Füssen in Germany is an alternative to the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, and an example of attractions to be found off the beaten track in the world’s most visited countries.Huge pent-up demand for international travel means that, when all pandemic-related travel restrictions are removed, the world’s alpha attractions are likely to be even busier than they were in pre-coronavirus times.
Drivers dodge sheep on rural roads that lead to villages where firewood is stacked in neat piles beside houses painted in traditional dark red and white. For a bit more bustle, head for fishing towns such as Muros, where trawlers come and go, seagulls squawk and staff at pulperías chalk up the daily specials. It’s Spain all right but far removed from the overdeveloped Mediterranean costas.
The peaceful settlement of Xingping is a further 17km on and offers overnight lodging options – some with spectacular views of the Li River and rock formations breathtaking enough to be depicted on China’s 20 yuan banknote. Vineyards and olive groves corduroy the island’s mountainous interior and the humid Sicilian breeze carries the scent of lemons. Rustic trattorias plastered with family photos serve up delicious dishes such as swordfish à la Siciliana, followed by ice cream.
Beach resort Cancun was the world’s second most visited destination in 2021. The purpose-built Caribbean party town in Mexico is handy for archaeological sites such as Tulum and Chichén Itzá, although it’s hard to imagine the college crowd taking time out to inspect Mayan ruins. The sleepy town of Tha Ton sits on the Mae Kok River, which meanders south from Myanmar, a couple of kilometres upstream. Travel in this mountainous part of northern Thailand is safe, scenic and picturesque. Fishermen fling their nets into the currents, children play and water buffaloes venture into the shallows to cool off.