Tropical Sky Recommends Alternative Destinations for Better Value and Fewer Crowds
With popular holiday hotspots becoming increasingly crowded and expensive, Tropical Sky has curated a list of exceptional alternative destinations that offer similar experiences—without the stress of overcrowding or the hefty price tag. From idyllic beaches and wildlife adventures to stunning national parks, these hand-picked alternatives provide unique and unforgettable travel experiences for 2025 and beyond.
Borneo
Instead of the crowded streets of Thailand, travellers can escape to the untouched wilderness of Borneo, where nature takes centre stage. With vast rainforests and rare wildlife, Borneo offers a peaceful retreat away from tourist crowds. Visitors can encounter orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat, while enjoying outdoor adventures like trekking and river exploration. For those seeking a more authentic and tranquil experience, Borneo provides a unique alternative to the busy tourist spots of Thailand.
This 9-night journey through Borneo promises an enchanting escape into the island’s lush jungles and captivating wilderness. Guided treks through misty rainforests and UNESCO-listed parks, serene river cruises in search of monkeys, orangutans, elephants, and crocodiles, and visits to sanctuaries like the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary offer an up-close encounter with the region’s extraordinary wildlife. Immerse yourself in the culture of indigenous villages, savouring local flavours and traditions, or wander the vibrant riverside markets and lively streets of Kota Kinabalu. After days of adventure, unwind on the tranquil shores of Manukan Island, snorkelling among colourful coral reefs and basking in the beauty of pristine beaches. A nine night Classic Borneo tour, departing 02 May 2025, is priced from £2,449 pp based on two sharing a room on a mixed board basis, this includes international flights, nine nights of chalet, hotel and cottage accommodation, nine breakfasts, four lunches and two dinners, boat, plane and private minivan transportation and all included activities, tours and excursions as per the itinerary.
Tropical Sky (01342 310571, www.tropicalsky.co.uk)
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an excellent alternative to African safaris due to its remarkable biodiversity, affordability, and compact accessibility. It offers unique experiences like leopard spotting in Yala, the seasonal elephant gathering in Minneriya, and marine safaris for blue whales in Mirissa, all within a small area. Unlike Africa, Sri Lanka combines wildlife adventures with rich cultural and historical sites like Sigiriya and Dambulla, making trips more versatile. With year-round wildlife viewing, a variety of ecosystems, and a focus on sustainability, Sri Lanka delivers an enriching and cost-effective safari experience.
The Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour offers a seven-night private guided adventure. This half-board itinerary takes travellers to three remarkable National Parks—Minneriya, Udawalawe, and Yala—providing opportunities to spot elephants, leopards, crocodiles, sloth bears, and other incredible wildlife. Along the way, participants visit iconic landmarks such as the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, while also exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Horton Plains Nature Reserve. Combining wildlife, culture, and natural beauty, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. A seven night Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour, departing 11 June 2025, is priced from £2,149 pp based on two sharing a room, this includes return international flights, meeting and assistance at the airport, hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner included, all internal transport, a chauffer/guide, all entrance fees and two water bottles per person per day.
Tropical Sky (01342 310571, www.tropicalsky.co.uk)
Ras Al Khaimah
Escape the hustle and bustle of Dubai and discover Ras Al Khaimah, a hidden gem in the UAE that offers a serene blend of luxury and natural beauty. Unlike Dubai’s crowded skyline and busy streets, Ras Al Khaimah boasts spectacular beaches, majestic mountains, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding. It’s also more budget-friendly, with world-class resorts and attractions that cater to a variety of travellers without the premium price tags of Dubai. Adventure seekers will love the emirate’s outdoor activities, from hiking in the Hajar Mountains to ziplining on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. Ras Al Khaimah is just an hour’s drive from Dubai, making it easy for travellers to visit for the day if they want to escape the city and experience something new.
Nestled on the pristine white sands of Marjan Island, Rixos Bab Al Bahr stands as a beacon of luxury in Ras Al Khaimah’s first man-made archipelago. Its striking pyramid design guarantees breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf from every room, setting the stage for an unforgettable escape for both families and couples. This All-Inclusive haven boasts seven sparkling pools, a serene spa, a vibrant entertainment centre, and 14 exquisite dining options. Families will delight in the energetic kids’ and teens’ clubs, brimming with activities and tournaments, while couples can retreat to the tranquil adult-only section for a romantic getaway. Whether seeking relaxation or excitement, Rixos Bab Al Bahr delivers. Cultural shows, live music, and water sports promise endless fun, while the spa offers private pools for men and women, along with soothing therapies and treatments to rejuvenate the soul. A five night stay at Rixos Bab al Bahr, arriving 18 June 2025, is priced from £1,069 pp based on two sharing a Deluxe room on an all-inclusive basis, this includes return flights and transfers.
Tropical Sky (01342 310571, www.tropicalsky.co.uk)
Utah National Parks
Instead of visiting California’s overbooked Yosemite, travellers can explore the breathtaking Utah National Parks, where wide-open spaces and epic scenery guarantee a peaceful adventure. Yosemite, especially during peak summer months, has become so crowded that timed slots and reservations are now required for entry. In contrast, Utah’s parks are not only larger but also much less crowded, offering a more tranquil experience for those seeking natural beauty without the crowds.
This self-drive itinerary, designed to explore the five national parks of Utah—Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands—along with the iconic Monument Valley, begins and ends in Salt Lake City. The circular route takes travellers through the striking white and red sandstone pinnacles and buttes of the Colorado River Plateau, with a stop in Moab for a few nights to enjoy a variety of activities in Arches and Canyonlands, from scenic drives and hikes through twisting rock formations to jet boat excursions and narrated rafting trips. The journey includes time to explore Bryce Canyon’s natural amphitheatres and unique “hoodoos” before visiting Zion National Park and Cedar City. The trip concludes back in Salt Lake City, where travellers can extend their stay to explore Temple Square, the birthplace of the Mormons, indulge in shopping, or visit museums like the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum of Utah. Highlights include scenic drives through magnificent canyons, discovering Capitol Reef’s whimsical rock formations and petroglyphs, and visiting sacred sites and natural sandstone bridges. A 10 night Experience the Utah Mighty Five and Monument Valley Self-Drive, departing 10 July 2025, is priced from £1,949 pp based on two sharing a room on a mixed board basis, this includes return international flights, fully inclusive car rental, hotel accommodation in three and four star hotels on a room only basis and an electronic roadbook.
American Sky (01342 331798, www.ameriansky.co.uk)
Miami and the Florida Keys
Miami and the Florida Keys provide an exceptional sun-soaked escape, offering a compelling alternative to Dubai and the Maldives by blending luxury with distinctive cultural flair, natural beauty, and practical advantages. Miami shines with its world-famous Art Deco architecture, dynamic Latin influences, and vibrant neighbourhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood, making it a hotspot for art, music, and culinary excellence. Its stunning beaches and Michelin-starred restaurants deliver a sophisticated yet relaxing experience, often at a more accessible price point than the ultra-luxury of Dubai or the exclusivity of the Maldives.
Carefully curated to provide the ultimate getaway, this itinerary features two exceptional hotels, ensuring indulgent comfort throughout the journey. The adventure begins with a three-night stay at the stylish Loews Miami Beach. This family-friendly resort boasts the SoBe Kids Club, a state-of-the-art facility featuring a life-size lifeguard hut, craft areas, Storytime spaces, and other engaging activities for children. While the little ones are entertained, adults can unwind with cocktails at the poolside Nautilus Bar. Situated just moments from the iconic South Beach, this stunning hotel offers both relaxation and access to Miami’s lively scene. For added convenience, a car rental awaits at the Loews Miami Beach location. With suitcases packed and souvenirs in tow, guests can embark on a scenic drive down Ocean Drive and the breathtaking Overseas Highway, leading to Key West. The journey concludes with a stay at The Southernmost Beach Resort, one of the island’s most picturesque beachfront properties. Over the next seven nights in Key West, visitors can revel in the excitement of Duval Street’s weekend buzz before embracing the laid-back, tranquil island lifestyle during the week. A 10 night Luxury Miami and Key West trip, departing 08 September 2025 is priced from £1,849 pp based on two sharing a room, this includes return international flights, 10 nights accommodation on a room only basis and eight days of car rental.
American Sky (01342 331798, www.ameriansky.co.uk)
Tropical Sky’s curated itineraries offer travellers the chance to explore exceptional destinations that combine value, tranquillity, and unforgettable experiences. Whether seeking adventure in Borneo’s rainforests, relaxation in the Florida Keys, or the dramatic landscapes of Utah’s national parks, these thoughtfully designed journeys provide unique alternatives to crowded tourist hotspots. With options tailored for a variety of interests and budgets, Tropical Sky invites explorers to discover the extraordinary. For 2025 and beyond, Tropical Sky’s curated itineraries provide a seamless and stress-free way to explore lesser visited destinations.
For more information about Tropical Sky, please visit www.tropicalsky.co.uk or call 01342 395 596
For more information, please contact Emma Berg on emmab@heavenpublicity.co.uk
About Tropical Sky
Tropical Sky, and sister brands Africa Sky, Canadian Sky, American Sky, Australian Sky and New Zealand Sky, offer luxury holidays, tailor-made travel, escorted tours, spa retreats, cruise breaks and hotels worldwide. Creating unforgettable experiences, Tropical Sky helps guests plan once-in-a-lifetime trips to the Caribbean, the Far East, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and beyond, with a huge range of world-class resorts and breath-taking experiences on offer. Tropical Sky specialises in providing expert-travel advice and exceptional-customer service to make it as easy as possible to book the right holiday. The team of specialist travel advisors at Tropical Sky have a wealth of experience and knowledge about their destinations and resorts – they are experts at creating perfect, bespoke holidays. Customers can choose from a wide range of holiday types, including adult only, family, rail travel, and weddings.
