Try: Loop Head. Ireland’s iconic cliffs launched a million postcards (not to mention selfies), but you’re unlikely to have had them to yourself. A future tip? Visiting outside of peak times sees lowers prices and fewer crowds — or you could carry on to Loop Head, further south along the coast. The craggy peninsula, its lighthouse and the Bridges of Ross give a wonderful, edge-of-the-world feeling of isolation. Walk the path around the peninsula and see the wild Atlantic Ocean on one side and the River Shannon on the other. Details: 4. Instead of: Mijas Pueblo, Spain Try: Arcos de la Frontera. Mijas Pueblo is one of Andalucia’s famous ‘white villages’ — pretty, but often awash with tourists and more souvenir shops than you could shake a flamenco doll at. As an alternative, strike further inland for a taste of the ‘real’ Andalucia in this cobbled old town with some excellent restaurants. It’s built on a hill and the reward for tired legs (it’s best to park at the bottom) is the incredible view from the top.