Ditch Europe This Summer: 7 Destinations With Similar Vibes

Europe is beautiful, but it has become extremely touristy. Crowds from the U.K., U.S., Australia, and the Middle East see Europe as the new getaway destination because it’s centrally located, more accessible than flying across the globe, and cheaper.

Yet, parts of Europe are becoming destinations ruined by overtourism, causing the beautiful continent to lose its authentic touch. The once-quiet streets of Barcelona, Milan, and Brussels are now packed with tourists, and the queues for attractions are unimaginable.

Plenty of places on other continents will cater to your travel needs if you want to vacate somewhere with European vibes yet aren’t chaotic. These destinations offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Europe. Whether you desire a city break or a beach getaway, you can find many alternatives to beautiful but busy European destinations.

You can find everything you need outside of Europe, from Mexican beaches with Greek island vibes to French-feeling cities outside the continent. Skip the European hotspots this summer and choose these alternatives with similar vibes.

7 Quebec City, Canada

Head to Canada for more space, scenery, and peace while enjoying authentic French vibes

Quebec City, also called Quebec, is Canada’s most popular city for French speakers. Most residents speak French, which instantly gives it a French feel. If you wandered around the center with a blindfold, you may think you were in France. Take the blindfold off, and you still might think you are in France, thanks to the architecture. Quebec City is similar to Brittany, France, due to its cobbled squares, historic houses, and French-style castle.

Quebec is a travel destination ideal for solo travelers on a budget or even families without a large vacation fund who still want to experience France without a long trans-Atlantic flight. The city even has its own Notre Dame Cathedral, which reflects the medieval interior of Paris’ own version. Enjoy plenty of French cuisine, funky street art, and narrow streets. The city feels so much like those in France that you won’t miss the touristy European spot.

6 Quito, Ecuador

Venture away from busy Spain and experience similar vibes yet more peace in Quito, Ecuador

The old town of Quito, Ecuador, is far from Spain but has a similar feel. The blend of European, Moorish, and Indigenous styles throughout the cultural center reflects the Spanish cities of La Paz and Barcelona. The similar architecture would make you think you’ve landed in these Spanish cities, yet you are more than two thousand miles away.

Quito locals use their own Spanish dialect. It might sound similar if you aren’t a Spanish speaker, but it is slightly different. While soaking up the local Spanish-like surroundings, you can explore 16th and 17th-century Spanish-style churches like Basilica Del Voto Nacional. Or see the city from above on the TeleferiQo Cable Car. Quito even offers lots of exhilarating experiences for the most adventurous visitors, too, from mountain biking to hiking at Quilotoa Crater.

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5 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Although Buenos Aires has Spanish colonial roots, a trip to this Argentinian city might feel like you have escaped to Milan or parts of Paris

Buenos Aires is far from Europe, but its city center resembles many Spanish and French cities. Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital boasts areas similar to Milan, and other parts offer a Parisian vibe.

Casa Rosada and the Buenos Aires Parliament area feel similar to Paris due to their natural architecture and statues. You could walk around and close your ears (due to the Spanish-speaking locals) and feel like you’ve ventured to Paris. The outer parts of the city reflect a vibe similar to that of Milan, Italy.

Spending a few days or a week visiting Buenos Aires to discover its many attractions is wise, as there is plenty to explore. You can visit the Teatro Colon for an artistic show, the neighborhood of Puerto Madero for a riverfront walk and international restaurants, and historical landmarks like Recoleta or Catedral Primada. You should consider adding Buenos Aires to your bucket list if you want to experience a city much like those in Europe.

4 Cape Town, South Africa

Unlike the rest of South Africa, Cape Town offers a European-style way of life and similar activities

South Africa is a land of unique experiences, from the bustling cities of Durban and Johannesburg to the untamed beauty of Kruger National Park. Yet, Cape Town stands out as a place to experience a unique blend of European and South African cultures. In some parts of the city, you might even feel like you are in the heart of Europe.

You will find old Victorian houses in the residential areas, bustling streets for socializing, and European-style beach promenades where you can stroll, cycle, or run. It has an entirely different vibe from the rest of South Africa, so much so that it feels like a part of the European continent.

In Cape Town, you can explore the center, museums, and aquarium for the afternoon before heading into nature. Cape Town offers many exploration opportunities, including Lion’s Head, a beautiful hike, and the Cape Point Nature Reserve. If you prefer something quieter and beachy, head to one of the many beaches, like Clifton or Hout Bay.

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3 Tulum, Mexico

Explore the white sands, castle, and preserved ruins of Tulum, and feel like you are in the Balkans

Tulum, Mexico, is a safe summer paradise for beach lovers. If you want to escape somewhere warm, tropical, sandy, and social, this town on the Yucatán Peninsula is perfect. You might feel like you are on a Greek island like Mykonos or Hvar, Croatia.

Tulum has a luxurious feel, yet you can travel affordably. You can accommodate yourself in five-star resorts or choose laid-back beachside apartments. A trip to this beautiful beach location can cost what you want it to; it all depends on the lifestyle you wish to pursue while unwinding here.

When you wish to stretch your legs and step off the white, sandy beaches, you can find plenty of breathtaking cenotes. Cenotes are famous in Tulum, the most beautiful being Gran Cenote, thanks to its outstanding snorkeling opportunities. You can also explore the lush jungle or enjoy the nightlife that rivals the party scene on European islands like Ibiza and those in Greece.

2 Swakopmund, Namibia

Far away from Germany, in western Namibia, you’ll find Swakopmund, a coastal city that will feel familiar

Swakopmund, Namibia

Swakopmund, a coastal town on Namibia’s west coast, is a unique blend of German and African cultures. Established by German colonists in 1892, the town center exudes a distinct European charm, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a German town in the heart of Africa.

Those who want to experience the Germanic vibes here should stay central in the town center and explore the streets, as it boasts German architecture and style with its Bavarian-colored buildings and homes. You will find deep red and yellow buildings like those seen in traditional parts of Germany. Some street names might even throw you off, like when you pass by Bismarckstrasse or Bahnhofstrasse in the center.

This coastal town also boasts beautiful beaches, a lighthouse, the Swakopmund Museum, and a colonial-style hotel that was once a railway station. Plus, if you enjoy adventure, Swakopmund is full of it. You can spend your time on safari or visiting the desert dunes on a tour.

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1 San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

Escape to San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina’s version of Norway, for a beautiful Patagonian scenic adventure

San Carlos de Bariloche is situated in Argentina’s Patagonia region, a mirror image of Norway when you head to the border.

On the northern border of San Carlos de Bariloche, you will find Nahuel Haupi, the glacial lake surrounded by the Andes Mountains. When you venture to this part of Argentina, you won’t feel like you are in the second-largest South American country. It is incredibly peaceful and scenic, just like the scenes in Norway. The lake is part of Nahuel Haupi National Park, where you can hike, kayak, and raft. While there, you will feel like you are in Oppstrynsvatn, Olden, Norway.

San Carlos de Bariloche offers more than a lake; it provides more Norweigan-style scenery, such as hiking trails like Centro Civico and Circuito Chico. You can also explore the mountain ranges of Cerro Otto and Cerro Tranador for spectacular views and exploratory opportunities. Take the chance to visit San Carlos de Bariloch; it is one of the most beautiful destinations in Argentina.