Skip the crowds, keep the magic...
Dreaming of a Round The World trip but don’t want to follow the same tired backpacker trail? This itinerary swaps overhyped, overcrowded, and overpriced destinations for dupes—underrated spots that deliver similar incredible experiences, only less other travellers to share them with. This route takes you eastward through alternative tropical paradises, ancient wonders, and stunning landscapes—all while keeping things authentic (and often cheaper).
Customisation is the magic word
A Round The World (RTW) trip is all about experiencing the best the planet has to offer in one epic journey. But let’s be real—some destinations have become so popular that they’ve lost a little bit of their magic. As a RTW trip with KILROY is always flexible, let's turn the classic round the world adventure upside down and skip the hotspots. We suggest your own RTW adventure to be a mix of the classics, and this less ordinary alternatives you are going to love.
In short, this round-the-world itinerary is for those who want to see temples, beaches, mountains, and buzzing cities without spending half the trip stuck in tourist crowds or overspending on expensive food. You'll still explore ancient ruins, island paradises, amazing cities, and off-the-beaten-path adventures, with a twist. Ready to swap some of the more crowded destinations for hidden gems that deliver the same (or better) experience? Let’s go!
✈️ Stop 1: Dubai, UAE → Muscat, Oman
🌟 Swap the ultra-modern city for raw desert beauty
Dubai dazzles with skyscrapers, shopping malls, and artificial islands, but it can feel a little too polished and glamourous. We're not saying Oman is completely clear of this, but if you’re interested in seeing Arabian landscapes, historic forts, and real desert adventures, Oman is the perfect dupe.
Muscat, Oman’s capital, has a stunning coastline, a rich trading history, and a much more laid-back, local vibe than Dubai. You can wander through Mutrah Souq, admire the ornate Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and explore ancient forts that tell the story of Oman’s seafaring past. For adventure, head to Wadi Shab, a canyon with crystal-clear swimming pools, or camp under the stars in the Wahiba Sands desert.
✈️ Stop 2: Everest, Nepal → Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan
🌟 Himalayan vibes with fewer travellers around
Nepal’s Everest and Annapurna regions are legendary for trekking, but they’ve become more expensive in recent years (permits, guides, etc.), and popular during peak season. If you want jaw-dropping mountains, nomadic culture, and untouched nature, head to Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan Mountains.
Kyrgyzstan is an absolute paradise for trekkers, with glacier-covered peaks, remote alpine lakes, and wild horse-riding adventures. The Ala-Kul trek and Song-Kul Lake are just as stunning as anything in the Himalayas—but you’ll have them (almost) to yourself. Plus, yurt stays with local nomads make it feel even more authentic.
✈️ Stop 3: Maldives → Raja Ampat, Indonesia
🌟 Unreal island paradise, without the price tag
The Maldives is famous for its luxury overwater bungalows and dreamy beaches, and while it's possible to do the Maldives on a budget, the accommodation you want is going to be expensive, and is mostly geared toward honeymooners. Not necessarily a bad thing, but if you're after world-class diving, untouched islands, and the clearest waters imaginable, Raja Ampat, Indonesia is where you should be.
This remote archipelago has insane biodiversity, with colorful coral reefs, manta rays, and the kind of hidden islands you see in movies. Unlike the Maldives, Raja Ampat is affordable if you stay in local homestays, and it still feels like a true adventure.
✈️ Stop 4: Kyoto, Japan → Kanazawa & Takayama, Japan
🌟 Traditional Japan without the tourist overload
Kyoto’s ancient temples and geisha districts are beautiful, but can be quite crowded, especially in cherry blossom season. If you want to experience traditional Japan without fighting for photo ops, head to Kanazawa and Takayama.
Kanazawa is home to Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most stunning gardens, as well as a beautifully preserved samurai district and a thriving gold-leaf craft scene. Meanwhile, Takayama offers quaint wooden houses, sake breweries, and charming streets that feel like stepping back in time. In between the two, there's also Hakusan National Park, a stunning mountainous area full of peaks, falls and lakes. It's amazing for hiking, and definitely recommended when you're in the area.
✈️ Stop 5: San Francisco, USA → Vancouver, Canada
🌟 A stunning coastal city with outdoor adventure, culture, and a laid-back vibe
San Francisco is a common North American stop on RTW trips, but let’s be honest—it’s quite expensive and dealing with some major urban challenges right now—to put it mildly. If you want a beautiful city surrounded by nature, diverse food, and cool neighborhoods, Vancouver is a fantastic alternative.
Vancouver gives you that iconic mix of city life and nature, but with way easier access to outdoor adventure. You can bike around Stanley Park (just as scenic as the Golden Gate Bridge, but way greener), go whale-watching off the coast, or take a trip to the mountains for hiking or skiing, depending on the season. The city is also super multicultural, with incredible food—whether you’re craving sushi, dim sum, or fresh Pacific seafood.
Plus, Vancouver is just as artsy and creative as SF, with cool neighborhoods like Gastown and Mount Pleasant, all with a friendly and relaxed vibe.
✈️ Stop 6: Tulum, Mexico → for Puerto Escondido, Mexico
🌟 Same white-sand beaches and jungle vibes—without the Instagram crowds and overpriced resorts
Tulum used to be a hidden paradise, and while it's still beautiful, it’s also become a playground for influencers, overpriced beach clubs, and tourists paying $20 for a smoothie. If you want laid-back beaches, great surf, and a more authentic vibe, head to Puerto Escondido instead.
Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Escondido has gorgeous beaches, boho charm, and a thriving surf scene, but it still feels raw and unspoiled compared to Tulum. Instead of way too many overpriced resorts, you’ll find eco-friendly hostels, budget-friendly beach bungalows, and local seafood spots where you can eat fresh ceviche with your feet in the sand.
The town has a fun but more chill nightlife scene (think beach bonfires and mezcal bars instead of bottle service), and if you’re into wildlife, you can spot bioluminescence in the lagoons or head out on the ocean for dolphin and whale watching.
✈️ Stop 7: Patagonia, Chile → Cordillera Blanca, Peru
🌟 The Andes' best-kept secret
Patagonia is stunning, but it’s also remote and expensive to reach. If you’re after world-class mountain scenery, glaciers, and challenging hikes, head to Peru’s Cordillera Blanca instead.
This region has more than 50 snow-capped peaks over 5,000m, plus turquoise alpine lakes, incredible treks like Laguna 69, and some of the most dramatic landscapes in South America. It’s way less visited than Patagonia but just as breathtaking. The great thing is, you can explore the rest of Peru while you're at it, and use the great overland bus connections to cross into Bolivia or Ecuador.
Plan your own RTW journey
We're the selfproclaimed round-the-world experts, so it's our pride and joy to come up with amazingly inspiring trips combining multiple continents. As epic as this route looks, the truth is, every RTW journey we create is unique, and we're happy to customise your trip exactly to your wants and dreams.
Start planning now