travel

Try these off-the-radar alternatives to tried-and-true destinations in 2016

January 04, 2016

Canadian poutine (fries, topped with cheese curds melting under hot gravy) is a yummy option for the travelling gourmet. – AFP/RelaxNews pic, January 4, 2016Looking to shake up your travelscapes in 2016?

For frequent flyers who’ve ticked off the tried and true, and for those looking for off-the-radar places, a new list from online booking site Cheapflights offers alternative travel destinations and stand-ins for everyone from the beach-lounger, foodie and city lover.

Montreal instead of New Orleans, Louisiana

This one’s for the travelling gourmet.

While NOLA boasts a rousing reputation for its edible offerings and Southern, Creole cuisine – think beignets, seafood gumbo and po’boys – Montreal is listed as the Canadian equal for its rich and diverse dining scene.

Among the city’s culinary hall of famers? Smoked meat sandwiches from Schwartz’s deli, the Pied de Cochon’s insanely decadent poutine (fries, topped with cheese curds melting under hot gravy) with foie gras or Le Garde-Manger’s lobster poutine. A weak Canadian dollar also makes travel to Canada particularly enticing right now.

Singapore over Dubai

Travelers with a taste for the high life may want to skip over Dubai for its Asian counterpart, Singapore.

Like the glittering UAE city, Singapore also boasts soaring skyscrapers, palatial shopping malls like Gardens by the Bay, and Michelin-grade dining.

So much so that the bible of fine gastronomy announced plans to publish its first Singaporean edition in 2016, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.

Key West, not Maui

The island city of Key West is listed as a stand-in for Maui, with its gold sand beaches, sunsets and laid-back vibe – also a closer and more affordable destination for many travellers compared with Hawaii.

An idyllic itinerary? Biking through the Old Town past restored Victorian homes and cottages, eating fresh seafood by the water and eating key lime pie on weathered picnic tables.

Barbados over The Bahamas

While The Bahamas may be a popular port of call for cruises, travellers looking for a quieter, less touristy beach holiday may want to consider the smaller Caribbean island of Barbados.

If you’re looking for a generic, all-inclusive resort, Cheapflights points out that The Bahamas has those aplenty.

But sun-lovers looking for a more authentic experience are better off booking a trip to Barbados which may be less developed, but offers a higher chance of soaking in the sun away from the madding crowds.

For the complete list of alternatives, visit http://bit.ly/1IG6w8U. – AFP/RelaxNews, January 4, 2016.