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Here Not There: 100 Unexpected Travel Destinations
Design a truly unique vacation with 100 intriguing alternatives to more predictable, expensive, and overcrowded destinations.
Let’s face it. These days, many of the world’s most beloved places have become expensive and overcrowded, making their celebrated allure that much harder to enjoy. But fear Here Not There helps you create a more robust, off-the-beaten path vacation by revealing 100 alternative destinations to the standard travel playbook—as well as expert tips on when to visit, where to eat, what to see, and where to stay.
In this surprising collection of lively travel itineraries, you’ll find authentic, unexpected, and rewarding destinations of a lifetime to add to your bucket list,
Both surprising and inspiring, Here Not There offers readers a chance to think beyond our typical borders and discover undreamed-of destinations.
Let’s face it. These days, many of the world’s most beloved places have become expensive and overcrowded, making their celebrated allure that much harder to enjoy. But fear Here Not There helps you create a more robust, off-the-beaten path vacation by revealing 100 alternative destinations to the standard travel playbook—as well as expert tips on when to visit, where to eat, what to see, and where to stay.
In this surprising collection of lively travel itineraries, you’ll find authentic, unexpected, and rewarding destinations of a lifetime to add to your bucket list,
Both surprising and inspiring, Here Not There offers readers a chance to think beyond our typical borders and discover undreamed-of destinations.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published April 2, 2024
13 people are currently reading
4281 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 14, 2024
This title appealed to me as I was in the mood for some travel reading and research. I liked the concept of "go here" instead of "there"; many places suggested are less crowded. Some destinations mentioned were familiar to me in the sense that my coworkers or folks that we've socialized with have traveled to those places. I'd like to further research Riga and Bracken Cave (Texas). My only drawback to the book was that the text was light in color and small.
April 1, 2024
As the official family travel agent. this book is a welcome breath of fresh air, cutting through the noise of paid posts and influencers! It is exhausting trying to find a different place to go. We love our Hawaii and California beach vacations. Enjoying some great waves and an incredible Bordeaux on the coast of France will keep the whole family happy for the next trip! I am going to stick to New England for fall foliage, but Here Not There has us considering a lot of alternative destinations and new experiences near places we have been before. Look forward to getting out and exploring.
July 13, 2024
National Graphic seems to be assembling its wonderful photography for the traveler. They are publishing guides to bike trips, drives,regional food and more.
This guide showcases places that it never occurred to you to visit. These “Unexpected Travel Destinations” will help you avoid traffic and crowds. "HERE are the “alternatives to the “iconic” destinations which are THERE”.
The first 6 chapters group the destinations into topics:: “Nontraditional Natural Wonders”; ”Romantic Re-calibrations” ‘Uncrowded Beaches”; etc.
Most of these destinations have an intro on a double page with a photo that makes you want to go there right now. Each has a subtitle “Visit this instead of _____” with the blank being the (presumably) overcrowded similar place.
The next two pages have more lush photos. A brief text has attractions highlighted in bold. Some have a strip on the right side with “bonus” places that are related to the focus locale.
Some examples of the "unexpected places" in Chapters 1-6 are
In the US:
• --Brisbee AZ, - said to rival Key West as an art town.
• --Tulsa, OK – has a lot to see and do
• --Chiricahua National Park AZ- lots of trails
• --Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI – Giant sand dunes 65 miles of “mostly empty shoreline”
• --Lessen National Park CA. Volcanic activity.
• --Detroit MI– great buildings - Diego Rivera mural.
• --South Philadelphia PA – street art - food – entertainment
• --Whitney Plantation LA- shows and tells plantation life from the slave's point of view
Abroad
• --Montenegro - a 183 mile coastline, national parks and historic sites.(and the bonus place: Albania-the “last frontier on the Adriatic Coast”
• -Luang Pranabg, Laos “for a spiritual experience”
• -Lecce, Italy – charm without the crowds
• -Riga, Latvia – the photos pull you into its art nouveau architecture. (bonus place: Barcelona)
• -Borobudur, Indonesia – monumental ruins- cultural tours
• -Jerash, Jordan- archaeological sites
• -Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria – medieval architecture
Chapter 7 is devoted to islands… all are intriguing
Chapter 8 has scenic highways, dives and boat trips.
Chapter 9 will give you tips on Mardi Gras in places other than New Orleans =; places in Washington DC to visit instead of the National Mall; what to see in Italy instead of the Coliseum in Rome, etc.
This is a beautiful book. I wish it were coffee table size to enhance the already gorgeous photos. It is practical for travelers who want to avoid crowds or want to visit the out of the way places because they are out of the way,
This guide showcases places that it never occurred to you to visit. These “Unexpected Travel Destinations” will help you avoid traffic and crowds. "HERE are the “alternatives to the “iconic” destinations which are THERE”.
The first 6 chapters group the destinations into topics:: “Nontraditional Natural Wonders”; ”Romantic Re-calibrations” ‘Uncrowded Beaches”; etc.
Most of these destinations have an intro on a double page with a photo that makes you want to go there right now. Each has a subtitle “Visit this instead of _____” with the blank being the (presumably) overcrowded similar place.
The next two pages have more lush photos. A brief text has attractions highlighted in bold. Some have a strip on the right side with “bonus” places that are related to the focus locale.
Some examples of the "unexpected places" in Chapters 1-6 are
In the US:
• --Brisbee AZ, - said to rival Key West as an art town.
• --Tulsa, OK – has a lot to see and do
• --Chiricahua National Park AZ- lots of trails
• --Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI – Giant sand dunes 65 miles of “mostly empty shoreline”
• --Lessen National Park CA. Volcanic activity.
• --Detroit MI– great buildings - Diego Rivera mural.
• --South Philadelphia PA – street art - food – entertainment
• --Whitney Plantation LA- shows and tells plantation life from the slave's point of view
Abroad
• --Montenegro - a 183 mile coastline, national parks and historic sites.(and the bonus place: Albania-the “last frontier on the Adriatic Coast”
• -Luang Pranabg, Laos “for a spiritual experience”
• -Lecce, Italy – charm without the crowds
• -Riga, Latvia – the photos pull you into its art nouveau architecture. (bonus place: Barcelona)
• -Borobudur, Indonesia – monumental ruins- cultural tours
• -Jerash, Jordan- archaeological sites
• -Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria – medieval architecture
Chapter 7 is devoted to islands… all are intriguing
Chapter 8 has scenic highways, dives and boat trips.
Chapter 9 will give you tips on Mardi Gras in places other than New Orleans =; places in Washington DC to visit instead of the National Mall; what to see in Italy instead of the Coliseum in Rome, etc.
This is a beautiful book. I wish it were coffee table size to enhance the already gorgeous photos. It is practical for travelers who want to avoid crowds or want to visit the out of the way places because they are out of the way,
July 21, 2024
2* rating is right on- "it was ok." The most enjoyable thing about this book was the photos, since it is a National Geographic publication. Otherwise, I found the suggestions made to visit "here not there," to be rather inconsistent & many unfeasible & ridiculous. A few were a good idea, such as "For an Ancient Amphitheater, Nimes Arena, Nimes, France, Instead of the Colosseum, Rome, Italy." I have visited the Nimes colosseum & the surrounding area is wonderful to see. It is also very close to the French Riviera.
Then an example of what I think to be an okay idea is "For a Classic American Retreat, Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA instead of Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA." I adore Mackinac Island! If I had to choose between the two, it would be Mackinac Island. But! Mackinac Island is accessible by ferry for a only a few months out of the year & the times I have been in all of the Nantucket region, it has been pleasant & not overcrowded. It's not going to be less crowded during the summer months on Mackinac than it is on Nantucket.
Maybe not everyone would enjoy the special treat of traveling on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 "For a European Crossing instead of a transcontinental flight," but I certainly would. If, & it's a big IF, I had the time & money. Every time I've traveled abroad, I've had to be on watch for a reasonably low airfare. So to me, this is not a practical suggestion.
As for an unfeasible & ridiculous example ----- I'll spare anyone reading this review.
Then an example of what I think to be an okay idea is "For a Classic American Retreat, Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA instead of Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA." I adore Mackinac Island! If I had to choose between the two, it would be Mackinac Island. But! Mackinac Island is accessible by ferry for a only a few months out of the year & the times I have been in all of the Nantucket region, it has been pleasant & not overcrowded. It's not going to be less crowded during the summer months on Mackinac than it is on Nantucket.
Maybe not everyone would enjoy the special treat of traveling on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 "For a European Crossing instead of a transcontinental flight," but I certainly would. If, & it's a big IF, I had the time & money. Every time I've traveled abroad, I've had to be on watch for a reasonably low airfare. So to me, this is not a practical suggestion.
As for an unfeasible & ridiculous example ----- I'll spare anyone reading this review.
September 30, 2025
Here Not There: 100 Unexpected Travel Destinations by Andrew Nelson is an inspiring invitation to step off the beaten path and reimagine what travel can be. In an age when many of the world’s most famous cities and landmarks are overrun with crowds and soaring prices, Nelson offers a refreshing alternative: 100 carefully curated destinations that surprise, delight, and capture the authentic spirit of exploration.
Each entry isn’t just a suggestion it’s a thoughtfully designed mini-itinerary, complete with insights on when to go, where to stay, what to see, and even where to eat. Nelson’s writing blends practicality with wanderlust, allowing readers to envision themselves journeying through places they may never have considered but will quickly want to add to their bucket lists.
Whether it’s a quiet cultural gem tucked away from tourist hotspots or a natural wonder waiting to be discovered, Here Not There offers the kind of travel experiences that reward curiosity and courage. It’s more than a guidebook it’s a manifesto for travelers who crave depth, authenticity, and a sense of wonder.
Each entry isn’t just a suggestion it’s a thoughtfully designed mini-itinerary, complete with insights on when to go, where to stay, what to see, and even where to eat. Nelson’s writing blends practicality with wanderlust, allowing readers to envision themselves journeying through places they may never have considered but will quickly want to add to their bucket lists.
Whether it’s a quiet cultural gem tucked away from tourist hotspots or a natural wonder waiting to be discovered, Here Not There offers the kind of travel experiences that reward curiosity and courage. It’s more than a guidebook it’s a manifesto for travelers who crave depth, authenticity, and a sense of wonder.
June 10, 2024
I have followed Andrew Nelson's work with National Geographic Traveler and The Wall Street Journal for years and couldn't wait to get my hands on his first travel book.
The stunning photos and well-written descriptions do two things: Spark travel dreams for more exotic locales, and Provide approachable destinations one can plan immediately. I love to travel, but am less excited about crowds or beaten paths that have taken a beating. The chapter headings make it easy to navigate and fun to explore, with some of my favorites being "Unconventional Parks," "Weekend Alternatives," and "Big-Name Surprises."
I recently moved back to my childhood home of San Diego and in addition to learning about parts of the city I've never been to, I am already planning trips to Santa Barbara (instead of the French Riviera) and California's Central Coast (instead of Tuscany). And he's piqued my interest about exploring Luang Prabang, Laos instead of Sedona, AZ!
I'll be referencing this book for future travel for years to come.
The stunning photos and well-written descriptions do two things: Spark travel dreams for more exotic locales, and Provide approachable destinations one can plan immediately. I love to travel, but am less excited about crowds or beaten paths that have taken a beating. The chapter headings make it easy to navigate and fun to explore, with some of my favorites being "Unconventional Parks," "Weekend Alternatives," and "Big-Name Surprises."
I recently moved back to my childhood home of San Diego and in addition to learning about parts of the city I've never been to, I am already planning trips to Santa Barbara (instead of the French Riviera) and California's Central Coast (instead of Tuscany). And he's piqued my interest about exploring Luang Prabang, Laos instead of Sedona, AZ!
I'll be referencing this book for future travel for years to come.
April 1, 2024
Lucky to have secured an advanced copy. Nelson lists 100 destinations not frequented by the average traveler. Here you’ll find places to consider near and far not overrun by the average tourist. Extremely well organized laying out in nice two or three page layouts of new and unusual spots to consider similar to spots overrun by the hordes. Great photos and nice get to the point writing. 100% worth obtaining. Once you ID your destination look to do a bit more research as this is not a travel guide to a specific location.
April 2, 2024
An incredible and creative way to think about my next travel adventure! I love the idea that this book shows you how to travel the world while avoiding the crowds, skipping the queues, and showing you places that you've never heard of before. The concept of this book challenges travelers to think about the path less traveled and discover new places that we won't find on the normal guide book circuit. Nelson's writing coupled with incredible photography (in true Nat Geo style) takes us to places we might never hear of. I've read a lot of travel books over the years, but never one like this!
March 4, 2025
This is a great book that offers itineraries beyond expected with expert recommendations for when to visit, where to eat, what to see, & where to stay outside of standard traveler’s playbook from new world icons & nontraditional natural wonders to weekend alternatives & roads less traveled that you will find unexpected budget-friendly & authentic destinations around the world both surprising & inspiring.
April 2, 2024
As a prolific world traveler, finding a great new read like this is a true boon to travel lovers like me. I love the alternate take on travel planning, and this is going to turn a lot of people onto new destinations and experiences. Smart, new, informed and just straight up hip. Great work by one of the top award-winning travel writers of the generation!
June 16, 2024
I was really looking forward to this book, but unfortunately it heavily favours the USA. I laughed out loud when the third “go here, not there” suggested SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS instead of Venice, Italy. lol. That set the tone for me as a book not to take seriously. It seemed to me that fully 60% of the suggested destinations were in the US. I think not.
June 11, 2024
Wonderful!! We love going to the not so touristy areas and this was a great book for suggestions. I got this from the library but will purchase my own copy. The photos are gorgeous and the information is spot on! A keeper for sure.
March 24, 2026
Here Not There is a great resource book with tons of suggestions, beautiful photos, and recommendations. The premise: suggesting alternative destinations to highly popular ones. This book has been great reference material as I help my travel agent clients with specific destinations.
Some locations I was surprised the author would recommend over another, but travel is unique to everyone and doesn't need to break your budget either!
If you're interested in reading this book, click the link below! My custom affiliate link helps supports my business with no extra cost to you: https://amzn.to/40JCP1P 🗺️
Some locations I was surprised the author would recommend over another, but travel is unique to everyone and doesn't need to break your budget either!
If you're interested in reading this book, click the link below! My custom affiliate link helps supports my business with no extra cost to you: https://amzn.to/40JCP1P 🗺️
April 20, 2024
Cool highlight but I don’t love the whole here not there thing. The not there places are super cool too.
June 14, 2024
Some intriguing possibilities. Some obvious duds.
June 30, 2024
Fun look book-clever idea-highly informative.
July 25, 2024
Pretty cool places! I'm not sure if I would make all of the same recommendations, but there are some hidden gems.
January 27, 2025
Plenty of good ideas for alternatives to the familiar travel options. I just need more time, money and time.... (and money).
June 29, 2025
This has prob been the best of the NatGeo travel guides that have come out lately. Def some good suggestions I will be trying out.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews