Adventure destinations

The Balkans

The old-world charm of coastal Croatia, minus the cruise crowds

The Caucasus

Switzerland-level mountains, wine included, for a fraction of the cost

The Balkans

Alpine-style skiing and Black Sea beaches, without the Alpine or Greek prices

Eastern Europe

Bavaria-style castles and forests, without the Bavaria prices

Central Asia

Himalaya-level trekking, without the Everest Base Camp crowds

Southeast Asia

Thailand's mix of beaches, mountains and street food — with less of the crowd

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia the way it felt before Thailand went mainstream

Southeast Asia

Bali before Canggu got busy — same beaches and volcanoes, way fewer crowds

North Africa

Morocco's medinas and desert, with a fraction of the crowds

North Africa

Egypt's desert and grand architecture, on a much shorter, cheaper flight from Europe

West Africa (islands)

Canary Islands sunshine with its own volcanic soul and music scene

South America (Andes)

Peru-level Andean scenery, plus a salt flat like nowhere else on Earth

Central America

Costa Rica's volcanoes and surf, at prices from 15 years ago

Central America

Mayan ruins as impressive as Chichen Itza, without the Riviera Maya crowds

South America

Dominican Republic's Caribbean charm, plus mountains and coffee country to spare

The Himalayas

The Himalayas at a fraction of Switzerland's price — and taller