite being only a few hours north. Set within a cedar forest, Nikko is home to some of the country’s most elaborately decorated shrines, including Toshogu, built to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the shogunate. Stone lanterns line moss-covered paths, waterfalls cut through the hills, and the surrounding national park adds a seasonal backdrop that shifts throughout the year. |
For travelers drawn to Austria, Vienna may be the obvious starting point, but Innsbruck offers a very different experience. Once favored by Habsburg emperors, the compact city reflects its imperial past through arcaded streets and historic landmarks, with alpine terrain just minutes away. Cable cars depart directly from the city, making it easy to travel from the old town to high-mountain viewpoints in a single day. |
The best destinations are often places you’ve never heard of before. |
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