Ditching the USA: Trump Slump Spurs Tourists to Explore 8 Alternative Destinations

Not interested in going to the US in the current geopolitical climate? Consider these alternatives to some of the country’s most popular attractions

If you’re reluctant to visit the United States in these uncertain times, you’re not alone. International visits fell 12 per cent year on year in March, according to Oxford Economics. But the good news is that many of the adventures you might seek in the US can be found elsewhere. From epic road trips and national parks to world-class cities, here are a few stand-ins that offer a similar experience.

1. Copper Canyon, Mexico

More than 5 million people visit the
Grand Canyon
each year, to hike, camp and take in those panoramic views. Rock layers reveal nearly 2 billion years of Earth’s history and at sunrise and sunset, its walls glow in rich shades of crimson. However, for an equally impressive yawning chasm, look south, to Mexico’s Copper Canyon.

El Barrancas del Cobre spans more than a quarter of Chihuahua, the country’s largest state, and is roughly four times the size of its US counterpart. Where the Grand Canyon owes its magnificence to the Colorado River, Mexico’s version was sculpted by six mighty waterways. Both natural wonders offer great hiking – the Havasupai people use remote paths hidden within the Arizona gorge and in the Copper Canyon, trails are still followed by the indigenous RarAmuri. Both also have rail access but whereas the US line stops at the rim, El Chepe, the Copper Canyon’s railway, dives deep into the gorge, bringing passengers face to face with sheer cliffs, plunging valleys and isolated villages.

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2. Patagonia

Alaska is home to some of the most dramatic scenery in North America, with towering peaks, lumbering glaciers and wildlife ranging from bears to whales. Popular with cruise passengers and hikers alike, its rugged landscapes and remote charm draw lovers of the great outdoors. But at the other end of the American land mass is Patagonia, the sparsely populated region straddling
Chile
and
Argentina
.

With craggy mountains, ancient ice fields and trails that feel as though they lead to the edge of the world, Patagonia’s crown jewels include Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, Argentina’s Mount Fitz Roy and boat trips to stunningly blue glaciers. Look out for guanacos instead of moose, condors not eagles, but expect the same sense of awe.

3. Rotorua, New Zealand

With gushing geysers, rainbow-coloured hot springs and roaming bison, Yellowstone National Park has earned its place on many a bucket list. Spanning three US states and perched on a simmering supervolcano, Yellowstone is a land of steaming rivers and gurgling mudpots. Old Faithful is the star of the show, erupting on cue, sending plumes of scalding water skywards. But if you’re waiting for the dust to settle regarding the future of US tourism, the city of Rotorua, on
New Zealand
‘s North Island, offers a sulphurous substitute.

The Pohutu geyser shoots boiling water 30 metres into the air and the town itself simmers with sinus-cleansing steam vents, mineral-rich lakes and superheated streams. While Yellowstone is vast and wild, Rotorua has a closer connection to its people. Maori communities have long harnessed the geothermal energy to cook and bathe. Visitors can also soak in the hot springs and enjoy a “hangi”, a meal slow-cooked beneath the ground in the traditional way.

4. Montreal, Canada

New Orleans
is renowned for its nightlife, jazz-filled bars and the annual Mardi Gras celebration, which transforms the city with pulsating parades, flamboyant costumes and pounding street rhythms. The city’s blend of cultures gives it a unique character, with year-round events and a relentless energy. Although it may not have a Mardi Gras equivalent, Montreal also knows how to throw a party.

The Canadian city’s festivals and music scene rival the best of New Orleans’ French Quarter with a Gallic flair of their own, Montreal being in French-speaking Quebec. From rooftop bars and underground clubs, Montreal’s vibrant atmosphere spills onto the streets, especially during Carifiesta, a colourful expression of Caribbean culture held each July. Another highlight is FEte des Neiges, a January shindig featuring live music, winter sports, ice sculptures and other cold-weather activities.

5. Bollywood, Mumbai, India

Hollywood draws millions of visitors with its attractions, from studio tours and the giant Hollywood sign to the glistening sidewalk stars of the Walk of Fame. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a celebrity. But for a destination dupe with a difference, try
Mumbai
‘s Bollywood, where drama, music, song and dance collide in spectacular style.

Visit working studios, sit in on live shoots or even get to be an extra. Afterwards, take a seaside stroll along Marine Drive, where
Mumbai’s
elite live, hop a ferry to the ancient Elephanta Caves or haggle in crowded markets such as Chor Bazaar. Hollywood might dominate the global stage but Bollywood steals the spotlight with its bolder, brighter brand of magic.

6. Garden Route, South Africa

Route 66
, the legendary Main Street of America, stretches for almost 4,000km, from Chicago to Santa Monica. Opened in 1926, it became a symbol of freedom and adventure, passing through small towns, big cities and even vaster landscapes. Immortalised in song and film, it offers a nostalgic journey into the cultural heart of the US.

Less well known it may be, but South Africa’s Garden Route is every bit as unforgettable. Where Route 66 channels vintage Americana, the Garden Route feels wilder, greener and more dramatic. Hugging the coast for 300km from Mossel Bay to Storms River, it boasts beaches, forests, wildlife and mountain passes. Set aside at least a week and stop at the many secluded forest trails and viewpoints just off the main road.

And while you’re in the Cape Town area, you might consider visiting Robben Island, just north of the city, which served as a jail for Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners during the apartheid era and is now a Unesco World Heritage site and museum. The US has its own famous island-prison museum – San Francisco’s Alcatraz – which, President Donald Trump has suggested, should be put back into use as a penitentiary.

7. Verbier, Switzerland

Alpine charm meets A-list glamour in Colorado’s Aspen, a former silver-mining town turned luxury ski retreat. Known for its powdery slopes and aprEs-ski scene, the Rocky Mountain bolt-hole attracts celebs too numerous to mention with its red-brick Victorian buildings transformed into designer stores, cosy log cabins among snow-laden pines and sleek chalets with roaring fires.

Europe also has resorts that combine top-tier skiing and sophistication, one of the chicest being Verbier. Set in Switzerland’s Four Valleys ski area, it serves up sweeping Alpine views, exhilarating descents and a village vibe that blends rustic elegance with cosmopolitan flair. Winter sports fans spotted on the impeccably manicured pistes have included Britain’s Prince William,
Leonardo DiCaprio
and Madonna.

8. Sentosa, Singapore

Famed for its theme parks, especially
Walt Disney World
and Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando is one of Florida’s most visited destinations. Beyond the roller coasters and fairy-tale characters, visitors flock to its golf courses, outlet malls, water parks and nearby wetlands for airboat adventures.

For a family-friendly getaway closer to home, though, Sentosa is a worthy alternative. The Singapore island blends city convenience with seaside fun. Compact, safe and easy to navigate, Sentosa is linked to the mainland by cable car, monorail and pathways. You’ll find tropical beaches, world-class hotels and attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore and the S.E.A. Aquarium, one of the largest man-made marine habitats on Earth. Thrill-seekers can soar through the jungle canopy on a zip line at Mega Adventure Park, golfers can hit the links at Sentosa Golf Club – the “world’s best eco-friendly golf facility” – while those seeking calm can stroll barefoot along Tanjong Beach or unwind in a hotel spa.

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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

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