In international metropolises like New York in the United States and Tokyo in Japan, they boast numerous attractions and unique features that draw in hordes of visitors. However, these places are often congested and come with hefty price tags. Thus, a trend known as “second-city travel” is quietly emerging. What are the benefits of this trend?
According to a report from Forbes, the trend of “second-city travel” is on the rise as travelers realize that these cities offer plenty of great sights, but with fewer crowds, a slower pace of life, and countless experiences waiting to be explored.
One of the founders of The Vacationer website, Phil Dengler, told The Huffington Post that “second-city travel” involves steering clear of the most popular cities or regions and instead visiting second, third, or even fourth-tier attractions.
He explained, “You ultimately avoid the often overcrowded traditional and well-known tourist destinations. You can head to Fort Lauderdale or Palm Beach instead of Miami.”
The Huffington Post pointed out that while “second city” literally refers to the second most well-known or populous city in a country or region, it has been broadened to include lesser-known destinations. In recent years, some have also interpreted “second-city travel” as visiting less popular attractions near classic landmarks like in Rome.
Laura Lindsay, a global travel trends expert for the travel search site Skyscanner, said, “These are often smaller and lesser-known cities within a region.”
For example, in Southern California, Los Angeles is the major city while San Diego is considered the “second city.” On the East Coast of the United States, New York is the major city and Boston serves as the “second city.”
Dengler stated that “second cities” are less crowded, more affordable, and provide a more authentic experience. While places like New York offer plenty of fun, the abundance of tourist attractions often leave people feeling hollow and disconnected from reality.
Travel expert Ravi Roth noted, “The main advantage of ‘second-city travel’ is discovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations.”
He shared, “I recently visited Italy and Venice, then took an hour-long train to Verona. There, you can find incredible food, landmarks, and hidden gems. The best part is that it’s not overly crowded.”
Gordon Gurnik, the Chief Operating Officer of Hilton Grand Vacations, mentioned that such travel opportunities allow for interactions with locals and immersion in the culture, deepening the understanding of the city.
Lindsay cited Skyscanner data, mentioning that for travelers looking to visit Greece, Spain, or Mexico, smaller islands or coastal destinations like Crete, Mallorca, and Cancun are attractive options.
She highlighted, “Second cities often exude local charm, delicious cuisine, value-for-money experiences, and a more laid-back lifestyle that shouldn’t be missed.”
Moreover, in this era of overtourism, traveling to second cities also helps alleviate the negative impacts of tourism on the environment.
Travel blogger Rocky Trifari stated, “We see more and more people seeking ways to make the tourism industry more sustainable.”
He mentioned how the trend of “second-city travel” helps lighten the burden on popular cities while providing visitors with the chance to explore less crowded destinations.
Dengler suggested that when planning “second-city travel,” one could research places with the largest population within driving distance of the primary city. “This can increase the likelihood of flying to an international airport, as they are generally cheaper and offer better routes than regional airports.”
A drawback of “second-city travel” is that sometimes travelers may need more expensive or inconvenient combinations of flights, trains, and cars to reach these destinations. Hence, careful attention must be paid to transportation options when choosing a destination.
Blogger Sean Lau added that by traveling to a “second city,” one might miss out on some of the most iconic landmarks and attractions of major cities.
However, even if you don’t see the classic sights of a country or state, you can still have fulfilling and exciting experiences in the “second city” you choose.
Dengler recommended selecting a place with plenty to do and considering staying at smaller boutique hotels or bed-and-breakfast accommodations. No matter where you decide to go, it’s essential to do some research beforehand.
Lau reminded people that “second cities” may not be as developed as major cities, especially in less developed countries. This might mean needing to rent a car for transportation or avoiding certain potentially risky areas. If you’re going to a country where English is not widely spoken, you may need to know some local language to navigate the “second city.”