Europe is full of wonderful places to visit. Detour travel can be a great way to add variety to a European vacation. It can also be a way to get away from crowds present at famous destinations. Detour travel involves finding places besides these well-known spots to see. You may find many beautiful locations if you seek them out.
For instance, large cities can be vibrant places, but they can also have crowds. These cities can have lovely and interesting places nearby to visit. In Ireland, Glendalough could be a place near Dublin to explore. You could, in Belgium, take the train to Ghent from Brussels. When visiting Italy, a detour to take could be to Brescia from Milan.
European Detour Travel Overview
The Everygirl reports that Expedia has given attention to detour travel. According to The Everygirl, Expedia called it “one of the top travel trends for 2025.” The term refers to the idea of stepping beyond frequently visited places to travel. You can add trips to detour spots to visits to popular vacation locations. The Everygirl states that you can also “plan a whole trip around these destinations.”
Europe lends itself well to adding detours to vacation itineraries. When visiting a well-known destination in Europe, you can also explore the destination’s surroundings. Guidester suggests pairing a famous location with “a nearby gem that offers a fresh perspective.” Detours can help you get to know the countries you visit by branching out.
1. A Detour Location Near Dublin
One place in Europe to visit is the Glendalough Valley of the Wicklow Mountains. Glendalough is a picturesque setting offering a detour trip opportunity close to Dublin, Ireland. According to Guidester, Glendalough provides a “combination of natural beauty and history.” You can explore ancient ruins at the monastic site. You can also hike through lovely landscapes and observe the beauty of two local lakes. Guidester states: “The peaceful surroundings make it an ideal spot for reflection.”
2. A Place Near Brussels to Explore
Another city in Europe with detour travel potential is Brussels, Belgium. The city of Ghent is accessible by train from Belgium’s bustling capital city. Like Brussels, Ghent has plenty to do. Ghent is notable for its medieval architecture. For instance, Ghent features a medieval fortress known as Gravensteen Castle. Another building of note in Ghent is St. Bavo’s Cathedral, which contains the Ghent Altarpiece. In between bouts of sightseeing, you can visit appealing cafes. Also, Ghent has canals to walk beside and explore.
3. An Intriguing Destination Near Milan
You can also consider detouring from Milan, Italy. A possible detour from Milan could be to Brescia. Milan is a city known for finance. It is also an important center of fashion. According to Guidester, “nearby Brescia boasts stunning Roman ruins and a slower pace of life.” Sites to visit in Brescia include Brescia Castle and the Roman Forum. Brescia Castle is a great place from which to look at the surrounding scenery. The Roman Forum is a carefully preserved historical location. From Brescia, you can also make your way to spectacular Lake Garda. Lake Garda is the biggest lake in Italy.
Making the Most of Detour Travel in Europe
A European journey offers many possibilities. You can travel to epic, famous locations and make treasured memories. A vacation in Europe can also be overwhelming in terms of crowds. Many people may want to go to the well-known spots at the same time. Checking out detour locations can help with stepping away from large groups of travelers. Being willing to explore can also bring you to new and wonderful places. You can immerse yourself in the countries you visit at a comfortable pace. You can also have unforgettable and unexpected experiences.
