Transportation

Why You Should Skip Iceland And Go To These 9 Under-the-Radar Places


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Is Iceland on your bucket list? Probably. The land of fire and ice is a traveler favorite, thanks to its breathtaking natural wonders. But before you book your flights, consider this: According to reports, there are six tourists for every resident in Iceland, and last year, the country was named the second-worst place in the world for over-tourism. A local politician even recently complained about the number of tourists, comparing the country to Disneyland. And with the collapse of Wow Airlines, the era of super-cheap Iceland flights is over.

So where should you go instead? How about Greenland, which everyone is saying is the new Iceland. Or Portugal, which has also been called the new Iceland. Or Newfoundland, which has been dubbed—you guessed it—the new Iceland. Here, we’ve got nine under-the-radar places that are giving Iceland a run for its money.

READ MORE: “17 Things You Should Never Do In Europe”

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1. Greenland

Who Called it the New Iceland: Matador Network, Afar, The Telegraph

Why Go There:  With Donald Trump’s headline-making bid to buy the country of Greenland, travelers everywhere took note. Greenland’s tourism board reported an uptick in interest, and tour operators like Intrepid Travel—which just launched a new Greenland Expedition, its first dedicated tour of the country—reported a 237% spike in web traffic after the president’s remarks. But it hasn’t happened overnight. The JetBlue-backed Stride—the first marketplace for experiential travel packages planned by experts—says that interest in Greenland has grown almost 30% faster than Iceland in the last year. The appeals are obvious: Tourism is still in its infancy on the world’s largest island. Look for wild landscapes, towering icebergs, archeological finds, as well as a capital (Nuuk) filled with cool architecture, hip boutiques and gourmet restaurants.

How to See It: The boutique travel company 50 Degrees North specializes in the Nordic region and runs a number of escorted and independent tours throughout Greenland. Head to Disko Bay and see majestic icebergs floating in the fjord right outside town. Go glamping in a remote luxury camp, situated two hours by boat from the capital. Take a sailing expedition on sturdy Icelandic oak fishing boats in Scoresby Sund, a spectacular fjord.

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2. Newfoundland

Who Called it the New Iceland: CNN, Inside Hook, CBC

Why Go There: Travelers often overlook Newfoundland, the remote island 1,500 miles to the southwest of Iceland. But for those who set their sights on the Canadian natural wonder, most go for the stunning views of Western Brook Fjord (North America’s most remarkable fjord), year-round whale sightings and blue arctic icebergs that migrate every summer by the thousands down from Greenland to Newfoundland’s northern and eastern shores. And although it’s no Ring of Fire (Iceland’s famed roadway), a road trip along the Trans-Canada highway is a great way to get to Newfoundland’s coastal gems. 

How to See It: The female-focused travel company Wild Women Expeditions runs two women-only trips to Newfoundland. On the Gros Morne Multi-Sport Adventure, you’ll walk on the Earth’s mantle, visit the fossils of Green Point and climb the second highest mountain in Newfoundland. The Icebergs and Arts Adventure includes a visit to remote coast lined with 10,000-year-old icebergs and a stay in a hunting and fishing lodge complete with a wood-fired sauna and hot tub.

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3. Finland

Who Called it the New Iceland: PureWow, Vogue, My Domaine, The Active Times

Why Go There: More affordable than Iceland and with a flourishing design scene, Finland is covered in evergreen forests and dotted with 188,000 shimmering lakes. During the winter months, you can head to Lapland to see the Northern Lights and enjoy a traditional sauna experience. As with Icelandair, Finnair offers a layover program that lets flyers stop in Helsinki for up to five days before connecting to or from other European cities—for no additional airfare. And did we mention: Finland is also the happiest country in the world.

How to See It: On Intrepid Travel’s Finnish Lapland in Winter trip, you’ll ride on a dog sled, visit a local Finnish family’s farm and hear about their skills in reindeer herding skills and witness the aurora borealis, the best light show on Earth. In Finland, it’s worth staying up late to see the green lights dance in the northern sky.

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4. Portugal

Who Called it the New Iceland: GQ, USA Today

Why Go There: The country is seeing a resurgence, coming back from the brink of bankruptcy in 2011. New local businesses, low taxes and an expanding arts scene are all contributing to a surge in tourism. You’ll want to indulge in sardines, Portugal’s main culinary delight, pastries and Port wine—the dessert wine named after the northern city of Porto. Another allure of Portugal: It’s one of the most affordable places in the world to live, so cheap you could quit your job, move here and retire early.

How to See It: Holland America Line offers a variety of cruises with stops in Portugal. You’ll be able to explore the cities and coast, but the best way to experience the country is with an architectural or culinary tour at your port, bookable through Holland America.

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5. The Azores

Who Called it the New Iceland: Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Bloomberg

Why Go There: An archipelago about 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal, the Azores’ dramatic landscapes and still-wild islands are luring U.S. tourists. For adventure travelers, the Azores are a dream. After a five- to six-hour direct flight, you’ll arrive to a stunning backdrop for hiking, kayaking, canyoning, mountain biking, birding, whale watching and more.

How to See It: This is not a place for massive resorts. Instead, opt for one of the many new, design-forward hotels, such as Azor on São Miguel, the largest island in the chain. For something with a wellness focus, book a stay at Terra Nostra Garden & Hotel, set on an expansive botanical garden.

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6. Alaska

Who Called it the New Iceland: Dangerous Business

Why Go There: While Alaska might not exactly sound like a discovery, there’s much to discover in the Last Frontier. The vast wilderness and abundant wildlife attract visitors for good reason. Hike on Matanuska Glacier, one of over a thousand glaciers in the state, or head to Katmai National Park during salmon season to see grizzly bears in action.

How to See It: One of the most efficient ways to unearth Alaska is via the water. Board a Disney Cruise Line ship to the Last Frontier and be sure to enjoy some of the immersive port excursions, such as a helicopter ride to a remote glacier, a dog-sledding adventure in the Alaskan wilderness or a whale-watching cruise followed by a seafood feast in Juneau, a town that can only be reached by sea or air.

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7. Norway

Who Called it the New Iceland: The Active Times

Why Go There: In the 2019 World Happiness Report, Norway locks in as the third happiest country (behind Finland and Denmark). There’s something to be said for a peaceful lifestyle that’s full of outdoor adventure. Norway is also well-known as one of the best places to see the Northern Lights dazzle across the night sky.

How to See It: Visit Norway from the comfort of a Viking Ocean Cruise, a line of stylish ships with uniquely Scandinavian touches, thanks to its Norwegian owners. You’ll have a front-row seat to the famous fjords and magnificent Norwegian coastline. The cruise line offers a variety of excursions to dive into the country’s rich culture and natural beauty, as well as its incredible food.

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8. The Faroe Islands

Who Called it the New Iceland: The Travel Channel, Family Traveller, Fathom, Elle Decor

Why Go There: Where the sheep outnumber the residents, visitors to the Faroe Islands will discover 18 rocky isles connected by tunnels, ferries and bridges 200 miles north of Scotland. Spend your days exploring the waterfalls, cliffs and hot springs and dining on fresh langoustine, straight from the Faroese fjords. To hop between islands, utilize the relatively inexpensive helicopter taxis. The government subsidizes rides, making a one-way fare just $25. Not bad for spectacular aerial views of the volcanic islands. Foodies are also flocking to the Faroe Islands to experience Koks, a remote, Michelin-starred restaurant.

How to See It: Wilderness Travel, which is known for its immersive itineraries and top-notch trip leaders, offers a hiking trip in the Faroe Islands and a European cruise that stops at this remote archipelago. Look for mountain walks on emerald moorlands, explorations of traditional villages and visits to see seabird colonies perched on near-vertical volcanic cliffs.

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9. Idaho

Who Called it the New Iceland: Heart My Backpack

Why Go There: Americans won’t have to travel far to get a taste of Iceland right in their own backyard. Idaho is home to the largest roadless wilderness in the lower 48 states. From geysers to geothermal hot springs to mountains and canyons, Idaho offers a plethora of outdoor adventures amidst striking landscapes. Between natural vistas, you’ll also find storybook towns and ghost towns that will take you back in time.

How to See It: To see the breadth of the state’s diverse scenery, head out on a rafting vacation with Western River Expeditions, which has been putting people on the water since 1961. Western River offers a vast selection of Idaho rafting trips, from the deep alpine forested canyons of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River to the high desert canyons of the Lower Salmon River and Snake River through Hell’s Canyon. 

READ MORE:

• “23 Surprising Things That Will Get You In Trouble In Italy”

• “Cheap Travel: How To Afford The World’s Best Bucket List Trips”

• “20 Most Dangerous Places For Women Travelers”





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