offbeat travel destinations in the world

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23 Epic Off-The-Beaten-Path Travel Destinations: Why You Should Travel Off The Beaten Path In 2024

• Last Updated: April 4, 2024
• Destinations

What’s the most unusual destination you’ve ever visited? Have you ever wanted to see more of the world, but been daunted when it comes to actually planning a trip to somewhere a bit more off the beaten track?

Taking the road less travelled can be an incredibly enriching experience. And yet, so many of us tend to stick to the same tried-and-tested holiday spots. I think this is a real shame.

Those who only ever visit the “standard” destinations are missing out on so much .

I’m not saying that countries like France or Italy aren’t worth visiting – they definitely are.

Paris is a beautiful city. The villages of Provence are idyllic. The vineyards of Tuscany are gorgeous. And the Colosseum is simply stunning. 

But the world is such a huge, varied place and there are so many incredible destinations to discover.

I strongly recommend not limiting yourself to the “obvious” choices. Instead, get out there and explore some of the lesser-known places around the world.

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A lot of places you see in your Instagram feed are over-touristed. They’ve become overcrowded, over-priced, and (in my view) over-rated.

I’ve travelled a lot in the last 12+ years. I have a lot of treasured and special travel memories. And almost all of them are from times when I was travelling off the beaten path.

I’m eager to share why this style of travel resonates so deeply with me and why I believe it could be a game-changer for you as well.

In the following sections, I’ll also tell you a little bit about some of my favourite offbeat travel destinations.

Benefits of Travelling Off The Beaten Path

Some of the following benefits tend to overlap; but, in a nutshell:

It can be more rewarding: Travelling off the beaten path can be an immensely rewarding experience. Not only is it liberating to escape from the crowds that plague popular tourist hotspots, offbeat travel also offers you the chance to immerse yourself in local cultures, enjoy different cuisines, and uncover hidden gems.

You’ll have unique experiences: Getting off the beaten path gives you an opportunity to explore places many people don’t even know exist. You’ll find yourself in places untouched by mass tourism, allowing you to enjoy unique and authentic experiences that you’ll remember forever.

You’ll meet new people: Away from the tourist traps, you’re much more likely to have meaningful interactions with locals who will share their culture with you. You’ll probably meet a more interesting range of fellow travellers too.

You’re more likely to have a positive impact: By avoiding destinations with mass appeal, you’re less likely to contribute to the negative impacts of over-tourism, such as crowding, inflated prices, and environmental damage.

You’ll learn more about the world: Travelling to “alternative” destinations gives you amazing insights into different cultures, histories, and ways of life. It might even give you a new perspective on where you live, too.

My Favourite Off-The-Beaten-Path Travel Destinations

Here are 23 of my favourite off-the-beaten-path travel destinations.

I’ve been to all of them and can highly recommend each and every one of them to anybody who wants to see a slightly different side of the world.

The next time you’re planning a trip, I recommend stepping out of your comfort zone a little and exploring one (or more!) of these amazing places.

Step outside of the tourist bubble. You might just be surprised at what you find.

Looking for off-the-beaten-path places to visit in the UK? Check out these 44 UK Hidden Gems .

1. Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a lush, tropical island paradise just off the southern tip of India.

With stunning beaches, varied scenery, delicious food, and a diverse wealth of cultural heritage, this small island nation offers an incredible range of unforgettable experiences.

Most visitors tend to stick to a fairly well-trodden route. They visit the beaches and surf spots of the southwest and southeast, Ella , Kandy , and/or the “ Cultural Triangle ” in the centre of the island.

Most visitors do not make it up to the far north of the country. But you should – it’s awesome.

Jaffna is the capital of Sri Lanka’s Tamil-speaking Northern Province and offers a unique cultural experience that’s totally different from the rest of the country.

In fact, the whole place feels much more like India than the rest of Sri Lanka. Although it’s different from India in many ways too. I’ve never been anywhere else quite like it.

I spent a week in Jaffna in March this year, and it was definitely one of the highlights of my time in Sri Lanka.

Despite being heavily damaged during the Sri Lankan civil war , Jaffna has made an impressive recovery and is now a safe and welcoming destination.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Jaffna , including visiting the ancient Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil temple, which is the most important Hindu temple in Sri Lanka.

I was warmly welcomed into the evening puja ceremony here – and showered with gifts of food afterwards.

I don’t know a huge amount about Hinduism, but the whole thing was a very powerful experience and one that I will remember forever.

Jaffna Public Library is another of the city’s major landmarks.

You can also explore the Jaffna Fort, which the Portuguese built in the 17th century, and take a stroll through the colourful markets, where you’ll find a variety of local fruits, vegetables, and spices.

But perhaps the best thing about visiting Jaffna is the food. Jaffna cuisine is known for its spiciness and unique flavours. In my opinion, it’s hands down the best food in Sri Lanka.

One of the things that struck me most about Jaffna is that you hardly see any other foreign visitors there. I think I saw 5 in a whole week. Authenticity score: high.

If you’re looking for a destination that’s very much off the beaten path and offers a unique cultural experience, Jaffna should be on your radar.

Check out my comprehensive guide to surfing in Sri Lanka .

If you’d like to see a totally different side of Europe, I highly recommend a trip to Albania .

I spent a couple of months living in Albania last year. It’s one of my favourite countries in the world and is definitely one of the most underrated gems in the Mediterranean.

Located in the western Balkans, north of Greece and east of Italy, Albania was closed to the outside world for much of the 20th century.

Happily, those days are very much in the past, but the country still feels wonderfully undiscovered.

In the south of the country, the Albanian Riviera is home to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.

This gorgeous stretch of coast is kissed by the impossibly clear, calm turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, and framed by dramatic mountains.

Inland, you’ll find beautiful and well-preserved fortified Ottoman towns and castles, such as Gjirokaster and Berat.

The modern, quirky capital of Tirana is packed full of fantastic restaurants , bars, museums, and galleries, and is surrounded by serene mountains, forests, and lakes.

Bordering Montenegro and Kosovo in the north, the dramatic Albanian Alps are a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, with several national parks and other protected areas.

Albania rewards adventurous travellers more than any other European destination I’ve ever visited.

The people are warm and incredibly hospitable, the scenery is breathtaking, and (best of all) in many places you’ll be the only foreign tourist in sight.

3. Mexico (beyond Cancun and the Riviera Maya)

Mexico is a massive country with a huge variety of destinations to explore, but sadly many people only ever visit the heavily touristed areas around Cancun and the Riviera Maya .

Beyond this relatively small stretch of coast, and the wider Yucatán peninsula , there’s a world of stunningly diverse, exciting locations awaiting you in Mexico.

Despite its reputation for crime, the majority of Mexico is perfectly safe to visit, provided you take the usual, sensible precautions.

My personal favourite Mexican state is Oaxaca, on the country’s southwest Pacific coast.

It’s an incredible region with stunning beaches, a vibrant and colourful colonial capital (Oaxaca City, or “Oaxaca de Juárez”), and some of the best food in the country.

In fact, Oaxaca is considered to be one of the culinary capitals of Latin America.

Another great state to explore, Chiapas runs along the border with Guatemala and shares more with its southern neighbour than with the rest of Mexico.

It’s a wild and ancient land, with spectacular mountains, colourful waterfalls , and some wonderfully unspoiled beaches .

The picturesque city of San Cristóbal de las Casas is perched high in the mountains and is a fascinating place to learn about the local Indigenous communities who live in this area.

Or, if you’re more of a big city person, Mexico City is one of the most vibrant, cultured, and fun-loving capital cities in the world.

Check out the elegant Condesa neighbourhood, home to some of the city’s best restaurants, galleries, and bars.

Don’t miss the National Museum of Anthropology , which is one of the best museums I’ve ever visited and contains a giant collection of artefacts from Mexico’s pre-Hispanic civilizations.

Mexico is a wonderful place to explore, and I’m confident you’ll find something that you love if you step a little off the beaten path there.

4. Almaty, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is an enormous, diverse country and Almaty, the former capital, is a fascinating cultural melting pot.

Of all the cities I’ve visited in the world, Almaty is probably the one that surprised me the most.

Nestled in the shadow of the snow-capped Tian Shan Mountains, Central Asia’s “Big Apple” is a modern and cosmopolitan city with an incredible natural setting.

The city has a unique blend of Russian, European, Central Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Mongolian influences, due to its historically strategic location on the Silk Road. 

The Green Bazaar is a great place to stock up on local produce, spices, and traditional ingredients from around the region.

Take a stroll through the lush and beautifully landscaped Panfilov Park, which is home to a beautiful Orthodox cathedral made entirely from wood, plus a number of sculptures and other monuments.

One of the most memorable experiences you can have in Almaty is to take a trip to the Arasan Baths.

This spa complex contains a range of saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools, baths, and even a Moroccan-style hammam, all housed inside an amazing building with traditional Central Asian architectural features.

From just outside the city, you can take a cable car up to Shymbulak, a high-altitude mountain resort, where you can ski in the winter or hike in the summer.

If you have a little more time to explore, the area around Almaty is home to some of the most spectacularly wild and untamed mountain scenery, with soaring peaks, pristine rivers and lakes, and expansive steppe grasslands. 

The dramatic Charyn Canyon (the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia”), picturesque Kolsai Lakes National Park, and the vast and otherworldly Altyn-Emel National Park are all breathtaking and (relatively) accessible from the city. 

This place is a million miles from the “Kazakhstan” of the Borat movies and an amazing gateway to a captivating and unique region that’s a long way off of most people’s travel radar.

Namibia is a vast, sparsely populated country in southern Africa.

It’s one of the safest African countries to visit, one of the easiest to explore independently, and home to some of the most incredible natural scenery on the continent.

In the southern Namib Desert, Sossusvlei is a spectacular place known for its endless sea of towering sand dunes, some of which are among the tallest in the world.

Next to this is the impossibly photogenic Deadvlei, named for the remains of ancient acacia trees that have been petrified by the intense heat and dryness.

In the north of the country, Etosha National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa and one of the best places for spotting wildlife.

As well as the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo), you have an excellent chance of seeing a host of other stunning species here, including zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, cheetah, and ostrich.

For a truly unforgettable experience, hire a 4×4 fully equipped with camping gear (roof tents are amazing, even if you don’t usually like camping ).

Head to Spitzkoppe, an ancient granite outcrop that rises dramatically 5,600 feet from the Namib desert, and spend a night there under the stars. The night sky here is spectacular beyond words.

6. Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia known for its rugged landscapes and nomadic traditions.

The country is often called the “Switzerland of Central Asia” because of its epic mountain scenery, glaciers, canyons , and crystal-clear lakes.

When I visited Kyrgyzstan, I hiked in the Tien Shan Mountains, rode horses through high-altitude pastures, stayed in traditional yurts, and was blown away by the warm hospitality and kindness of the local nomadic communities.

If you’re looking to get off the beaten track and explore a country that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, nomadic culture, and adventure, Kyrgyzstan is the perfect destination.

The capital city, Bishkek has a fascinating blend of cultures, with nomadic sheepherders brushing shoulders with suited business people, merchants, and everybody in between.

One of my favourite things about visiting Kyrgyzstan is the opportunity to experience the traditional nomadic way of life.

The Kyrgyz Community-Based Tourism Association is a fantastic organisation and offers a range of tours, homestays, workshops, and other activities that allow you to explore the unique culture of Kyrgyzstan in an authentic (and sustainable) way.

7. Kenya (outside of fancy safari resorts)

Kenya is rightly known for its world-famous safari experiences and luxurious safari lodges . However, there’s so much else to explore in this unforgettable East African country.

I’ve spent several weeks in Kenya, and it’s definitely one of my favourite countries on the continent.

It’s an incredibly diverse place, both scenically and culturally.

From the coral-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean to volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, and mountainous highlands, Kenya has a huge range of natural landscapes that will take your breath away.

With vibrant cities full of culture, history, and architecture there’s plenty to explore off the beaten track in Kenya .

You can hike in the lush green Aberdare Mountains, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lamu Island, or explore the bustling markets of Nairobi and Mombasa.

Lake Nakuru National Park is one of my favourite places in Kenya. It has an enormous population of pink flamingos, which can be seen from miles away.

The park also offers you the chance to see other wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, and rhinos up close.

If you’re looking for a real adventure, head to the remote northern regions of the country, such as Marsabit, Lake Turkana, and the Chalbi Desert, where you’ll experience the unique cultures of the various Indigenous tribes and communities that live there.

No matter what type of traveller you are, Kenya has something for you.

8. Eastern Cuba

To get off the beaten path in Cuba , head to the eastern half of the island. This region is particularly rich in culture, history, and unique experiences, but is often overlooked by tourists.

One of the main highlights is Santiago de Cuba, the second-largest city in the country, and the birthplace of the Cuban Revolution. This vibrant city is filled with history, music, and delicious food.

Take a stroll through the Parque Cespedes, visit the Casa de la Trova bar for incredible live music, or explore the Castillo de San Pedro del Morro, a 17th-century fortress that offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

Another must-see destination in eastern Cuba is Baracoa. This small, picturesque town is located on the northeastern coast of the island and is known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and unique cuisine.

The Sierra Maestra mountain range is the highest in Cuba and is home to Pico Turquino, the highest peak on the island. You can hike through lush forests and explore waterfalls and scenic lookout points.

Finally, the beaches in eastern Cuba are some of the best in the Caribbean. Playa Pesquero, located near the town of Guardalavaca, offers crystal-clear water and perfect white sand.

Eastern Cuba is a diverse and fascinating region that is definitely worth exploring.

9. Sikkim, India

Located in northeastern India , Sikkim is a small state sandwiched between Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.

It offers a staggering range of natural beauty, with towering snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes, and dense forests.

Sikkim has several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

One of the most popular is the UNESCO-listed Khangchendzonga National Park , which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the magnificent snow leopard.

I went trekking in Sikkim a few years ago, and it’s honestly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.

Trekking to the base of Khangchendzonga, the world’s third-highest mountain, was pretty tough going, but oh so worth it.

The views from up there are truly breathtaking. You can see for miles and miles across the Himalayas, surrounded by an unbroken sea of snow-capped peaks.

You can also explore the state’s rich cultural heritage. Sikkim is an important centre for Tibetan culture, and there are several spectacular monasteries to visit, including Rumtek and Pemayangtse.

It’s also worth spending some time in the state capital, Gangtok. This vibrant city is surrounded by mountains and has a mix of modern and traditional architecture and culture.

There’s some great Nepali food here too!

If you have time, I also recommend checking out the small towns of Pelling and Yuksom. These both offer amazing views over the snow-covered Himalayas and a few historical monasteries that you can visit.

Finally, if you’re looking for some relaxation, Sikkim is home to several hot springs that are believed to have medicinal properties.

The Yumthang Hot Springs , located in the far north of the state, is one of the best.

10. Transylvania, Romania

Romania is another European country that offers a wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty but is often overlooked by travellers.

I first went there a few years ago, and have been raving about it ever since.

There’s so much to see and do in Romania, and the best way to explore the country properly is to hire a car and go on a road trip .

The central region of Transylvania contains many of Romania’s highlights, including the atmospheric medieval cities of Sibiu and Brasov.

Visit the fortified Saxon town of Sighișoara, with its iconic 13th-century clock tower, citadel, colourful buildings, and narrow cobbled streets.

Another of my favourite places in Transylvania is the Transfăgărășan Highway.

One of the best driving roads in the world, this epic mountain road winds its way up and over the Carpathian mountains (i.e. the Transylvanian Alps), with hundreds of corners, steep hairpins, and some seriously incredible views.

Also, if you have more time to explore, check out Vama Veche , a bohemian party town on the country’s Black Sea coast.

Oman is a country of contrasts, from its rugged coastline and vast deserts to its bustling cities and traditional villages.

Whether you’re looking to lose yourself in an endless sea of dunes, relax on a pristine beach, or learn about the country’s rich cultural history, Oman has something for everyone.

It’s definitely worth spending a day or two exploring the historic forts and castles of Muscat, the capital city.

Other highlights include the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the atmospheric Mutrah Souq.

Take a trip to Nizwa, an ancient and very scenic oasis town that’s famous for its 17th-century fortress.

Then head deep into the Wahiba Sands. It’s Oman’s section of the  Rub ‘  al Khali  (or “Empty Quarter”), a vast sandy desert that occupies most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula. 

Here you can experience warm Bedouin hospitality by staying in a traditional desert camp (the stars here are unreal).

Oman is another country that’s perfect for a road trip . It’s also possible to drive to Oman from Dubai . I’ve done this and it’s (relatively) straightforward.

Latvia is a small country located on the Baltic Sea. Its capital city, Riga , is full of amazing Art Nouveau, Soviet, and Modernist architecture.

One of my favourite areas of the city is the Riga Central Market. It’s the largest market and bazaar in Europe and is housed inside five enormous 1920s German zeppelin hangers.

It’s totally unique and an amazing place to explore. There’s some great food to be found here too.

Climb to the top of “Stalin’s Birthday Cake” – a skyscraper housing the Latvian Academy of Sciences – for one of the best views in the city.

Beyond the city, Latvia has several national parks, including Gauja National Park, where you can hike, bike, or kayak through pristine forests and rivers.

Or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the Baltic countryside.

On the edge of the park is Sigulda, known as the “Switzerland of Latvia”.

This charming town offers stunning views of the Gauja River Valley and is home to several medieval castles, including the impressive Turaida Castle.

One particularly unique place to visit is Cinevilla Studios , just outside of Riga. This purpose-built backlot is essentially a large outdoor movie studio, created for filming the movie Defenders of Riga.

It contains replicas of historical buildings and reconstructions of Riga in 1919 and resembles an outdoor museum.

13. Ethiopia

There’s nowhere on Earth quite like Ethiopia . This vast country in the Horn of Africa is one of the most diverse, culturally rich countries I have ever had the pleasure of visiting.

I’ve been to Ethiopia two times and can’t wait to return there again.

It’s an ancient place. As the only country in Africa that was never properly colonised, Ethiopia retains a particularly rich cultural heritage that’s still seen in everyday life, from traditional clothing to music, religion, food, and language.

Ethiopia is a melting pot of East African and Arabian cultures, with a unique form of Orthodox Christianity, numerous different languages, and some of the best coffee in the world.

One of the highlights of Ethiopia is undoubtedly its breathtaking landscapes. From rugged mountains to lush jungles, burning deserts to crystal-clear lakes, the variety of beauty on display here is off the charts.

The Simien Mountains National Park offers some of the best hiking in Africa, with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and opportunities to spot rare wildlife such as the Ethiopian wolf.

The Danakil Depression is one of the most otherworldly places on the planet – a geothermal wonderland of colourful hot springs, sulfurous volcanoes, and salt lakes.

But visiting Ethiopia isn’t just about its natural beauty – it’s also a land steeped in history and culture.

The country has a rich and diverse heritage, with archaeological sites, museums, and monuments that offer a window into its fascinating past.

Lalibela is one of the most famous of these sites, with its incredible rock-hewn churches dating back to the 12th century.

The ancient city of Harar and the impressive castle at Gondar are also definitely worth seeing.

And of course, there’s the food! Ethiopia’s cuisine is rich, varied, and utterly delicious.

14. Estonia

Estonia is another small Baltic state known for its natural beauty and rich history. I loved exploring the country’s medieval towns, picturesque countryside, and pristine beaches.

The capital city of Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a well-preserved medieval Old Town that looks like something straight from a fairy tale.

Wander through the atmospheric backstreets, visit the hilltop Toompea Castle, or take in the incredible views of the city from the Tallinn TV Tower.

In the southwest of the country, Soomaa National Park is a nature-lover’s paradise, with large areas of forest, wetlands, and rivers to explore.

You can go hiking , kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing, or even bogwalking. Keep an eye out for lynx, elk, wild boar, bears, wolves, and golden eagles.

Another great place to visit in Estonia is the island of Saaremaa, located off the country’s western coast. It’s known for its untouched beaches, unique architecture, and peaceful countryside.

15. Ubatuba, Brazil

It’s no secret that Brazil has no shortage of paradise beaches and gorgeous coastal scenery.

But rather than sticking only to the internationally famous and popular spots (Copacabana, Ipanema, Lopes Mendes, etc.), why not head a little off the beaten path and explore an area that mostly only locals know about?

Ubatuba, a coastal region of São Paulo state, is located just 40 kilometres southwest of the attractive colonial town of Paraty .

However, despite its relative accessibility, most foreign visitors don’t make it out this way. Which is a shame, because it’s incredible.

Surrounded by the forested Serra do Mar National Park, and with picture-perfect white sand beaches and clear turquoise bays, Ubatuba is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.

It’s a perfect spot for long walks on deserted beaches, diving and snorkelling in the crystal-clear water, surfing , paddle boarding, kayaking, or simply relaxing and soaking up the chilled tropical vibes.

My favourite beach in the area is Praia da Almada , although there are loads of other great ones too.

16. Turkey (Northern and Eastern)

Turkey is a fascinating country that spans both Europe and Asia. It’s a popular holiday destination, although it’s also fairly easy to get off the beaten track here. All you need to do is head north, and east!

The road between Amasra and Sinop is one of the most amazing coastal drives I’ve ever done, and I’d definitely recommend it if you have your own transport.

Along the way, you should stop off in as many of the attractive small towns and villages as you can.

One must-visit destination in northeastern Turkey is the ancient walled city of Trabzon, on the Black Sea coast.

The city is known for its historic Hagia Sophia Museum (not to be confused with the Istanbul one), a former church that dates back to the 13th century, and its neighbourhoods built into the hillside.

Nearby, the spectacular Sumela Monastery is perched high up on the side of a vertical cliff.

From here you can enjoy great views out over the surrounding valleys, with their dense pine forests and numerous waterfalls.

Heading further east, the city of Erzurum offers a range of historic attractions, including the Çifte Minareli, a 13th-century madrasa, and Erzurum Castle, which dates back to the Byzantine era.

Erzurum is also known for winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding in the surrounding mountains.

Also, don’t miss the ancient ruined city of Ani. Known as the City of 1001 Churches, Ani used to be the medieval capital of Armenia and was one of the most important trading outposts on the Silk Road.

Today, it lies ruined and forgotten, its crumbling buildings looming dramatically from a lonely plateau in Turkey’s far northeast.

Despite its historical and archaeological significance, very few tourists make it out here. When I visited, I was the only person there and had this awesome place all to myself.

You should definitely come here – it’s well worth the effort!

In the wild and picturesque region of south-eastern Turkey, Lake Van is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and traditional villages.

It’s the world’s largest soda lake and is home to a diverse range of wildlife.

If you’re after some serious adventure, you can climb the 5,136m Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest mountain and the legendary resting place of Noah’s Ark.

The climb isn’t very difficult in a technical sense, although the altitude makes the final section quite challenging.

There are many other incredible off-the-beaten-path travel destinations in northern and eastern Turkey, these are just a few of my favourites.

17. Somaliland

If I had to pick the most offbeat place I’ve ever been, it would probably be Somaliland .

Somaliland is a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa. It declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but this isn’t recognised by the international community.

So technically it’s an autonomous region of Somalia.

Although the local people will be at pains to remind you of the stark differences between Somaliland and Somalia.

Unlike the rest of Somalia, Somaliland is a relatively well-functioning, stable democracy. It has its own parliament, currency, public bodies, police, and security forces. 

Most areas of Somaliland are fairly safe to visit. For adventurous, open-minded, and respectful tourists, it’s a fascinating and extremely rewarding place to explore.

One must-visit destination in Somaliland is the Laas Geel cave paintings .

These ancient colourful paintings are thought to be between 5,000-10,000 years old and depict people, cows, and various other animals.

They’re some of the most important cave paintings in all of Africa and provide fascinating insights into prehistoric farming, culture, and religion in the region.

The capital, Hargeisa is vibrant and bustling, with a thriving arts scene and an array of restaurants serving delicious Somali cuisine.

Check out some of the local markets, which offer everything from traditional textiles to camel milk.

You can also explore the ancient port city of Berbera. There is a huge beach here and you can swim in the clear, warm waters of the Gulf of Aden ( sans pirates).

It’s a pretty amazing place.

Far more people visit Antarctica each year than Somaliland. If you’re looking for a destination that’s about as far off the beaten path as you can get, this place would be a good bet.

18. Svaneti, Georgia

Georgia is a fascinating country located in the Caucasus region, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Its capital, Tbilisi, is a cosmopolitan and highly liveable city known for its historic old quarter, sulfur baths, Orthodox churches, and panoramic views from the Narikala Fortress.

My favourite part of the country, though, is Svaneti. This mountainous region is the highest inhabited area in the Caucasus.

It’s a spectacularly beautiful place, running along the northern border with Russia, with snow-covered mountains, glaciers, crystal-clear streams, and green meadows full of wildflowers.

The small town of Mestia is the capital of Svaneti and the main gateway to the region. Nestled high up in an alpine valley, Mestia is a paradise for outdoor lovers and adventurous travellers.

It’s a dream destination for hiking, skiing, rafting, and canyoning.

Given its remoteness and physical isolation, Svan culture is quite distinct from the rest of Georgia.

The region is also known for its mysterious 1,000-year-old towers, medieval churches, and untouched villages that seem totally frozen in time.

Photos just don’t do this place justice, it’s somewhere that you really need to see to believe.

19. Zagreb, Croatia

Most visitors to Croatia head straight to the sparkling Dalmatian Coast, and to the ancient walled cities of Dubrovnik and Split . True, these places are spectacular and definitely worth visiting.

However, Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, also has a rich history and vibrant culture, and is significantly less touristy. It’s also much cheaper to eat and drink out here.

I visited Zagreb in December last year and loved the city’s traditional markets (especially Dolac Market – amazing food), cosy restaurants, welcoming bars, and positive vibes.

It reminded me quite a lot of Vienna, only friendlier and more relaxed.

The city is divided into two parts: the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and the Lower Town (Donji Grad).

The Upper Town, also known as the Old Town, sits on top of a hill and has distinctive medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and various historical landmarks, such as St. Mark’s Church, the Stone Gate, and the Croatian Parliament.

The Lower Town is the modern, commercial centre of Zagreb, with wide avenues, bustling squares, and elegant architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Here, you’ll find many shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as cultural institutions like the Croatian National Theatre.

One of the most unusual features of Zagreb is Grič Tunnel, which runs all the way underneath the Upper Town.

Built as a bomb shelter and secure transport link during World War II, the tunnel is 350 metres long and has an eerie, unique atmosphere.

Today, Grič Tunnel is used for art exhibitions, immersive light and sound shows, and other cultural events.

A short walk from Ban Jelačić Square (the city’s main square and meeting place) you’ll find Valhalla Beer Bar , my favourite bar in Zagreb. The craft beer here is excellent.

20. Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnia & Herzegovina is another of my favourite European countries. Located in the heart of the Balkans, it’s a land of beautiful scenery, rich cultural heritage, and warm, friendly people.

One must-visit destination in Bosnia & Herzegovina is the city of Mostar, known for its iconic Ottoman Stari Most bridge, which dates back to the 16th century.

It was destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian War , but then rebuilt in the years after.

Sarajevo, the capital city, is a fascinating and incredibly atmospheric place.

It has many important historical sites, such as the Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914 (leading to the start of World War I).

Spend some time exploring the Old Town, also known as Bascarsija.

This area is full of narrow streets, traditional Ottoman-style buildings, and markets selling everything from handmade souvenirs to fresh produce.

I also recommend taking the gondola up into the mountains above the city. Here you’ll find the former Olympic bobsledding course and various hiking trails through the pristine forest.

I love how calm and peaceful it is up there, despite it being very accessible from the centre of the city.

For a particularly authentic and fun local experience, don’t miss a night of drinking and live music at Sarajevska Pivara Brewery .

They have an enormous wood-panelled bar and the (delicious) beer comes straight from the brewery itself, right next door.

Outside of the cities, Bosnia also has a huge amount of natural beauty.

Some of my favourite other spots in the country include Blidinje Nature Park, Jayce Waterfalls, Kravice Waterfalls, and the Blagaj Tekke – a historic Sufi monastery built into a cliff.

Bosnia is amazing, add it to your list!

21. Chimanimani, Zimbabwe

The southern African country Zimbabwe is itself a relatively off-the-beaten-path-travel destination, despite it being full of natural wonders (Victoria Valls being a case in point).

However, if you do find yourself there and want to get even further away from other tourists, head over to Chimanimani.

Chimanimani is a breathtaking region in the eastern part of Zimbabwe, bordering Mozambique. The area is dominated by the beautiful Chimanimani Mountains, which offer some of the most spectacular views in the country.

Here you’ll find lush forests, sparkling rivers, and cascading waterfalls.

It’s a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, with several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks that take you through pristine wilderness and past rugged rock formations.

I went hiking here a few years ago and loved every second of it.

One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Bridal Veil Falls, an impressive waterfall that cascades down from a height of over 50 metres.

You can take a refreshing dip in the pool at the bottom of the falls or take a hike up to the top for even more breathtaking views.

The whole area is protected and is home to a variety of wildlife, including baboons, klipspringer antelopes, and rare bird species.

22. Lake Malawi

Malawi is known for its beautiful untouched landscapes, including along the shores of Lake Malawi.

One of the African Great Lakes, it’s the fifth-largest freshwater lake in the world by volume and is home to more fish species than any other lake in the world.

I’ve camped on the shores of Lake Malawi – it was incredible.

Another highlight of Malawi is its national parks, including Liwonde National Park and Nyika National Park. Here you can spot elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and a range of other iconic African wildlife.

The country is also rich in traditional culture, and you’ll experience music, dancing, and crafts such as wood carving and basket weaving playing in most places that you go.

Malawi is affectionately known as the “Warm Heart of Africa” because of its welcoming people. People stopped me in the street just to say hello and welcome me. It’s a wonderful place.

Note: As of April 2024, there’s currently an armed conflict occurring in Sudan between rival factions of the military government. It is not a safe place to visit at the moment.

However, I’ve still included it in this post because it’s an amazing country to explore and hopefully will be safe to visit again soon. I visited Sudan in 2011 and have very strong memories of my time there.

First off, the Meroe Pyramids are out of this world. They’re smaller than the ones in Egypt but, unlike the Egyptian ones, you’ll probably have them entirely to yourself. I slept inside one of them.

These ancient pyramids were built by the Kingdom of Kush between the 8th century BC and the 4th century AD and are some of the most impressive ancient structures in the world.

The capital city of Khartoum is home to the National Museum of Sudan, housing a vast collection of artefacts and exhibits that showcase the country’s ancient history, including the ancient Kingdom of Kush and the Nubian civilisation.

Sudanese cuisine features a variety of dishes made from spiced lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, and meat, often served with a traditional fermented flatbread called Kisra.

Very few tourists visit Sudan. Those who do are rewarded with a fascinating and rewarding destination that has a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions about off-the-beaten-track travel.

What is travelling off the beaten path?

Travelling off the beaten path means exploring lesser-known, less touristy destinations, offering unique and authentic experiences away from mainstream attractions. It often involves immersing oneself in local culture and traditions, experiencing a place as the locals do.

Why travel off the beaten path?

Travelling off the beaten path allows you to discover hidden gems and authentic experiences, connect more deeply with local cultures, and often escape the crowds and commercialisation of popular tourist spots.

Why do most people follow the beaten track?

Most people follow the beaten track because it offers convenience, well-established tourist facilities, safety, and the familiarity of popular landmarks often seen in media and guidebooks. These well-trodden paths provide a sense of security and ease, especially for less experienced travellers.

Is it off the beaten path or track?

Both “off the beaten path” and “off the beaten track” are commonly used phrases and mean the same thing: exploring less known, less crowded, and often more remote destinations away from conventional tourist routes.

Final Thoughts

The next time you’re planning a trip abroad, I really recommend exploring somewhere a little different, beyond the typical tourist destinations.

Any of these places would be a great place to start. Don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you from experiencing the wealth of what the world has to offer.

Travelling off the beaten path is so incredibly rewarding. It’s something that I urge everybody to do at least once.

A word of warning though: adventurous travel is addictive!

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Alex Tiffany

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27 of the best off the beaten path travel destinations.

Whilst some countries experience overtourism, there are still plenty of incredible destinations around the world that are crying out for visitors. Off the beaten path travel destinations offer the opportunity of a more profound, richer, fulfilling, and immersive encounter. In this post, we have teamed up with fellow travel bloggers who also share a love of off the beaten path travel, to bring you the best countries to visit for a thrill-seeking adventure.

Disclosure: Untold Wanderlust contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find our full disclosure policy and privacy policy here.

Africa off the beaten path travel

1. botswana.

By Katie and Jake from Untold Wanderlust

A landlocked country located in Southern Africa, Botswana is the perfect off the beaten path travel destination for all kinds of travellers. Whether you’re a backpacker or a luxury lover, Botswana offers something for everyone. If you prefer a camping trip, just roll out your tent. Otherwise, you can easily opt for a luxury lodge. Botswana is often overlooked in favour of its more popular neighbours, South Africa and Namibia. However, Botswana was one of our favourite countries on our overland tour in Africa.

The landscape is defined by the Kalahari Desert and the Okovango Delta, making for a remarkable vastness in sightseeing. Furthermore, there are a plethora of safari opportunities. One of the must-do things in Botswana is an overnight excursion to the Okovango Delta. The area is truly magical. Floating down the romantic waterways whilst spotting hippos, elephants, giraffes, and everything in-between makes for the perfect day. To top it off, you will spend the night camping in the bush under a sea of stars. If a trip to the Okovango Delta still leaves you wanting more, an excursion to Chobe National Park should be on the cards as well. Whip out your binoculars and get ready to spot a leopard!

2. Ethiopia

Contributed by Madhurima from Orange Wayfarer

I fell in love with Africa while travelling to Masai Mara during the Great Migration , a spectacular natural event.

The landscape, food, and culture were all different from what we have been shown in the media all through my life! Falling in love with the people of Africa was an instantaneous affair that crossed the language barrier with a genteel smile.

Africa also happens to be one continent with a rather relaxed visa norm for an Indian passport holder, a woman, and a freelancer. On my third visit to the continent, I visited Ethiopia and that was a life-changing experience in the true sense.

Ethiopia was never colonised. The people of the country are extremely proud of this fact. Add to that, they are extremely hospitable, and warm to Indians, since many of my countrymen serve in their health sector and educational institutes, and have an interesting cuisine that resembles a lot with the high spice quotient of my country.

Ethiopia is one of the handfuls of countries where the majority of the people follow Old Christianity. While the rest of the world celebrates Christmas, Ethiopia waits for Timket in January. The old rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are stunning examples of historic events that unfolded in the region. The walls and roofs of these churches are often dotted with the face of Jesus that flaunts Afro hair.

Not many know, but coffee was first introduced in Ethiopia. Drinking coffee is a ceremony here, with aromatic incense and old rituals filling up the air as you drink the strong concoction. The north of Ethiopia is made of highlands. Similan mountain range, one of the oldest UNESCO world heritage sites, sits here as a crown jewel with endemic red-breasted Gelada baboons. Proceed towards the North East and you will be welcomed by the sprawling depression of the Danakil region. Active volcanoes, lava lakes, and saltpans adorn this area. The Afar region is also home to plenty of historical evidence that went into the Earth as the great African rift arose. The first human hominid, Lucy, whose bones date back a few million years, were found here.

The south of Ethiopia houses plenty of old African tribesmen, especially by the banks of the Omo River. Visiting Omo Valley is heavily disputed. The hurricane tours often treat these tribal groups as a human zoo, such goes the allegation.

3. Sao Tome and Principe

Contributed by Heather and Peter Cole from Conversant Traveller

The remote islands of Sao Tome and Principe sit right on the Equator out in the Gulf of Guinea and off the west coast of Africa. Known as the ‘Chocolate Islands’, the archipelago was once home to hundreds of cocoa and coffee plantations, but after independence from Portugal in 1975, many fell into decline and were taken back by the rainforests that cover much of the land.

This tropical paradise is a favourite with nature enthusiasts, historians, and anyone who loves a good beach. Tourism is still relatively new here, so you’ll often go for several days without seeing another visitor outside of your accommodation. There are a few luxury hotels in Sao Tome and Principe , as well as guesthouses which should all be booked in advance of your holiday.

Day trips and local transportation can be arranged once you’re there, with 4×4 excursions, plantation visits, and diving all readily available. One of the best ways to explore Sao Tome and Principe is by joining a boat trip around the volcanic coast, stopping in sheltered bays for snorkelling and picnics on secluded beaches. Seeing the untouched shores and virgin forests feels like stepping back in time.

Contributed by Emma from Journey of a Nomadic Family

Sudan, in north-east Africa, is one of the most off-the-beaten countries we’ve been to and that is in part due to the financial sanctions placed upon it by America. Sudan is a cash-only country which makes it particularly difficult for foreigners and not only that, it is a two-currency country where you cannot order any local currency before you arrive.

You must also arrange your visa before arrival and it’s best to do it in person at Sudan’s embassy. However, once you have overcome those difficulties, Sudan will reward you with being a welcoming and fascinating country. It receives fewer than 15,000 travellers every year which means you’ll probably have most of its attractions to yourself.

Did you know that Sudan has 255 pyramids ? That’s over 100 more than Egypt, and although they’re not as big, they’re cleaner, cheaper, and by far more impressive than Egypt’s. As many are located in a desert, they glow orange and ripple in the sun. In fact, when we visited the Pyramids of Meroe, the historical site of Naqa & Musawwarat es-Sufra, the Nuri Pyramids, Old Dongola and Arkawit Gate, we were the only people there. This meant we received personalised tours from local guides and that our kids not only met friendly locals but learnt directly from them.

Sudan also has an impressive set of coral reefs which are found off the coast of Port Sudan. You can dive or snorkel with a local company, visit Mukawwar Island & the men who maintain the lighthouse and whilst you’re there, you should definitely visit the destroyed port village of Suakin.

If you’re looking for a true adventure in a country still unknown to the outside world, head to Sudan and revel in all it has to offer. It’s a delight!

Asia off the beaten path travel

Contributed by Jeremy from Cultura Obscura

Bhutan is an extremely off-the-beaten-path destination due both to its isolated location and the daily tourist fee most visitors have to pay. However, for those able to visit, it is well worth the effort and cost as Bhutan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

As Bhutan is so seemingly tucked away from the rest of the world, its cultural identity is much more prevalent and well-preserved than in most other countries. It has a purity of self that envelops you the moment you enter the region, either by flying into the unique Paro airport or by steadily climbing up into the mountains from the border.

You’ll see centuries of Bhutanese tradition everywhere you go; in the colours of the meticulously hand-painted buildings that line the streets, in the refreshing taste of local butter tea, and as you buy spices and crafts at the marketplaces, which is one of the best things to do in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city.

The most popular and culturally significant activity of all has to be hiking up to the Tiger’s Nest ; a mountainside temple and holy complex that looks as if it comes straight out of a fantasy novel.

6. Central Asia

Whilst Central Asia is not the name of the country but the entire region, we found it difficult to choose just one. Central Asia is made up of five “stans”: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. This region is truly fascinating, with a long history, mesmerising architecture, beyond-belief scenery, and intriguing culture, you have to at least visit once in your lifetime.

On a trip to Central Asia , you will find a plethora of activities and attractions to discover. Don’t miss the beauty of Big Almaty Lake in Kazakhstan, a scenic horse trek in Kyrgyzstan, the mindblowing architecture of Registan Square in Uzbekistan, and the Gates to Hell in Turkmenistan.

Our favourite part of our time in Central Asia though was our 5-day tour of the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan. 5-days of marvelling at a diverse range of scenery; sparkling lakes, snow-capped mountains, rolling green hills, the thrill of riding along one of the world’s most dangerous roads, and connecting with locals and learning about their lives and culture.

Contributed by Jiayi from The Diary of a Nomad

One of the most spectacular and underrated destinations on earth is Iran, a country filled with jaw-dropping architecture, an incredible history, breathtaking landscapes, and the most hospitable people. Unfortunately, not much of this is shown in the news or media, and that’s why Iran is unfortunately often overlooked as a tourist destination. However, a trip to this country will leave you truly amazed, and you’ll be wondering why more people aren’t visiting.

Some of the most beautiful places in Iran are the incredible mosques around the country. Nasir Ol Molk Mosque, for example, has a stunning natural light show in the morning when the sun shines through the colourful stained-glass windows, making their colours reflect on the floor. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan is another architectural gem that will leave you speechless. The intricate blue and orange tiles inside this structure are a true work of art; it’s the reason this mosque is deemed by many as the most impressive one in the whole country.

Some of the other spectacular places to see in Iran are the desert town of Yazd, the charming city of Kashan, and the Kaluts desert. Make sure to also taste the local cuisine, especially the local kebab and the Isfahani biryani.

Contributed by Christian from Unusual Traveler

Iraq, the Cradle of Civilization , has slowly started to open up for foreign tourist once again after the country has been struggling with years of war and chaos (some parts of Iraq is still off limits). But these days things are improving so tourists can once again visit the ruins of Babylon and Ctesiphon, and now you can also visit some of the old private palaces belonging to Saddam Hussein. Most people will be surprised that it´s possible to have an ice-cold, locally made Baghdad beer next to the Tigris river or whilst visiting some of the holiest places in the world, Karbala and Najaf.

Iraq is not yet an easy country to visit. The visa is a bureaucratic nightmare, and you are required to have a local guide with you when travelling between places. If you do manage to obtain the visa and decide to visit Iraq, you will be surprised by how liberal and welcoming the locals are, though they are not yet used to seeing foreigners walking around the streets without armed protection.

Contributed by Poly Goy from The Wonderlusters

When it comes to time travel, Lebanon has few parallels. With a culture that goes back thousands of years, the country is literally an open-air museum. It has cities that stood the test of time and some of the most beautiful remains in the world.

Continuously inhabited since Neolithic times, Byblos has been closely linked to the legends and history of the Mediterranean region. You can’t overlook Sidon, which has been one of the most important centres of the Phoenician Empire as a crucial Mediterranean port. Beirut, the capital, is so beautiful, it has earned the nickname “Paris of the Middle East”.

Anyone who appreciates history must pay a visit to Baalbek to admire its colossal structures which are one of the finest and best-preserved examples of Imperial Roman architecture. Baalbek is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lebanon.

Lebanon is among the few countries in the Middle East that embrace multiculturalism and religious diversity. The friendliness of the Lebanese people will leave an indelible mark on your heart. Moreover, Lebanese cuisine, which has influenced the gastronomy of the entire Mediterranean basin, is one of the most delicious in the world.

With its majestic landscapes, its overwhelming culinary traditions, and its rich and mixed history, this small country has everything to become your next big favourite.

10. Mongolia

Mongolia is a country that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. After staying well and truly on the popular banana backpacking trail in Southeast Asia the previous year, Mongolia was one of the first countries where we strayed into unknown territory. It’s safe to say that we fell in love with Mongolia, the ever-changing landscapes, the nomadic culture, and the yurt life cosying up by a log burner fire in the middle of nowhere. Just us and the stars! Despite Mongolia receiving more visitors year after year, the numbers of international tourists remain pretty low, making this landlocked country a must-visit for avid adventurers.

One of the main highlights of Mongolia is riding around in an old Russian minivan whilst taking in the open roads. The Gobi desert is also an unmissable attraction. The desert features Khongoryn Els dunes which you can climb to the top of for a fiery sunset. Also, take the opportunity of a scenic 2-day horse trek to Naiman Nurr. Ps. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for snow leopards that are native to Mongolia.

Above all else, if you find yourself in Mongolia in the middle of July, don’t miss the famous Naadam Festival. The Naadam Festival is Mongolia’s biggest celebration and national holiday where locals from all over the country head to the capital Ulaanbaatar to partake in nomadic games; horse riding, wrestling, and archery. You will even see kids as young as 4 galloping away on their horses and taking part in the games. It truly is a unique sight.

Still not sold on Mongolia? Make sure to check out these reasons why you absolutely have to visit !

Contributed by Cecily from Groovy Mashed Potatoes

Oman is the perfect introduction to the Middle East. It is safe for tourists, so much so you can go on a road trip or even camp out in its exotic and unspoiled landscape. Oman’s nature is diverse with its barren mountains, expansive dunes and the azure Arabian Sea. There are so many breathtaking places to discover.

What also sets Oman apart is that it preserves its traditional architecture. Other Middle Eastern countries, such as Qatar or the UAE are ultra-modern, with their tall skyscrapers and record-breaking buildings. In Oman, you will observe a blend of ancient Omani-style architecture with contemporary buildings.

If you are up for an adventure, Oman offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will take you off the grid.

Must-do things in Oman :

• Take a road trip through Oman to experience Omani culture and explore its diverse landscape.
• Stay at Desert Nights Camp, a luxury desert camp in the remote dunes. Make sure to watch the sunset from the top of the dunes.
• Take a refreshing swim at Wadi Shab, an oasis in the hot desert with five natural pools.
• Go camping in the Jebel Akhdar mountains. You will need a 4×4 vehicle to get past the checkpoint. It is a great place to camp since it’s cooler up in the mountains.
• Have a campfire by the Arabian Sea at White Sands Beach.
• Walkthrough the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. The architecture will blow you away.  

Enjoy this country rich in culture and natural beauty!

Taiwan should be at the top of the list of every travelling foodie. As night falls upon the capital city, the green hue from Taipei’s tallest skyscraper shines bright, signalling the opening of the famous night markets. The well-organized metro system allows for convenient access to every different market scattered across the city, so be prepared for a belly-busting journey. With so much food to choose from, as you patter through the crowded and narrow streets, it can be quite overwhelming to decide what to eat. A must-eat recommendation is a Taiwanese pepper bun (Hujiao Bing) from Rhoe Street Night Market. A freshly made, piping hot crispy bun with a juicy, sweet pork and onion filling.

Aside from an evening of food binging, the daytime offers some fantastic tourist attractions. Our favourite attraction by far has to be Beitou Hot Springs. Consider starting your trip here to feel fully rejuvenated, ready to tackle the rest of your Taiwan itinerary .

A trip to Taiwan isn’t complete without snapping a shot of some amazing architecture. Head over to Taipei 101, the famous tower, that some say resembles a tall stack of noodle boxes. Be sure to also visit CKS Memorial Hall square for epic views of the white marble buildings and surrounding gardens.

13. Timor-Leste

Contributed by Chris from Punta Cana Travel Blog

When it comes to countries, my most memorable off-the-beaten-path experience was for sure in Timor-Leste (also known as East Timor), a country in Southeast Asia that only recently (2002) gained independence. It was annexed by Indonesia and colonialized by Portugal before. This history already shows why Timor-Leste is so much off the beaten path. Technically, you could only visit Timor-Leste after 2010, as the country was plagued by civil unrest in the years previous.

Since then, an unexplored country is awaiting you like no other. To give you an idea: the big and famous booking.com only lists around 25 properties in the entire country. Most cities worldwide have more than 10,000 listings each…

And indeed, Timor-Leste is one of the biggest travel adventures you can have, probably only comparable with the remotest African countries. There is hardly any public transport (and if so, it is operated in trucks instead of busses), the roads in 90% of the country are either unpaved or are consisting of more potholes than tarmac, and accommodation has to be booked like 40 years ago: ask locals if they know someone or check out the local spokesperson to see if they can give you any recommendations. Internet, Lonely Planet, and other traveller reports (because there are hardly any) won’t help you in Timor-Leste.

Once you tackle those challenges, you will have the adventure of your lifetime. The highest mountain of the country, Mount Ramelau, the mountain villages of Nunurlau und Aimeta, or the east of Timor-Leste with Baucau and Jaco are possible destinations you can visit. If you are just looking for a soft adventure, you can take the ferry from Dili and head over to Atauro Island.

However, East Timor doesn’t feature a big list of things to do. It’s the country itself which is a big adventure!

A big plus when you visit: Timor-Leste is safe if you apply standard precautions for travelling in poorer countries. That’s an important condition to have a unique off-the-beaten-path experience in Timor-Leste!

Europe off the beaten path travel 

14. armenia.

Contributed by Vaibhav Mehta from The Wandering Vegetable

When you think of a European trip itinerary , you generally have mainstream travel destinations in mind like Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Rome, Spain, and the Netherlands. Rarely do you ever think of Armenia! But did you know that Armenia is the cheapest and the most budget-friendly European country to explore?

Armenia is an unexplored East European country that has to be on your travel bucket list. It offers you the perfect amalgamation of natural beauty, rich history, fantastic architecture, thrilling adventure, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.

There are many things to do in Armenia, like the Amberd Fortress, Pagan Temple of Garni, Geghard Monastery, Sevan Lake, the spa town of Tsaghkadzor, Shaki Waterfall, and Areni village. You can also hike Mount Aragats or take a day trip to Tatev Monastery if you’re craving a bit of adventure.

The capital city of Yerevan, in particular, is a traveller’s delight. Some of the best things to do and see in Yerevan are the Republic Square, Genocide Museum, Yerevan Cascade, the Mother Armenia statue, and the Freedom Square.

When it comes to food, the local Armenian cuisine is incredibly diverse and lip-smackingly tasty. Not to forget, the delicious and exotic Armenian wines that make Armenia a wine lover’s paradise. The best time to visit Armenia is during May-June or September-October period.

Do not miss exploring Armenia as it deserves to be on your travel bucket list and punches much above its weight to pleasantly surprise you with its charm.

15. Azerbaijan

Contributed by Kristin from Adventures with Ensuite

It is easy to think of the countries in the Caucasus as similar to one another, but they all have their distinctive culture, food, look and feel. What makes Azerbaijan stand out from its neighbours is its strong Silk Road heritage and its modern architecture.

Sheki, located close to the border with Georgia, was once a major stop on the Silk Road from China to Constantinople. Whilst visiting the over-the-top decorated palaces, such as the Sheki Khan’s Summer Palace and the caravanserais that used to house hundreds of merchants travelling between the east and west, you can imagine what the town must once have been like. However, the main Baku tourist places are quite different. Baku has a small but atmospheric old town but the main reason to visit is the many futuristic buildings built using the country’s large oil wealth.

Two of the places not to miss are the Flame Towers and the Heydar Aliyev Centre. In addition to all its new and old architecture, Azerbaijan has some interesting natural sights, such as the mud volcanoes and rock art of Qobustan. Furthermore, there are many hiking opportunities in the mountain villages around Quba. Trekking is only possible in the summer months, but Baku has the most comfortable temperatures during spring and autumn. It gets oppressively hot during July and August. Winters can be cold and rainy in the capital, but if you’re looking for skiing opportunities this is a great time to visit the mountain resorts.

16. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo embodies the word quaint like no other city we’ve been to. Walking the pristine, stone-paved streets, passing by tiny trinket stores, under archways, and through narrow passages is an enjoyable experience in itself. Nothing beats a stop for a dollar scoop of ice cream or enjoying a traditional Bosnian coffee as the crowds pass by.

Despite being overlooked by tourists, in favour of nearby powerhouses like Dubrovnik and Budapest, Sarajevo, Bosnia’s capital city, boasts a rich and important history. After all, Sarajevo is the epicentre of where World War 1 broke out, due to the assassination of Franz Ferdinand in 1914.

To end a perfect day, and welcome an even better evening, we recommend watching the sunset in front of the peach-tinted rooftops of Sarajevo. There are plenty of spots to choose from, however, our fav memories are from the Yellow Fort and the Avaz Twist Tower. After soaking up all the visual stimuli Sarajevo has to offer, it’s only fitting to dine out and order a famous Balkans classic; cevapi. If you’re on a wider trip, you also won’t want to miss Mostar; a cute, small city filled with steep stone stairways and alleys. There are so many things to do in Mostar . Shop until you drop for colourful trinkets from the market stalls and dine out at one of the romantic restaurants in the old town. The star of the show though is Stari Most Bridge, an Ottoman-arched bridge that crosses over the Neretva River.

Contributed by Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Kosovo is the newest country in Europe and became an independent state as recently as 2008. Its troubled path to independence is still the reason very few people will consider Kosovo as a travel destination. A pity, because it has lots to offer and is now also one of the safest countries in Europe.

Even though Kosovo is not that big, it has a surprising amount of things to see and do for its small size. Kosovo has mountains, canyons, Ottoman towns, and ancient orthodox monasteries. Kosovo has something for everyone whether you love nature, culture, or good food.

For nature head to the little town of Peja with its bustling bazaar. This place is the gateway to the beautiful Rugova Canyon, one of the deepest and longest canyons in Europe. It’s on the way to the Accursed Mountains where you can go hiking in alpine sceneries and little mountain villages.

If you are more into the culture, you will love the multicultural city of Prizren. This small city was heavily influenced by the Ottomans and if you walk through the bazaar it definitely feels more east than west. There is the beautiful Sinan Pasha mosque and an ancient hammam. However, the city has churches and cathedrals as well, and the 14th-century Decani monastery is an easy day trip away.

At last, don’t miss Kosovo’s capital with its trendy cafes and great restaurants where you can indulge in Kosovo’s delicious food and meet its extremely friendly and welcoming people.

18. Liechtenstein

Contributed by Smita from My Faulty Compass

The tiny little country of Liechtenstein often escapes the radar of tourists when they are visiting Europe. However, pristine Alpine beauty and fascinating history make the country a wonderful place to visit.

Located between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is the 6th smallest country in the world. Spend a day driving around, or longer if you’d like to explore the beautiful hiking options during the summer or the fantastic ski slopes in the winter.

Despite its size, there are plenty of incredible things to do in Liechtenstein. 4 municipalities make up the country – Schaan, Vaduz, Triesenberg & Balzers – and all 4 of them have lots of fantastic places to explore.

Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein and the home to the famous Vaduz Castle. Perched on a hilltop, this castle has wonderful views over the Rhine Valley. Vaduz’s pedestrian street in Städtle is a lovely place to explore the local shops and Liechtenstein’s famous stamps.

Triesenberg is a beautiful mountain town with panoramic views over the hills and valleys. Balzers is another place famous for its castles. The Gutenberg Castle sits high above the town and makes for a beautiful spot to take in the views around.

Other than beautiful towns, Liechtenstein offers several amazing hikes, some of the most popular of which are the Liechtenstein Trail, a route connecting the municipalities, the Princes’ Way Hike, a high-altitude hike and the Princess Trail, a hike along a stunning ridge.

19. Lithuania

Contributed by Debjani from the Vagabong

Lithuania is one of the most beautiful off-the-beaten-path countries in Europe, at least on the Global Tourist Map. It is one of the Baltic countries which is steeped in war history and has been through a series of revolutions to acquire its independence from Russia until very recently in 1991. Lithuania is also one of the lesser expensive European Countries located in northern Europe and one can easily spend a week exploring this country. In the 14th century, Lithuania was the largest country in Europe. But at the end of the 18th century, the downfall of the Lithuanian kingdom was effectively split between Prussia’s and Russia’s empires. After the Lithuanian language, Russian is the most commonly spoken language as the country was under Russian rule for a very long time.

The people of Lithuania have gone through war oppression and have come out resilient. It is also a very small nation with a lot of potential for cultural/historical tourism, as people should be aware that the tragic holocaust past, where 91% of Lithuanian Jews were executed.

Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and has three national parks inside the city, thus making it a natural hub. The old town of Vilnius also has beautiful old chapels and castles which are worth visiting.

One of the main dishes of Lithuania is Cepilinai which is made of Potato. So, for potato lovers, Lithuania is a food paradise. A few of the main tourist attractions in Lithuania, which can be covered through a day trip from Vilnius, are Rumsiskies, Klapeida, Kaunas, Trakai Castle, and Palanga Beach Town.

So, while planning a budget trip to Central and Northern Europe , Lithuania should definitely not be missed.

20. Romania

Magical fairytale castles, medieval cobblestone streets, bright red rooftops, and warm friendly people were our introduction to Romania. As soon as we arrived in Brasov, we knew we were going to love it. Despite Romania having a profusion of attractions, it is surprising that international visitors are not flocking to the country. Romania has to be one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.

Romania, home to Transylvania, isn’t all about playing hide and seek with Dracula. Although a trip to Bran Castle is a must. Visiting Bran Castle during the Halloween period should be on everyone’s bucket list. Aside from Bran Castle, make sure to head over to Pele’s Castle too. The architecture is magical! If you love the outdoors and nature, a drive along the mountain pass road, Transfăgărășan is a must. The road is so beautiful, it even made an appearance on BBC’s Top Gear in 2009. If fairytale castles and mountain roads aren’t enough, Timisoara has been voted the cultural capital of 2021! Timisoara is the second-largest city in Romania but has an artsy, laid-back vibe. Not only that, but you will also find plenty of divine cuisines to sink your teeth into. After all, Timisoara is home to 21 ethnicities and 18 religions.

21. Ukraine

Unlike cities in Western Europe, where mass tourism ascends on the cobbled streets, you will find a more peaceful setting in Ukraine. Ukraine still boasts the weird and wonderful in Lviv , amazing architecture in Kyiv, and sandy beaches in Odesa. One of the best draws to Ukraine though, is how cheap it is! Much cheaper than Western Europe, but still boasts all the fine attractions that you seek on a trip to the more popular European cities. Whilst it may seem a lot, that on average 14 million tourists visit Ukraine each year, when you compare it to almost 90 million visitors to France, you can easily see why Ukraine remains an off-the-beaten-path travel destination.

Whilst in Ukraine, it is obvious that no trip would be complete without a visit to the famous 1996 disaster site, Chernobyl. A trip to Chernobyl and the ghost town of Pripyat is a great addition to a Ukraine trip, especially for those who seek the thrill of abandoned places. Furthermore, don’t miss the mystique love tunnel in Rivne. The love tunnel , which is a train track that has been taken over by flourishing nature, is the perfect place for photographers.

North America off the beaten path travel

Contributed by Talek from Travel with Talek

Although just 90 miles from the southeastern coast of the U.S., Cuba seems like a million miles – and 60 years – away.  Isolated from the U.S. due to an economic embargo and restrictive travel regulations, Cuba remains frozen in time.

The island is the biggest in the Caribbean. It is a culturally fascinating travel destination with largely intact colonial architecture, vibrant music, art, nightlife scene and jaw-dropping natural beauty.

Cuba’s capital city of Havana, founded in 1519 by Spanish conquistadors, is an intriguing collection of neighbourhoods. Old Havana, the easternmost, and oldest, part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site with winding cobblestone streets and broad leafy plazas surrounded by colonial buildings and museums.

Despite Havana’s charms, there is so much more to see in Cuba. The most visited cities outside the capital are Vinales with its tobacco plantations, Trinidad one of the best-preserved colonial towns, Cienfuegos, founded by French settlers from Bordeaux and Louisiana, Santiago de Cuba, the Pearl of the Caribbean and so much more.

With 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 6 UNESCO Biosphere preserves, and hundreds of protected nature areas, Cuba is a true wonderland worth visiting.

23. El Salvador

Contributed by Bistra and Nace from The Magic of Traveling

Everybody who we met on our trip to Central America advised us not to visit El Salvador. It’s dangerous, something bad is going to happen to you in that country. The only problem was none of those people had ever set foot there, so instead, we decided to trust those who did travel to El Salvador.

We started with El Tunco – the surfers’ paradise on the Pacific coast. Although it was a fenced resort town, we felt super safe and the only danger we could imagine was the danger of eating too many of the delicious pupusas (the traditional cornmeal flour flat cakes stuffed with cheese, veggies, etc.). So we decided to hire a driver and continue with the Ruta de Las Flores. The Flower Route takes you to volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls, and spectacular views. You stop by different villages on the route to experience how locals live, their traditions, and the history of the country.

After stumbling upon a typical Sunday fiesta in one of the villages, we got even braver and decided to take the local bus and travel to the second biggest city – Santa Ana. Santa Ana welcomes you with an endless street market and its beautiful downtown architecture. The cathedral and the theatre buildings are among the most beautiful in Central America. You can also hike the cherry on the cake – the majestic Santa Ana volcano which inspired the active volcanoes in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novella “The Little Prince”.

24. Honduras

Contributed by Lozzy from Cuppa to Copa Travels

As the least visited country in all of Latin America, Honduras is well and truly off the beaten path. Only 850k tourists venture to this part of the world annually, but recently this number is very slightly beginning to grow. Honduras is unfortunately held back by its violent reputation – the major city of San Pedro Sula was named the murder capital of the world only a few years ago (it’s now dropped down to 15th in a 2020 study).

However, those who dare see past this will realise just how much this nation has to offer. The people are open and friendly, the prices are cheap and the landscapes are absolutely stunning. Honduras really does have it all, from paradise islands and world-renowned dive spots to ancient Mayan temples and sprawling cloud forests. Must-dos in this off-the-beaten-path country include kayaking the expanse of Lake Yojoa , ziplining through the mists of the mighty Pulhapanzak Waterfall, getting dive-certified in the Bay Islands and exploring the Mayan ruins of Copan.

While lots of the hostels in Honduras are basic, there are luxury resorts to be found – especially on one of the country’s Caribbean islands – which can give you a VIP experience for a fraction of the price of resorts further up the Central American coast.

Oceania off the beaten path travel

25. papua new guinea.

Contributed by John from Tulsatrot – Globetrotting Around the World

Hot, wet air greeted our arrival on the black tarmac of a city that The Economist ranked 139th least livable city in the world out of 140. That was Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, the capital of a country with over 750 spoken languages and tribes that have lived in isolation from the rest of the world.

A quick walk past the restroom stained with bright red betel nut supported this ranking.

Welcome to Papua New Guinea folks.

Within fifteen minutes, PNG quickly introduced us to what to expect over the next ten days, the unexpected in a southwestern Pacific country where comedy and menace live side by side.

Pigs are highly valuable in PNG. They serve as a form of currency. If you want to marry that special someone, true love requires swine. If you wrong another tribe, retribution is live poker. Visiting Karkar Island off the northern coast, pigs and comedy caught my eye in a newspaper title.

So when I saw “Pig Lover Nabbed” as one of the lead news articles on the front page of the national Papua New Guinea Post Courier, it caught my attention. Not only the content but the need to post that on the front page. “Was it a slow day in the newsroom?”

Another animal demands focused attention. PNG is home to the world’s most dangerous bird, the cassowary. It resides in the tropical forests, but by happenchance, one was at the same coconut and cocoa farm and fortunately, that single fascinating bird was behind a secure fence. The danger lies not in its multicoloured prehistoric head, but in the sharp menacing claws on its feet. It informed me of its prowess with a wicked gurgling howl. Sounded like my buddy’s first girlfriend.

PNG is a land rarely visited by tourists and they are often bird watchers and scientists, but a land ripe with fascinating attractions to explore.

26. Marshall Islands

Contributed by Erika from Erika’s Travels

The Marshall Islands, a sprawling archipelago nation that sits in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, is among the most remote and undiscovered countries in the world.

The far-flung country consists of 29 coral atolls that lie between Hawaii and the Federated States of Micronesia. Its tiny islands are so remote, that fewer than 5,000 visitors per year set foot on their sands.

If you are travelling to the Marshall Islands, chances are that Majuro will be your introduction to the country. The crowded capital island is the main gateway to the Marshall Islands and home to the country’s only international airport.

Unfortunately, while it is the most accessible atoll, Majuro is not the paradisiacal tropical island you might have dreamed about. The densely populated atoll is crowded, congested, and full of stray dogs.

Luckily, palm-fringed Arno Atoll is only a short boat ride away and connected to Majuro by 3x weekly boat service. Arno boasts turquoise water, swaying palms, white-sand beaches, and a slow pace of life that appears almost untouched by modernity.

There are almost no amenities on Arno Atoll, so it would be best to bring along food and necessities if you choose to visit.

Travelling around the Marshall Islands is not an easy affair. Outside of Majuro and Arno, the country’s coral atolls require time and money to visit properly. Transportation between the islands—whether by boat or by air—is unreliable at best. Unless you’re sailing around the Pacific with unlimited time, it is not the type of place where you can easily hop between destinations.

The Marshall Islands is a country that entices intrepid and adventurous travellers. It may not have the tourist amenities that can be found on other Pacific islands, but its rustic charm is precisely what makes the far-flung archipelago nation so special.

South America off the beaten path travel

27. uruguay .

Contributed by Erin from Sol Salute

Uruguay is a tiny, off-the-beaten-path country nestled between big brothers Argentina to the south and Brazil to the north, but Uruguay has just as much to offer! The capital city, Montevideo, features old European charm thanks to immigration from the early 20th century. The historic downtown is filled with original architecture and the central market is a must-visit for meat lovers.

The small town of Colonia del Sacramento is one of the most popular things to do in Uruguay. This tiny village was founded by the Portuguese and retains all of its original architecture and charm. It’s easy to visit as a day trip from nearby Buenos Aires but is worth a longer stay to explore the regional wineries between Colonia and nearby Carmelo.

Red wine is excellent in Uruguay and the wine region is underappreciated and waiting to be discovered. The real beauty of Uruguay is its Atlantic Coast. In the many beach towns here, there is something for everyone. Punta del Este is luxurious. It is a place to see and be seen in the warm summer months. It’s also one of the best places to be in South America for New Year’s Eve. Punta del Diablo and Cabo Polonio, further up the coast, cater to a more hippie, laid-back crowd. Go there to disconnect and sink into all of Uruguay’s undiscovered charms.

Essential travel resources

Travel Insurance – No matter where you’re travelling to, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing . You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.

Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.

Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.

Overland transport – Our go-to website for overland transport is Bookaway . Bookaway offers multiple forms of transport, from buses, mini-vans, trains, and ferries. The routes on offer are extensive and certainly cover most of the backpacker trails. Bookaway works a little like Skyscanner but for overland transport. You will find plenty of transport options from a range of companies. All you simply need to do is book online and receive your ticket by email. The email will contain essential information, such as where the bus leaves from and departure and arrival times.

Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide . Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.

Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.

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IRAN , Madagascar , OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

25 off the beaten path travel destinations – underrated countries you should travel to now.

While many countries in the world are experiencing overtourism , there are countries that are actually in need of more travelers. The countries that receive a lot of tourism do for a reason, and I’m absolutely not saying you shouldn’t visit your bucket list destinations.

Even popular countries like Peru can be explored off the beaten track , even though the majority of travelers find their way up to Macchu Picchu or Colca Canyon , including myself!

However, there are plenty of completely off the beaten path travel destinations that are just as incredible and surely will surprise you positively.

While exploring lesser-visited countries, let’s make sure to be responsible travelers and be kind to the locals, wildlife and the environment so we don’t destroy these gems.

To bring you this great list of intriguing yet underrated countries, I have partnered up with some of my favorite travel bloggers and friends that have all enjoyed traveling off the beaten path!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you have any questions about these services or products, feel free to ask me.

Table of Contents

Safety tips for travel off the beaten path

Before looking at off the beaten path travel destinations, I want to talk about travel safety. Before booking your trip to an offbeat destination, make sure you always check travel advice from local authorities.

Some countries might be subject to conflicts at times and precautions should be taken in the whole country or in parts of the country.

I always recommend traveling with a good travel insurance. There are many good travel insurance companies out there, but my personal preference is World Nomads . Their whole process is simple and quick from getting a quote to buying and even making a claim.

However, I realize that they don’t cover all off the beaten track destinations, so I found IATI travel insurance to be pretty good too, and they covered offbeat travel destinations like Iran.

Book your travel insurance here

Responsible offbeat travel

When you travel to offbeat destinations it is important to remember that these countries are generally speaking not as used to tourism as for instance Spain or Thailand.

This makes your role as a respectful, curious visitor even more important since you don’t want to create negative effects of tourism on your destination. Am I right?

Simple rules of thumb are:

• Ask before you take photos of people, especially children (ask adult family members and preferably take photos of the children with their family members or other children playing – and NEVER tag the exact location of the children on social media)
• Don’t leave any waste behind
• Avoid any form of unethical animal tourism
• Buy locally-made craft, but never buy from children
• Stay in locally-owned accommodation
• Attend local workshops like cooking classes, local handicraft classes, and language courses that bring income to the locals
• Bring a reusable (if needed filtered) waterbottle

TO LEARN MORE READ: Things NOT to do as a responsible traveler

Make a difference!

Plant trees to create habitat for animals from the convenience of your home

Off the beaten path travel destinations

One of my favorite off the beaten track travel destinations is Madagascar. This unique African country is definitely worth a visit but be prepared for long and uncomfortable travel hours if you choose to travel around by bus. Or taxi-brousse as they call the local minivans that transport tourists, locals, chickens, and all kinds of other goods you can only imagine. The roads are pretty bad but the experience is totally worth it!

While the country is famous for its lemurs, there is a whole lot of incredible wildlife in Madagascar , like whale sharks, whales, and the unique Fossa. The islands in the north are great bases for scuba diving and if you stay at the private island and eco-resort, Ankazoberavina, you might be lucky to see sea turtles nest on the beach in a responsible way.

There are also a large number of National Parks to spot wildlife and incredible rock formations like the Tsingy of Bemaraha in the west. To get there you drive past the famous Baobab Alley and the Kirindy Park.

There is a lot of poverty in Madagascar, so if you want to give back, go for a visit to Akany Avoko Faravohitra in Antananarivo.

READ: Why is sustainable tourism important?

Iran is without a doubt worth a spot on the list of off the beaten path travel destinations that deserve more (responsible!) tourists to visit.

The country is known by travelers as the friendliest people on earth, yet I was overwhelmed by their friendliness! Wherever I went someone tried to help me out, if it was in perfect English, sign language and smiles, or Google Translate and laughter. It also turned out to be one of the easiest and most comfortable countries to travel as a solo female traveler.

But Iran is so much more than its people. The country has a unique cultural heritage and some of the most incredible mosques I’ve ever seen. You can safely say that Iran has some of the most captivating landmarks in Asia !

To mention a few cities with mesmerizing architecture that should be on your Iran itinerary , there are plenty of things to see and do in Isfahan , Yazd, Kashan , and Shiraz.

The small remote mountain village of Abyaneh is also worth visiting. It is actually one of the oldest villages in Iran, and the villagers still wear traditional clothes, speak the original language and continue with the old customs.

As the icing on the cake, Iran’s natural scene is from another world! The country is home to the highest mountain in the Middle East, Mt. Damavand (5610 m), but has several peaks above the 4000-meter limit so there are unlimited hiking opportunities for the outdoors enthusiast.

Further, there are multiple deserts, rainforests, salt lakes, waterfalls, islands, national parks, and unique wildlife to explore. Iran is a huge country that deserves plenty of time to tour.

You can read more about the reasons to travel to Iran here .

READ: All you need to know before you travel to Iran

Contributed by Ankurman of Wandering Minimalist

Kazakhstan is one of the most interesting countries that I visited last year and is an excellent option for your off the beaten path vacations. It contrasts with rich natural scenic beauty in the most westernized cities in Central Asia.

This less populous, enormous country has mountains, canyons, rivers, lakes, and a dead sea. Generally, two types of tourists visit Kazakhstan.

The ones who love outdoor activities like trekking, climbing, camping, and others who want to explore the cities and villages. Almaty and Nur-Sultan are the two major cities, whereof the latter used to be called Astana.

Kazakhstan is not often sought among top traveling destinations. Now, after visiting this extravagantly beautiful place I regret not considering to travel there before.

The people of Kazakhstan speak Russian better than their own Kazakh language. “Kazakh tenge” is the currency of Kazakhstan, whose value is a small fraction to the US dollar.

Food and accommodation are cheap depending on where you stay and where you eat. Backpackers like me who stay in hostels can get a decent dorm for $10.

For transportation, you can use trains and taxis. Yandex taxies are popular here as well as in most of the Soviet countries.

Big Almaty Lake, Kolsai Lake, The National Museum of Kazakhstan, and Charyn Canyon are only a few places worth exploring.

Contributed by Emily of Wander-Lush

Europe’s youngest nation, Kosovo declared its independence in 2008 and is now recognized by a majority of UN member states. Many people automatically associate Kosovo with conflict and civil war – but rest assured, it’s a safe place for tourists. Still very much an off the beaten track destination in Europe, it offers a wealth of meaningful travel experiences.

For such a small country, Kosovo really packs a punch. Every visit should include a stop in Prishtina. One of the most dynamic capitals in the region, the city boasts an incredible food, coffee, and bar scene.

Other  things to do in Prishtina  include visiting the National Library of Kosovo (once dubbed ‘the ugliest building in the world’), the Cathedral of Saint Mother Theresa (she had family roots in Kosovo and is much-beloved here), and visit the Newborn monument, a symbol of Kosovo’s independence and a top selfie spot.

Prizren is the cultural heart of Kosovo. Here, you can walk old stone bridges, visit beautiful mosques, and shop for filigree.

In Gjakova, you can visit the huge bazaar (one of the largest in all of Europe) and see craftspeople plying the same trades they have been for generations.

The small city of Peja is the gateway to Kosovo’s rugged north and the sublime Rugova Gorge, where you can enjoy hiking, white water rafting and zip-lining.

Adventurous types can even trek over the border to Albania’s Accursed Mountains. I highly recommend stopping off at Desan halfway between Prizren and Peja to visit one of the four monasteries that make up the UNESCO-Listed Medieval Monuments in Kosovo.

Contributed by Arzo of Arzo Travels

One country that is highly underrated is small but yet gorgeous Lebanon.  I am not going to lie: Lebanon had a very violent history with wars taking place that lasted until 1992 which have left scars very visible for tourists and locals.

And currently, the political situation is tense and demonstrations and protests are common.

However, Lebanon is one of the best countries to visit in the Middle East and except from the demonstrations, Lebanon is actually one of the safest countries to see in that region.

But of course, it is not only about safety – Lebanon is gorgeous, Lebanon is beautiful and Lebanon is amazing.

Explore the capital of Beirut and spend 2 days there to see the most famous attractions in the city.

Beirut is also perfect for a few day trips. The historic place of Balbeeck is surely one of the best places to visit in Lebanon (though this is not really a hidden gem anymore) but also places like Jeita Grotto, Harissa or Byblos are great places to see.

If you are looking for an even more offbeat travel destination, add Tyre to your Lebanon itinerary. 

And to top it all, Lebanon has some of the best food in the world (catering to vegans as well as non-vegans) and it also is quite affordable to other countries in the Middle East. 

So, there are many reasons to visit this small yet gorgeous country.

El Salvador

Contributed by Audrey of Gumnuts Abroad

The tiny nation of El Salvador is one of the least visited countries in Central America. But travelers who make the effort are richly rewarded with some truly offbeat destinations, warm smiles, dark-sand beaches, volcanoes, and unique Mayan ruins.

The world-class surfing of El Salvador’s Pacific coast has been attracting international surfers for years. But the secret is out and the surfing town of  Player El Tunco  is firmly on the backpacker trail. Offering value for money accommodation, nightlife, cafes and the best sunsets I’ve ever seen, Tunco has a fantastic chilled vibe.

Like most countries in Central America, El Salvador is home to some top-notch Mayan ruins. Tazumal is a group of flat-topped stepped pyramids that are still being studied by historians today. Its gruesome name means “Pyramid where the victims were burned.”  Joya De Ceren is an amazingly well-preserved Mayan village that was buried in volcanic ash and offers a rare glimpse into the culture’s ancient past.

No visit would be complete without hiking the incredible Santa Ana volcano. Famous for its panoramic views of Lake Coatepeque, steam constantly rises from the active volcanoes jewel green lagoon. Easily visited as a day trip from the town of Santa Ana this is one of the most popular climbs in the country.   

With its natural and human-made marvels, people and ancient culture El Salvador will not disappoint.

Contributed by James of Travel Collecting

Azerbaijan is a fascinating country that is sometimes called the land of wind and fire.  Hundreds of years ago, people worshipped fire, and at the Ateshgah Fire Temple, you can see a flame that has been burning continuously for centuries.  Other attractions include Mud Volcanoes and Yanar Dag (Fire Mountain) with naturally burning fires on the sides of earth hills.  

The capital city, Baku, is the main attraction, however.  Set on the Caspian Sea, with a wide pedestrian promenade, the setting is beautiful, albeit often windy.  The city has several over-the-top modern architectural marvels, including the famed Flame Towers.  These three towers are shaped like burning flames and at night, moving flames are projected on the sides of the buildings so they really look like enormous burning flames. 

There are other incredible buildings including the sparkling Crystal Palace, built to host the Eurovision Song Contest; the almost completed Caspian Waterfront Mall that looks like a cross between a flower and the Sydney opera house; and the curvy Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center with a minimum of straight lines.  There is also the carpet-shaped Carpet Museum that has interesting displays on traditional textiles. 

To contrast with the modern architectural opulence, Baku has a somewhat sanitized Old Town, with the mysterious maiden Tower (no one knows who built or even when) and the eclectic Museum of Miniature Books.  It is worth taking a food tour, too, and sampling some local specialties such as Shah’s Pilaf and the ubiquitous sweet tea with cherry jam.

Contributed by Greta of Greta’s Travels

In 2019 I spent  one week in Oman and was blown away by the natural beauty of this country. Oman is one of those off the beaten path travel destinations that is not often featured on travelers’ bucket lists, but it really should.

If you love hiking, being outdoors, and exploring stunning natural landscapes, Oman is the place for you! In just seven days we saw a huge variety of natural and manmade landscapes, from sand dune deserts to ancient forts, and from rocky canyons to pristine beaches.

My personal favorite thing to do in Oman was hiking the Jebel Shams Balcony Walk. The Jebel Shams is known as Oman’s Grand Canyon, and it’s easy to see why! The balcony walk is a trail that goes all along the edge of the canyon, with the steep rock face on one side and the 500m drop on the other. There are stunning views all throughout, with a waterfall at the end for a cooling down dip!

The Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Shab are also a must-see in Oman. The Wadis are basically freshwater rivers and lagoons that go through small canyons that you can hike and swim in. They have similar views and are both incredibly fun places to explore. What better way to end a hike than swimming in a clear lagoon surrounded by palm trees and rocky canyons?

Contributed by Claudia of My Adventures Across The World

Guyana is a unique country that has yet to fall on the mass tourism radar. Located in South America, bordering with Venezuela, Brazil, and Suriname, this is a country blessed with lush nature, unique culture, and incredible sights.

Among the places to visit in Guyana, the region of Rupununi is a must. In the southern part of the country, this is Guyana’s Amazon outpost. Villages are tiny there – 300, 500 people living in each at the most.

Things such as electricity, tv, and even the internet are luxuries. The local communities run lodges that provide very basic accommodation and help visitors experience the region, its beauty, and culture.

Kaieteur Falls  is probably the best-known attraction in the country. It’s an incredible waterfall that is completely isolated and can only be reached via a strenuous 5 days hike in the jungle, or via plane. As the runway can only accommodate one plane at a time and planes can’t carry more than 12 passengers, this means that visitors have the entire site to themselves.

Georgetown is an interesting city, which much of a Caribbean feel and a few interesting sights – the market is a great place to explore to discover the delicious flavors of the country.

Traveling around Guyana is not easy. The road conditions are poor even inside Georgetown, the capital – where the majority of the population is concentrated.

Going to other places often requires several hours of traveling even if the distances are short. The sticky heat, combined with the bugs (mosquitos and chiggers) makes it uncomfortable. Yet, this is a gorgeous offbeat travel destination that deserves being explored.

Contributed by Trina and Tim of Team Hazard Rides Again

Mauritania is not an easy country to travel in, but it is an interesting one and offers true off the beaten track travel opportunities.  

Two main roads that run north to south meet in the southern capital of Nouakchott. Other than within the cities, these are the only paved roads in the country. The only connection between them in the north is the infamous Iron Ore Train that itself is a challenge to board and ride. Everywhere else requires a 4×4, or a camel. 

The Sahara Desert runs right up to the coast where beaches in Nouadhibou used to be covered in hundreds of rusted out, derelict ships abandoned there by irresponsible corporations, and a corrupt government that allowed them to.  

As of December 2018, you could still go see some of these shipwrecks, but they’re disappearing fast as the new government is working to get them cleaned up. If you want to see them, get there soon. 

That was our first priority on our visit to Mauritania. 

Then we headed to Atar and Chinguetti in a Saharan region known as the Adrar.

The great monolith, Ben Amera , resides out among the sands toward Choum. It’s only rival in size is Uluru in Australia. This is a great day trip out from Atar and while you’re there, you can visit another nearby monolith, Aïsha, where artists gathered at a week-long millennial event to sculpt the rocks at its base. 

Deep in the desert at Chinguetti, there are ancient libraries that hold the wisdom and knowledge of the ages. Their caretakers are happy to share a glimpse of their holdings with you.

Even further out, there are oases that spring up out of the harsh desert to delight and amaze you. 

Mauritania is a great place to travel for someone who doesn’t mind a little challenge and likes to see places as they truly exist before the tourists arrive.

Timor-Leste

Contributed by Leyla of Women On The Road

Until recently, few people visited Timor-Leste unless they were aid workers: the country was engulfed in a violent conflict with Indonesia and only became independent in 2002 and changed name from East Timor to Timor-Leste.

Visitors are starting to make an appearance but there are still few… Timor-Leste is hard to reach, expensive and with very limited infrastructure, so fewer than 100,000 people visit each year, which makes this a top destination for travel off the beaten path.

Yet it is a stunning destination, worth the difficulties and expense, especially now, when you can travel around without running into any foreigners, or rarely.

Picture this: admirable beaches, recent and fascinating history, intriguing traditional houses and handicrafts, stunning sunsets and a country full of people whose poverty can be eased by tourist dollars.

The capital, Dili, is home to the fascinating Museum of the Resistance, which traces the conflict with the former Indonesian rulers from its beginning. You can climb to the statue of Cristo Rei in time for the sunrise, or visit Tais Market, a sadly uncrowded but filled with high-quality crafts.

Atauro Island, an easy day trip from the capital, has glorious beaches and coral reefs and is a birdwatchers’ paradise. Further afield, Jaco Island is not only picture-perfect but sacred to the locals. And throughout the country, enjoy your coffee – Timor-Leste is an exporter of fine coffee, most of it organic. And delicious.

Contributed by Kristen of Yonderlust Ramblings

If it’s the allure of the unknown and unfamiliar that calls to you, then Greenland needs to be on your radar!  No other offbeat travel destination more perfectly embodies that description than this magical island!

In Greenland, off the beaten path travel, and off the grid are still a regular part of daily life, as exhibited through its unique culture, history, and natural surroundings.

For those looking to reconnect with nature in its most simplistic yet surreal form, Greenland is brimming with opportunity!

Greenland’s remote location and icy reputation have long kept it off the beaten path, which will greatly benefit those that make the journey here!

In Greenland, cultural tradition is still alive and well, as exhibited by residents who still dog sled and snowshoe for transportation, fishermen who still feed their families with the fish they catch from holes in the surface of frozen lakes, and locals who still dress in outfits woven from musk ox wool.

Visitors can experience this unfiltered way of life simply by intermingling with those welcoming individuals who call Greenland home. 

In addition to its unique culture, there is no shortage of invigorating, natural explorations to be had in this country.  The  best things to do in Greenland  are clearly centered around its unrivaled wealth of outdoor adventures.  Here you can witness reindeer and musk oxen, Arctic foxes and hares, walruses and whales, even polar bears, all in their natural habitat. 

Greenland has a generous amount of otherworldly geography, from glaciers, to ice fjords, to tundras, even the world’s second-largest ice sheet!  All these stunning formations can be seen and experienced up close and in person, from buses, kayaks, dog sleds, or on foot!

And to top it all off, Greenland remains one of the premier locations on the planet to view the dancing greens, blues, and purples of the Northern Lights!

Contributed by Ming of Flyerism

For reasons that are beyond me, Mongolia is not particularly popular among travelers. In my humble opinion, this amazing country should definitely be in everyone’s bucket list destinations! Here’s why:   

First of all, Mongolian people, especially the nomad, are incredibly friendly and accommodating. Unlike some people in touristic areas, they are not pushy and confrontational at all.

In fact, they may appear to be shy and reserved. However, if you take the first step, they are often welcoming and genuinely helpful. Here’s a tip: try staying with a local nomadic family in a ger, the experience will be totally worth it!

Further, Mongolia is home to unique and incredible landscapes. It’s made up of a diverse combination of unspoiled beauty, consisting of mountains, grassland, waterfalls, valleys, deserts, and pine forests.

Specifically, you will want to visit the sand mass of Gobi Desert, glacier-capped mountains in the west, Bayanzag the flaming cliff in the southern part, Lake Khovsgol (largest freshwater lake in Mongolia), and Yolin Am Ice Field.

As mentioned, Mongolia is one of the most off the beaten path travel destinations. A blessing in disguise really, as it remains undisturbed by mass tourism. You will get to avoid the crazy crowds and learn more about the local culture. Not to mention, it’s also easier on the wallet! 

Contributed by Rebecca of KwaFare

Let’s face it, Africa is the continent off the beaten path. But if you’re looking for a unique offbeat travel destination for tourists in the world’s second-largest continent,  Gabon  is one of them.

This is one of the smallest countries in Africa, but it packs a tropical punch with 85% of the country being covered in rainforests. This central African country boasts a whopping 13 national parks for such a small nation, which covers at least 10% of the country. 

Needless to say, Gabon is carpeted in an array of contrasting terrains from emerald forests to sweeping savannas. It boasts a coastline where elephants and hippos walk along the same beaches where children play and fishermen fish.

Gabon is home to humpback whales, sea turtles, gorillas, elephants, and even lions among many others. Day safaris and longer can be booked in the national parks at ecotourism lodges, hotels, and resorts. Ecotourism is something Gabon is striving to bring to the fore in hopes to conserve the precious biodiversity and local culture.

The Gabonese capital of Libreville is situated on its sweeping coastline. Busy, but not too busy, this African capital offers accommodations and restaurants for all budgets and tastes.

Although it is not heavily frequented by tourists you can find some very nice Airbnbs and hotels. And the cities close proximity to nearby national parks makes it ideal for day trips.

In addition, the people of this small nation are welcoming, kind and a delight to get to know. Tourism is an industry that is still developing here.

However, what is already in place in Gabon could prove to serve you a rich cultural experience, teeming with opportunities to get up close and personal with a wild and natural habitat.

Contributed by Carly of Carly’s Adventures Afar

Wanting to visit somewhere unique and a little unusual? Then look no further than Uzbekistan !

This Central Asian country was once the heart of the fabled Silk Road and today it is home to three of the most incredible Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.

These three cities are historical and architectural wonders that are simply breathtaking. 

Within them, you will find soaring mosques and medressas, and magnificent tombs all encased in tiles every shade of blue imaginable. I was and still am, completely obsessed with these beautiful tiles.

Exotic dome-covered bazaars can be found in Bukhara and Khiva feels like a living museum sitting snug within impressive solid sand-colored walls.

In stark contrast is Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, where the country’s Soviet past is evident in the brutal, communist architecture. It can also be experienced by riding the efficient metro complete with mosaics from the USSR era – this is a must!

My favorite place in Taskent was Chorsu Bazaar housed in and under an unusually shaped dome, which is the perfect place to take in the local culture. I especially loved how the local women dressed in colourful, patterned long dresses over trousers.

My other distinct memory of traveling in Uzbekistan is traveling by shared taxis. This is a unique experience in itself – negotiating with the locals, sharing the taxi with the locals and seeing the countryside roll by. 

And today visiting has become easier with the introduction of e-visa. Previously getting a letter of introduction and applying for your visa was part of the unique experience! No longer. So what are you waiting for?

Marquesas Islands

Contributed by Luke of Culture Shock Adventure

Full-body tattoos, stone carvings and the birthplace of the haka; the Marquesas Islands offer a unique taste of French Polynesia. Te Henua ‘Enana (the place of men) lies between Pitcairn and Hawaii, just south of the equator. I spent time on Nuku Hiva in 2018 after a trip to Tahiti. The warm, humid climate provide the islands with some of the lushest bush in Polynesia. A hiker’s paradise.

Anahoe Bay is connected to Hatiheu village by a walking track. You will probably meet commuting locals crossing the hill on horseback.

After a steep incline, you’re greeted with views of one of the world’s most stunning bays. Head down the hill to visit the lovely beachside village. My tip, head to the next bay, Ha’ataive’a. With welcoming waters, it’s a true paradise. You’ll probably have the beach to yourself.

From the capital, Taioha’e head to Sentinel Rock. Taioha’eis littered in rock carvings, including the massive Tiki Tūhiva. Once you reach Sentinel Rock, look back and enjoy the view of Taioha’e. Or look down; even at this high altitude, you might spot some enormous manta rays below.

The track to Vaipō waterfall from Hakatea Bay is steeped in legend. You can see the rocks where the first settlers crashed their canoe. These same rocks which staged the world’s first haka.

The Marquesas festival is a celebration of music, haka, arts, crafts, and carvings. It’s held on odd years and alternates between the big islands, and small islands (2021 will be on the small island, Fatu Hiva).

From Tahiti, you can reach the Nuku Hiva (daily) and Hiva Oa (most days) with Air Tahiti. Other islands are accessible on the Aranui (about twice per month).  It’s also popular with sailors using their own transport.

Contributed by Elisa from  World in Paris

Despite being part of the European Community, the Eurasian country Georgia is still a laid-back nation living in a kind of nutshell, where things go slowly, English is rarely spoken and it offers a true feel of off the beaten path travel.

Georgia is an ex-Soviet Union country, surrounded by the magnificent Caucasus mountains and with a rich history and heritage. In addition, wine and food (especially the staples) are great in Georgia so it is the kind of country which seems to have it all on a relatively small surface.

Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, is a lively city with a rich past and a cool vibe. The city has many interesting sights to keep visitors entertained for a while but also fancy restaurants, trendy bars, and art galleries. From Tbilisi, there are many interesting places to explore on day trips from the capital and it is relatively easy to travel around thanks to its system of shared vans.

In Georgia visitors are never far from the mountains and there are many possible day or multi-day hikes. Amongst them, the Svaneti multi-day hike is always very popular giving the opportunity to explore this secluded area classed Unesco Heritage thanks to its defensive towers.

The main entrance to Georgia is through the Tbilisi international airport but the connection Tbilisi – Yerevan (Armenia) by land is also very popular.

Contributed by Wendy of Empty Nesters Hit The Road

With three beautiful national parks, an abundance of rare wildlife, and vibrant culture, there is no doubt Rwanda is one of those off the beaten path destinations that should be on everyone’s bucket list. This small country in East Africa is warm, welcoming and eager to share their country with visitors.

One of the highlights of any trip to Rwanda is gorilla trekking . These large primates have never lived in captivity, and can only be found in three countries; Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo. The chance to hike into the rainforest and watch a gorilla family interact is unforgettable.

Other wildlife viewings in Rwanda include golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and many rare species of birds. Most visitors hire a tour company to organize their transportation, accommodations, and activities. 

Most people arrive in the country in the capital city of Kigali. Don’t rush off to the national parks, but allow a day or two to explore the attractions here. Start with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Museum. The museum is a sobering experience but helps visitors understand how much the current citizens have overcome in rebuilding their country. Then continue on to one of the local markets to purchase handmade souvenirs like baskets, shopping bags, and wood carvings. Or head to a local cafe to try the excellent Rwandan coffee.

Finally, don’t leave the country without experiencing a demonstration of traditional dance and music.

Falkland Islands

Contribution by Izzy and Phil of The Gap Decaders

The Falkland Islands is a British Overseas Territory deep in the South Atlantic Ocean around 300 miles east of South America’s Patagonian coast.

The islands are the same distance north from the Antarctic as the UK is south from the Arctic, making them a fascinating, unspoiled and dramatic haven for wildlife.  The islanders will tell you that you can experience four seasons in a day; this is not a place for those seeking five-star luxury but a destination that will invigorate and excite you.

What makes this archipelago of 778 islands so special is the infinite wilderness, the vast soft sandy beaches untouched by tourism and the welcoming hospitality of the Falkland Islanders. The perfect blend for your off the beaten track holidays. 

The population of 3,400 people is centered around Port Stanley (known locally as Stanley), with a few hundred people choosing to live and work in ‘camp’.

Camp describes anything that is not Stanley and often involves a long and challenging 4WD trip or a quick hop in a local six-seater Islander plane, where you might land in a field full of sheep!

Getting to this off the beaten path travel destination is not easy and involves a flight from the UK via Cape Verde or Chile, often taking over 24 hours.

But the Falkland Islands is a once-in-a-lifetime destination and so these challenges are easily overcome.  People visit for the wildlife, which you will find in abundance.

Orcas, Elephant Seals, Sea Lions and five breeds of penguin are a daily occurrence; be within touching distance of some of the most fascinating creatures on earth.

Watch king penguins waddle past you as they saunter down the beach at Volunteer Point, looking for all the world like two people having a chat!

Fly over to Sea Lion Island for up-close views of Elephant Seals and Sea Lions; visit at the right time and you can watch the Elephant Seal bulls bloodily fighting for their lady loves on the beach.

Head out on a whale-watching trip across the endless ocean; no fewer than seventeen species of whale have been recorded here.

If you love nature in the raw, huge vistas and enormous skies, star-gazing with zero light pollution, and travel off the beaten path, then you should visit the Falkland Islands. Visit once and this place will stay with you forever.

Contributed by Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

Eswatini is so far off the beaten track that most people have never even heard of the country. Of course, that’s in part because it’s only been officially called that since April 2018, when the king changed the name of the country from the British colonial name of “Swaziland” to the equivalent in the local language, “Eswatini”, which also means “land of the Swazis”.

But even before the name change, this tiny country of 1.3 million people nestled between South Africa and Mozambique was not on most travelers’ radar.

It wasn’t on mine either, and I consider myself to be a pretty intrepid traveler. When my husband and I planned our three-month trip around southern Africa, the itinerary we made included South Africa, Mozambique and six other countries in the region, but not Eswatini.

It was only once we were already in South Africa and someone told us about an incredible festival coming up in Eswatini that we decided at the last minute to go there.

That festival was  Umhlanga, sometimes called the “Reed Dance” in English , and it was indeed spectacular and offbeat travel experience.

Up to 100,000 girls and unmarried young women come from all corners of the country to pay homage the Queen Mother and dance in traditional costume before the royal family. If you are in the area around late August or early September, don’t miss it!

But even if your travel dates don’t coincide with Umhlanga, it’s still worth visiting this largely unknown country to experience Swazi culture.

Local hostels and hotels offer plenty of activities to explore the culture and the landscape. You can even hike up Sibebe Rock, the second-largest granite monolith in the world after Uluru in Australia.

Just be warned that it’s very steep, and going up is much easier than coming back down, especially when it’s raining!

Contributed by Samantha of Intentional Detours

Until Spring 2019, visiting Pakistan was difficult. Visas could cost upwards of $300 for a measly 30 days, and many parts of the country were off-limits to foreign tourists- or required one to be accompanied by a security guard at all times.

These days though?

Visas can be obtained for YEARS at a time, significantly more of the country is open to foreigners, and many new hotels and hostels have been opened to accommodate backpackers. But why else should you visit Pakistan?

Though I haven’t been to every country in the world, I can soundly say that it will be hard for anywhere else to come close to this one.

First and foremost, Pakistanis are some of the most hospitable people I’ve ever encountered. During my four months in the country, strangers offered my partner and I everything from conversation, to places to sleep, to multi-course meals on holidays.

A deep rooted cultural belief is that “guests are a gift from Allah (God)”  and trust me- there was not a day that went by where we weren’t treated as such.

Pakistan is also blessed with insane natural beauty and more historical sites than you can imagine. Lahore is a can’t miss city- it’s bursting at the seams with centuries’ old forts, shrines and mosques AND happens to be a foodie heaven. Lahore’s thousands of street carts and restaurants can often be found open late into the night.

As for the mountains, Pakistan’s most popular region is Hunza, a district in Gilgit-Baltistan and home to some epic sights like Nanga Prabat (the 9 th  highest mountain in the world), the Passu Cones, Attabad Lake and more. The Hunza region is quite liberal and used to seeing tourists – making travel there easy and straight forward.

I also highly recommend visiting the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, which is home to dreamy places like Swat Valley and the yet-to-be-explored villages of its Upper Chitral district.

Though the districts of KPK are much more conservative than those of Hunza, their inhabitants might be some of the most hospitable in all of Pakistan! Plus, you’ll see a fraction of the number of tourists you’ll see over in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Contributed by Kami of My Wanderlust

Armenia is one of the most beautiful yet not so popular off the beaten track destinations in the Caucasus that offers so much to tourists. There are so many great  places to visit in Armenia .

Yerevan, the cosmopolitan and vibrant capital, numerous old monasteries, quirky attractions, and stunning landscape! When you go to Armenia be sure to spend at least two days in Yerevan to enjoy interesting museums, amazing cafe scene, and cool city life.

Armenia was the first country in the world that adopted Christianity, in the year 301. This is why you will find so many beautiful monasteries all over the country. My personal favorites are Noravank, south of Yerevan, and Sanahin and Haghpat, in the north of the country. But no matter which one you decide to see, you will be impressed for sure.

The country also has its own alphabet, a very pretty but confusing one. On the side of the road north of Yerevan, you can find the monument with massive Armenian letters – it is such a fun place to see!

However, the vibrant capital or amazing monuments aren’t the only reasons why it’s worth visiting Armenia. You can eat some of the most delicious food you will ever try!

Armenia is known for its fresh ingredients making each dish simply amazing. The country is getting more and more popular, especially now, with low-cost airlines flying there. Go there as soon as possible and fall in love.

Contributed by Amit of OutKite

Tajikistan is known for its high mountain chain, nature, Tajik culture and civilization, and delicious Tajik cuisine. One of the highest mountain ranges in the world – Pamir range has been attracting travelers for its trekking.

Pamir Highway will give you the best of driving and adventurous experience. This country is a must-visit for all those who want to take a break and unwind themselves in the solitude of the natural wilderness.

The capital city of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, is home to a rich culture and it’s also the economic and the political hub of the entire country apart from being the largest city in Tajikistan.

Tajikistan has always been a prominent country because of Pamir highway, the world’s second-highest international highway, which has been in use for thousands of years and a part of the ancient silk road. The road that goes through the Pamir mountains is the perfect gateway for cyclists and road trip lovers. The Pamir Highway refers to a section of the M41 that runs only between Khorog and Osh.

Khujand and its surrounding mountains were a welcoming change of scenery from Uzbekistan’s desert landscapes, it is an interesting place for those that love history and culture. Currently, it is the second-largest city in Tajikistan after Dushanbe.

Contributed by Margherita of The Crowded Planet

Ethiopia had been on my radar for ages, so I was very surprised when I hardly saw any tourists around the country.  Ethiopia  has so much to offer, that with two full weeks in the country I barely had time to scratch the surface.

The country is also tremendously big, home to stunning landscapes, millenary culture, churches, and more. The ‘big-ticket’ attractions in Ethiopia are the UNESCO-listed rock-cut churches of Lalibela, but even nicer are the rock churches in the Tigray region, close to the Eritrean border.

A favorite was Abuna Yemata Guh, built on top of a rock spire, and only accessible if you rock-climb! Needless to say, there were only about a dozen other tourists visiting. 

Another unmissable place in Ethiopia is the Danakil Depression, a desert located below sea level, where you can spend a night camping next to an active volcano, then see geysers, hydrothermal pools, acidic springs, and crazy rock formations the following day. 

Infrastructure and accommodation in many parts of Ethiopia are still pretty basic. Locals are actively involved in every aspect of tourism, from guiding to hospitality, and very few foreign operators work in the country. As a result, you can be sure that your tourist dollars will benefit locals directly – which is reason enough to visit!

READ: Benefits of sustainable tourism

Contributed by Liza of Tripsget

One of the most unique off-the-beaten-path destinations to visit in 2020 is Bhutan. Bhutan is a small Buddhist country located between Tibet and India. Most of the famous landmarks in Bhutan are located on the elevation of at least 2 km above the sea level.

Bhutan also has one of the most dangerous airports in the world and only about 12 pilots are allowed to land in Paro airport. However, don’t let it put you off from visiting this beautiful country. 

Bhutan has beautiful nature (yes, you can also go trekking the Himalayas in Bhutan, not only in Nepal); architecture and amazingly friendly people.

Bhutan is also very authentic – you can travel around the country and see people wearing traditional outfits and keeping their traditions and customs alive.

Bhutan also has great food – it’s not similar to Indian or Tibetian food and it’s also extremely spicy. If you love spicy food – Bhutan would be your heaven! 

The most famous and impressive place in Bhutan is Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest – a monastery, located on top of a cliff, at over 3 km above the sea level. To get there, you need to hike for about 3 hours, but the experience and the views are well worth it. 

To visit Bhutan, you need to buy a tour in advance (unless you’re from India or Bangladesh). Long tours could be pricy, however, even  4 days in Bhutan are great to get a grasp of the country and fall in love with Bhutan.

Find the best eco-friendly backpacks for your trip here .

Takeaways from traveling off the beaten path

After reading about all these incredible offbeat destinations, there are a few takeaways I would like to highlight.

First of all, there is so much unbelievable undiscovered beauty around the world, so I don’t understand why everyone has to travel to the same few places and create overtourism while other places like the above hardly receive any tourism at all.

Why people’s travel habits are so clustered to certain destinations while others remain unexplored, remains a myth to me. Though I’m guilty of it too!

Traveling off the beaten path will give you a lot of positive surprises and incredible experiences. People seem to be more friendly as they are not experiencing the negative effects of mass tourism. Locals like to help travelers and show them the best part of their country.

With fewer tourists around it’s easier to immerse yourself in the real local culture as there are not too many tourist shops and staged cultural shows stealing your attention.

Often you hear bad things about a country in the media while traveling there shows a completely different story.

When traveling off the beaten path you will enjoy outer-worldly places without the crowds! Can you imagine anything better?

Are you ready to book your flights? Go ahead and do it!

Do you have any other takeaways to share, or have you been to another less-visited country that deserves more responsible travelers to visit? I would love to hear about it in the comments!

Pin it for later!

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4 thoughts on “ 25 off the beaten path travel destinations – underrated countries you should travel to now! ”

Really great post. You educated us. Thanks so much. Guiana is on our radar for next year. Cheers!

Thank you so much! I’m glad you learned something new 🙂 Guiana seems incredible! Definitely on my never-ending bucket list! Looking forward to hearing about your trip there!

Good night! I am totally in love with this article as such topic as responsible traveling is neatly connected to your suggestion of traveling through off the beaten path.It is very important always to respect the environment you are staying at, and you will always be respected back. Furthermore, thank you for noticing Kazakhstan as one of your must-visit-destinations, I have spent almost a half of my childhood in this country of endlessly kind people and magnificent nature.

Thank you Anna! What a wonderful place to spend your childhood! I can’t wait to explore Kazakhstan:)

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The 10 Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations to Visit in 2022

Alene Laney

Alene Laney is a freelance writer covering real estate, personal finance, and travel. She lives in the Southwest with her husband, four boys, and German Shepherd.

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During the pandemic, many travelers from the U.S. were looking for easy escapes, usually to Hawaii or Mexico. That left many places off-the-beaten path even more uncrowded and enjoyable to visit. The Galapagos. The Azores. Even places that traditionally attract more tourists, like Egypt, have had fewer crowds recently. If you want to travel somewhere without the usual throng of tourists, you may want to put one of these places on your list for 2022. 

The Galapagos, Ecuador

With the limited number of visitors to the Galapagos, travelers have had a better opportunity to see the best part of the Galapagos: wild nature. While the Galapagos has always been careful about keeping their national park unspoiled, the slow down of tourists from the pandemic has made the experience even better. Fewer people means more active wildlife, resulting in better sightings for travelers who do make it to this remote part of the world. 

Sumatra, Indonesia 

While tourists flock to Sumatra’s more famous island neighbor, Bali, you’ll see fewer people–not to mention better prices–in nearby Sumatra. Sumatra has picturesque rice paddies, volcanoes, waterfalls and wildlife unlike anywhere else in the world. Carly Day, a local and founder of the travel blog Exploring Sumatra , touts the uncrowded nature of the large island, “Even the most beautiful and famous of locations are never crowded, and unique enough to make other travelers sit up and take notice with slight envy as they struggle to take a selfie in an overrated, crowded Bali temple.”

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The Azores, Portugal

The Azores, an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the Atlantic, are known for their unspoiled beauty. There are black, volcanic cliffs surrounded by lush, green valleys lined by stunning clusters of thriving hydrangeas. Visitors can hike volcanic craters above clear lakes. The islands are also known as one of the best places for whale and dolphin watching. 

Petra, Jordan

The country of Jordan hosts one of the wonders of the world: the city of Petra. While this location is normally crawling with tourists and the path has been very well-trodden, the pandemic turned this incredible area into a ghost town. Visitors to the city carved into the red sandstone landscape currently experience it without the number of tourists that once frequented the place. Yet, the numbers of tourists are increasing as restrictions ease and travel returns to normal. You may want to visit before tourism to this incredible location returns in full force. 

The Philippines

The Philippines are composed of more than 7,000 islands with unspoiled beauty and welcoming people. The rice terraces of Ifugao will make you feel like you’re in another place and time–and you won’t see many tourists around to crowd you out. The cities are bustling and the beaches are second to none. 

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Looking for a unique experience away from it all? Try Armenia. “Armenia is a nation of ancient history and sprawling landscapes, away from the hustle and bustle of a more modern world,” says Tara Fitzgerald of OROKO Holidays . “Well-preserved medieval monasteries are scattered across the isolated scenery of Armenia’s countryside, closely followed by the dramatically beautiful landscapes of steep valleys, soaring mountains and alpine lakes.” 

The small monastery of Khor Virap offers the best views of Mount Ararat across the Turkish border, Fitzgerald relates. 

Malta has an incredible amount of history and beauty to enjoy. For architecture lovers, the old, ancient walled city of Mdina is a delight. The city is built on the highest point of the island and houses a large number of baroque and medieval palaces. It’s called “The Silent City” and only 250 residents are lucky enough to call this place home. The island nation also houses the oldest stone structures in the world and unique diving excursions.   

Peter Grubb, founder and guide for ROW Adventures , visited Turkey in late 2021 and says busy places like the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sofia in Istanbul are open, quiet and welcoming. 

“Cappadocia was like a ghost town, but businesses are eager to see tourists, and getting on a hot air balloon ride or any activity is readily available,” he says. “Yachting tours along the southwest coasts are a dream as bays are not crowded with boats and trails through olive groves and Greco-Roman ruins are empty. The food remains delectable as ever and the old saying that ‘to call a Turk hospitable is redundant’ is true now more than ever.”

The 9 Best Cheap Destinations to Visit in 2022

Digital nomad Katelynn Sortino recommends Morocco as the COVID situation is now stable, but tourism has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. She says, “Many tourist destinations are still pretty empty and those in the tourism sector are eager to greet guests to this beautiful country.”

“There’s a ton of history, distinct culture and art, plus loads of stunning outdoor activities. You can go to the Sahara desert for a camel ride or quad ride, take a hot air balloon ride over the Atlas Mountains, surf on the many beautiful beaches, or simply enjoy the ancient medinas.”

Wait in line for a tourist attraction? Not here. Even before the pandemic, travelers to Belize could take a picture of a Mayan ruin without a slew of tourists in the background. Belize also offers some of the best diving anywhere. With clear waters and the second largest barrier reef in the world, going underwater here is a must.

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35 Unusual Holiday Destinations for Alternative Travellers

The very best quirky, unconventional and unusual holiday destinations for travellers who love to go their own way.

Do you consider yourself an unconventional tourist, or are you happy enough to stick to the path well travelled?

‘Off the beaten track’ is one of the most overused phrases in travel writing. In this day and age, there are few destinations truly worthy of such a title. But it’s also true that there’s never been a better time to break from the crowd and travel off the radar.

Also read: 25 best alternative city breaks in Europe .

Some of these holiday destinations are considered unusual because they’re remote and difficult to reach. Others have a harsh climate or are misunderstood, while some are simply overlooked for more touristy alternatives.

Whether it’s pristine nature, complete solitude or authentic cultural encounters you seek, this list has something for you. Compiled by a list of expert travellers, each of these places is utterly underrated and more than worthy of your consideration as an alternative holiday destination.

Browse the full list or use the links below to find a favourite.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

35 unusual holiday destinations that should be on your radar

With the help of my favourite travel bloggers, I scoured every continent to find the best unusual travel destinations worthy of a mention. Here’s what we came up with!

If you have anything more to add, please leave your suggestions in the comments section at the end!

1. Azerbaijan, the land of fire

Editor’s choice

Azerbaijan is a strong contender for the world’s most underrated holiday destination.

Compared to its more-popular neighbours, Georgia and Armenia , Azerbaijan’s relatively strict visa policy has been a deterrent for many travellers. But an e-visa introduced in 2017 now makes it easier than ever to travel to Azerbaijan .

Baku, the biggest city, is one of the most curious capitals in the world . Enriched by decades of oil wealth, it boasts ambitious architecture and large-scale civic projects including the Bulvar, a massive seaside boulevard along the Caspian, and the world’s largest flag pole. Icherisheher , Old Baku’s historic core, is a complete contrast, with its Zoroastrian tower and stone caravanserais.

Beyond the city, the otherworldly landscape of the Absheron Peninsula includes mud volcanoes and flaming hillsides (a result of all that subterranean oil). Go mountain hiking, visit the small towns of Guba and Lahic where artisans ply their traditional trades, and visit Sheki , home of the legendary UNESCO Site , the Palace of the Sheki Khans.

2. Oman, for a Middle Eastern road trip

The Middle East is the last place most people think of when planning a road trip. But Oman is the perfect place for self-driving.

New highways, cheap fuel and a surplus of things to see make this the perfect spot for an adventurous holiday. If you’re on a budget , you’ll be pleased to know that it’s perfectly legal to pitch a tent almost anywhere you fancy in Oman. A night of glamping in one of the country’s desert camps is also a must.

Start your road trip in Muscat, where you’ll find Oman’s premier cultural institutions and the lively Muttrah Souq, before making your way down the coast. At Ras Al Jinz, the easternmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula, you can visit one of the world’s most active turtle nesting sights.

Inland, Oman offers sweeping deserts, dramatic mountains and valleys for hiking, and a variety of historic fortresses. Drop into some of the many wadis and sinkholes as you go to cool off from the desert heat.

Don’t judge Oman by it’s location on the map – this is an overwhelmingly safe, relatively budget-friendly and abundantly beautiful country with a strong tradition of hospitality and a vibrant, well-preserved cultural heritage.

3. The far north of Vietnam

Aside from super-popular Sapa and Bac Ha , far Northern-Vietnam is home to a number of lesser-visited national parks and alternative trekking spots. Second or third-time visitors to Vietnam should prioritise spending time in the north.

Ha Giang and Pu Luong both offer underrated landscapes largely free of crowds, while the charming colonial port city of Hai Phong has a similar vibe to Hanoi but with a much slower pace of life. Picking tea in Thai Nguyen, trekking in Moc Chau during spring bloom or tea-picking season , taking a boat out on Ba Be Lake and gazing up at the vertiginous rice terraces around Son La are just a few of the totally unique experiences you can have in Northern Vietnam.

Treat yourself to a local homestay while you’re there – this is far and away the best strategy to get an inside look at some of Vietnam’s many ethnic minority cultures. In Da Bac , yet another hidden gem in the far-north, you can stay with the community in traditional wooden houses while using the small villages as a base for trekking.

4. Transnistria, a breakaway state in Eastern Europe

By Luda from Adventures with Luda

Transnistria is an unconventional travel destination for two reasons. First, it’s referred to as ‘a country that doesn’t exist’. Even though it has its own constitution, army, currency, and citizenship, no other sovereign nation actually recognises it as such.

Secondly, Transnistria feels as though it’s stuck in time thanks to the Soviet posters, Lenin statues and 60s-style Khrushchyovka buildings sprinkled around town. Many travellers have called it a ‘Communist theme park’ because of how well-preserved everything is.

Transnistria is the perfect place for travellers who are interested in Soviet history and off-the-beaten-path experiences. It’s easy to reach from Chisinau, Moldova or Odessa, Ukraine and can be part of a day trip or a longer journey.

The majority of things to do in Transnistria are in Tiraspol, the capital. Start off with a walk along October 25th Street, the main road that runs through the city, before stopping at the colourful House of Soviets. See the historical moments on Suvorov Square and take a peek inside the City Library, which still has its Soviet-era murals.

5. Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital

By Helen from Helen on her Holidays

Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is the world’s last divided capital city.

Since 1983, the city has been split by the ‘Green Line’, a border between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus.

The border was completely sealed and crossed only by UN peacekeeping forces for decades, but in 2008 the restrictions were relaxed. Today it’s possible to visit both parts of Nicosia . The border crossing and distinct character of the two sides of Nicosia make it one of the world’s most unusual city breaks.

The Greek-speaking Republic side of the border is much like other European capitals, with Starbucks, McDonalds and H&M all present. But at the end of the main shopping street there’s a border crossing, and if you cross into North Nicosia it’s immediately clear that you’ve stepped into a completely different culture.

Both sides of Nicosia have interesting sights, but North Nicosia has the edge in atmosphere and attractions. Don’t miss the stunning mosque set in a former cathedral and the medieval caravanserai.

6. Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, a hidden gem in Canada

By Lee & Stacey from One Trip at a Time

Most visitors to Nova Scotia will likely visit Halifax, the South Shore, or drive the Cabot Trail. Those who are a little more adventurous might hike the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton , part of the coastal road that encircles the island.

If you’re looking for somewhere less travelled, check out the Annapolis Valley , which may be more than you expect!

History buffs will find places to learn about this part of Canada including the Grand-Pré, a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the tragic story of Acadian expulsion, and Port-Royal, the first European settlement in Canada founded in 1605.

Food and wine lovers can savour the flavours of the region: Taste hand-picked berries, take a wine tour and tasting at one of the many vineyards, and try the apples the Valley is known for. Locals have been celebrating the annual Apple Blossom Festival here since 1933.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to love. You can go whale watching in the Bay of Fundy, hike along coastal cliffs or forest trails leading to waterfalls, or canoe and back-country camp in one of the province’s parks or wilderness areas.

All of this is just a taste of what this vibrant region of Nova Scotia has to offer.

7. Mississippi Gulf Coast, the ‘secret coast’

By Charles from McCool Travel

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is one of America’s most underrated destinations and should top every intrepid traveller’s wish list.

This relatively undiscovered area – also called Coastal Mississippi (or The Secret Coast) – is located between New Orleans and Mobile Alabama, and highlighted by gorgeous beaches (with magnificent sunrises and sunsets), abundant waterways, fresh seafood, and a quirky culture.

Popular Coastal Mississippi outdoor activities centre around the USA’s largest man-made beach and largest free-flowing river. At 26 miles wide and 200 feet deep, the continuous beach from Pass Christian to Biloxi is a constant enticement for travellers on the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway. Explore the Pascagoula River on a guided McCoy’s Swamp Tour or rented kayak from Pascagoula River Audubon Center.

Mississippi Gulf Coast is a wonderfully unique and rare coastal ecosystem because of its magnificent live oak trees which magically enhance its two phenomenal small beach towns, Ocean Springs and Bay St Louis.

During your Coastal Mississippi visit, try every version of shrimp and grits and savour as many sunsets as you can.

8. Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, the ‘singing sands’

By Dean and Laynni from Routinely Nomadic

Despite being the most popular destination in Mongolia (which really isn’t saying much considering how few tourists make it there), most travellers still know very little about the sprawling natural beauty of the Gobi Desert .

Fascinating and diverse, it features an impressively desolate and atmospheric desert, along with the 300-metre high ‘singing sands’ of Khongoryn Els, the tallest and most picturesque of the country’s extensive series of wild sand dunes. But there is far more to the Gobi than just desert.

The most efficient way to visit is by rustic-but-adventurous jeep tour. On a typical 7-day, 6-night excursion, you can try horseback riding through the steppes and camel riding through the dunes, enjoy cosy nights and typical Mongolian BBQ in traditional gers , and explore the Flaming Cliffs, the Olgiid Khiid monastery, Yolyn Am gorge, and the deceptively named White Stupa (which is actually a set of stupa-like rocks).

Needless to say, the Gobi Desert has a little something for everyone, except maybe those looking for a decent toilet.

9. Lithuania, a history buff’s dream

By Monica from This Rare Earth

Lithuania is a little-known country in Eastern Europe filled with castles and forests, shore line and old-town charm.

The capital city of Vilnius was the first of four places in Lithuania to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. A charming blend of old and new, Vilnius is a city of contradictions that any traveller can fall in love with.

Many of the notable sights in Vilnius, Lithuania are completely free to visit. St. Anne’s Church offers an amazing example of architecture, with its stunning gothic-style facade, and the Cathedral Square with its tall white bell tower is stunning. So much of the city’s history can be discovered on a walk around Old Town Vilnius .

An extensive bus system covers the country and can take you to locations such as Trakai Castle, the port town of Klaipeda, and – reachable by ferry – the unbelievable Curonian Spit.

Thirty percent of the country is covered with forest and nature. Between the unspoiled wilderness and the charm of the historical cities, there is truly something for everyone in unexpected Lithuania!

10. The Bahamas Out Islands, an unconventional island paradise

By Jackie from Enjoy Travel Life

If you’re thinking of a tropical getaway to the Caribbean but feel discouraged by overcrowded beaches and towering resort chains, look to The Bahamas Out Islands. This collection of small islands south of the popular Grand Bahamas offers deserted beaches, unspoiled nature and secluded bungalows.

Here you’ll find an exclusive, unconventional island paradise.

Perhaps you’ve heard about The Abacos or Eleuthera, but as you travel further south along the archipelago, the islands become almost unknown: Cat Island , Crooked Island and Ackins each offer unique island beauty. 

You’ll enjoy the laid-back beach vibe, fruity rum drinks and delicious Bahamian seafood dishes – try Conch and Grouper! If you’re seeking more adventure, you can scuba dive along the islands’ rich coral reef or kayak through the mangroves. You might even try bonefishing or wind-sailing.

Be sure to pack several bathing suits and leave your laptop behind. While some resorts may have Wi-Fi in the common areas, it’s spotty at best. Rest assured, there’s no better place for a digital detox.

11. The High Canadian Arctic

By Mikaela from Voyageur Tripper

Nunavut is a seldom traveled destination, but one that deserves a place on any traveller’s bucket list. The largest territory in Canada, Nunavut covers one fifth of the country and extends into the High Arctic, nearly reaching the North Pole.

This land is vast, characterised by rolling tundra and meandering icebergs, ragged cliffs and frozen sea ice. As one of the most remote regions on the globe, activities out on the land are varied and plentiful, including snowmobiling, dog sledding, hiking and kayaking.

Travellers on a budget can explore the capital city of Iqaluit and experience a taste of life north of the 60th parallel. Those with larger budgets can join wildlife safaris and witness wild animals including polar bears, narwhals, beluga, walrus and caribou.

Regardless of the type of trip, any time in Nunavut will leave you craving more. Its magical environment is one that lingers long after the flight home has landed.

12. Lichtenstein, a tiny country with big heart

By Derek & Mike from Robe Trotting

An amazing destination in Europe that doesn’t attract a lot of tourism is the micro-state of Liechtenstein. One reason this tiny country is so unconventional is the fact that it’s doubly land-locked by Austria and Switzerland. It’s also a mere 25 kilometres long. 

While it may lack territory, there are surprisingly a lot of things to do in Liechtenstein . There are five castles to visit, two of which have been fully restored and three more that are ruins. The royal family also maintains a vineyard and wine cellar in Vaduz, the largest city and capital. Visitors can enjoy a walk-in tasting and wine dinners can be arranged for larger groups. 

In Liechtenstein you’ll also discover beautiful natural wonders. Hiking is one of the most popular activities and Eschnerberg Trail is one of the most-hiked trails in the entire region. The views of the Alpine Rhine and mountains are reason enough to visit Liechtenstein.

13. Iran, the home of hospitality

By Coni from Experiencing the Globe

Iran is often portrayed in the media as a dangerous destination, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s one of the most diverse countries in the world, which makes it a great destination for any kind of traveller.

In Iran, you’ll find rich history, nature, architecture, culture and adventure. But what defines this country is its people. The hospitality you experience has no comparison; it’s simply reason enough to book a ticket.

The country is big, so dedicate as much time as possible to explore it. In a couple of weeks, you can fit in the main sights: Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, the Silk Road city of Shiraz and Persepolis. If you have more time, add Kerman and the Lut desert to the list, the ancient citadels of Rayen and Bam, and Qeshm and Hormuz islands for stunning nature.

If you want to go absolutely off the beaten path and experience the nation’s hospitality at its very best, also include Iranian Kurdistan in your itinerary.

14. Iraqi Kurdistan, a diverse corner of the Middle East

By Diana from The Globetrotting Detective

Iraqi Kurdistan  is not a well-known travel destination due to the negative portrayal and misconceptions fuelled by the media. First of all, it’s crucial that we understand that Iraqi Kurdistan is an autonomous region recognised by the Republic of Iraq.

It means that Iraqi Kurdistan has its own borders and their own government and military. Therefore, when you hear something about Iraq in the news, that’s most probably not valid for Iraqi Kurdistan.

To see the reality, we have to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraqi Kurdistan, similarly to Iran, is an extremely safe travel destination.

The first thing that you will learn about in Iraqi Kurdistan is Kurdish hospitality. Hospitality is definitely running in the veins of Kurdish people. They cherish their visitors like a precious jewel and treat them with utmost respect and care. People are so friendly and deeply kind that Iraqi Kurdistan will just get under your skin and you will not want to leave. One feeling that this place can give visitors is that the world would be a much better place just by simply being kind to each other.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, there are tons of mind-blowing places to visit.

Kurdistan offers a plethora of natural beauties such as the Rawanduz Canyon, Halgurd Mountain and Dukan Lake which are perfect hiking destinations as well. You can also witness a lot of cultural diversity in Iraqi Kurdistan. You can learn about Muslim, Christian and Yazidi cultures.

The capital, Erbil, is one of the oldest cities in the world where you can find historical sites, old bazaars, cosy cafés where you can get to know friendly locals.

Some of the oldest Christian monasteries of the world, namely Mar Mattai Monastery and the Rabban Hormizd Monastery are to be found in Iraqi Kurdistan. Another iconic and very important cultural site is Lalish, the most sacred place of the followers of Yazidi faith, where you can only enter barefoot.

15. Pakistan, mother nature at her finest

By Samantha from Intentional Detours

Pakistan might just be the most underrated holiday destination in the world. Dozens of record-breaking mountain peaks, lush green valleys, hundreds of kilometres of coastline, a rich cuisine that constantly awes the tastebuds – plus some of the friendliest people in the world – all make this South Asian destination a traveller’s dream.

Perhaps the best thing about Pakistan is that it yet remains mostly undiscovered by foreign tourists. Though numbers are steadily increasing, it’s not uncommon to go weeks without meeting a fellow foreigner when you’re on the road.

Pakistan’s mountains are its crown jewel, and no trip to the country would be complete with a visit to Gilgit Baltistan. Though the Hunza district gets all the glory, don’t be afraid to get a bit off the beaten path and explore places like Ghizer Valley, a beautiful hamlet filled with the bluest lakes and rivers you could ever dream of.

It’s easy to get lost in the mountains, but skipping out on Pakistan’s historical places would be akin to a crime. The country boasts thousands of years of human history, and cities such as Lahore reveal pieces of the Mughal Era everywhere, from the 300-year-old mosques to summer pavilions, tombs, and vast gardens.

The southern province of Sindh is also teeming with historically and culturally important sites and should not be missed, especially when it cools down come October.

16. Sumba, a Bali alternative

By Sarah from Hotels & Hand Luggage

Sumba is a relatively unknown Indonesian island that’s just an hour and a half flight from Bali.

The landscape is teeming with beautiful photo spots including deserted beaches, dancing trees, rolling hills, traditional villages and hidden lagoons. Unlike Bali however, it’s likely you’ll arrive at these enchanting places without any other tourists around.

Sumba is larger than Bali so hiring a driver is a must if you want to make the most of your time here. The island is divided into east and west, with the locals on each side holding different ancient traditions.

There aren’t many hotel options on the island and most offerings are still very basic, but the lack of comfort is worth it to experience a place still steeped in tradition. One accommodation option well worth a visit is Maringi Eco Resort by Sumba Hospitality Foundation, a small, eco-friendly hotel and restaurant that trains young Sumbanese students in hospitality.

17. Small-town Slovakia, one of the most unusual holiday destinations in Central Europe

By Kami from Kami & the Rest of the World

Slovakia isn’t exactly the most popular country in Europe Even if tourists decide to visit, they usually only go to the capital city, Bratislava. But Slovakia has so much more to offer. There are so many amazing yet lesser-known places to visit in Slovakia that you should visit before everyone else does.

While Bratislava is a nice place to see, the second-largest city, Kosice offers even more attractions – from historical monuments to amazing cultural spaces and a wonderful food scene.

In Slovakia, you can find one of the most beautiful and impressive mountain ranges in Europe, the High Tatras, with its highest peak Gerlachovský štít at 2,655 metres AMSL. The nearby Spiš Castle is one of the largest castles in Central Europe and a truly remarkable site.

If you like to visit charming Central European towns, you’ll find plenty of them in Slovakia. Bardejov, Banska Stiavnica and Levoca are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

18. Grenada beyond the beach, for a unique holiday in the Caribbean

By Michele from A Taste for Travel

Although famous for its white-sand beaches, this fertile mountainous island might be one of the most overlooked destinations in the Caribbean when it comes to outdoor adventure and cuisine. And while beautiful Grand Anse beach does deserve its many accolades, unconventional travellers will discover it’s well worth exploring beyond Grenada’s beaches.

Top things to do include trekking to sky-high crater lakes, jumping into Concord Waterfall or snorkelling among coral-draped statues within the Underwater Sculpture Museum. After a full day of outdoor adventure, it’s possible to relax in comfort at one of the luxury hotels in Grenada where accommodation options include beach bungalows with plunge pools, hilltop suites and contemporary villas overlooking the sea.

Unlike other destinations in the Caribbean where all-inclusive resorts promote mass tourism, many of Grenada’s hotels are independently owned and operated. They offer travellers a way to experience the island’s unique rhythm, character and local cuisine.

Must-try dishes and drinks to try when visiting the ‘Spice of the Caribbean’ include rum punch topped with freshly-grated island nutmeg, oil down (a hearty stew featuring callaloo, root vegetables, coconut milk and chicken), bean-to-bar chocolate and doubles, a savoury spiced snack.

19. Chile’s Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth

By Dalya from Sweet Little Journey

If you love extreme, unique and completely remote holiday destinations, the Atacama Desert should definitely be on your list.

Located on the northern tip of Chile and spanning over 40,000 square-miles, this is the driest place on Earth. Walking through the landscape will make you feel like you’re treading on a completely different planet. In fact, given its uncanny similarity to the surface of Mars, NASA uses this terrain to simulate conditions when testing their rovers!

Aside from the extraterrestrial landscapes, you’ll find various volcanoes, red and pink lagoons , salt lagoons, alpine lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. There’s only one small town in this whole desert, San Pedro de Atacama , which serves as the perfect home base for exploring all the different attractions here.

Given that there are no other settlements for many miles aside from San Pedro, the Atacama Desert has the clearest night skies on Earth.

20. Tajikistan’s Kulikalon Valley, prime hiking country

By Stephen from MonkBoughtLunch

Tajikistan’s Kulikalon Valley is off the beaten track even for a relatively un-touristed country. While most international travellers head primarily to the Pamir Mountains in the east of the country, the Fann Mountains in the northwest offer just as much in terms of scenery – and are arguably even better for trekking.

Of all the treks in the region, camping in Kulilkalon is one of the most popular – and for good reason. A string of sparkling mountain lakes that stretch across Kulikalon are fed by glacial streams that run down the valley, and on every side towering snow-capped peaks and a handful of beautiful glaciers dominate the view.

Though transport options are limited and expensive in rural Tajikistan, Kulikalon is made even more attractive by proximity to a rough road. It’s possible to hike up and back as a day trip from the nearby Artuch camp or to make a multi-day trek over the Alaudin Pass and down to the eponymous lake below, returning to a different trailhead in the Alaudin Valley or pushing on deeper into the heart of the Fann Mountains.

21. Asturias, Spain’s cheese capital

By Dagney from Cultura Obscura

The Asturias region of Northern Spain is definitely one of the most underrated parts of this otherwise highly touristed country.

For visitors from outside of Spain, the most likely reason for visiting is the Camino, which passes through the Asturian countryside. In general, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. The countryside is full of picturesque towns and beautiful lakes.

However, there is so much more to see and do here. Foodies in particular will love Asturias. The region produces over 50 different cheeses, while nearly every town and city has at least one local cider.

Oviedo, the capital of the region, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just outside the city, you’ll find La Iglesia Skate, a church that’s been converted into a skate park and is full of beautiful, vibrant paintings.

In Gijón , another major Asturian city in Spain , you can visit the Universidad Laboral, the biggest building in Spain, or head to the International Bagpipe Museum.

22. Palestine, the heart of the Middle East

By Claudia from My Adventures Across The World

Palestine is a terribly underrated destination, and many who travel to the Middle East decide not to visit for fear that it may be dangerous or unwelcoming. It’s actually quite the other way around.

People in Palestine are the epitome of friendly, and they go above and beyond to make visitors feel like guests of honour. Add to that the rich, intricate history, the archeological sites, the natural wonders and the delicious food (and even wine and beer!), and it’s easy to see why this is a place you should not skip when you’re in the region.

Among the highlights of visiting Palestine there’s exploring the city of Bethlehem, where you will find the Church of the Holy Nativity, the Chapel of the Milk Grotto and the West Bank Separation Wall that has been adorned with many murals. There also are also a few Banksy pieces scattered around. Not far from Bethlehem, the Israeli-controlled Palace of Herodion is another very interesting site.

Hebron, a city terribly fought over by Jews and Muslims, should also be visited. Similarly, Ramallah – the current administrative centre – is a city thriving with life. Finally, make sure to go to the Baptismal Source at the River Jordan for a truly mystical experience.

The easiest way to get into Palestine is from Jerusalem. Take bus 231 from the bus station near Damascus gate. Be sure to bring your passport with you and the Israeli custom slip you get at the airport, as you’ll need it to get back into Israel to continue your journey.

23. Gopeng, Malaysia’s little-known heritage town

By Marco from Penang Insider

Gopeng is only 20 km south of Ipoh , but it’s shamefully overlooked, notwithstanding being one of West Malaysia’s top adventure eco-tourism destinations.

Set on a bend of the Kampar river, Gopeng is tiny but boasts natural wonders including Gua Tempurung and Gua Kandu, two of the country’s biggest caves, and tall waterfalls such as Ulu Geruntum, a popular abseiling spot. There are plenty of eco-friendly activities around, including stand up paddle boarding and a tree-top obstacle courses offered by Nomad Adventure.

Further inland is Ulu geroh, an orang asli (Malaysian aboriginal) village from where you can strike out on a short trek to see the Rafflesia in bloom. The world’s biggest flower can be a bit smelly, but the packs of rare rajah Brooke butterflies you’ll spot along the way make up for the stink big time.

Back in town, don’t forget to visit the Heritage House for a dive into the area’s colonial history, and the Gopeng Museum for a simple yet informative look at the town’s tin mining past.

24. Bhutan, for time-honoured traditions and unspoiled landscapes

By Sonakshi & Mainak from Places In Pixel

Bhutan is a tiny landlocked country perched in the Himalayas. Due to its location and restrictions around tourism, Bhutan remains an under-explored destination even today. But it’s exactly this reality that makes Bhutan scenically spectacular and a must-visit unconventional destination.

Apart from the usual things to do and places to visit in the major cities of Thimphu, Paro and Punakha, Bhutan has a lot to offer travellers who are willing to try something different. The most unique things to do in Bhutan include:

• Hiking up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery – nestled high on a precarious cliff, it’s said that a Buddhist Master (Guru Rinpoche) flew on a ‘flying tigress’ and meditated here for months.
• Trying Ema Datchi (Chilli Cheese) – the national dish of Bhutan is a deliciously spicy stew made of chilli peppers, onions and locally produced yak cheese.
• Watching the ‘flag down’ ceremony in Thimphu – this takes place every evening at 5pm with great honour and traditional flair.

25. Benin, the birthplace of Voodoo

By Helen from Helen in Wonderlust

Benin is a magical place full of mystery and superstition. Whilst West Africa is a notoriously difficult area to travel to due to the heat, visa restrictions and lack of tourist infrastructure, Benin is an incredibly rewarding destination for the intrepid traveller.

It is also the birthplace of the Voodoo religion.

Voodoo is one of the oldest and most complex religions in the world. It’s often demonised in popular culture, and yet there’s a lot more to this ancient way of life than meets the eye. The word Voodoo itself means ‘spirit’; practitioners believe that everything is alive and connected spiritually.

As well as discovering the ‘secrets’ of Voodoo , there are plenty of other things to do in Benin. You can gain an insight into the trans-Atlantic slave trade on the Route des Enclaves, relax on the beaches of the south coast, see a very different way of life at the Ganvie Stilt Village, and learn about the history of the powerful Dahomey Empire in Abomey. 

Benin is a French-speaking country, therefore having a good understanding of the French language or having a guide that can translate for you is essential.

Go with an open mind and prepare to be blown away.

26. Northern Tunisia, for unusual beach holidays

By Stephanie from The Africa Cookbook

While most travellers think of Sousse and other popular beaches in Tunisia when they start planning a vacation, anyone who heads to the north instead of the south will find a wealth of hidden gems to discover.

The white-washed town of Sidi Bou Said on the water has a Greek-island feel, while Lake Ichkeul is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also head to Cap Angela, the northernmost point in the country, where you’ll find a beautiful lighthouse and a statue of the African continent as well as some gorgeous seascapes.

If you’re interested in Carthaginian and Roman history, you can visit the ancient city of Utica, which you’ll find practically empty for much of the year. Yes, you can walk around a millennia-old city and imagine what it would have been like in its heyday without competing with noisy, modern crowds.

Be sure to enjoy the local Tunisian cuisine, which is both tasty and economical.

27. Greenland, for remote adventures

By Kay from The Awkward Traveller

There are many myths and stereotypes about Greenland , simply because it’s not the first country most people think of for a holiday.

Technically a territory of Denmark, it’s a challenging destination to visit due to expensive flights and limited availability. There are so few visitors that some airports don’t even have a baggage carousel.

However, if you can manage to get there, you’ll find this is a country full of colourful buildings, dramatic landscapes, and unique culture.

Although it’s one of the least populated capitals in the world with only 16,000 residents, Nuuk is the busiest and most active of all Greenlandic cities. Somewhat surprisingly, it’s filled with art and museums as well as nods to Greenlandic history and mythology in its various statues and memorials.

In Greenland, the availability of activities varies entirely based on the seasons. Summer offers hiking and festivals , while winter brings snowmobiling, sledding, and amazing displays of the Northern Lights.

28. The Falkland Islands, for extreme wildlife encounters

By Nadine from Le Long Weekend

The Falklands Islands, or Islas Malvinas as they’re also known, are a destination like no other. They’re a place where you can truly get away from daily life and enter a world that seems unencumbered by modern distractions.

Here, the wildlife rules, and you’ll get well-acquainted with many species as you tour some of the islands that make up this Southern Archipelago off the coast of Argentina. The penguins of the Falkland Islands are the main drawcard, and there are five different species to discover – from the regal King Penguins to the curious little red-eyed Rockhoppers.

Then there are the formidable elephant seals, the talkative sea lions, the hundreds of different birds, and a few unlikely additions too. Both reindeer and foxes roam on two of the islands.

Wildlife aside, the islands are an amazing place to go trekking, explore untouched beaches and enjoy old-school hospitality. Get around by using the Falklands’ dedicated air service, FIGAS, to island-hop.

29. Montenegro’s national parks, beyond the bay

By Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

Most visitors to Montenegro spend their time in the Bay of Kotor. While undeniably beautiful, there is so much more to discover beyond the coastline.

Take the scenic and winding Kotor Serpentine to the village of Njegusi to visit the humble home where Njegoš, Montenegro’s most influential poet-philosopher, was born. Head further up to Lovcen National Park where you can hike and visit the mausoleum of Njegoš. Stop by the old Montenegrin capital of Cetinje to visit the iconic monastery and admire the architecture.

Lake Skadar National Park is another must-visit in Montenegro . Boat tours are available from Virpazar or the sleepy village of Rijeka Crnojevica. The surface of the lake is covered with lily pads, and you can see any number of birds here.

Up north, Durmitor National Park , the only UNESCO-designated park in Montenegro, offers stunning vistas and the chance to do some epic hikes. Go river rafting on the Tara River and visit the Tara Canyon Bridge, which spans one of the deepest canyons in the world.

30. The Faroe Islands, A self-governed archipelago in Europe

By Supriya from Fun Travelog

Europe has thousands of island destinations to choose from, but the Faroes still remain relatively unspoiled thanks to their location.

The Faroe Islands is an independent nation comprised of 18 small islands located between Iceland and Norway. Governed by Denmark, it’s a paradise for hikers and birdwatchers particularly.

Begin your journey by flying into the small and vibrant city of Torshavn, the country’s capital, which is connected by short flight from Copenhagen , Paris, Reykjavik, Bergen or Edinburgh . Make your first stop at the Gásadalur to see the famed waterfall from a marked trail.

From there, every moment of your journey in this small country will be replete with awe-inspiring sights. There are lots of hikes in Faroe Islands , but the most beautiful ones are definitely on the coast of Vagar Island and in Gjógv.

For a completely unique experience, take a 30-minute boat ride to the island of Mykines, which is home to thousands of puffins. They aren’t at all perturbed by human presence and watching them in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

31. Ukraine, for budget-savvy travellers

By Inessa & Natalie from Through a Travel Lens

There are only a few destinations left in Europe that still remain under the radar. Ukraine is definitely one of them. 

Geographically one of the biggest countries on the continent, Ukraine offers something for every travel taste, from sunbathing by the Black Sea in Odessa to hiking in the Carpathians, wandering the magical streets of old Lviv, and exploring the caves of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Pechersk Lavra in Kiev.

It’s best to save at least two weeks to explore Ukraine’s most popular locations. Kiev alone deserves at least four days, let alone the numerous great weekend breaks and trips you can take from the capital. In addition to the aforementioned Odessa, Lviv, and Kiev, smaller towns such as Uzhgorod, Chernihiv, Kamyanets-Podilsky, and Chernivtsi are also highly recommended.

Besides being an underestimated and unconventional destination, Ukraine also remains one of Europe’s most budget-friendly travel adventures, with the daily budget for food, accommodations, transportation, and activities remaining under 30 USD.

32. Latvia, the lesser-visited capital of Art Nouveau

By Eden from Rock a Little Travel

Home to a historic city centre, a thriving arts scene and vast countryside dotted with castles, Latvia is one of the world’s most underrated travel destinations.

Visitors to Latvia should experience Riga , the lively capital city best known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. In fact, Riga has the world’s highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings, examples of which are on display across the city.

Riga’s walkable centre also features local boutiques, cafes , restaurants, bars, and even a few city parks. Riga Beer District is home to several local breweries that serve a variety of craft beers. This is the perfect destination for a night out and a great opportunity to mingle with the locals.

Outside the capital, visitors to Latvia can tour the country’s many medieval castles and fortifications. Those looking to spend some time outdoors can head to Latvia’s beaches along the Baltic coast, or to one of the country’s many national parks.

33. North Macedonia, home of Europe’s Quirkiest capital city

The tiny nation of North Macedonia is quirky even by Balkan standards. Formerly known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, it may have undergone several name changes in its recent history, but it’s status as a unique destination in Eastern Europe has endured.

North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, is a mix of archaic Ottoman architecture (the Old Bazaar is one of the largest in Europe) and brand new, shiny sculptures and facades installed as part of Skopje 2014, a huge project to give the city a facelift. The result is a Disneylandesque mix of styles that pushes the ambit of imagination.

Skopje makes for a wonderfully offbeat city break, but when visiting North Macedonia , you should also explore beyond the capital. Lake Ohrid is the biggest tourist draw, while the second-largest city, Bitola , and the alpine town of Krusevo – with its wonderful spomenik – both promise off-the-beaten-path, history steeped travel experiences.

34. Piacenza, a hidden gem in Northern Italy

By Helga from ShegoWandering

Piacenza is a small Italian city located near the Po river in Emilia Romagna. While still easily accessible by train from Milan or Bologna, it remains a hidden gem.

This town boasts over 1,000 years of local history. Discover the beautiful historic centre of Piacenza with its colourful houses and beautiful passages. Make sure the Piazza Cavalli, home to the town’s most famous landmark, the Palazzo Gotico, is also on your list.

Piacenza has some of the oldest, most important Romanesque churches in the region, including the Duomo di Piacenza, the St. Antoninus Basilica, and the Church of San Francesco. Another important landmark is the Palazzo Farnese, an immense palace now houses a collection of museums.

The region of Emilia-Romagna is famous for its food products. Be sure to sample Salame Piacentini , Coppa Piacentina and Pancetta Piacentina .

35. Brasov, the gateway to Transylvania

By Nicola Rae of See Nic Wander

The Transylvanian town of Brasov, Romania is tucked away in the Carpathian mountains just 2.5 hours from the capital on the way to Transylvania .

Since many people travel to Romania to explore Bucharest or relax on the Black Sea coast, the smaller Romanian city of Brasov often gets overlooked. But for travellers interested in great hiking, quirky historical sites and a bit of Dracula folklore, Brasov can’t be missed. 

Explore the 14th century Black Church, which got its name after being scorched in a fire, a 15th-century citadel that also served as a prison, and Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in the world.

Brasov is just a short drive from Bran Castle, a fortress that dates back to the 1200s and is famously also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’.

When in Brasov, make sure to take the Tampa Mountain Cable Car up to the prominent Hollywood-style ‘Brasov’ sign for the best views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Unusual holiday destinations: Share it on Pinterest

Wow, that’s a great guide.

That was an amazing article. Good work Keep it up!

Lichtenstein castle (named after the family) pictured above is in Germany and not in The Principality of Lichtenstein and hence that part of the article is misleading. One visiting Lichtenstein (the country) will not find this castle how hard one looks.

Good pick up, PK! That is my fault – I will update it immediately. Thanks for letting me know!

This was so helpful, I’m doing a school project and I have to find a unique travel destination. Got lots of ideas

Awesome Tshia, glad I could help!

Fantastic list! Considering many of your picks are also on my own list, I have a feeling we are of the same mindset. As I sit at home travel planning for a post-Covid-vaccine world, you have helped to add more places I hadn’t thought of but was searching for in concept.

Thank you and stay healthy!

So glad to hear you found this post inspiring, Nancy! Thanks a lot for the feedback. Happy future travel planning 🙂

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You are here: Home » Travel Tips » Our Offbeat Travel List: 13 Destinations You Are Not Considering…But Should

Our Offbeat Travel List: 13 Destinations You Are Not Considering…But Should

Last Updated on November 12, 2022 by Audrey Scott

There is certainly no shortage of “Hot Travel Destinations” or “Best Places to Visit” lists circulating these days. However, we find that most of these lists include many of the usual or well-known travel destinations. So we offer our own version here with our favorite offbeat travel destinations from around the world.

This is an ever-growing list of unusual, lesser-known or unconventional destinations that might not be on your travel radar — but maybe should be.

In travel marketing speak, one might call these emerging , recovery or even under-discovered destinations. But in our experience, they are simply fascinating places that travelers are either unaware of completely or sometimes actively avoid from a travel perspective because of certain stereotypes or fears .

They are the sort of destinations that push you emotionally, sometimes physically, and always challenge you mentally — all with the result of returning you from your trip with a different view of the world, and quite often with a different view of yourself.

Here's the caveat. These places are not for everyone; they are not a universal fit for travel goals and style. They are the sorts of destinations in which things may not always go as planned; hotels and transport can even be a bit rough. Much time is spent outside the proverbial comfort zone in attempts to immerse yourself in a new culture, comprehend challenging socio-economic circumstances and process the stimuli swirling about you. Some days can even feel difficult.

But there is a payoff. If you were to sit down with us over a beer and ask: “ I want to go somewhere different from what I'm accustomed to. I'd like a place that will make me think, feel and question some of my assumptions about the world and myself. Someplace not very well touristed, with a bit adventure and the unknown. Where would you suggest I go? “

Here's where we might suggest you go.

Note: This article was originally published on January 7, 2015, but was updated in January 2020 with even more offbeat destinations, travel recommendations and sustainable tourism advice.

Table of Contents

Why: To experience a country that is over 90% mountainous and littered with stunning landscapes. Add to that a taste of traditional nomadic culture with a bit of a Soviet hangover, and you have the makings of a unique yet approachable destination. This makes Kyrgyzstan a great fit for trekkers and outdoor types, as well as those interested in culture and off-beat experiences.

Additionally, there is a terrific community-based tourism (CBT) network throughout the country and Destination Management Organizations (DMO) in Karakol , South Shore of Issyk-Kul, Osh, and Jyrgalan that offer local experiences, guides and homestays that make it easy to connect and interact with locals. They can also organize and provide support for trekking and horseback riding in the mountains, including gear rental, yurt stays, and local mountain guides.

Even after visiting Kyrgyzstan seven times over a decade, both as regular travelers and as consultants on a regional tourism development project , it remains one of our favorite countries that we look forward to exploring even further.

More Kyrgyzstan travel recommendations and reading:

• Build your own Kyrgyzstan itinerary with the perfect mixture of outdoor activities (trekking), mountain landscapes and nature, nomadic culture, diverse foods, and local tours with our Kyrgyzstan Experiential Travel Guide: 27 Experiences to Get You Started
• Recommended regional destinations with comprehensive Experiential Guides: Karakol , Osh , South Shore of Lake Issyk-Kul , and the Alay Region .
• Recommended trekking areas in Kyrgyzstan with guides to help you plan and organize a day or multi-day trek: Jyrgalan , Alay Mountains , Song-Kul Lake
• Find out about the Olympics of nomadic sports with our Experiential Guide to the World Nomad Games
• Become visually inspired: Kyrgzystan Photo Essays

Why: To travel to a country where the on-the-ground travel experience couldn't be more different than impressions left by the news. Iran also features some of the most impressive historical sites we've ever seen (including 19 UNESCO sites ).

Visiting 2500-year-old Persepolis , once the capital of ancient Persia, is a lesson not only in the strength of the Persian Empire, but a perspective regarding how civilizations and power come and go. Eyeball-bending Persian design and architecture that holds the gaze can't be missed either.

In addition to Iran's Big Three ( Shiraz, Esfahan and Yazd ), expand your sense of the country with a visit to the northwestern part of Iran for even more surprises like fairy chimney villages , Armenian monasteries and the world's largest covered market in Tabriz . Then, close out your adventure by taking the train from Iran to Istanbul .

And again, it comes down to people. That's what may surprise you most about Iran.

Note: Obtaining a tourist visa for citizens from the United States, Canada and United Kingdom can be tricky, but it's not impossible if you know what you need and how to do it. Be sure to check out this article on how to get an Iranian visa (including the vast comment thread) for all you need to know.

RECOMMENDED TOUR TO IRAN : Discover Persia Tour

More Iran travel recommendations and reading:

• Read what it's like flying into Tehran and entering Iran as an American citizen in: A Flight to Tehran: The Full Story
• Lesser known western Iran is filled with cities like Hamadan, Kermanshan, and Ahvaz and nearby ancient sites like Bishapur rock, Tchogha Zabnil Ziggurat (UNESCO), Taq-e Bostan Reliefs. Learn more about this area in our Western Iran Snapshots
• Taking the 60+ hour train from Tabriz, Iran to Istanbul, Turkey was more than just mere transportation from one country to the next. It was one of the highlights of our trip. Here's why: Midnight Express: Iran to Turkey by Train
• We certainly ate and drank (non-alcoholic, of course) well during out travels in Iran. Here all you need to know about Iranian food .
• Become visually inspired: Iran Photo Essays

Republic of Georgia

Why: Despite all the history and remarkable mountain landscapes, the Republic of Georgia, at its very best, comes back to the Georgian people. Cross hospitality-obsessed with crazy gregarious and you’ve got a sense of the Georgian people. Add to this beautiful mountain ranges , a culturally and architecturally eclectic capital city, some of the most spiritual churches we’ve experienced, and incredible food .

Then you'll understand why Georgia is one of our favorite places in the world. We joke that in Georgia, one doesn’t need to make plans as the people you meet seem to create the adventures for you .

More Georgia travel recommendations and reading:

• Learn why a trek through the villages in Svaneti to Ushguli is more than just a physical exercise in the High Caucasus Mountains. It's an emotional and cultural journey: The Fabled Land of the Svans
• Here's one of our favorite examples of the hospitality we found all throughout Georgia: A Surprising Feast in Zugdidi
• Why Georgian cuisine is one of our favorites (and are surprised still by how unknown it still is): A Culinary Travel Guide to the Republic of Georgia
• Explore the various layers of history, culture, and peoples in Tbilisi through this Scavenger Hunt .
• Become visually inspired: Georgia Photo Essays

Why: Stunning and often surreal landscapes blended with a strong indigenous culture. For various reasons, travelers often skip Bolivia in favor of its neighbors — Peru , Argentina, Chile — when making their way through South America. For Americans, some say it’s because of the visa fees and paperwork, but Bolivia is more than worth the extra spend and brief bit of bureaucracy. The Salar de Uyuni and in particular the journey from Tupiza features some of the world’s most beautiful and otherworldly landscapes with green lakes, Dali-esque rock formations and the mind-bending salt flats. And although you'll see tourists around the Salar , you see much less throughout the rest of the country.

We recommend stopping by Lake Titicaca and taking a hike around Isla del Sol, Tarija in the south for a taste of the Bolivian wine scene , Potosi to understand the realities of mining on people and communities, Sucre for a beautiful colonial city and La Paz for the capital with the most dramatic mountain backdrop.

More Bolivia travel recommendations and reading:

• Bolivia is not always the easiest place to understand and make sense of, but it's certainly worth putting the effort in to do so. Read our first impressions and final thoughts on Bolivia .
• Visiting the Bolivian jungle and getting a lesson in cocaine production and trade: Cocaine: A Story that Begins in the Bolivian Jungle
• Become visually inspired: Bolivia Photo Essays

Why: Ancient rock-hewn churches carved from below ground, remarkable mountain landscapes, castles, ridiculously large plates of delicious local food . Need we say more?

Ethiopia surprised us in so many ways, especially with its depth of history and culture dating back over 2,000 years to the Aksumite civilization and the adoption of Christianity in 330 A.D. (the 2nd Christian nation in the world). One could feel a direct connection between Ethiopia's past and present through its adherence to ritual. We also weren't expecting to be awed by its mountains and trekking options available in the Simien and Gheralta Mountains .

RECOMMENDED TOUR TO ETHIOPIA : Discover Ethiopia Tour

More Ethiopia travel recommendations and reading:

• Ethiopia can be difficult to get your head around and process, especially with prevailing stereotypes. Here are some of the things that surprised us most: Ethiopia: First Impressions
• Ethiopia's history runs deep and long, yet still feels alive today through its churches, priests and people. Perhaps no better place exemplifies this than the remarkable ancient rock-carved churches of Lalibela .
• Ethiopian cuisine is reason enough to travel to Ethiopia. Here's why: A Culinary Travel Guide to Ethiopia
• If you get courageous and want to visit a barber during your visit, here's the fun you might experience: My Date With An Ethiopian Hair Butcher
• Become visually inspired: Ethiopia Photo Essays

Why: To truly get off the tourist path and immerse yourself in a sea of humanity. We're certain there are more tourists now, but during our five-week visit there a couple of years ago, we saw a total of five tourists. Yes, five.

Bangladesh is funky. It’s intense. It’s Bangladesh . And the country actually offers more diversity in sights and experiences that you might first expect, from UNESCO pre-Moghul mosques and cycling through tea estates to tracking tigers in mangrove forests and visiting ethnic minority areas.

But it's the human interactions — and boy, are there a lot of them — that make visiting Bangladesh such a unique and fun experience.

More Bangladesh travel recommendations and reading:

• For the low down on all there is to do and see, plus how to piece it all together with logistics into an itinerary, read our: Bangladesh Beginner's Guide
• Not many people know much about Bangladesh, but here are a few primers to get you started: Travel Jeopardy: What is Bangladesh? and Bangladesh Faces: Frequently Asked Questions and the People Who Ask Them
• Bangladeshi cities are crazy and busy, but it's a different story out in the countryside and in the villages. Here's our experience in a Bangladesh village homestay .
• Become visually inspired: Bangladesh Photo Essays

Pamir Highway and Mountains (Tajikistan/Kyrgyzstan)

Why: To enjoy a road trip adventure in a mountainous region that not only stands out for the severity and beauty of its landscape, but also shines for the colorful, hospitable and fascinating Pamiri people who live there.

The Pamir Highway, roughly speaking, begins in southern Kyrgyzstan and winds its way through Tajikistan, passing by and through some of the most spectacular scenery we’ve seen on our around the world journey thus far. If you have time, stop off in the Alay Region and Alay Mountains of southern Kyrgyzstan for a few days of spectacular trekking on your way to the Tajik border.

Once you get into Tajikistan tourism infrastructure in this area ranges from little to none so you'll likely stay and eat with Pamiri families most of the time, one of the great joys of this journey.

Note: You can see even more about this region in our Pamir Highway slideshow for BBC Travel.

More Pamir Highway travel recommendations and reading:

• For all the basics of how to organize a Pamir Highway road trip and where to visit along the way, read: Pamir Mountains: A Beginner's Guide
• If you want a stunningly beautiful, but also terrifying, flight through the Pamir Mountains consider flying Tajik Air from Khorog to Dushanbe: Scraping the Pamir Mountains with Tajik Air [VIDEO]
• Become visually inspired: Pamir Mountains Photo Essays

Why: Because Haiti is surprising, complicated and fascinating. Sure, the country has some beautiful white-sand beaches, but it's the artists, musicians, waterfalls, hilltop fortresses, cave networks and the mysteries of Vodou that will likely leave the most lasting impressions on you.

Although Haiti is only 1.5 hours away from Miami by air and shares the same island landmass as popular vacation destination Dominican Republic, it only sees a relative handful of travelers each year. At least for now.

RECOMMENDED TOUR TO HAITI : Highlights of Haiti

More Haiti travel recommendations and reading:

• Trying to make sense of all that is Haiti — its history, culture, art, people, landscapes, poverty, religion and much more: Haiti: First Impressions
• Many people don't think of Haiti as a hiking or trekking destination, but here's why they should: Haiti Trekking: A Beginner's Guide
• Haitian cuisine was a great surprise during out travels. Here's why: Haitian Food: From Pwason to Pikliz
• Why it's worth the short journey from Jacmel to Bassin-Bleu for a swim in the blue hole .
• Become visually inspired: Haiti Photo Essays

Why: Whether you are a beach buff or want to immerse yourself in dramatic mountains, Albania has some incredible landscapes and experiences for both types of travelers. Or, you can combine both into one trip as we did.

For decades this southern European country was closed off to the rest of the world, but no longer. If you enjoy trekking and the outdoors, Albania offers some challenging climbs and stunning views through the Accursed Mountains (also known as the Albanian Alps) through the villages of Theth and Valbona. Mt Talijanka and the granite peaks of the Karanfil Mountains on the border with Montenegro offer even more incredible panoramas. Our modified Peaks of the Balkan Trek took us through these mountains while staying with local families and shepherds along the way.

When you've had your fill of the mountains then head south on Albania's Adriatic Coast for blue waters and relatively empty beaches at Sarandë, Vlora or nearby. The impressive UNESCO site of Butrint with Greek and Roman ruins reminds us of the layers of civilizations in this region over millennia.

More Albania travel recommendations and reading::

• How to plan and organize your own 10-day Peaks of the Balkans Trek with Beginner's Guide and Day by Day Highlights

Why: To enjoy three branches of the Andean Mountain Range and the Sierra Nevadas, the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, with rain forests, indigenous ruins, coffee plantations and colonial cities along the way.

Not too long ago Colombia was known for drugs, FARC rebels, Pablo Escobar, and violence. But, the country has been experiencing stability these last years and more areas have opened up to travelers to explore. The size and diversity of experiences in Colombia are far beyond what you may have ever imagined (or, at least what we had known about).

And then there are the Colombian people – friendly, fun and open – are also remarkably diverse from one corner of the country to the other. We visited for a month and left with an even longer wish list of places we'd like to visit.

RECOMMENDED TOUR S TO COLOMBIA : Lost City Trek and Colombia Journey

More Colombia travel recommendations and reading:

• Create your own Colombia 2-3 week itinerary with a combination of beautiful landscapes, charming colonial towns, coffee farms, trekking, urban centers and street art, and more in our: An Experiential Travel Guide to Colombia: 25 Ideas to Get You Started
• Colombia has changed tremendously in the last few years, shedding its image as a dangerous and drug gang filled country. Here's what we discovered and what surprised us when we visited: Travel to Colombia: First Impressions
• When most travelers think of trekking in South America they think of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, but here's why you should give the Lost City Trek in Colombia a look instead: The Lost City Trek, Colombia: All You Need to Know

Why: To get up close to playful lemurs and colorful chameleons while trying to get your head around the incredible diversity and uniqueness of Madagascar's nature, history and peoples. Often travelers think of traveling in Africa as going on safari to see the “Big 5” animals in the southern and eastern part of the content.

And although Madagascar doesn't have any of these “Big 5” safari animals, it does have something even more unique and fascinating: an estimated 80-90% of Madagascar's wildlife and fauna considered endemic to the island, meaning that it can be found nowhere else in the world.

Yes, the 110 species of lemurs are only the beginning. And, by deliberately choosing tours and activities engaged in conservation travelers can help support protecting Madagascar's endangered lemurs and other wildlife.

In addition, Madagascar's layers of history and blend of cultures are also surprisingly diverse. The first inhabitants arrived about 2,000 years ago from Austronesia (near Malaysia-Indonesia). This influenced not only the Malagasy language spoken today, but also the development of terraced rice fields across the country that are still used in present day. Layers of migration from Africa, the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe since then have all blended into what you see in Madagascar's people, cultures and cuisines today.

Then, you also have beautiful beaches to relax and process all that you've experienced.

RECOMMENDED TOUR TO MADAGASCAR : Highlights of Madagascar

More Madagascar travel recommendations and reading:

• Understand what Madagascar has to offer travelers, from lemurs to village homestays to relaxing on a beach: Madagascar Experiential Travel Guide: 25 Experiences to Get You Started
• Find out how traveling responsibly to Madagascar can support conservation and local communities so as to protect endangered species and try to halt deforestation: How Your Travels in Madagascar Can Support Conservation and Communities
• Madagascar's cuisine is diverse just like its cultures and peoples. Here are some of the local and French-inspired dishes you'll find traveling through the country: Madagascar Food: A Culinary Travel Guide

Why: Although Ukraine sometimes makes the news headlines (as it was during our visit), don’t let that detour you from this surprisingly rich and diverse country. Kyiv, the country’s capital, had its heyday in the 10th-12th century as the center of the Kievan Rus empire and the city still has several impressive 11th – 12th century cathedrals like Saint Sophia and Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Kiev Monastery of the Caves) that remain (through several renovations) to this day.

But the city also has an impressive street art and design scene with a young feel to its streets. Add to this the country’s Soviet past and brutalist architecture. It’s this contrast that makes the city so interesting. 

Then there is Odessa on the Black Sea, once a vibrant cultural and literary hub in the 19th century, and streets lined with a mix of Art Nouveau and Renaissance styles with both an old Russia and Mediterranean feel. Still considered a hub for Russian culture it’s likely you’ll hear more Russian here than Ukrainian. But not so when in Lviv near the western border with Poland, known for its Ukrainian nationalism and culture. Dating back to the 13th century its colorful old town squares and cobblestoned streets have more a Polish and Austro-Hungarian feel. 

Of course, these three cities are just the tip of the Ukrainian iceberg. But, they will give you a taste of the diversity and rich history throughout the country.

Bahia, Brazil

Why: To immerse yourself in Afro-Brazilian culture, music, cuisine and diversity. Although Brazil is not an off-the-beaten path destination, the Bahia region is much less known than the country’s popular southern coastal areas between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo. From the moment we arrived in Salvador de Bahia, the region’s colorful and vibrant capital city, we knew this place was special. You could just feel it.

Wander the bright streets of Salvador’s old town (Pelourinho), one of the oldest colonial cities in South America going back to the 16th century, and seek out city’s vibrant Afro-Brazilian music and cuisine. During our visit just before Carnival the city was literally filled with music as “blocks” (groups of musicians and performers) practiced throughout the city.

Then, when you’ve had a bit of sensory overload head out to one of Bahia’s famous white-sand beaches for a bit of quiet.

Responsible Travel and Sustainable Tourism Tips

We always advocate for and encourage travelers to try and travel in a way that benefits the local communities — through their decisions on where to go, which activities or tours to choose, and how to spend their tourism money. This is even more important to many of the countries listed above as they are still developing their tourism infrastructure. A sustainable tourism development approach can yield positive social and economic impacts to communities around the country, as well as support environmental and conservation efforts.

And here are a few ways you can help and support this through your travels:

• When you break down the jargon around sustainable tourism it really is all about respect — for the local environment, culture/people and economy. Here are 20 tips on how to travel more sustainably , responsibly and with respect.
• Although many of the destinations above are far from experiencing overtourism, they may still feel the pressure of many visitors at certain times all wanting to see the same things. Read more on how your travel decisions can help combat overtourism while providing better travel experiences. And, how you can use social media to help be part of the overtourism solution .
• Seek out travel related social enterprises that provide quality tourism services (e.g., food, lodging, tours, handicrafts, etc.), but invest their profits back into community projects and social impact projects . You can also choose tours that incorporate a social enterprise experience like Planeterra Foundation and their partnership with G Adventures .
• Try to spread your money around and keep it local through deliberate spending . This means choosing to stay in locally owned accommodation, eating at local restaurants, buying from different local shops, and working with local guides.
• Poverty is a reality in several of the countries above where you might encounter children begging or selling souvenirs during the daytime. Read up and become aware of the issues around child welfare in travel situations to ensure that your actions benefit local children rather than doing unintended harm. The same goes for evaluating and questioning voluntourism experiences .

So, what did we miss? Which destination(s) would you add to the list?

About audrey scott, 147 thoughts on “our offbeat travel list: 13 destinations you are not considering…but should”.

Really glad to see Haiti made the list! And Iran too.

Looks like I may be performing in a Storytelling Festival in Iran in early February (logistics are a bit crazy given the short time frame of getting everything together, but I am so incredibly honored to be asked and very much want to go.) Will read your other posts and links for Iran more closely. A Storytelling friend from Romania (and organizer of the festival in Arad, Romania) presented 2 years ago in Iran and said Iranians were some of the kindest most welcoming people she’s met. Of course, I believe this to be true. Love how you focus on the human aspect of travel. That has always been my experience as well.

I can’t think of other places to add, perhaps Burma, I have heard from friends that again, the hospitality was truly amazing.

I still would love to chat with you about Nepal. The book is coming together; publisher has contacted me and today we have found a Nepali illustrator too. 🙂 YAY to collaborations!

Hugs until we meet again.

Kristin, that’s fantastic news about the storytelling festival in Iran! Timing is tight, as visa logistics can be tricky for Iran but it helps that you’re being sponsored by a festival who can hopefully figure out all the bureaucratic hoops quickly. We had heard that Iranians were hospitable before our visit, but we were still blown away by the warm welcome we received everywhere that we went. I think you’ll really enjoy your time there!

People in Burma are also incredibly warm and welcoming. I almost added it to the list, but since the country has opened up in the last few years (thankfully) I’ve seen it on many “top destination” lists and so didn’t think it still fit the “offbeat” category. Perhaps I’m wrong though. Highly recommend spending some time in Burma, especially in smaller towns and taking the trains.

I’ll ping you on FB to set up a time to chat soon about Nepal. Sounds exciting!

Great list. Bolivia and Bangladesh look spectacular! The others have actually never been on my radar but also look really interesting.

I’d add some of the lesser known Baltic States such as Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina- or are they sufficiently on the radar now?

Brittany, glad we stoked your curiosity about some of the other places on this list!

Thanks for the recommendations! We don’t have much experience in that part of the world, so I didn’t want to recommend places we didn’t know well. I almost added Bosnia & Herzegovina (perhaps I should), but as we spent such a short time there and only saw Sarajevo and Mostar I wasn’t sure if that was enough “expertise” on the place. We would love to spend some time hiking in Montenegro and Kosovo, as well as we’ve heard good things about Albania. Think they are all still not on the mainstream radar yet.

Wow, what an excellent list! I’m so keen to do some overlanding along the silk route, Kyrgystan in particular and I’ve heard such amazing things about Iran.

I go to any of these places given half a chance!

Rachel, so glad you enjoyed this list! If you’re going overland along the Silk Road, be sure to spend some time in Uzbekistan for Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva. These Silk Road cities are a bit more “discovered” than most places on this list, but they are still really interesting places. Just be sure to visit the market in each place – not many travelers go there and Uzbek markets are super fun.

And yes, Iran. When people usually talk about Iran, they talk about Iranian people. A beautiful and fascinating place. Here’s to making these travels a reality!

Great list Audrey, I like visiting more hidden and still unspoiled from the mass tourism places, I found them more authentic if you know what I mean. I haven’t been to any of the country you mentioned, Iran, Georgia and Bolivia are the ones that appeal the most to me and I cannot hide that I’d love to make there this year.

Thanks, Franca! Definitely know what you mean about less touristed place feeling more authentic and open. We love traveling through and exploring these areas – local people are usually so curious about visitors and really do want to be sure the visitors feel welcome and taken care of. As you are a European citizen, it will be cheaper and easier to visit Iran and Bolivia than it was for us as US citizens need visas and in Iran, need a guide/tour. So, take advantage of it for us 🙂

Great list! Actually, I have been looking into trips to both Caucasus and central asia for a while now. There are just so many places I want to go, that I don’t know where to start haha 🙂 I am definitely looking more into Ethiopia. Looks amazing

Evelina, you definitely can’t go wrong with trips to the Caucasus and Central Asia! We listed our favorite places here, but we visited all the countries in the region. You’ll have your share of adventures, in a good way!!

And yes, Ethiopia is quite amazing. We had high expectations before our trip, but our experiences there far exceeded them. We’d love to return to explore the south. Happy travels!

Great list of countries. Some years ago I was planning to follow part of the silk route and visit countries like Kyrgystan and Iran, but unfortunately never made it there….yet…:)

I would add Zimbabwe to the list. It’s a beautiful country that has a lot to offer, nature, scenery, wildlife and very friendly people. The country is recovering from a massive crisis, but is slowly rebuilding its economy again and tourist are slowly finding their way there again, which is good. 😉

Fortunately, the Silk Route will still be there whenever you make it there next 🙂

Thanks for the recommendation regarding Zimbabwe! We’ve heard really good things about the country — and especially the friendliness of its people — from other travelers. I can imagine that the tourist money spent responsibly can really help in the economic recovery and development.

Thank you for sharing that fairy tale in photos of the most wonderful places on our beautiful Earth! I would recommend Santorini as a must visit place 🙂

Thanks and Best Regards, Lyubov

Hi Lyubov, You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed the piece! We have heard great things about Santorini. Wouldn’t say it’s exactly “offbeat”, but a beautiful place all the same.

We just love, love, LOVE your list of countries! Some of them are on our bucket list for ages, but waiting to do them as an overland trip…. Should take a while, but you never know what can come up 😉 Maybe one more country, which is not on normal travel radar, but should defenitely not stay unnoticed – Oman. Amazing landscape, people, history and adventure!

Hi Nina, An overland trip through Central Asia and Iran would be quite incredible. Although, some of our best (or more like funniest) experiences in the ‘Stans were on public transport so even if you can’t take time off for a big overland trip it’s still worth trying to make a shorter visit.

Oman has come up quite a bit these last few weeks. It’s a place that I know very little about, but now my curiosity is piqued….

Using local transport has its up and downs, but you are right, meeting locals always is a wonderful thing 🙂 We’ve already looking into flight ticket for Kyrghyzstan 🙂 Wish us luck! p.s. Oman is becoming pretty popular lately…one more reason to visit it asap 😉

I Want to go to all of these places (except Bolivia since I’ve already been). Mongolia and Turkmenistan are high on my list as well. I’d love to visit Iran but I have heard it’s close to impossible for Americans to get a visa.

Katrina, we highly recommend Turkmenistan as well. Visas can be a bit of a pain as you usually need to be on a tour if you want to stay more than 72-hours. But, we really enjoyed the 10 days we spent in Turkmenistan – people were incredibly friendly and the archeological sites are fascinating, as is crazy Ashgabat (like Las Vegas collided with Pyongyang).

A visa to Iran for U.S. citizens requires a few steps, but it’s certainly very possible to manage (and not that much different than for Turkmenistan). The main thing is to book a group tour with an authorized agency or organize a private tour with an authorized tour guide. The local Iranian tour company will apply for the visa for you. You’ll find lots of information on how to do this in this article . We went to Iran on a group tour with G Adventures and then extended our time in-country with a private guide. Let us know if you have any questions on traveling to Iran as Americans – happy to help!

It’s like you’ve read my mind! ALL of these places are on my list – particularly the ‘Stans. I’d love to visit Mongolia someday, too, and plan on doing a road trip around sub-Saharan Africa at some point in the next couple of years. I think the appeal with these countries is the mystery and intrigue – no one really knows much about them (plus they look absolutely beautiful!).

Lizzie, we also would love to visit Mongolia, especially as it sounds like the country is changing quite quickly and it’s interesting to see how it adjusts to technology while keeping traditions (have seen some cool stories of how it is so far). And, we’d like to spend more time in sub-Sarahan Africa, especially in the west and south.

One of the fun things about traveling in countries like this is that you really don’t know what to expect most days, and often you’re put in situations you could have never imagined (in a good way). Also, local people are usually curious and excited to have visitors. It’s not always easy travel, but we have found it some of the most enriching.

Great list, all very interesting places. Bolivia, Ethiopia and Kyrgystan rank very high on my wish list so… Hopefully soon. I’d love as well to visit Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Hi Simon, Glad you enjoyed the list! Given what I know of your sense of adventure and interest in engaging with local people, I think you’d quite enjoy Ethiopia, Kyrgyzstan and Bolivia. Georgia, too 🙂

Yes, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These places have some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever seen (through photos) and I’ve heard stories of incredible hospitality from ordinary people. I too would love to visit one day, but I will wait until there is a bit more stability. Hopefully soon…

Georgia and Haiti have been on my list for a couple years now – I hope to make it to at least one of them this year!

Hope you do, too! We’ll be publishing soon (next week) a Haiti Beginner’s Guide so be sure to check back in case that travel information is useful for planning a Haiti trip.

So happy to see Central Asia, Georgia and Iran on this list – some of my all time favorite destinations that seem bizarrely overlooked! I’ve been thinking about Bangladesh a lot recently and now definitely will be adding it to my wish list!

Silvia, couldn’t agree with you more about Central Asia, Iran and Georgia being overlooked by so many travelers even though they offer a great mix of culture, history, landscape and food (well, Central Asian food isn’t so great, but Georgian & Iranian food is tasty.)

Bangladesh is like no other place 🙂 People are so incredibly curious and friendly – they are the highlight of traveling there! One piece of advice is to travel by train as much as you can – roads can be crazy!!

Wow, amazing list! I want to go everywhere,, but Ethiopia and Iran are high on my bucketlist! 🙂 I will love to visit Lebannon this year as well… Cheers and happy travels!

Ani, thanks! Lebanon has been high on our travel wish list for years. We were thinking to rent an apartment in Beirut for a few months, but we never were able to organize it. Thanks for putting it back on the brain! Happy travels to you as well!

you’re teasing me with two first countries – I was supposed to go to Kyrgyzstan last April and I was supposed to be in Iran right now… but I will go there, soon!!

I have a small problem with Georgia. I loved it there, it was one of the best countries I’ve ever visited and one of my best trips. But it was over 3 years ago and I’ve heard lots about how the country is changing and how it goes into the commercial direction, pictures of modern Tbilisi bother me too. I’d love to go back but at the same time I don’t want to go as I don’t want to ruin my amazing memories… but well, I hope to get to Abkhazia this year so I will have to visit Georgia then…

Kami, sorry about being a tease! Even though you aren’t in Iran now, the country will be there to welcome you whenever you do go 🙂

I definitely understand what you mean regarding Georgia. We talked about this when we met in Berlin last year and I had/have similar concerns about the country changing and not being as open/fun to travelers.. But then I spoke with someone recently who just spent some time there and she made me feel confident that although Tbilisi may have modernized a bit, it still has its original spirit. Her crazy stories from Svaneti also were great (although that area is also developing). I believe that Georgia still is an incredible place even if it isn’t as “undiscovered” as before. We hope to return to visit some of the areas we didn’t get to the first trip.

I was always a bit curious about Georgia, but then I learned they give US citizens 360 days on a tourist visa, and I was sold! lol Definitely looking forward to visiting there.

I wish Iran was easier for us. I would like to experience it without a handler.

The Stans are quite intriguing to me as well.

Great list!

Talon, I didn’t realize that Georgia now offered 360 days on a tourist visa. Wow. We did joke when we visited that we had never received a more hearty welcome from a passport control officer…especially for 3AM!

Traveling in Iran as a U.S. citizen does require jumping through a few hoops with the requirement for a tour or private guide. But, we still had lots of free/independent time even with the tour/guide requirement.

Wow! I must agree that this is not the conventional ‘where you should visit’ list, but I absolutely love it. All the destinations seem fascinating and different. Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes looks very special. Iran and Bolivia have been on my mind lately. Hope I make it to one of these places soon. I admire you guys; great job with this collection of lovely countries!

Hi Nita, Thanks for your kind words about this post and the countries we suggested! If you like mountains and alpine lakes, it’s hard to beat Kyrgyzstan. A really special place. I keep reading about other treks you can do there, so perhaps we’ll find our way back there again soon 🙂

What a great list … and I want to see all those places! I’d add Malawi to the list. Incredibly friendly people, a lovely lake, Nyika plateau in the north is like the Scottish highlands but with zebras, etc. Livingstonia is a flash back to the colonial period, with amazing views over the lake. And its tourism industry is in its infancy.

Rachel, your description of Nyika plateau as being like the Scottish highlands but with wildlife really piqued my curiosity. Sounds amazing. I’ve added Malawi to the travel wish list. Thank you!!

Wow, such stunning places! I have been wanting to visit Svaneti in Georgia ever since I saw a picture somewhere on the internet a couple of years ago. In fact it was probably from your blog!

Ashleigh, that would be quite funny if the photo from Svaneti that you saw several years ago was from us 🙂 I’ve heard that the trekking trails and such in Svaneti have been improved a bit since our visit a few years ago, so you’ll probably have more choices in trekking routes and activities now. It’s a beautiful area and the Svan culture is quite fascinating.

Thanks for writing my bucket list, so I don’t have to! 🙂 Just left country no. 5, Ethiopia. A truly awesome country, in all aspects!

Ha!! You’re very welcome! Glad to hear you had such a great experience traveling through Ethiopia recently. We did not make it to Danakil during our visit, but after talking with our guide about it and reading articles on it I’d love to return to go there. I’d also like to spend some time in the south – did you visit there? Our guide was explaining that with current industrial development there that things are changing rapidly and suggested we visit soon. Ethiopia exceeded our expectations on so many fronts. Fascinating place.

Totally agree that this country exceeded the expectations so much!

Had a busy schedule with the north for 3.5 weeks, so I didn’t go to the south, but will for sure go back to see that part. And you should definitely go to Danakil if you go back to Ethiopia. It was an amazing 4 day trip with desert, salt mines, afar people, out-of-this-world scenery and of course Erta Ale – the active volcano with a lava lake! 🙂

Love your photos of the people btw, was thinking of doing a gallery just like that myself, as the Ethiopians are very photogenic! 😀

Thank you very much for sharing! I have lived in Ethiopia for seven years when I was a child 40 years ago. It is one of the most beautiful countries I have seen – even though it was in very bad state at that time due to the revolution and the civil war in the country. At the age of 52 now, I prefer the easy traveling to the Algarve in the south of Portugal – and visit the most hospitable people I have met in my life.

Alexander, that must have been quite an experience growing up in Ethiopia. One of the women that we traveled with there was born in Addis, but her family left when she was very young so she doesn’t remember it too much. My aunt lived in Ethiopia during parts of the civil war, so she had similar experiences to you.

Yes, people’s travel preferences do change over time and with different travel goals. Glad to hear that you’ve found your new favorite travel spot!

Awesome list! Iran is on our 2016 travel list! I just stumbled across your blog and I love it! Great photos!

Thanks, Eric! Glad that you found our blog and hope you continue to enjoy it! If you have any questions for your upcoming trip to Iran, just let us know.

If you were to rank these in terms of most affordable to most expensive (once you’re there), how would you rank them? I’d love to do all of these, but I wonder how much it costs to travel around in them once you’re there.

Great article though – thoroughly enjoyed it!

Scott, very good question. For some of these we traveled completely independently and in other places we traveled a combination of on a tour with G Adventures and independently. If you were to travel independently here’s how I’d rank them.

Most affordable -> Most Expensive 1. Bangladesh – incredibly cheap food if you’re eating in local joints (e.g., $2-$4 for 2 people). Transport and accommodation (basic) are also quite inexpensive. 2. Bolivia 3. Kyrgyzstan – we use Community Based Tourism Kyrgyzstan for accommodation in smaller towns 4. Pamir Mountains – Tajikistan – accommodation and food is inexpensive, but you need to hire a jeep and driver as public transport doesn’t really exist. Although, if you had a lot of time you could hitchhike. 5. Ethiopia 6. Iran – as US citizens we were required to take a tour in order to visit. However, if you were to travel there independently it would be a lot cheaper as you could use couchsurfing and public transport. 7. Georgia – accommodation is what’s expensive here, but more budget hotel options may have opened since our visit. 8. Haiti – accommodation is the big expense right now, but hoping that more competition will reduce prices.

Hope this information helps!

In the Caucasus, in addition to Georgia I would certainly add ARMENIA The mountains are wonderful and all the food is fresh from the garden. AZERBAIJAN -imagine standing on the shore of the Caspian Sea!. In the Stans, I would add UZBEKISTAN. MONGOLIA is spectacular! I felt I was privileged to be there in the Gobi. I also agree that ETHIOPIA is unique, a bit challenging but worth the effort, especially towards the east and the colorful markets. YUNNAN PROVINCE in China – great place for hiking at high altitudes.

Great additions here, Jan! It’s always tough to make choices on what to include in a list like this so we went for the places that really moved us the most. Although we did like Armenia and Azerbaijan, I have to admit that it was Georgia that stole our hearts 🙂 We have a similar relationship with Uzbekistan vs. Kyrgyzstan.

We have not been to Mongolia, but have heard such wonderful things about its vast landscape and people. Hopefully soon!!

This must be like the fourth or fifth time this year that I have seen Haiti on a list for “Top Travel Destinations for 2015.” I’m glad to see that, but what’s going on here? Are they finally experiencing some form of political stability in decades that’s making it a bit “safer” to come here now?

Ray, know what you mean. It’s funny how travel trends work. For us, Haiti came on the horizon because one of our partners – G Adventures – was asked by Inter-American Development Bank to do an assessment of Haiti’s tourism potential which resulted in G Adventures deciding to create a tour there. Once we heard about this, we asked to get involved and went on a test trip.

As for the other publications picking up Haiti I think it has something to do with the fact that 5th anniversary of the earthquake was coming up (meaning, there was time for recovery), a bit more stability, and that some big movie and music stars were investing in homes and resorts there raising its profile. Some good PR might have had something to do with it too I suspect 🙂

Haiti has been experiencing a bit more stability, but I’m afraid that in the last few days there have been political protests as there are tensions between the president and parliament over holding elections. Keeping fingers crossed this passes soon…

Many and more mental notes taken – Thank you for sharing!

Nice to visit your blog. I have travelled about 5 to 6 countries in Europe, and then visited the US for about 5 times, Singapore, the UK, UAE and Malaysia. I have visited the US mostly on work but I got to travel a lot of places across. Rest of the countries was on vacation. I would like to know if you have visited Iceland and if so, how was the experience. I intend to visit such off beat places like Iceland, Morocco and Malta which I believe are equally exotic. Kindly share your thoughts.

Thanks, -Ajith

Hi Ajith, Sounds like you’ve done quite a bit of travel with your work and for fun. The US has some incredible landscapes and places. We have not yet been to Iceland (or Morocco or Malta), but everyone that I’ve talked to who has been ranks it as one of their favorite countries. They have recommended renting a car and doing a road trip with perhaps some hiking or time out in the middle of nowhere stunning nature. From what everyone has told me I think you’ll very much enjoy Iceland. Happy travels!

Thanks Audrey for the information. Hope to have a good road trip in Iceland sometime later this year!

What a good timing as we are heading to the Caribbean next month! We haven’t consider Haiti but we might pop over there after all! Thanks for the post! As we are organising our trip to the West Indies, we realised that there are not much direct flights from an island to another. Look like the boat is the best option so far. Any insights?

Sounds like you have an exciting trip ahead of you! I’m afraid I don’t know too much about traveling by boat in the Caribbean, but once you get on the ground I’m sure the information will flow much easier than now with your internet research. One thing to keep in mind for Haiti is that there are likely more flights to Dominican Republic so you could fly there and then take a bus over to Haiti (or a short flight). Good luck with your trip!

Wonderful list! Quite a few of those places are on my personal to-visit list, actually! But how about Belarus, guys? Will Belarus ever make it on anyone’s “offbeat” list, you think? 🙂

Sergey, we’ve wanted to visit Belarus for quite a few years now, and have heard good things about traveling there from friends who have been. Just need to navigate the visa process and go!

Agree with you that Thailand is a great place to travel, especially for first-time or novice travelers. We actually recommend all of Southeast Asia for newbie independent travelers in our SE Asia Beginner’s Guide .

Iran looks awesome. I meet a bunch of people from Iran at work and they are always friendly. That bending picture looks unreal too. Thanks for the great travel ideas!

Jack Johnson

Yes, Iran is quite a fascinating place. I also used to work with a group of Iranians when we lived in Prague and they welcomed us into their community and made us really want to see their home country with our own eyes. And yes, the fisheye lens does amazing things in Iranian mosques!

With these 8 destinations you suggested I like add 2 more which are also amazing to travel. First is Myanmar, which is known as God’s place due to its holy monasteries and beautiful places like Mandalay, Irrawaddy River, Yangon, Inle Lake and many more. Second is Thailand which is known for Land of white elephants. The exotic beaches of Thailand are simply breath taking. Chiang Mai, Khao Sok National Park, Phuket and Samui are some places which you can’t afford during the Thailand trip. In addition Bangkok’s night life is another attraction to attract travelers all around the world .

Anna, completely agree with you that Myanmar is a beautiful place and has incredibly welcoming people. I almost added it to the list, but since the country has opened up in the last few years (thankfully) I’ve already seen it on many “top destination” lists. Therefore, I didn’t think it still fit the “offbeat” category. The same goes for Thailand – we love its beaches, national parks and cities — but most people look at Thailand as a “safe, regular” destination rather than offbeat.

I’m glad to say I’ve been to one of these destinations, Bolivia! I’d love to visit the others, although I’m sure some of them have slightly difficult visas too. Great post!

Hannah, you’ve picked a great country to start with! The two countries on the list with slightly difficult visas are Tajikistan and Iran (depending upon your nationality). But, Kyrgyzstan is visa-free now and it’s easy to get visas upon arrival for Ethiopia, Haiti and Bangladesh.

I made the same type of list this year. Rather than going to the old standbys, we should consider going to similar, but different locations that are often overlooked, like Sri Lanka instead of Thailand and The Cook Islands instead of Hawaii. Or how about Montenegro instead of Croatia? There are so many wonderful places in the world to see. We need to stretch our travel imaginations once in a while.

Laura, can see that we’re thinking along the same lines here 🙂 Agree that we need to stretch our travel imaginations to keep exploring new places. Personally, I’d love to go to Albania sometime this year as an alternative to Croatia. It’s a big, beautiful world!

Great list—I would add Lesotho—one of my most favorite countries in Africa that very few people think of visiting…..

Jerri, thanks for the recommendation! We met a few people from Lesotho when we were in South Africa a few years ago. They were incredibly warm and welcoming, making us want to return for a visit.

Hi! This is a great list. We recently came back from long term travel, and a re itching to go again! We can’t leave for an extended period of time right now, so I thought Cuba would be a great destination for 2015. Its bound to get a lot more visitors in coming years as US lifts travel restrictions, and Cuba will change. I would love to see it before it does. Have you been?

Jenia, I definitely agree with you that Cuba will get a lot more travelers in the next five years so if you have the opportunity to go now you should. We visited Cuba a while ago in 2003 so I’m sure it has changed since then, but most things are still similar. It’s a fascinating place with a surprisingly diverse culture and fabulous music. Incredibly entrepreneurial and resourceful people, too. Hope you get to visit soon!

Kyrgyzstan is top of my list for 2015 too! Did a great trip last year travelling round some of the lesser known parts of the Balkans, and particularly loved Albania, so planning on getting even further off the beaten track this year… 🙂

Tom, great to hear that Kyrgyzstan is at the top of your list for the year! We did a very brief trip in the Balkans last fall, but we’d love to return and to spend more time and do some multi-day treks. Everyone keeps telling us wonderful things about Albania. Safe travels!

Such a mind blowing travel post! Thanks for sharing those beautiful pictures and your own experience! I am just wondering if you got a chance to visit Cox’s Bazaar ( the longest unbroken sea beach in the world ) in Bangladesh. I can share my experience there- the bay of Bengal is incredible from that part of the country. The sandy sea beach is perfect for a long walk and surfing is more than amazing in the sea. You can see making of fresh fish fry and grab them immediately at local vendors. And a lot more local things are there.

Happy travelling!

Hi Umama, Thanks, glad you enjoyed this piece! We actually did not visit Cox’s Bazaar when we were in Bangladesh, but we were asked about this often from Bangladeshis we meet. You can read about what we visited in Bangladesh and the reasons why we ended up missing Cox’s Bazaar in this piece: https://uncorneredmarket.com/bangladesh-travel/

Nice to see that you loved my Country (Bangladesh). I hope you got to taste some of the traditional foods in Old Dhaka and it wasn’t too spicy! 😉

Yes, we did go into Old Dhaka to eat traditional foods and sample different types of street food. We love spicy foods, so it was just perfect for us. We wrote a long article on Bangladeshi food that perhaps you might enjoy reading: https://uncorneredmarket.com/bangladeshi-food/

Hey Audrey,, Great Piece,,Seeing as i Hate Flying with a Passion Now,,Im Planning to do a Big European and Beyond Trip on Trains and Buses and Such like,,Id Love to do East Europe and Beyond,,A Strange Request i Know but as ur Well Traveled would u Have any Links to Sites that Would Have Info on this Sort of Thing.. Bit of a Long Shot i Know. Thanks.

Justin, we love train and bus journeys as well so understand the desire to avoid flying. It’s easy to get around Eastern Europe by train and bus. The Man in Seat 61 is a great online resource for planning train travel anywhere in the world.

If you want to head further east into some of the places we mentioned above my suggestion is to take the train to Turkey and then you could go to Georgia or Iran (we went the other way from Iran to Turkey by train) easily from there.

I have heard wonderful things about Georgia and it seems really easy to travel too! I am already compiling a list for next year as I think this year is full!

Glad that this list is helping you in next year’s planning! Georgia is a fun place to visit – try to get into the mountains and do some trekking, too.

Excellent post! We’re headed to Kyrgyzstan, Iran and Tajikistan, and your stories and photos from this part of the world is giving us some wonderful inspiration. Can’t wait to finally experience Central Asia for ourselves. Thanks guys!

Glad to hear that our stories from Central Asia have been inspiration for your upcoming journey there. It’s a fascinating part of the world — although it’s not always easy — so I know you’ve got some great adventures ahead of you!

So happy to see that Georgia is appearing on a lot of must visit lists.

We spend a month there and loved every second of it. Very untouched and beautiful!!

Glad to hear of your good experiences spending a month in Georgia! Since you’ve been there, you know all the great reasons to travel there so we’re also happy to see it appearing on more people’s travel radar.

Hi, Audrey really nice selection for offbeat travel destination. People who want to enjoy their trip without much chaos of crowed tourists would spend merry time. Each destination comes with different flavor. In that list Iran is my personal favorite. I loved the culture. The blue-tiled mosaic of the mosques is a pleasure to watch and their culture is a complete different thing to experience. I wish you luck with your exploring of various exotic locations in the world.

Glad you enjoyed this and that you had such a good experience traveling in Iran. The mosaics and design of the mosques are very special and it’s a rich and deep culture that goes back several thousands of years. Happy travels to you on your next journey!

Wow, what an excellent list! I’m so keen to do some overlanding along the silk route, Kyrgystan in particular and I’ve heard such amazing things about Iran.

Thanks, JC! An overland trip along the Silk Road would be quite a beautiful adventure – the scenery and changing cultures are impressive. And yes, Iran is a fascinating place. Hope you get to it soon!

All excellent suggestions!

Might I add: Kampong Ayer (Water Village), Brunei Darussalam

This country is quite westernized and wealthier then the list above but there is still a sect of its population who choose to live above the water on stilt-housing. Its unique and worth a mention.

Keep up the good work!

Thanks, Mike, for the suggestion for Brunei Darussalam. We haven’t traveled in Brunei yet, but didn’t know about this particular area of it. Thanks for sharing!

These are a really interesting mix of countries. I haven’t been to any of them but I wouldn’t mind going to any of the “‘stans” as they are still quite frequently unknown. I’d also like to do the Transiberian silk road route either in 2015 or 2016. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

Yes, the ‘stans are quite interesting and still not very well traveled. If you’re looking for something very different than what you’re used to, that’s a great place to go. And, they make a good combination with the Trans-siberian railway 🙂

Excellent list, Audrey and Dan!! I continue to be entertained by your blog. 🙂

On my bucket list is a bike tour along the silk road but I’d also like to do a tour of South America. Those would cover several from your list.

Jules, these both sound like epic bike trips. when we traveled through Central Asia we met a few people who were biking the Silk Road from Xi’an to Istanbul. They had great stories and experiences, although the mountains were rather challenging 🙂

Excellent list! It’s refreshing to see ‘off the beaten path’ destinations. All of these places are at the top of my list for future travel. I’d love to see more info and recommendations for more countries, which suffer from dangerous reputations (which may no longer be accurate). So much better that the usual Bootsnall list of western European cities.

Thanks, Noel! Glad you enjoyed this sort of alternative destination list. We usually find that once we start doing our research the places with dangerous reputations are not so bad for the traveler after all. But it takes some work to find that out.

Bolivia is FANTASTIC. I had been dreaming of it for a long time and I have finally made it there in 2015 – only to understand that now I want to go again. Iran is definitely a destination I am to visit in 2016. Fingers crossed I have enough money for that.

Agree with you on Bolivia. It’s such an interesting place culturally, politically, historically. And, it also has such incredible physical beauty as well.

I do hope that you are able to make it to Iran this year. If money is an issue, there is a pretty strong Couchsurfing community there (as you are non-American this would be allowed), which would cut down on some of the costs.

I keep seeing more and more suggestions to visit Iran. The US news system certainly attempts to instill fear into people about Iran, and unfortunately does a pretty good job. But I’m really starting to consider visiting there, the architecture looks stunning and everyone says the people are very friendly. The views of the mountains in Kyrgyzstan from your pictures look like they make the trip worth it alone! I just got back from my 2nd visit to Colorado a few weeks ago and love mountain ranges. I think you’ve helped me seriously consider 2 more destinations to add to my bucket list!

Great to hear that you now have two more places on your travel bucket list!

We definitely understand what you mean about the news coverage of Iran and it giving you reservations. Before our visit to Iran a few years ago the media cycle was one where it seemed like every day there was something “anti-American” happening in Iran. Fortunately, we were able to talk with an Iranian-American living in Tehran who gave us perspective of the story that wasn’t being told, including the experiences of American travelers there. And when we did go, we found that this latter story was more the norm. We were welcomed everywhere we went by ordinary Iranians we met on the street, including offers for tea, gifts, etc. And when it comes to architecture, art and ancient history Iran is certainly hard to beat. If you have any other questions about Iran, feel free to ask or take a look at this post: https://uncorneredmarket.com/american-travel-iran/

Yes, the mountains in Kyrgyzstan are worth the journey. Then add to that the yurts, nomadic culture and a strong dose of hospitality and it’s even more attractive.

Pleased to say I have knocked off quite a few on your list. Iran and Georgia were fantastic. I wasnt as enthusiastic with Kyrgyzstan. Uzbekistan would be a great inclusion, and have many fond memories from their. Central asia as a whole including Xinjiang in China is a remarkable part of the world to travel.

Glad to hear that you had such good experiences in Iran and Georgia! And yes, Xinjiang is rather fascinating. This was our starting point for exploring China, so we enjoyed this unusual first taste of the country. We also liked Uzbekistan for the Silk Road cities, but still have a soft spot for Kyrgyzstan and its people and mountains 🙂 But, it’s that we all have different preferences and experiences that makes things interesting in travel!

That is a great list. Heading on a road trip soon from Ireland through Iran and into Central Asia so hitting a few of these. Great to know we are going the right direction

Wow. What a list and such gorgeous pictures! I have been so intrigued by Albania, Kyrgyzstan, well really all the places you have on this list! Thanks for showing these off beat places and how beautiful they look! 🙂

Loved your Central Asia blog, lot of these places are on my bucket list for a long time, specially Iran and pamir highway, just wondering can these both be done together as one trip and can the pamir highway be a self driven itinerary rather than hiring a driver…. Love doing offbeat places my favorite are drives around less know roads in turkey ( underground cities) , offbeat driving Rajasthan ( India) seeing lesser known forts and palaces, off beat destination in Spain (tereul) etc etc.

It might be a bit challenging to fit both Iran and the Pamir Highway into one trip, but it would be possible if you are traveling overland and go through Turkmenistan to get to Iran. Otherwise, there are likely flights from Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan to Iran. I’m not sure of your nationality, but if you are American/British/Canadian you’ll need an official tour/guide in Iran and a land border crossing might be tricky.

As for self-drive, I imagine it is possible, but we don’t know anyone who has done this. By doing a quick search online it seems that there are options to pick up cars in Bishkek/Osh or Khujand/Dushanbe. However, I’d only undertake this as a self-drive experience if you are very familiar with auto mechanics as the roads can be pretty brutal on vehicles. Stunningly beautiful landscapes, but hard roads.

Awesome list! I have always wanted to visit the Sundarbans, Bangladesh and after reading your post I even want to travel more and maybe stay at a village home stay. Hoping to work an itinerary to Dhaka early next year. Thank you again for the wonderful post.

We have been living in Tbilisi, Georgia for 4 months. Can’t really say anything about this country when doing short tourist visit (we don’t do any tourist stuff), but it definitely rocks for long-stay. With EU passport you get 12 months hassle free stay with just an entry stamp that can be renewed indefinitely by exiting to Armenia (also visa-free) and coming back. With our diet and consumption habits this has been the cheapest country in the world where we have so far lived. The total cost of living including everything has been been less than US $200/person/month. The only major annoyance has been excessive traffic, oftentimes air quality is really and cars are trying to kill pedestrians. When you learn not to trust green lights,run over zebras crossing and use underground passages whenever possible.

Santeri, I do remember the driving and traffic in Georgia to be some of the craziest we have experienced, But, as you say, the quality of life, friendliness of people, deliciousness of food, and low cost of living more than make up for it. Glad you’re enjoying it so much!

This was such a fun list to read – and I love how much information you included (and additional resources) for each destination. I have heard so many people discuss how beautiful Iran and the Balkans area are, but Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan were definitely not on my radar!

Glad you enjoyed this list and resources, Alison! Central Asia often doesn’t come up high on people’s travel radar, but countries like Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have some of the most incredible mountain landscapes we’ve ever seen. And, the people and culture are also really interesting and welcoming. We’ve written quite a bit on Kyrgyzstan recently, if you want even more resources: https://uncorneredmarket.com/travel/kyrgyzstan/

Hi Audrey and Daniel, I have never been to Kyrgyzstan but a similar destination I fell in love with and would like to return to is the ancient Tibetan province of Amdo (Gansu, Qinghai). As it’s the “open” part of Tibet, I could walk alone without any problem and go everywhere, surrounded by the high mountains, the most famous Buddhist monasteries of the Gelugpa sect and above all the Tibetan pilgrims wearing their traditional attire. And in a popular destination like India, my favourite would be Central India for its Tribal festivals!

Hi Stephanie, Your description of Amdo reminds me of our visit to Xiahe (also in Gansu Region) a few years ago when we arrived during a Tibetan Buddhist festival at Labrang Monastery. It was quite an incredible experience being in the midst of all the Tibetan pilgrims.

Interestingly, there have been some stones found in Kyrgyzstan with Buddhist chants/prayers engraved on them in Sanskrit. So, at some point many centuries ago Central Asia also had Buddhist influence.

Labrang is one of the places where I have seen the most of pilgrims during this trip. But I was there when they were totally “rebuilding” the city. I had a strong time when a Muslim man took me around his district. I understood he wanted me to witness the last moments of the houses, shops and mosque. I could feel how people were sad… At that time, there was a lot of very old traditional shops – noodles fabric, traditional bread, etc – along the new big road they were building close to the monastery. I guess it doesn’t exist anymore. At the opposite of the monastery, there was the Tibetan area. And there, it was the exact opposite. There was no comfort, the houses were like ruins but it was let outside of development. But I loved the atmosphere there. My favourite place in Amdo has been Langmusi. I really felt as if it was the end of the road and I could see a celestial funerals site. Amdo has such a special atmosphere <3

I really enjoyed seeing your travel timeline and having a little roundup! I’ve only started to follow you recently and I’ve only started travelling out of the UK in the past few years. I’ve recently been to North Sweden and oh my I loved it so much! I’m excited to see what 2019 has in store for you 🙂

Thank you, Linda. Hopefully we can provide a bit of offbeat travel inspiration as you make your way about the world.

I love how much information you included (and additional resources) for each destination. I have heard so many people discuss how beautiful Iran and the Balkans area are, but Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan were definitely not on my radar!

Thanks for letting us know, Lisa. Then we did our job. Glad we could turn your attention to alternative travel destinations like those in Central Asia (e.g., Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan).

Wow! What an awesome list! You’ve certainly given me something to think about. I’ve been on the road for almost 8mo with no end date in site. I’m a new travel blogger (who isn’t ??!!! ) and am dedicated to making a living with my blog and helping others travel. Thanks for such an off the beaten path list of places to go see. Cheers,

You’re welcome, Donna. Hopefully we can continue to provide some more offbeat inspiration for your travels.

Nice list and info. From personal experience, Bangaldesh tops this list for off beat places IMO. Definitely not a relaxing place (as a Caucasian) but so worth it. Spent a month there and only met 3 other tourists, all on the same river cruise hah.

I can’t say I agree with Colombia being included though. I absolutely love it and everyone should go, but it’s definitely not off beat. It’s rampant with tourists country wide. As you mention, Colombia had a troubled past and is well known for that, so some of that stigma remains deterring a few, but not many. It is actually quite impressive to go and see how fast the country, and the attitude of the locals has changed in such a short span of time. But still doesn’t deserve a spot on an off-beat list IMO. I would also say Bolivia is a borderline inclusion, though once again definitely a must-see destination.

Marc, glad you enjoyed this! We had a similar experience in Bangladesh, meeting only 5 travelers in 5 weeks and most of them on our Sundarbans trip.

Colombia has become more “mainstream” the last few years, especially Cartagena. But we’ve still kept it on this list as we still meet people who are still think of the country as dangerous or off limits because of drug wars. And, there are still many areas of the country that are offbeat that most travelers never get to as they stick to the same traditional routes. For example, when we return we’d like to spend time exploring the Pacific Coast.

A very inspiring post that has given us lots of ideas for our forthcoming travels. We’re planning another European road trip for this summer and whilst we’d talked about Albania were not 100% convinced. You’ve helped us make it a must visit country!

Thanks again

Hi Paul, So glad this article was useful in planning your upcoming European road trip. Do try to spend some time hiking near Theth or Valbona (villages with road access) during your trip as the Albanian mountains are beautiful!

I visited Tbilisi and Kyiv last year and loved them both. I’m so happy to see them included as the sights and the people in both were really fantastic.

Excellent to hear that those destinations resonate, Suzanne!

Nice one guys!

I went to both Georgia and Ukraine last year, they were great! Ukraine was a whim as I was already travelling to Poland and decided to merely “pop next door” and spent a week there!

I really want to do more of Central Asia / Caucasus very soon, as I strongly believe they’ve got lots to offer and they’re far easier to get to these days than they were 10 years ago lol!

That’s one of the great things about traveling in Europe, that you can just pop across the border on a whim. Good choice to explore Ukraine for a week. We’d like to go back ourselves to see some places outside the big cities.

We’ve been advocates for Central Asia/Caucasus for over a decade so highly recommend visiting! You right that it has become easier to get to them these days with more flights and options. Plus, it’s a bit easier once you’re there as the tourism infrastructure has been built up a bit so you have more information available and transportation, accommodation, and tour choices.

I traveled to Bangladesh and Colombia back in 2018 and I must say they are truly a travelers paradise from every aspect. Also, the food, transportation, and cost of living are affordable for tourists. Iran is so close to Dubai and I still haven’t had the opportunity of visiting it but now after reading your blog, I will definitely visit it but only when this COVID-19 situation gets better. Kyrgyzstan also has been popping up in off-beat places in recent times because of its outdoor activities, mountains, and lake Issyk Kul.

Sana, I do hope that you have a chance to visit Iran and Kyrgyzstan at some point. Both are fascinating and beautiful places, but for very different reasons so you’ll experience something completely new in each place!

Amazing list Audrey! I’ve only visited 1 of these so far – Colombia. I really want to get to Madagascar. I’m excited to explore the rest.

Thanks, Todd! Highly recommend visiting Madagascar when it’s possible to once again. Same with these other destinations 🙂

Amazing list guys!

If you like hikking I totally recommend The central zone chain of summits in Chile at the Andes, Alzo Dientes de Navarino which is close to Torres del Paine but even more south and less known for foreign people.

Thanks for the suggestion, Pablo! We have visited Torres del Paine and areas along the Carretera Austral in the northern part of Patagonia. But, haven’t been further south.

Great list, certainly gives the reader some great travel ideas. Unfortunately, we haven’t had the opportunity to visit any of these destinations but would like to in the future. Thank you for your list of interesting ideas!

Thanks, Barbara! Glad this list provided some travel inspiration! Although we can’t travel much at the moment these places will be waiting and welcoming travelers when it is finally safe to travel again.

I recently saw Colombia on Jim Belushi’s new show on Discovery. It definitely looks like a country worth a trip to. Between the jungles and cities there seems to be alot of places to explore.

Colombia is very diverse, Wes. And definitely worth a visit. For some ideas and planning, check out our Colombia experiential travel guide: travel to Colombia .

My husband and I love to travel (when there’s no COVID-19…), but I have a few reservations about some of the destinations you reviewed. As an avid but realistic traveler, I always want to know upfront how a particular destination will align to three parameters: safety, security, health. These should be highlighted more in order to be able to plan a truly enjoyable (but realistic) vacation.

Mali, thanks for your feedback in highlighting those three parameters. For us, we wouldn’t recommend a destination in the first place unless we felt it was safe and secure. This is why we never write about or share recommendations about a place that we’ve never visited. However, we can try to highlight those factors more so readers can make decisions accordingly.

As a South American native, it would be wonderful to see Guyana on your list of countries to visit.

Kirk, until now we still have not visited Guyana, but we have had friends who have visited and recommend traveling there. We do hope to have an opportunity to visit at some point in the near future, so check back for updates in the future 🙂

This list of offbeat travel destinations is like a breath of fresh air in the world of travel recommendations. It’s wonderful to see a collection of places that aren’t the typical tourist hotspots but offer unique experiences and rich cultural discoveries.

Kyrgyzstan sounds like a hidden gem for adventurers and cultural enthusiasts alike. The combination of stunning landscapes and a taste of traditional nomadic culture is truly intriguing. The community-based tourism network there seems like a fantastic way to connect with locals and immerse oneself in the culture. It’s great to hear that even after multiple visits, Kyrgyzstan continues to captivate you. After all, traveling to places that challenge our assumptions and immerse us in new cultures is the real magic of exploration.

Thanks for sharing. Cheers, Femi.

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13 Great Offbeat Bucket List Destinations Around the World

By: Author Betsy Wuebker

Overlooked offbeat bucket destinations can deliver exciting rewards

Offbeat bucket list destinations are often overlooked, yet they hold some of the most unique and thrilling travel experiences. This blog post will take you on a journey to discover these hidden gems that can offer both serene natural beauty and pulsating urban excitement.

Let’s start by exploring Southeast Asia’s hidden gem – Borneo, with its ancient temples and stunning natural landscapes. Then we’ll ascend North America’s highest paved road at Mount Evans before immersing ourselves in the high desert landscape of Big Bend National Park.

The coastal charm of Florida’s Emerald Coast and the northern wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offer a stark contrast but are equally rewarding off beat bucket list destinations. We also suggest two exciting American road trips: one through Jackson Hole and the other to Newport, Oregon for those who love to drive.

To round things off, we’ll explore untouched nature in Cook Islands & Zimbabwe versus urban thrill in Tokyo & Montreal, before delving into lesser-known attractions in one of world’s most popular cities – New York City.

Table of Contents

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Borneo – Southeast Asia’s Hidden Gem

Often overlooked by travelers and considered quite exotic, Malaysia’s Borneo isn’t as frequently recognized, but offers many experiences to explore. This UNESCO-designated destination offers alluring discoveries from temples hanging from cliff sides to hidden caves waiting for exploration. Borneo would provide an unforgettable experience for travelers looking for the out-of-the-ordinary.

Check out things to do in Borneo .

Exploring the Temples and Caves of Borneo

The Gomantong Caves, located within one of Sabah’s largest limestone hills, are among the most popular attractions in Borneo. These caves house millions of bats and swiftlets whose nests are harvested for bird’s nest soup, a delicacy in Chinese cuisine.

In addition to these fascinating caves, there are numerous ancient temples scattered across the island worth visiting. The Puh Toh Tze Temple, with its ten traditional Buddhist deities statues standing tall at its entrance, is a sight you don’t want to miss.

The Natural Beauty of Borneo

Beyond man-made wonders like temples and caves, nature itself has blessed this island with incredible beauty. The Kinabatangan River offers opportunities for wildlife spotting including proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants while Mount Kinabalu invites adventurous climbers seeking breathtaking views from Malaysia’s highest peak.

• Kinabatangan River:  Known as one of Southeast Asia’s most remarkable wildlife habitats; here you can see orangutans swinging through trees or crocodiles basking by riverbanks.
• Mount Kinabalu:  Standing at 4,095 meters high making it Malaysia’s highest mountain offering stunning sunrise views over lush green landscapes below.  (source)

“Unleash your inner explorer and add Borneo to your bucket list. From ancient temples to wildlife spotting, this hidden gem in Southeast Asia has it all. #travelgoals #offthebeatenpath ??” Click to Tweet

Find and book places to stay in Borneo:

Mount Evans & Big Bend National Park – Colorado’s Peaks and Texas Valleys

If you’re in search of an adventure that brings together adrenaline-pumping heights and tranquil desert scenes, Mount Evans and Big Bend National Park should be top priority. These two Colorado destinations offer a unique blend of terrains that will satisfy any outdoor enthusiast.

Driving Up North America’s Highest Paved Road

Mount Evans , located just 60 miles west of Denver, is home to North America’s highest paved road – the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. This spectacular drive takes you up to an elevation of over 14,000 feet where breathtaking views await at every turn.

The journey offers stunning panoramas of alpine lakes, ancient bristlecone pine trees, and if you’re lucky enough, some local wildlife such as mountain goats or bighorn sheep.

At the peak, you’ll be treated to an astonishing vista across the Rockies that will leave you in absolute wonder. But remember, altitude can affect people differently, so take it slow and enjoy the ride.

Find places to stay near Mount Evans:

Discovering Big Bend National Park’s High Desert Landscape

Moving from peaks to valleys, our next stop is  Big Bend National Park . Situated along Texas’ southwestern border with Mexico, this park covers more than 800 thousand acres, making it one of America’s largest national parks. It offers diverse ecosystems ranging from riverine environments through Chihuahuan Desert up to Chisos Mountains.

• You’ll find hundreds of bird species alongside numerous types of mammals, reptiles, and even amphibians within its boundaries.
• Hiking enthusiasts will love exploring its extensive trail network, which includes paths leading down into deep limestone canyons or up onto rugged mountaintops.
• Campers too have plenty of options, whether they prefer developed campgrounds or backcountry sites providing solitude amidst nature.

No matter your adventure preference, these two destinations offer a variety of experiences to satisfy all types of travelers.

Find places to stay near Big Bend National Park:

Key Takeaway: 

Mount Evans in Colorado and Big Bend National Park in Texas offer unique terrains that will satisfy any outdoor enthusiast. Mount Evans has North America’s highest paved road, while Big Bend offers diverse ecosystems ranging from riverine environments through the Chihuahuan Desert up into the Chisos Mountains. These destinations provide vastly different experiences for adventure seekers.

Florida’s Emerald Coast & Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – Coastal Charm Meets Northern Wilderness

If you’re a beach lover, skip the mountains and deserts and head straight to  Florida’s Emerald Coast . This charming coastline is home to quaint towns that are perfect for any vacation bucket list. Or, if you’re in the mood for breathtaking views and great shopping, head north to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula .

Experiencing the Charming Towns along Florida’s Emerald Coast

Florida’s coast is no secret, but the real treasure lies in its small and quaint towns. These places are brimming with southern charm and hospitality that can make anyone feel at home instantly.

See our related write-up on Florida’s Forgotten Coast , just south.

Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island are renowned for their white sandy beaches and emerald green waters – a popular destination along the Florida coast. For those seeking an outdoor adventure, the area provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, golfing, boating and beach picnics.

Find a place to stay on Florida’s Emerald Coast:

Shopping Amidst Nature in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities, making it an ideal destination for those who love both nature walks and city life. The peninsula is famous for its picturesque landscapes featuring waterfalls, lighthouses, and forests teeming with wildlife like moose and wolves, providing ample photo ops.

Apart from these natural wonders, there are also plenty of shopping opportunities available here ranging from local artisanal shops selling handmade crafts to high-end boutiques offering boho labels and jewelry, ensuring every shopper finds something they love. A visit here would not be complete without trying out some delicious pasties (traditional meat pies) which have become synonymous with this region over time due to their popularity among locals and tourists alike.

Find a place to stay in the Upper Peninsula:

In summary, whether you enjoy relaxing by the seaside or exploring uncharted territories amidst wild untouched nature, both destinations offer unique experiences worth adding to your travel bucket list today.

Florida’s Emerald Coast and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are two off-beat bucket list destinations that offer unique experiences. Florida’s coast has charming towns with white sandy beaches, while Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers a blend of natural beauty and visitor amenities, including picturesque landscapes featuring waterfalls, lighthouses, and forests teeming with wildlife. Both destinations provide ample opportunities for shopping and indulging in local cuisine.

Jackson Hole & Newport – Offbeat American Road Trip Destinations

For those seeking an unconventional yet captivating travel experience, consider adding Jackson Hole and Newport to your bucket list. These destinations offer unique attractions that will make your road trip unforgettable.

Taking the Scenic Route Through Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole , located in the heart of Wyoming, is known for its picturesque landscapes and popularity among celebrities. For those looking to explore the area, Jackson Hole provides a wealth of outdoor opportunities from hiking and fishing to skiing in winter. The  Grand Teton National Park  nearby boasts stunning mountain views that are perfect for photography enthusiasts.

• Hiking:  With numerous trails available, choose one according to your fitness level and desired scenery.
• Fishing:  The Snake River running through Jackson Hole is renowned for its fly-fishing opportunities.
• Skiing:  Come winter, the slopes here turn into a paradise for skiers with resorts catering to all skill levels.

Find a place to stay in Jackson Hole:

Delving into Newport Oregon And Its Surroundings

If coastal charm is more up your alley, then head over to  Newport . Located on Oregon’s rugged coastlines, this quaint city serves as an excellent base while exploring the state’s natural beauty. From lighthouses standing tall against crashing waves to seafood delicacies at local eateries – there’s something for everyone here.

• Lighthouse Tour:  The iconic Yaquina Head Lighthouse should be on top of any visitor’s itinerary when visiting Newport.
• Culinary Delights:  Newport offers fresh seafood dishes like clam chowder or Dungeness crab caught right from their waters. Don’t forget to try some locally brewed craft beers too.

Check out places to stay in Newport, Oregon:

Texas Hill Country – A Road Trip Outlier

In addition to these offbeat locations within United States borders, Texas Hill Country provides another great destination filled with rolling hills, wineries, and historical sites, making it worth considering if planning a cross-country drive anytime soon.

Use our interactive map to discover places to stay in the Texas Hill Country:

Jackson Hole and Newport, Oregon are two offbeat American road trip destinations that offer unique attractions for travelers seeking an unconventional yet captivating experience. Jackson Hole is known for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing during winter months while Newport offers coastal charm with lighthouses, seafood delicacies at local eateries, and locally brewed craft beers. Texas Hill Country is another great destination filled with rolling hills, wineries, and historical sites worth considering if planning a cross-country drive anytime soon.

Cook Islands or Zimbabwe vs Tokyo or Montreal – Choosing Between Untouched Nature And Urban Excitement

Selecting a dream holiday spot can be challenging, but it is ultimately up to one’s individual preference. Do you prefer the serenity of untouched nature or the excitement of a bustling city? Let’s explore two options for each type of traveler.

Untouched Nature in the Cook Islands or Zimbabwe

The Cook Islands, situated in the South Pacific Ocean, present an ideal haven away from civilization with their untouched beaches and abundant vegetation. These islands remain relatively unspoiled by mass tourism, making them perfect for those seeking tranquility and adventure alike.

Over in Africa,  Zimbabwe  is a nature lover’s paradise. Home to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this country also boasts diverse wildlife found in national parks like Hwange and Mana Pools. Don’t miss the rich cultural heritage displayed at Great Zimbabwe National Monument.

Urban Excitement in Tokyo and Montreal

If you’re a city slicker,  Tokyo  is the place to be. This buzzing metropolis is filled with towering skyscrapers and neon lights, but traditional Japanese culture remains deeply ingrained within society. You can see this unique blend of old and new worlds through temples nestled amongst high rises or sushi bars next to cutting-edge robot restaurants.

Montreal  offers European vibes without needing to cross the Atlantic. This Canadian city charms visitors with its cobblestone streets lined with quaint boutiques and cafes. Don’t miss the stunning architecture of Notre-Dame Basilica, Saint Joseph Oratory, and Mount Royal Park, which offers panoramic views of the entire area. It’s definitely worthy of a spot on your bucket list.

“Ready to check off some unique destinations from your bucket list? Explore the untouched nature of Cook Islands and Zimbabwe or the urban excitement of Tokyo and Montreal. #travelgoals #offbeatdestinations ” Click to Tweet

New York City – A World Famous Destination With Hidden Gems

Despite being famous worldwide,  New York City  still manages to surprise visitors. Every visit could feel like your first time. This section will help uncover some less-known but equally exciting spots within NYC that deserve a spot on your bucket list.

Discovering Lesser Known Attractions Of New York City

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path in the Big Apple, consider these hidden gems:

• The Cloisters:  Located in Fort Tryon Park, the Cloisters branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art is dedicated to medieval Europe. It’s an oasis of tranquility amidst the city hustle.
• Roosevelt Island Tramway:  For a unique perspective of Manhattan skyline, take a ride on this aerial tramway connecting Roosevelt Island to Upper East Side.
• The High Line:  An elevated park built on former railroad tracks offers stunning views, greenery, and public art installations.

Besides these sites, there are neighborhoods worth exploring too. Venture into Brooklyn’s DUMBO district or check out Harlem’s vibrant culture scene.

If food is what draws you, head over to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, often referred to as the ‘real Little Italy’ for an authentic Italian cuisine experience away from tourist crowds at Manhattan’s Little Italy.

No matter how many times you’ve visited before or even if it’s your first trip ever; NYC always has something new up its sleeve making every visit feel fresh and exciting.

Find a place to stay in NYC:

Off-beat bucket list attractions and activities in New York City: The Cloisters, Roosevelt Island Tramway, local neighborhoods like Brooklyn’s DUMBO district, authentic Italian cuisine at Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Add these new experiences to your travel bucket list when visiting NYC.

FAQs in Relation to Off Beat Bucket List Destinations

Unique and off-beat bucket list destinations.

Explore Borneo’s temples, drive up Colorado’s Mount Evans, relax on Florida’s Emerald Coast, discover Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, visit Jackson Hole in Tennessee, experience Newport in Rhode Island, escape to the Cook Islands in the South Pacific, or go on a safari in Zimbabwe.

Discovering Hidden Gems for Your Bucket List

Research online on credible travel blogs, social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, or watch travel documentaries to find lesser-known, hidden gems.

Tips and Tricks for Finding Unusual Places to Add to Your Bucket List

Connect with locals by booking a tour to gain insider knowledge about spots that aren’t typically visited by tourists.

Interesting and Unexpected Activities for Your Bucket List Travels

Explore caves in Borneo, drive up North America’s highest paved road at Mount Evans, shop amidst nature in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, or go on a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey.

Resources for Planning an Off-Beat Trip or Customized Itinerary

Don’t forget to check out TripAdvisor , and search PassingThru posts for comprehensive guides and tips on planning trips to unconventional destinations around the world.

Offbeat Bucket List Destinations Spice Up Your Travel Game

Ready to spice up your travel game? Check out these off beat bucket list destinations that offer unique experiences for adventurous travelers.

• Explore exotic Borneo, where you can witness orangutans in their natural habitat.
• Take an offbeat road trip through Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and discover the stunning natural beauty of the Grand Tetons.
• Experience the coastal charm of Newport, Oregon, where you can indulge in Bayfront shopping and dine on fresh catch of the day.
• Drive up North America’s highest paved road in Colorado and take in breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.
• Experience the untouched nature of Zimbabwe on a safari adventure.

Don’t settle for the same old tourist traps – these destinations offer a diverse range of amazing things to see and experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

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10 Offbeat Travel Destinations in Your Bucket List

If you’re a seasoned traveler looking to explore some lesser-known destinations, then you’re in for a treat. In this blog post, we’re going to share with you 10 offbeat travel destinations that should definitely be on your bucket list. From hidden islands to remote villages, these places offer a unique and unforgettable experience that you won’t find in any tourist guidebook.

So, why should you consider these offbeat destinations? For one, they offer a chance to escape the crowds and experience a more authentic and local way of life. You’ll get to interact with locals, taste regional cuisine, and immerse yourself in the culture of the place. Additionally, these offbeat destinations often have a lower impact on the environment, making them a great option for sustainable travel.

So, without further ado, here are 10 offbeat Travel Destinations that you should add to your travel list

1. Hidden Beaches in Goa, India

Goa, India’s smallest state, is known for its vibrant nightlife, buzzing beaches, and historic landmarks. However, beyond the popular tourist hotspots lies a treasure trove of hidden beaches that offer a peaceful escape from the crowds. In this blog post, we will explore the unspoiled charm of Goa’s hidden beaches and why they should be on every traveler’s radar.

Agonda Beach

Agonda Beach is a quiet and secluded beach located in the south of Goa . With its long stretch of white sand, clear blue waters, and lush greenery, it offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and taking leisurely strolls along the shore.

Galgibaga Beach

Galgibaga Beach is one of the least crowded beaches in Goa, known for its pristine beauty and unspoiled landscape. It is also home to the Olive Ridley sea turtles, which lay their eggs on the beach between November and March. Visitors can witness the hatchlings making their way to the sea, an unforgettable experience.

Butterfly Beach

Butterfly Beach is a hidden gem located in the south of Goa. This secluded cove is accessible only by boat and is named after the countless butterflies that inhabit the area. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.

Velsao Beach

Velsao Beach is a serene and secluded beach located in the south of Goa. With its long stretch of soft sand, palm trees, and clear blue waters, it offers a perfect escape from the crowds. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and taking leisurely strolls along the shore.

Keri Beach, also known as Querim Beach, is a hidden gem located in the far north of Goa. This secluded beach offers a tranquil escape from the crowds and features stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and taking leisurely strolls along the shore.

Betul Beach

Betul Beach is a hidden gem located in the south of Goa, known for its pristine beauty and unspoiled landscape. It is also home to a charming fishing village where visitors can witness the traditional way of life. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and taking leisurely strolls along the shore.

Cola Beach is a hidden gem located in the south of Goa, known for its secluded and unspoiled landscape. This beautiful beach is surrounded by coconut trees and features a freshwater lagoon that is perfect for swimming. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in the lagoon.

Hollant Beach

Hollant Beach is a hidden gem located in the south of Goa, known for its unspoiled beauty and tranquil atmosphere. With its long stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, it offers a perfect escape from the crowds. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and taking leisurely strolls along the shore.

The hidden beaches of Goa, India are a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an offbeat and unforgettable travel experience. These secluded beaches offer a peaceful and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and breathtaking views.

By venturing off the beaten path and exploring these offbeat travel destinations, travelers can broaden their horizons, challenge their perspectives, and create unforgettable memories. So why not take a chance and embark on an adventure to one of these unique and inspiring destinations? With 10 offbeat travel destinations to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion.

2. The Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey known for its unique landscape and rich history. At the heart of this region lies the enchanting Fairy Chimneys, which are tall, cone-shaped rock formations that have been sculpted by nature over thousands of years. In this blog post, we will explore the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia and why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

The Fairy Chimneys

The Fairy Chimneys are the most famous attraction in Cappadocia. These tall, cone-shaped rock formations are formed by volcanic eruptions and erosion over millions of years. They have been sculpted by the wind and rain into unique shapes that resemble chimneys, mushrooms, and even animals.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

One of the best ways to experience the Fairy Chimneys is from the air. Hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia offer stunning views of the landscape, with the Fairy Chimneys rising up from the ground like giant mushrooms. It’s an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.

Underground Cities

Cappadocia is home to several underground cities that were built by early Christians to escape persecution. These cities are located beneath the Fairy Chimneys and offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history. Visitors can explore the tunnels, chambers, and living quarters of these ancient cities.

3. The Blue City of Chefchaouen, Morocco

Morocco is a country known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes. But there’s one destination that stands out among the rest: the Blue City of Chefchaouen . This offbeat travel destination is a photographer’s dream and a cultural haven for travelers. In this blog post, we will explore the Blue City and why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

A Sea of Blue

Chefchaouen is famous for its blue-washed buildings, which give the city a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. The blue color is said to have been introduced by Jewish refugees who settled in the city in the 1930s. Today, the blue buildings attract photographers and travelers from all over the world.

A Cultural Haven

Chefchaouen is a city steeped in culture and history. Visitors can explore the medina, which is home to traditional Moroccan architecture, shops selling local handicrafts, and bustling cafes. The city is also a hub for the Amazigh (Berber) culture, and visitors can learn about their customs and traditions.

A Hiker’s Paradise

Chefchaouen is located in the foothills of the Rif Mountains, making it a hiker’s paradise. Visitors can take a hike to the nearby Akchour Waterfalls, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The hike is relatively easy and can be done in a day.

A Gastronomic Experience

Moroccan cuisine is world-renowned for its aromatic spices and bold flavors. In Chefchaouen, visitors can sample local dishes such as tagine, couscous, and harira soup. The city also has a vibrant street food scene, with vendors selling traditional Moroccan sweets and pastries.

A Photographic Wonderland

The Blue City of Chefchaouen is a photographer’s dream. The blue-washed buildings provide the perfect backdrop for stunning photos, and the narrow alleyways and colorful doorways add to the city’s charm. The city is also a popular destination for Instagrammers, and visitors can find plenty of photo-worthy spots around every corner.

A Spiritual Destination

Chefchaouen is home to several mosques and religious sites, including the Grand Mosque and the Kasbah Museum. Visitors can learn about the city’s religious history and the important role that Islam plays in Moroccan culture.

A Shopping Destination

The medina of Chefchaouen is a shopper’s paradise, with a range of shops selling local handicrafts, textiles, and pottery. Visitors can haggle with shopkeepers for the best prices and find unique souvenirs to take home.

A Relaxing Getaway

Chefchaouen is a peaceful and tranquil destination, with a laid-back atmosphere that is perfect for a relaxing getaway. Visitors can sit in one of the city’s many cafes and watch the world go by, or take a stroll through the picturesque streets.

A Mural Destination

In recent years, Chefchaouen has become known for its vibrant street art scene. Local and international artists have painted murals on the city’s walls, adding to its colorful and creative atmosphere.

A Must-Visit Destination

Overall, the Blue City of Chefchaouen is a hidden gem that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. It offers a unique cultural experience, stunning landscapes, and plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a photographer, a culture lover, or a foodie, Chefchaouen has something for everyone.

Final Thoughts

The Blue City of Chefchaouen in Morocco is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an offbeat and unique travel experience. By exploring these offbeat travel destinations, travelers can broaden their horizons, challenge their perspectives, and create unforgettable memories. So why not step out of your comfort zone and embark on an adventure to one of these unique and inspiring destinations? Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first-time explorer, there’s something for everyone in these 10 offbeat travel destinations.

4. The Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Philippines

The Philippines is home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders, and the Underground River of Puerto Princesa is no exception. This underground river is located in the heart of a national park and is a must-see destination for adventurous travelers. In this blog post, we will explore the Underground River and why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique natural beauty and significant ecological importance. Visitors can explore the river’s intricate cave system and witness the breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years.

A Thrilling Adventure

Exploring the Underground River is an adventure like no other. Visitors can take a paddleboat tour through the cave system, which takes them on a journey through winding passageways and past towering rock formations. The tour also includes a visit to the cathedral-like cavern, where visitors can marvel at the river’s natural beauty.

An Ecological Haven

The Underground River is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. The river and its surrounding rainforest are protected, and visitors are required to follow strict guidelines to minimize their impact on the environment.

A Cultural Experience

The Underground River is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural one. The river and its surrounding area are home to the Tagbanua people, who have lived in harmony with the river for centuries. Visitors can learn about their way of life and their connection to the river through guided tours.

A Beautiful Beach

After exploring the Underground River, visitors can relax on the nearby Sabang Beach. The beach is a stunning destination, with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand.

A Kayaking Adventure

For a more active adventure, visitors can take a kayaking tour through the river’s cave system. This allows visitors to get up close and personal with the river’s intricate formations and see the wildlife that calls the river home.

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

The Underground River and its surrounding rainforest are home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Visitors can spot species such as the Palawan hornbill, Tabon scrubfowl, and the Palawan peacock-pheasant.

The Underground River is located in a peaceful and tranquil setting, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. Visitors can enjoy the serene natural surroundings and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A Scenic Drive

The drive to the Underground River takes visitors through picturesque countryside and lush forests. Along the way, visitors can stop at scenic viewpoints and take in the stunning views.

Overall, the Underground River of Puerto Princesa is a hidden gem that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. It offers a unique adventure, cultural experience, and natural beauty that is unmatched by any other destination.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a spectacular destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a cultural experience, this offbeat travel destination is sure to exceed your expectations. Remember to practice responsible tourism by following the guidelines and respecting the environment and local communities.

5. The Glaciers of Patagonia, Chile

When it comes to offbeat travel destinations, Patagonia, Chile is definitely a must-visit for adventure seekers. The region boasts a breathtaking landscape, which includes some of the most impressive glaciers in the world. In this blog post, we will explore the glaciers of Patagonia and why they should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the most famous glaciers in Patagonia, known for its massive size and unique formation. This glacier is constantly moving and calving, which makes it a fascinating sight to see. Visitors can take a boat ride or hike on the glacier to witness its grandeur up close.

Grey Glacier

Located in Torres del Paine National Park, the Grey Glacier is a stunning sight to behold. Its bright blue hue and immense size make it a popular destination for travelers. Adventurers can take a boat tour to the glacier or hike along its edges for a closer view.

O’Higgins Glacier

The O’Higgins Glacier is one of the least visited glaciers in Patagonia, but its remote location makes it all the more appealing for adventurers seeking an offbeat destination. Visitors can take a boat tour to the glacier or hike to a nearby lookout for a stunning panoramic view.

Pio XI Glacier

As the largest glacier in South America, the Pio XI Glacier is a must-see for travelers exploring Patagonia. Visitors can take a boat tour or hike to the glacier for an unforgettable experience.

Upsala Glacier

Located in Los Glaciares National Park, the Upsala Glacier is a popular destination for its impressive size and stunning views. Adventurers can take a boat tour or hike along the glacier for a closer look at its unique formation.

Amalia Glacier

The Amalia Glacier is another off-the-beaten-path destination in Patagonia, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Visitors can take a boat tour to the glacier or hike to a nearby lookout for a panoramic view.

Balmaceda Glacier

The Balmaceda Glacier is located in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park and can be accessed by boat tour. Its picturesque location makes it a popular destination for photographers.

Serrano Glacier

The Serrano Glacier is a smaller glacier located in Torres del Paine National Park. Its size and remote location make it a popular destination for adventurers seeking a more offbeat experience.

Grey II Glacier

The Grey II Glacier is a lesser-known destination in Patagonia, but its impressive size and unique formation make it worth the visit. Adventurers can take a boat tour or hike along its edges for a closer view.

Viedma Glacier

The Viedma Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Patagonia and offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Adventurers can take a boat tour or hike to the glacier for a closer look at its impressive size and formation.

Exploring the glaciers of Patagonia, Chile is a must-do for adventure seekers. With so many stunning and offbeat destinations to choose from, travelers are sure to have an unforgettable experience in this breathtaking region. Remember, always practice responsible tourism by respecting the environment and local communities.

6. The Island of Socotra, Yemen

Socotra Island, located off the coast of Yemen, is a hidden gem that boasts an otherworldly landscape and unique biodiversity. In this blog post, we will explore the enigmatic beauty of Socotra Island and why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Alien-Like Landscape

Socotra Island is known for its otherworldly landscape, which is unlike anything you’ll find on Earth. The island is home to bizarre-looking plants and trees, such as the dragon’s blood tree and the cucumber tree, which have evolved to survive in the harsh desert environment.

Pristine Beaches

Socotra Island is home to some of the most pristine and unspoiled beaches in the world. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on beaches such as Qalansiyah Beach and Detwah Lagoon.

Rich Biodiversity

Socotra Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its rich biodiversity. The island is home to many unique and endemic species, including the Socotra warbler, the Socotra cormorant, and the Socotra grosbeak.

Traditional Culture

Socotra Island has a rich and distinct cultural heritage. Visitors can witness the traditional way of life of the island’s indigenous people, who have lived on the island for thousands of years.

Adventure Activities

Socotra Island offers a range of adventure activities, including trekking, rock climbing, and diving. Visitors can explore the island’s rugged terrain and crystal-clear waters while taking part in thrilling outdoor activities.

Eco-Friendly Tourism

Socotra Island is committed to eco-friendly tourism and sustainable development. Visitors can enjoy the island’s natural beauty while knowing that their presence is not harming the delicate ecosystem.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Destination

Socotra Island is an off-the-beaten-path destination that offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Visitors can escape the crowds and discover a hidden gem that is unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Challenging Accessibility

While Socotra Island is a beautiful destination, it is not the easiest place to reach. The island can only be accessed by a few flights a week from the Yemeni mainland, and visitors must obtain a special permit to travel to the island.

Overall, Socotra Island is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a unique cultural experience. Despite its challenging accessibility, the island’s enigmatic beauty and rich biodiversity make it well worth the effort.

Sustainable Tourism

Visitors to Socotra Island should keep in mind the importance of sustainable tourism. As a delicate ecosystem, it is crucial that visitors take care not to harm the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

there are many offbeat travel destinations around the world that offer unique and unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking adventure and discovery. From the glaciers of Patagonia to the Blue City of Chefchaouen, these destinations offer a glimpse into different cultures, landscapes, and ecosystems.

7. The Walled City of Pingyao, China

If you’re looking for an offbeat travel destination that offers a glimpse into China’s rich history and culture, look no further than the Walled City of Pingyao. This well-preserved ancient city boasts impressive city walls, temples, and traditional architecture, offering visitors a step back in time to a bygone era.

But Pingyao is just one of the many offbeat travel destinations that offer a unique perspective on the world and the beauty that can be found in unexpected places. From the Island of Socotra in Yemen to the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia, these destinations offer a chance to explore and discover new cultures, landscapes, and ecosystems.

8. The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina, Romania

These monasteries are located in the northern part of Romania and are famous for their unique painted exteriors. The paintings depict biblical scenes and are a great example of Byzantine art. Best Time to Visit Top Destinations

9. The Marble Caves of Patagonia, Chile

The Marble Caves are located on a lake in Patagonia and feature stunning blue and turquoise colors. You can explore the caves by boat and marvel at the natural beauty of the area

10. The Star Sand Beach of Iriomote Island, Japan

• Escape to the Tranquil Star Sand Beach of Iriomote Island – An Underrated Destination That Should Be on Every Traveler’s List of Top 10 Offbeat Destinations in Japan!
• Unravel the Mystery of Iriomote Island’s Star Sand Beach – A Fascinating Destination That Offers a Unique Blend of Natural Beauty and Adventure for Those Seeking an Offbeat Travel Experience in Japan!
• Iriomote Island’s Star Sand Beach – An Exotic Destination That Should Be on the Radar of Every Traveler Looking for an Offbeat Travel Experience in Japan!

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8 offbeat trips to escape the crowds in 2023

There’s a big wide world out there. And while the classic spots are popular for a reason, it’s often the quirkier, eyebrow-raising destinations that get our hearts beating the fastest. Better still, it can benefit people and the planet when you choose to visit them too.

This year, as part of our Travel Goals for 2023 , we’re urging adventurous travellers to find fresh experiences in lesser-known destinations . Ready to take the plunge? Dive into the unknown with these new, improved and far-from-the-norm trips.

1. Find an unknown island paradise in Comoros 

If you’ve never heard of this tiny island nation , you’re not alone. This little archipelago off the east coast of Africa sits between Mozambique and Madagascar, but receives very few visitors compared to its more popular neighbours. In 2020, UNESCO designated the island of Moheli and its surrounding waters a biosphere reserve, acknowledging the diversity of flora and fauna that makes the area such a draw for wildlife lovers. Join our brand-new Comoros Wildlife Expedition in 2023 to spot sea turtles, humpback whales, endangered flying bats and more. All while helping to conserve their pristine natural habitats. 

2. Experience rural life in Northern Cyprus  

Cyprus is a sun-drenched Mediterranean island, so naturally, it’s not short of tourists. But only a fraction of its visitors venture beyond the UN-controlled buffer zone that splits the country in two to explore the Turkish Cypriot North. Join our Highlights of Northern Cyprus trip that’s relaunching in 2023 and you’ll be one of the adventurous few, admiring Ottoman architecture and soaring minarets in Nicosia, Europe’s last divided capital; relaxing on quiet, resort-free beaches on the Karpaz peninsula; and staying in a traditional rural village where locals are working together to preserve their culture and heritage.

3. Go beyond the obvious in Bosnia and Herzegovina  

In the 1990s, Bosnia and Herzegovina was making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Today, years after the conflict ended, war is still the first thing that springs to mind for many people considering a trip here. But the country has come a long way since those days . And Intrepid, in partnership with USAID, are working to support sustainable tourism development – showing travellers a surprising side of Bosnia and Herzegovina on a brand new expedition , departing for the first time in May 2023. 

4. Blaze a (sort of) new trail in Bhutan  

After a four-year restoration project, centuries of history are coming back to life on the newly launched Trans Bhutan Trail . Follow in the footsteps of traders, pilgrims and monks as you venture through untouched landscapes, with plenty of history, culture and encounters with local people along the way. Trust us – hiking these revamped ancient byways is the ultimate way to see Bhutan . 

5. Tackle a lesser-known trek in Peru  

The Inca Trail gets all the love – and therefore all the crowds. While the journey to Peru ’s crowning glory, Machu Picchu, tends to live up to the hype for travellers, there are other, equally astonishing hiking routes and Inca ruins that have yet to be discovered by the masses. In 2023, we’re launching our brand new Great Inca Road expedition – a 12-day trek along sections of a 25,000-mile ancient highway featuring epic Andean landscapes and under-the-radar ruins. 

6. Dive into a one-of-a-kind adventure in Vanuatu

There are cultural festivals, and then there’s Vanuatu’s land-diving festival . This spectacle – often described as the ‘original bungee jumping’ – is practised by the indigenous community of Pentecost island and is unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed. Jumpers throw themselves off a high wooden tower with nothing but vines attached to their ankles in a ritual that both marks the coming of age of local young men and blesses the earth for upcoming harvests. Now Intrepid travellers have the privilege of attending one of these events, and learning more about Vanuatu ’s unique history, culture and landscapes on our Land Diving Festival Expedition.

7. Heed the call of the mountains in Pakistan  

Long-touted as the ‘next big thing’ in adventure travel, Pakistan remains one of the last places most people think to go. But with our new 15-day expedition , we’re hoping to change that. Travelling north from Islamabad to the Hunza Valley, you’ll get a feel for what life is like in the region’s most remote mountain villages, visit cafes and projects that support local women and tackle high-altitude hikes to reach glittering glaciers, otherworldly lakes and astounding valley views. What are you waiting for? 

8. Explore an underrated region in Italy

Italy is hardly ‘off the beaten track’ – just look at Rome’s Colosseum or Venice’s waterfront in the peak of summer. But that’s all the more reason to seek out its quieter corners. Umbria may not have the flair of Florence or the glamour of Milan, but its medieval towns, farmstays and distinct regional cuisine will show you a different, quieter side of Italy. 

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Offbeat activities, alternative museums, cultural centers, nightlife, street art, plus local tips on the best viewpoints for stunning photos and most delicious food. Madrid has it all. The tricky part…

• Inspiration
• Travel Hacks

What would you like to discover?

28 offbeat destinations you need to visit at least once in your lifetime.

Sick of the Londons and New Yorks of the world? Try checking into someplace a bit more exotic this time.

1. Ushuaia, Argentina

As the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia serves as the base for many Antarctic explorations. Even if you decide not to head off to the iced continent, Ushuaia has plenty to offer, from rides aboard steam-engine pulled trains (Southern Fuegian Railway) to the spectacular sight of the Martial mountain range beyond the city.

2. Corumbau, Brazil

A tiny fishing village with a population of just 400 on Brazil’s east coast. It’s gorgeous without being crowded – the perfect place to get away from the world.

3. Muscat, Oman

Dubai might get all the expat dollars and boast the tallest buildings, but it is Muscat in Oman that deserves the title of the prettiest city in the Middle East. With gorgeous white buildings, mountains and beautiful beaches, you’ll wonder why Muscat doesn’t find a place on more travel itineraries.

4.  Huacachina, Peru

This is as surreal as it gets: a tiny oasis in the heart of a vast desert. Often called the “Oasis of South America”, Huacachina’s little tourist village makes for one hell of a vacation destination.

5. Rann of Kutch, India

You’ve seen the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Now try the Rann of Kutch in the state of Gujarat, India. Immensely flat and incredibly vast, the Kutch’s desolate landscape deserves a spot in your travel itinerary.

6. Hovd, Mongolia

Head out to this tiny Mongolian town for the beautiful Achit Lake and gorgeous views of the Harhiraa-Tu’rgen mountains. For the quintessential Mongolian experience, live in a yurt by the lake and drive a motorcycle across the endless steppes.

7. Can Tho, Vietnam

Forget Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; for an authentic Vietnamese experience, head out to Can Tho instead. This little-big town has all the facilities you’d expect of a major city, yet, a pace of life that has hardly changed over the last 100 years. Highlights include the “floating” market and the “hot pot” alley. Highly recommended if you love authentic Vietnamese food.

8. Gaoligong Mountain Nature Reserve, China

Beyond the din of Beijing and Shanghai lies a China few western tourists know about. The Gaoligong Nature Reserve is the best of the lot – a vast mountainous region with stunning landscapes and diverse native wildlife. If you must trek anywhere in China, let it be Gaoligong.

9. Rovinj, Croatia

Rovinj has near legendary status among travelers in Eastern Europe, but remains largely undiscovered by western tourists. This tiny fishing port is one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean, with picture-perfect seaside houses and sailboats plying the blue waters.

10. Antequera, Spain

This small Spanish town of 42,000 inhabitants boasts a huge rock formation at the edge of town, white washed houses and narrow streets that have remained unchanged for centuries. Excellent Spanish cuisine and wine are added bonus. Next time you’re in Spain, skip Saville and Madrid and head over to Antequerra instead.

11. Sarlat-la-Caneda, France

Sarlat-la-Caneda isn’t just a travel experience; it’s like stepping out of a time machine. This tiny town of 9,500 people has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. This is what people mean when they talk of “old world charm”.

12. Praia a Mare, Italy

Blue waters, vast empty beaches: what more could anyone ask for? Praia a Mare is one of the many hidden gems along Italy’s coast, a tiny resort town nestled behind high cliffs. The Dino Island nearby is great for diving, and there are even sea caves to explore for the more adventurous.

13. El Nido, Philippines

Fishing, kayaking and lounging by the beach in a tropical paradise. It doesn’t really get any better than this. Oh, and there are steep limestone cliffs, dense jungles, swift, shallow rivers, and cheap resorts to round up the charms of this Filipino coastal town.

14. Beppu, Japan

Come here for the mountain vistas and a chance to take a dip in the city’s famous hot springs.

15. Gdansk, Poland

This beautiful city on the Baltic coast boasts a history a thousand years old, and architecture stunning enough to make the best of Amsterdam and Berlin look stale in comparison. Come here if you want to experience the beauty of Bruges, minus the costs and crowds.

16. Saba, Caribbean

Cliffs, hills, valleys, ocean: this is the topography of Saba in a nutshell. Located in the Leeward Antilles group of islands in the Caribbean, Saba is often called the Caribbean’s “Unspoiled Queen”. The island has gone largely unnoticed by western tourists, which means you can still experience a sliver of Caribbean life and natural beauty without the attendant costs and tourist-caused chaos.

17. Staraya Russa, Russia

Lit geeks might recognize this town as the summer retreat of Fyodor Dostoevsky. Visit it for the Dostoevsky House Museum, the traditional Russian architecture of the Cathedral of Resurrection and Mina Muchenik Church, and the old buildings along the main street that make you feel like you’re living in a Nikolai Gogol novel.

18. Pyin U Lwin, Myanmar

The former summer capital of the British Raj in Burma (Myanmar) has some stunning Victorian architecture and mountain vistas, minus the crowds of the rest of Burma.

19. Abhaneri, India

There’s only one reason to visit the tiny hamlet of Abhaneri in the Indian state of Rajasthan: the Chand Baori step-well. This step-well served as the location for the “Lazarus Pit” in The Dark Knight Rises. It looks like something M.C. Escher would draw in his dreams.

20. Wulingyuan, China

The natural stone towers of Wulingyan were the basis of the “floating mountains” in James Cameroon’s Avatar . A hike through the area doesn’t feel all too dissimilar from walking through an alien landscape.

21. Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua smells like rotten eggs, but don’t let that deter you from experiencing one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth. “Sulfur City”, as it is locally called, is home to seven active geysers and 500 hot water pools. It’s the closest thing on planet Earth to Mordor, which perhaps explains why Peter Jackson chose the surrounding region to film Lord of the Rings .

22. Menzies, Australia

The former gold-rush town of Menzies in Western Australia is a study in history. Much of the town was abandoned once the gold mines ran dry. Yet, the town somehow managed to survive, eking out an existence for close to hundred years. Many of the buildings date back to the gold rush period and an air of stasis pervades the town. Combined with the small population, this makes Menzies feel like a place caught in a time warp.

23. Flores, Guatemala

Three reasons to visit Flores: a) it’s located entirely on a tiny island on Lago Peten Itza connected only by causeway to two sister towns (Santa Elena, San Benito), b) it’s buildings and narrow lanes date centuries back to a rich colonial past, and c) it lies within a couple of hours of the famous Mayan ruins of Tikal.

24. Tywyn, Wales

This seaside resort town in Gywnedd, Wales has been a pilgrim center for nearly a thousand years. Visit it for spectacular views of the Snowdonia National Park and get a taste of life in the rural heart of Wales.

25. Tromsø, Norway

Two words: Northern Lights.

This pretty town of 72,000 lies just 200 miles from the Arctic Circle. Besides the fjords, art, history and relaxed rural Norwegian life, it’s also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in winter.

26. Niamey, Niger

Niger isn’t exactly high on most travelers’ wish list, but don’t let that deter you from taking a detour to Niamey, the country’s capital. Come here to witness a city bursting with life and activity, to see the vast stretches of the Niger river, to gaze upon the beauty of the Grand Mosque, and to take in some incredible local wildlife. Trust us: the experience is a lot better than it looks on paper.

27. Jakar, Bhutan

The tiny little country of Bhutan is the hidden gem tucked deep in the Himalayas. Thanks to its location, it has remained largely isolated from the world, which has helped preserve the country’s native culture. Jakar in Choekor Valley is a great place to start your Bhutan journey. It’s large enough to have all the comforts of a city, but small enough to be quiet and peaceful.

28. Sheki, Azerbaijan

Go beyond the capital city of Baku to discover a neat little gem in the shadow of the Great Caucasus Mountains. With its rich Silk Road history, beautiful architecture and mountain vistas, this is one city you must visit in Eastern Europe/Central Asia.

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10 offbeat travel destinations around the world

If you’re sick of battling against a trove of other tourists to see the world’s – perceived – best cities, take a look at their neighbours, writes Ewan McDonald.

Every country has that irresistible city, the one that draws visitors like a moth to the you-know-what. Guess what? For every Barcelona, for every Tokyo, there’s a less-known, less-visited neighbour where you just might enjoy a special experience . Try these for size – and style.

Manchester, England

David Beckham got it spot on: the teenager left London for the brighter northern lights and the planet’s greatest football club (there is another team in town, but… ). This powerhouse city has soccer and sounds: Blur and Oasis are done but you can rock out to gigs at the Albert Hall, Deaf Institute (seriously) or Gorilla (as in…). The Industrial Revolution’s roots echo in red-brick mills and Victorian warehouses modernised with glass atriums and facades. For art, the Lowry Centre; for dining, hip eateries like Australasia’s down-underground glass chamber.

Marseille, France

Three hours south by fast train, Marseille is everything Paris isn’t: sprawling, gritty, street-wise, sun-kissed, lots more fun. The country’s second-largest city is a 2600-year-old port where you’ll get the best of city and beach, feel you’re on both sides of the Mediterranean thanks to the large North African population butting up against the Provencal cliches of pastis, petanque, cobblestone streets and markets - and the stunning Old Port with its shops, cafes and superyachts.

Naples, Italy

Living under a volcano, Naples ’ locals carry on as if there’s no tomorrow. If the name conjures images of the Mafia, bullets in the streets, you’ve watched too many movies. This is one of Italy’s most fascinating cities, for the cuisine - pizza, invented here, grills, seafood and pasta. Think they’re good? Try the bakery. History: Pompeii is nearby, its sculptures, artefacts and frescoes in Naples’ archaeological museum. But Naples’ greatest artwork is la dolce vita: evening streets become outdoor living rooms where you’ll take part in favourite sports - dodging overloaded Vespas whizzing down narrow lanes or, almost as life-threatening, watching champion footballers at Maradona Stadium.

Galway, Ireland

A bohemian place with a live-and-let-live vibe, attracting writers, artists and musicians. “Like San Francisco with way more rain, Guinness and Aran jumpers,” it’s impossible to have a bad time in this little, stone-grey port. You’ll be jigging and reeling after a few tunes and a few pints in its famous pubs. The food’s not bad either: Galway boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants, 13 more recommendations. Galway loves a good festival; yearly festivals celebrate literature, arts, jazz, oysters and seafood, and the legendary horseraces.

Donostia, Spain

Usually tagged San Sebastian, locals call their gorgeous little city Donostia. Breathtaking views, mountains , beaches and some of the world’s best cuisine. If that’s too rich for your Visa card, hit the charming Old Town and its sensational pintxo bars. Pronounced “pin-choss”, these are miniature meals, often on a toothpick, washed down with glorious local wines or inventive cocktails. Take what you want and eat in the streets, pintxos-crawling from one bar to the next. Playa de la Concha is Spain’s Mission Bay, 1350m of sand backdropped by mountains and an elegant boulevard; Zurriola, just across the river, is surfer bliss.

Trail of two cities, USA West

A toss-up: Portland and Seattle share a devotion to coffee, cycling and outdoor lifestyles. Oh, and year-round rain. Let’s plump for Seattle, the metropolis, sire of Microsoft, Amazon and, er, Starbucks. Stunningly beautiful, sprawling across Puget Sound, Mt Rainier in the background, the “Emerald City” is renowned for delicious food (particularly seafood and Asian flavours), craft beer and distilling, lusty recreation (anyone for naked biking?) and, if you’re over 21, lush foliage procured from local “dispensaries”.

Tea party, USA East

Stumble on cobblestone streets, buildings and sites from the 1775-83 Revolutionary War on the Freedom Trail (14km), winding past 16 sites including the Tea Party Museum. Hiking into the present, a Red Sox game at Fenway Park is a one-of-a-kind experience; Back Bay has some of the best shopping, in traditional brownstone buildings; Charles St in Beacon Hill is another historic quarter. For natural beauty, head to the North Shore coastline or stroll the 5km Charles River Esplanade. Warning: Boston is one of the US’ more expensive cities for food and hotels.

Seoul, South Korea

South Korea’s bewitching capital delivers unique culture, traditional and pop; cityscape, ancient and futuristic; cuisine, traditional and fusion; and bedazzling nightlife (K-pop. Korean Oscar-winners). Encounter fabulous skytowers; amble Cheonggyecheon Stream, the urban park restored from an abandoned sewer; discover alleys and gawk at temples and mansions like the 1395 Gyeongbokgung Palace. Tried Korean food back home? The real thing will re-orientate your tastebuds.

Durban, South Africa

South Africa’s playground. Could be the bright, sunshiny days, could be the warm ocean; could be beaches like 6km Golden Mile, popular with surfers, fishers, joggers and swimmers. Influenced by African and Indian cultures, stroll Victoria Street Market and be tempted by curry powders, silk scarves and bunny chow, aka curry inside a white loaf (you have to be there). Drive to game parks or observe nature in the raw at Gateway, the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest mall. Worst-kept secret: awesome sunrises best seen from oceanfront promenades.

Adelaide, Australia

Check: laneway cafe and bar culture in Leigh and Peel streets. Check: hipster hangouts in East End. Check: finer dining on Rundle St. Go green: tram or pedal a free bike to Glenelg, Henley, Brighton beaches. Like all Australian cities, you don’t have to go too far to find wildlife. Oh, you thought we’d overlooked it: food and wine. There are 200 cellar doors within an hour’s drive, including Penfolds, 8km from the CBD; Barossa and McLaren Vale, less than an hour away.

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Lonely Planet: 10 most offbeat places to explore in the world – and two are in the UK

Lonely Planet lists lesser-known locations for a crowd-free trip

As part of their newest guidebook, Offbeat , Lonely Planet has uncovered the 100 places where visiting can make a real difference to the local community. Celebrating undiscovered regions, the book is packed with places we don't often hear about.

Kufstein in Austria also made the list, as did Lyon in France and Estonia's Tartu — the European Capital of Culture 2024. Whether you're planning a city break for next year or want to get away from tourist traps, these places will reveal to you unique, authentic and immersive experiences.

"As the world embraces travel again, we know people are looking for crowd-free, under-the-radar alternatives to popular tourism mainstays," Chris Zeiher, Senior Director Trade Sales & Marketing for Lonely Planet Publications, says.

"Offbeat presents 100 detailed options for travellers to consider whether it's lesser-known National Parks in North America, gorgeous yet surprisingly less frequented cities across Europe, or islands off Australia and New Zealand that remain relatively crowd-free. I've already added a stack of these suggestions to my travel list."

Take a look at the best alternative destinations to add to your bucket list...

Top 10 offbeat destinations to explore away from the crowds

• Kufstein, Austria
• Tartu, Estonia, the European Capital of Culture 2024
• Lyon, France
• Andros, Greece
• Braga, Portugal
• Shropshire Hills, UK
• Torridon Hills, Southern Highlands, Scotland, UK
• UNESCO Global Geopark Copper Coast, Ireland
• Tatra Mountains, Poland
• Caceres, Extremadura, Spain

Get off the beaten track with Offbeat by Lonely Planet. Available at Offbeat - Lonely Planet UK or where all good books are sold.

Travel rucksacks: The best waterproof, lightweight and wheeled backpacks

Mountain Warehouse Carrion 80L Rucksack

An 80-litre lightweight rucksack that’s comfortable to carry, you’ll find a huge range of features in this rucksack and multiple pockets. We love the rain cover which folds out to cover the rucksack and protects the contents from getting wet – great if you’re heading somewhere rainy!

Decathlon Quechua Forclaz 50-Litre Trekking Backpack

Ideal for beginner trekkers because of its design which puts comfort first, this 50-litre travel backpack comes with durable foam straps, an adjustable back and even hand rests. It's one of the most affordable rucksacks available, too.

Vango Sherpa 65-Litre Rucksack

With its self-adjusting back system, great value and useful features, including multiple entry points for effective organisation, this is great for adventurers who don’t want to spend too much. It also comes with reflective strips and a detachable rain cover.

Lowe Alpine Atlas 65:75 Hiking Backpack

Offering good value and a distinctive colour, this comfortable rucksack is durable and made for multi-day treks and travel around the world. The high-capacity pack has side pockets for extra storage and adjustable back-length with an easy-to-use hook and loop backsystem.

Mountain Warehouse Voyager Wheelie 50 + 20 Litre Rucksack - Black

Strong, versatile and secure, this black rucksack with wheels combines two bags in one design. There’s ample space for your luggage, with the large bag used as a rucksack while the detachable daypack is perfect for your days out.

Osprey Women's Aura AG 65 Rucksack

Designed specifically for women, this stylish travel rucksack offers excellent ventilation without sacrificing performance and is great for hot and cold climates. Its harness with a load lifter bar offers strong load support and there are two zipped pockets on the front for easy access to your kit.

Mountain Warehouse Inca Extreme 80L Rucksack

If you’re looking for plenty of space, this 80-litre travel bag also comes with plenty of pockets, while offering comfort and style. We like the open mesh back that creates a large air space between you and the back of the rucksack for maximum ventilation.

Trespass Trek 66 Litre Rucksack

Available in seven colours including electric blue, this bright rucksack has essential features, from padded shoulder straps to an added rain cover. It has a large main compartment and five pockets in total for loads of space.

The North Face Terra 55-Litre Hiking Backpack

Ideal for hikers, this rucksack allows you to move faster with its light, slim and durable design. The 55-litre bag also features The North Face’s most comfortable back panel to date - it’s made from soft foam and breathable mesh.

Berghaus Women's Trailhead Outdoor Rucksack

Packed full of Berghaus technology and features, this holiday rucksack also offers fantastic value. It's simple, comfortable to wear and ideal for multi-day adventures.

Montane Trailblazer 30 Rucksack

Lightweight, stable and giving quick access to your kit, this rucksack was made for mountain walking trips. The harness can also be customised to ensure a body hugging fit without restricting your movement.

Osprey Rook 65 Rucksack

A highly innovative rucksack designed for comfort and a premium fit, it features a highly-adjustable ventilated backsystem, a large padded hip belt which helps when carrying heavier loads and an internal divider with a separated lower compartment you can unfasten easily when not in use.

Vaude Zerum 58+ LW Rucksack

Extremely lightweight and a good buy for trips where every gram counts, this is Vaude's lightest large backpack, weighing just 1.39kg. It's versatile, very strong and is an ideal bag for campers carrying tents and sleeping bags.

Mountain Hardwear BMG 105 OutDry Rucksack

For an investment travel backpack, this bag was designed for professional use so it's built for carrying lighter loads as much as serious kit. It features a waterproof lining and comes with deep pockets for carrying everything, from climbing gear to ice axes.

Mountain Warehouse Tor 65L Rucksack

Packed with great features, this top rucksack for travelling has a split main compartment so you can separate your gear. It's also perfect for women as it accommodates a smaller frame.

Decathlon Forclaz Travel 500 Men's Trekking 50 Litre Lockable Backpack

Designed in collaboration with trekkers who expressed specific travel needs, this rucksack was created with a focus on safety. It has a wide, lockable zip which prevents pickpocketing and the hood doubles up as a saddlebag so you can take your most precious belongings wherever you go - genius!

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Get off the beaten path at these 10 incredible places in North America

Oct 25, 2022 • 17 min read

Waterton Lakes National Park, in Alberta, Canada, is a microcosm of the larger Rocky Mountain parks to the north without the crowds © phototropic / Getty

It's not just you, the world's most touristy places are more crowded than ever.

The number of people traveling internationally has grown steadily since the 1950s with a great spike in the last year as travel interests peak in a post-pandemic era. Intense airline competition, falling fares and increases in disposable incomes are just some of the key reasons why travel has boomed in the past few decades: pre-pandemic, the United Nations World Tourism Organization recorded around 1.5 billion annual international tourist arrivals globally. But where do 1.5 billion people go?

The problem is, not all destinations are created equal in the eyes of tourists. In recent years we have cultivated homogenous travel desires whereby, often, we’re all striving towards the same experiences. We collectively dream of seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris (check), the Grand Canyon (check) or the Hong Kong skyline from Victoria Peak (check).

Traveling beyond the classic honeypot destinations is a terrific way to spread your money to corners of the globe where local people desperately need it. Seek out the places where tourists are few and far between and your visit has the potential to make a real difference to people’s lives, creating incomes and opportunities that can empower entire communities.

Get inspired to travel off the beaten path with these 10 select highlights from Lonely Planet's new  Offbeat  book; certain to feed your wanderlust. 

Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada

Move over Banff and Glacier National Park  — this Rocky Mountain bolthole has it all

In the Rocky Mountains between the big-ticket national parks of Glacier in the US and Banff in Canada, Waterton Lakes enjoys less celebrity and less traffic than its esteemed neighbors. Yet this spectacular pocket of the Rockies has international pedigree. Inaugurated in 1895 as one of the world’s first national parks, it has since been recognized by Unesco as a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. To add to its uniqueness, Waterton was conjoined with Glacier in 1932 to form America’s first International Peace Park, symbolizing the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

With its small town and handsome heritage hotel surrounded by chiseled mountains and a long navigable lake, Waterton is, in many ways, a microcosm of the larger Rocky Mountain parks to the north. But with all its sights stuffed into a compact 505 sq km (195 sq miles), its wilderness is refreshingly accessible. A rugged trail network emanates directly from Waterton’s town and more than 800 wildflower species dot its brawny backcountry, along with bears, cougars and ungulates.

Getting there:  Waterton lies in Alberta's southwestern corner, 270km (168 miles) south of Calgary . The one-road entrance into the park is in its northeastern corner, along Hwy 5. Car rental is available at Calgary International Airport. Alternatively, buses from Calgary and Fort Macleod will get you as far as Pincher Creek from where you can get a taxi the final 56km (35 miles) to Waterton town.

When to go:  Jun-Sep; July and August offer the best weather and the most recreational opportunities, but also draw over half the annual visitors. Late spring is good for migratory birds and waterfalls. Early fall brings golden foliage, quiet trails and slightly cheaper accommodations.

Pro tip:  Bring binoculars, a star chart and a warm blanket. Waterton Lakes is a Dark Sky Park with low light pollution, making it a wonderful place for stargazing. Head to Cameron Bay near the townsite on a cloudless summer night.

Canada's best national parks

Monte Albán, Mexico

In the Oaxaca clouds lies a pre-Columbian city to rival Chichén Itzá

Though it bears a strong resemblance to Chichén Itzá, Mexico’s hilltop complex of Monte Albán pre-dates its Yucatán cousin by 750 years and receives just a fifth of the visitors. Set high above Oaxaca City , it was built by the Zapotecs around 500 BCE but eventually faded into slow obscurity until Leopoldo Batres began excavations in 1902, discovering a trove of important gold and striking pyramids. Alongside Chichén Itzá and the pre-Aztec Teotihuacan ruins outside Mexico City , Monte Albán is one of the most important pre-Columbian archaeological treasures of Mesoamerica.

The site’s strategic hilltop location puts it level with the clouds above Oaxaca’s Central Valleys, and as visitors stroll the grounds they can ponder the astronomical observations made from the site centuries ago. The Zapotec god of rain, Cocijo, was the main deity worshipped here, perhaps because the 400m (1312ft) elevation gives the perfect vantage on any storm clouds moving in. Come on a weekday and it can feel like a place where time has collapsed, far from the busy city below.

Getting there:  Monte Albán is only 10km (6 miles) from Oaxaca International Airport, with direct flights from airports including Mexico City and Houston’s IAH. If you’re not pressed for time, it’s also easy to visit Oaxaca traveling by road from Mexico City.

When to go:  Oct–Nov; October marks the start of the dry season, with ideal temperatures and clear skies. Time your trip right (in the lead-up to November 1-2), and you can view the local Day of the Dead altars in Oaxaca City during your stay.

Pro tip: Bring your own water – vendors may not be on hand and Monte Albán can be exposed to the sun (hats and sunscreen are a good idea as well).

Weird and wonderful hotels in Mexico for a unique vacation

Ontario’s Black History Sites, Canada

The Underground Railroad led many formerly enslaved people to Canada.

In the 1800s, the network of safe houses across the US known as the Underground Railroad sheltered formerly enslaved people escaping to freedom. At least 30,000 of the Black Americans who followed this route settled in Canada , the majority in southwestern Ontario. Several sites across this region, west of Toronto and east of Detroit , enable visitors to learn more about the lives that these new Canadians established and the experiences of their descendants. While many locations across the US educate visitors about slavery and the struggles for civil rights, fewer travelers are aware of the way history played out in Canada.

The Ontario communities with key Black settlements include Windsor, Sandwich, Amherstburg, Dresden, Buxton and Chatham. The latter became a hub of intellectual life for Black Canadians known as ‘Black Mecca.’ The region’s attractions immerse visitors in railroad history, as you walk through 19th-century cabins and schoolrooms, examine shackles used on the enslaved or listen to (virtual) dogs barking as if you, too, were fleeing to freedom.

Getting there:  Toronto Pearson International Airport is the main Canadian air gateway to Southwestern Ontario, but Detroit Metro Airport, across the border in the US, is also convenient. Via Rail trains travel between Toronto and Windsor, which makes a good starting point for explorations. Once you reach the region, public transit between communities is limited, so it’s easiest to explore by car.

When to go:  May-early Oct; Summer has the warmest temperatures and everything is open; September and October are good months to visit if you want to combine your trip with autumn leaf-peeping and crisp days.

Pro tip:  The Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation’s website is a helpful resource for planning travel to the region.

16 hiking trails that showcase the very best of Canada

The Lost Sierra, California, USA

Where old gold-mining communities are reviving trails for adventurers.

Speeding downhill, your shoulders skimming the trunks of giant trees and the wheels of your bike bouncing over rocks and roots, it’s impossible to take your eyes off the trail ahead. But pull over occasionally to appreciate your surroundings among ponderosa pines or red fir trees, blue jays hopping from branch to branch, the only sound a river churning with snowmelt below. And there won’t be another soul in sight.

This is because you’re in the Lost Sierra , a triangle of 2591m (8500ft) peaks and glacial lakes roughly between the towns of Quincy, Graeagle and Downieville, a four-hour drive northeast from San Francisco . The closest comparison in California’s northern Sierra Nevada is Lake Tahoe nearby, but the Lost Sierra has none of that region’s visitor traffic. You don’t need to ride a bike to discover the Lost Sierra, either. The region is threaded with trails pioneered by gold miners 170 years ago but newly restored for hikers, horse riders and off-road motorcyclists by local groups determined to put the Lost Sierra back on the map.

Getting there:  The closest airports are Reno-Tahoe, Sacramento, Oakland and San Francisco (the latter two most used by international visitors). From the west, Hwy 49 is the main (and twisty) route. From the north and east, you’ll likely use Hwy 89 or 70. There’s no practical way to explore the Lost Sierra without a vehicle of your own.

When to go:  May-Oct; Higher trails may still be snow-bound in early June, although lower elevations are open all year. Ever-shorter winters bring snow, perfect for snowmobiles and snowshoeing. Fishing season is from April to November. Fire season gets longer each year.

Pro tip:  There are no reasonable public transport options — you’ll need to have your own wheels or rent a vehicle. There are few gas stations here and even fewer electric vehicle charging points, so top up when you can.

Why you should drive California's scenic Highway 395

Utuado, Puerto Rico

Taíno culture and river adventures in the mountains of Puerto Rico.

Tourists flock to Puerto Rico’s beaches but the island’s cultural heartbeat lies folded into the mountains of Utuado. Once home to the Taíno, the Indigenous people who inhabited much of the Caribbean before European contact, this lush area is a place for nature adventures and unique rentals. While only 1.5 hours from San Juan , tourists who base themselves here will find an emphasis on wellness and scenic tropical views reminiscent of Bali’s Ubud.

Utuado is one of the least populated areas of Puerto Rico. Peace and quiet reign – instead of the sounds of pumping nightlife, guests are serenaded by the dusk-induced song of coquís, small native tree frogs. Utuado feels secluded and mystical, providing a portal back in time through impeccably preserved petroglyphs at Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Caribbean. To get there requires navigating winding, narrow roads but those who make the effort are rewarded with a connection to Puerto Rico’s ancestral pulse.

Getting there: Most visitors to Utuado fly into San Juan International Airport (SJU) but Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla is another viable option. Both are less than 2 hours from Utuado, easily accessed by rental car. There is no public transportation to the area and shared car services can be hard to find.

When to go: Mid-Dec—Mar; Avoid hurricane season (June to November) and visit when the weather is cool and dry. This will allow for hiking and nature exploration with less chance of downpours, and maximize the odds of sunshine.

Pro tip:  Special dietary requirements can be hard to cater for in Utuado because of its remoteness. If you need particular foods, consider bringing your own supplies – you can stock up at a supermarket like Freshmart in the metro area.

East End Puerto Rico, the perfect San Juan alternative

Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA

Blissful isolation keeps this Texan park from being overrun.

The mountains meet the desert in Big Bend , a vast national park tucked into a remote corner of west Texas. Set with steep-walled canyons, craggy peaks and a verdant river corridor carving through the scrubland, this expansive wilderness offers a wide range of adventures. You can spend your days hiking rugged trails, paddling along smooth rivers and soaking in natural hot springs, followed by an evening of stargazing in one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Parks. Big Bend is also an avian paradise, with over 450 bird species — the most of any national park in the US.

Make no mistake: Big Bend is remote. It’s more than three hours from the nearest airport, and by road, it’s a long way from anywhere (it's at least an eight-hour drive from Dallas and Houston). Its isolation, however, has saved it from overdevelopment. The national park receives less than 10% of the visitors the Grand Canyon receives, and multiday excursions — like rafting on the Rio Grande — don’t require booking many months in advance.

Getting there:  A car is essential to reach Big Bend. The nearest airports are in Midland, three hours north, and El Paso, five hours west. Rental cars are available at either airport. Main park roads are accessible to normal vehicles, but if you want to go deeper (and pitch a tent at remote backcountry road sites), you’ll need a 4WD.

When to go:  Oct-Apr; Outside of the blazing summer months, you’ll find cooler temperatures as well as wildflowers in the spring (March through April). Winter is mild, though light snow is a possibility, and park trails are empty.

Pro tip:  The Chisos Basin is a key gateway, with a visitor center, campground and trailheads (including access to Emory Peak). The Chisos Mountains Lodge, the park’s only non-camping accommodation, is also here.

The 6 most unmissable road trips in Texas

Buffalo, New York, USA  

New York City's little brother is a model of revival and resilience.

Thanks to its location on Lake Erie, Buffalo boomed in the early 1900s. Industries like steel manufacturing and car production thrived, and it was a major hub for transporting agricultural products from the Midwest. With power on tap from nearby Niagara Falls , it was the first American city to have electric streetlights. Talented architects were commissioned to design buildings and landscape the city’s parks, including Louis Sullivan, HH Richardson and Frederick Law Olmsted. Industrial collapse across the rust belt in the late 20th century left Buffalo a shadow of its former self, but in the last decade, revival has been in the air.

New York State’s second-largest city has been restoring its architectural gems, turning them into classy hotels and restaurants and incorporating them into public spaces. View impressive early career works by Frank Lloyd Wright, sip your way through a burgeoning craft beer scene and check out the redeveloped waterfront districts. This is a city that can hold its own against New York and Chicago, but which receives a fraction of their visitor numbers.

Getting there:  Amtrak trains run to Buffalo’s downtown Exchange Street Station from New York City (8hr 30min), Niagara Falls (1r), Albany (5hr) and Toronto (4hr 30min). All services also stop at Buffalo-Depew Station, 13km (8 miles) east of the city center, which links in with trains from Chicago (10hr 30min). Alternatively, fly to Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

When to go:  May–Aug; Summertime is the city's high season, but the weather can't be beat: average highs are in the mid to upper 20s°C (upper 70s°F to low 80s°F).

Pro tip: In downtown Buffalo, Metro Rail trains are free to ride for the stops between the Theater District and Harborcenter along Main St.

New York's best road trips

Sunshine Coast Trail, Canada

An epic adventure traveling hut-to-hut across British Columbia.

Canada’s longest backcountry hut-to-hut hiking route travels through the forests and mountains of coastal British Columbia  in the region known as the Sunshine Coast. Yes, it can be sunny as you traverse this 180km (112 mile) route above the Pacific Ocean, particularly during the summer months, but you’re trekking in a temperate coastal rainforest, too. You’ll cross mossy bridges, shade yourself among old-growth firs and cedars, and—if you’re lucky—spot bald eagles soaring above the treetops as you hike.

There are 14 rustic huts in total – all free to use. Versatility is part of the beauty of this trail: those who don’t want to tackle the entire route, which takes most experienced hikers 10 to 12 days, can day-hike sections, plan a shorter multiple-day backpacking trip, or organize an inn-to-inn adventure that combines hiking with craft beer tasting, canoeing and small-town exploring. Midway up the coast, the town of Powell River is a good base for tackling the trail in smaller segments.

Getting there: Vancouver is the international gateway. BC Ferries operates car ferry services from Horseshoe Bay, northwest of downtown Vancouver, to Langdale at the Sunshine Coast’s southern end. From Langdale, it’s an 80km (50 mile) drive north to Earls Cove, where you catch a second ferry to Saltery Bay, on the Upper Sunshine Coast, where the Sunshine Coast Trail begins.

When to go:  Jun-Sep; The driest months on the Sunshine Coast are during the summer and early fall; October to April are particularly rainy throughout coastal British Columbia. Snow can linger into May at higher elevations.

Pro tip:  Black bears live on the Sunshine Coast. Make noise as you hike to avoid surprising them and secure your food out of reach overnight.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

The blue-collar brewski city with enough guts to rival nearby Chicago.

Milwaukee gets overlooked, standing as it does in Chicago’s shadow, and that’s a shame. Because like its big-city sibling, Milwaukee also flaunts a top-tier art museum, buzzing beer scene and beaches aplenty set against a Lake Michigan backdrop, but with only half the number of visitors partaking in the bounty. Those who make the trip 145km (90 miles) north are rewarded with a city that’s more relaxed, compact and inexpensive. Plus Milwaukee has several peculiar attractions you won’t find anywhere else, like the Bobblehead Museum, where more than 6500 dolls’ noggins bounce, and the American Geographical Society Library, filled with old maps, globes and Captain Cook’s hand-drawn charts.

Milwaukee developed its singular personality early on. Germans settled the city in the 1840s and many started breweries. By the 1880s Pabst, Schlitz, Blatz, Miller and 80 other breweries made suds here, and Milwaukee became known as the ‘nation’s watering hole.’ These days, Miller and a slew of microbreweries carry on the legacy.

Getting there:  Getting to Milwaukee is a cinch, thanks to frequent train and bus services from Chicago right into downtown’s core. Milwaukee’s mid-sized airport has direct flights to 40 US cities. International flights typically go through Chicago.

When to go:  Apr–May & Sep–Nov; Summer (June through August) is warm and festival laden, though it’s also the busiest time to visit. Spring and fall have fair weather and plenty of outdoor action, but with fewer crowds.

Pro tip:  Stay over on a Friday evening so you can experience the traditional fish fry, a communal meal of beer-battered cod and coleslaw, when locals gather and mark the workweek’s end.

10 must-do things on your trip to Milwaukee 

Waterpocket Fold, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA

Utah’s Grand Canyon has bags of drama but none of the tourists.

If you’re fantasizing about the kind of big deserts, red-rock mesas, searing blue skies and blazing-fire sunsets that only America’s wild, wild west can deliver, you’ve probably got the Grand Canyon in mind. It’s astonishing, no question, but it has also succumbed to the Unesco touch – popular trails, viewpoints and campgrounds get swamped in peak summer. Whereas a giant 563km (350 mile) leap north brings you to the delightfully under-the-radar Capitol Reef National Park , which receives just a trickle of the visitors, yet has an equally staggering geological marvel up its sleeve.

Out on its lonesome in Utah’s red rock country, Capitol Reef is remote enough to remain peaceful even during peak season. The park is a geologist’s dream, centering on the Waterpocket Fold, a near-160km (100 mile) wrinkle on the earth formed by the same forces that lifted the Colorado Plateau 65 million years ago. As the land buckled, it gave rise to a rocky spine of canyons, bridges, white-tipped domes, rust-red cliffs, fossils and skinny slot canyons, whittled into form over many millennia.

Getting there: You’re going to need your own wheels – and make it a 4WD if you plan on exploring the park’s remotest reaches. The closest international airport is Salt Lake City , 370km (230 miles) north. Alternatively, fly to Las Vegas , 547km (340 miles) southwest.

When to go:  Mar–early Oct; Spring brings mild days perfect for hiking and orchards in full bloom; fall is just as glorious (bring layers for chilly nights in both seasons). Days are hot and arid in summer.

Pro tip:  Book months ahead if you want to camp as demand is high, especially at the well-equipped Fruita Campground (open March to October). Otherwise, you’ll find a sprinkling of rustic lodges and rental cabins in Torrey.

The 8 best road trips in Utah

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Offbeat Travelling

Fascinating travel adventures in 'difficult' countries

Adventure Travel Blog

Real experiences in 'difficult' countries

Discovering the world's most fascinating places

From troubled regions to countries that don’t officially exist, let me take you to some of the lesser known, offbeat travel destinations around the world.

This website shows over 10 years of exciting low-budget and improvised adventure travel to 'difficult' countries . From Turkmenistan to Transnistria, follow me as I discover unique cultures in fascinating places.

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Top Stories

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As the travel landscape continues to evolve, more and more people are looking for unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations to explore. If you're an adventurous soul who craves experiences that go beyond the ordinary, then consider adding these seven unconventional places to your bucket list for 2024.

image source:  Canva

The world's largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, is a truly surreal sight. During the rainy season, a thin layer of water transforms the vast salt expanse into a mesmerizing mirror, creating an otherworldly landscape that stretches to infinity. This natural wonder is a must-visit for any adventurer.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Known as the "Blue Pearl" of Morocco, Chefchaouen is a stunning mountain town that is awash in varying shades of blue. The town's narrow streets and vibrant blue buildings create a dreamlike atmosphere that is perfect for getting lost in. Explore the medina, relax in a traditional hammam, and enjoy the slow pace of life in this unique destination.

 Chefchaouen, Morocco

Wulingyuan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous for its towering sandstone pillars, dense forests, and tranquil streams. The scenery here is so otherworldly that it inspired the fictional world of Pandora in James Cameron's "Avatar." Hike through the mountains, take a boat ride on a lake, and be amazed by the beauty of nature.

Wulingyuan, China

Gjirokastër is a UNESCO-listed city in southern Albania that transports visitors back in time with its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Wander through the cobblestone streets, visit the imposing Gjirokastër Fortress, and soak in the charm of this historic city that has captivated travelers for centuries.

Gjirokastër, Albania

Carved into the mountainsides of northern Luzon Island, the Banaue Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is over 2,000 years old. These terraces are a testament to the ingenuity of the Ifugao people and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Hike through the terraces, learn about the traditional way of life, and experience the beauty of this unique cultural landscape.

The Banaue Rice Terraces, Philippines

For the ultimate off-the-grid experience, look no further than the Pitcairn Islands. These islands are home to descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers and offer pristine landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and a unique cultural heritage. Hike to the top of the highest peak, go snorkeling in the coral reefs, and learn about the fascinating history of the islands.

Pitcairn Islands, British Overseas Territory

Tucked away in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Faroe Islands are a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. These islands offer dramatic cliffs, picturesque fjords, and a rugged coastline that is ideal for nature lovers. Hike through the unspoiled landscapes, explore charming villages, and soak in the breathtaking views.

 Faroe Islands, Denmark

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• 28 Offbeat Honeymoon Destinations In The World For 2024 Trip You’d Have Never Heard Of!

20 Oct 2021

Okay, we lied! You definitely have heard of these destinations. But these places are nothing like the cookie-cutter honeymoon destinations – Switzerland, Paris, Phuket, Mauritius, Goa, Venice. You get the drift, right? Instead, we bring to you a list of 28 offbeat honeymoon destinations in the world . We are sure that you would love these places where you can spend some quality time with your partner. So, check the list out and choose a place where you would like to spend your honeymoon. 

28 Offbeat Honeymoon Destinations In The World

You may have heard about these places before but might have not considered the best option for honeymoon. Check out the best picks of some of the top offbeat honeymoon destinations in the world and choose the most suitable unique honeymoon destinations from the below-mentioned list.

• Sumba, Indonesia
• Kepulauan Seribu, Indonesia
• Sapa, Vietnam
• Hainan Island, China
• Lakshadweep, India
• Pamalican Island, Philippines
• Vermont, USA
• Islamorada, USA
• Panajachel, Guatemala
• British Virgin Islands, North America
• Anguilla, North America
• St. Barthelemy, North America
• Quebec, Canada
• Pucón, Chile
• Galápagos, Ecuador
• Zanzibar Islands, Tanzania
• Reunion Island, Africa
• Dingle, Ireland
• Lapland, Finland
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Zakynthos, Greece
• Matera, Italy
• Bodrum, Turkey
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Baa Atoll, Maldives
• York, Great Britain
• Lhasa, Tibet

1. Sumba, Indonesia

Sumba Island is coutned among the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia and is one of the best places to resort to which is away from the hustle-bustle of the city and is less crowded. Nihiwatu Beach here offers an intimate escape with access to private surf breaks & world-class fishing. You can spend some time in private here and whisper sweet nothings to your loved one. Obviously it is one of the unique honeymoon destinations.

Best time to visit Sumba: May – September Attractions of Sumba: Lokomboro Waterfalls, Waikelo Sawah Waterfalls, Manupeu Tanah Daru National Parks, Tarung Cultural Village, Mandorak Beach, and Nihiwatu Beach Average Budget:  $7,500 onwards

Must Read: Cruises In Indonesia: 6 Enriching Small Ship Cruise Tours For A Vacay

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Gift your partner lifetime memories. Go international

Honeymoon in Australia @ Rs 70,000/-

Romantic pristine beaches

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

2. Kepulauan Seribu, Indonesia

Image Source Kepulauan Seribu is basically a chain of hundreds of islands on the north coast of Jakarta that stretch for nearly 45 kilometers. The tropical islands are surrounded by beautiful looking azure waters. You can opt for staying at the antique joglo houses on Isle East Indies which offer all the luxurious amenities that you could wish for. It is counted among the offbeat honeymoon destinations outside India which are just perfect for spending a romantic time.

Best time to visit Kepulauan Seribu: May – September Attractions of Kepulauan Seribu: Snorkeling at Pramuka Island & Tidung Island, fishing boat trip, wooden ‘love’ bridge at Pulau Tidung, and manicured beach of Pulau Macan Average Budget:  $2900 onwards

Suggested Read: Top 10 Things To Do In Indonesia For An Unforgettable Holiday Experience!

3. Sa Pa, Vietnam

Tucked in the Hoàng Liên Son mountains of northwestern Vietnam, Sa Pa is a popular destination for trekking which is why it is perfect for the couples who seek adventurous activities in a new place. Overlooking the terraced paddy cultivation, Sa pa is a serene-yet-colourful countryside that is perfect for a secluded honeymoon. After exploring the place, you will realize that it is one of the unique honeymoon destinations in the world. 

Best time to visit Sapa: March – May and September – November Attractions of Sapa: Fansipan Mountain, local market, bike ride through Muong Hoa Valley, and night halt at one of the homestays Average Budget:  $2300 onwards

Suggested Read: 52 Stunning Places To Visit In Vietnam For A Natural And Historic Retreat!

4. Hainan Island, China

The tropical beaches are beautiful making it one of best offbeat honeymoon destinations in the world . You can take the hilly hiking trails of over the suspension bridges at Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone. You can stay among the woods in simple but comfortable treehouse resorts. For a luxurious stay, there is the boutique Mandarin Oriental Beach Resort in Sanya city. Indeed this is one of the  unique honeymoon destinations.

Best time to visit Hainan: December – March Attractions of Hainan: Sanya Beach, Crocodile Farms in Sanya, Gusong Village in Wenchang, and hiking trails through Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone Average Budget:  INR 50000 onwards

Suggested Read: China Travel Tips: 9 Things To Keep In Mind Before Taking A Trip

5. Lakshadweep, India

Image Source Lakshadweep is a package destination where you can resort to any beach and spend a laid-back day. You can relax on the charming and romantic beaches of the Kadmat Island. On the other hand, the beautiful settings at the beaches of Kalpeni Island are perfect to add spice to the romantic time you are hoping for. Want a tip? Opt for cruise rides as the cruise ships leading to Lakshadweep themselves are amazing. This will give you some extra romance time.

Best time to visit Lakshadweep: October – February Attractions of Lakshadweep : Snorkeling at Agatti Island, scuba diving at Bangaram Island, coconut mangroves of Kavaratti Islands, and architectural wonders of Kalpeni islands. Average Budget:  INR 25000 onwards

Suggested Read: Honeymoon In Lakshadweep: A Guide To The Archway To Marital Bliss

6. Pamalican Island, Philippines

Image Source

Tucked between Palawan and Panay, Sulu Sea is home to the Cuyo Islands in which Pamalican Island is one of the many islands. The island stretches for 2.5 kilometers and is full of coral reefs that you can admire. You can opt for boat rides in the azure waters with your special one in of the most romantic offbeat honeymoon destinations in Asia. Apart from this, you can also enjoy a private dining with barbecue on the beach. So what are you waiting for? Plan your holiday to this unique   honeymoon destination in the world .

Best time to visit Pamalican Island: November – April Attractions of Pamalican Island: Snorkeling, scuba diving, and beachside private dining with barbecue Average Budget:  $1780 onwards

Suggested Read: 23 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations In Asia For Every Budget

7. Vermont, USA

Vermont is a picture-perfect place in the world that you can head to. One of the best activities that you can indulge in with your partner here is opting for a balloon ride. You can fly in a balloon over the entire region with your special one and get a bird’s eye view of the whole Vermont. Moreover, you get to stay in old-styled homes with colorful trees all around. What else would one want?

Best time to visit Vermont: Mid-September – Mid-October Attractions of Vermont: Fall foliage during autumn, skiing during winters, camping at Mount Philo State Park, and hiking at Burton Island State Park Average Budget:  $2670 onwards

Suggested Read: 10 Popular Places to Visit in America For A Family Vacation

8. Islamorada, USA

Enclosing six of the Florida Keys, Islamorada is a beautiful town popular for its coral reefs. It is a sight to behold when the blue waters hit the rocks on the edge of the white sand beaches. Along with this, there are several hotels and beach resorts where you can spend your vacation days in a comfortable as well as romantic setting. So, make sure that you consider this place as it is one of the best offbeat honeymoon destintions in the world . 

Best time to visit Islamorada: December – May Attractions of Islamorada: Snorkeling at Indian Key historic State Park, dolphin & sea lion shows at Theatre of the Sea, and Lignumvitae Key botanical garden Average Budget:  $2,486 onwards

Suggested Read: 32 Places To Visit In September In The World That Will Offer You A Tranquil Getaway

9. Aspen, USA

The beautiful color landscapes at the ski resorts in winter are simply stunning. You can take a balloon ride over the valley to enjoy beautiful sights. Gondola rides & skiing facilities at the beautiful Snowmass ski resort add to the thrilling experience here. You can enjoy simultaneously the dual sights of colorful valleys & snowcapped mountains from Maroon Bells When you’re in Aspen, listed among lesser known best honeymoon destinations in the world .

Best time to visit Aspen: December – February Attractions of Aspen: Skiing at Buttermilk, Gondola rides at Snowmass ski resort, camping at Maroon Bells, and Wheeler Opera House Average Budget:  $5,830 onwards

Suggested Read: 7 Enchanting Castles In Arizona To Add Your USA Bucketlist

10. Panajachel, Guatemala

Look at this image of the docks against the breathtaking views of Lake Atitlan and distant mountain peaks. Aren’t you mesmerized with this postcard-perfect picture? The fun part is that you can go for a swim in the azure waters of Lake Atitlan. Moreover, you can watch a romantic sunset with your loved one with beautiful views all around. Do not forget to take your camera with you as you will be treated with some bewitching hues of the sky.

Best time to visit Panajachel: November – March Attractions of Panajachel: Kayaking & parasailing, hiking at Reserva Natural Atitlan, butterfly farm, and La Galeria – one of the oldest galleries in Central America Average Budget:  $1000 onwards

Suggested Read: 46 Places To Visit In December In The World

11. British Virgin Islands, North America

The white sand tropical beaches and the crystal clear waters are truly enticing in British Virgin Islands. You can spend some intimate & secluded time at the baths of Virgin Gorda. Every single tourist attraction looks romantic and beautiful which is why it is just perfect for a honeymoon vacation. After a visit to British Virgin Islands, it will definitely be etched in your heart forever and will make you come back for more.

Best time to visit Virgin Islands: April – June Attractions of Virgin Islands: 99 Steps, Blackbeard’s Castle, parasailing & underwater observatory at Coral World Ocean Park, self-guided St. Croix sightseeing, and snorkeling Average Budget:  $2,264 onwards

Suggested Read: 16 Most Expensive Islands In The World To Check Out

12. Anguilla, North America

Looking for the top offbeat honeymoon destinations in the world ? Consider this! A combination of many islets and a small main land, beaches in Anguilla are worth visiting with your spouse. The beauty of the beaches is second to none. You can relax at the beaches or indulge in numerous water sports in the clear waters, depending on your preferences. So, if you had been looking for a perfect honeymoon destination then your search is over as this place serves to both laid-back and adventurous vacationers.

Best time to visit Anguilla: May – August Attractions of Anguilla: Beach hopping, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming with the dolphins Average Budget:  $2,000 onwards

Suggested Read: Niagara Falls in Canada: A Guide To A Majestic Waterfall In North America

13. St. Barthelemy, North America

Spend your honeymoon in a lavish way by taking a ride in the luxurious mega yachts at the Gustavia Harbor. You can catch the scenic aerial view of the beautiful beaches, tropical forests, & azure waters from your some of the accommodations here. Moreover, you will find many options of high-end restaurants that serve some of the most delectable dishes.

Best time to visit St. Barthelemy: May – June Attractions of St. Barthelemy: Fort Gustav, Fort Karl, Vieux Clocher (the oldest building in Gustavia), coral reefs of St Jean’s Bay Beach, Corossol fishing village, and windsurfing & kayaking at Grand Cul de Sac beach Average Budget:  $3,822 onwards

Suggested Read: 8 Surreal Islands In North America That You Must Visit

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The Best of Bangkok, Phuket, & Pattaya!

14. Quebec, Canada

The view of the Old Quebec city can’t be missed when you’re in one among the loveliest offbeat honeymoon destinations in the world . You can go canoeing at a lake and enjoy the scenic views around with your partner. The various tourist attractions ensure that you’re in for a wondrous honeymoon. Make sure that you learn a word or two in French which will make your vacation more romantic. One is here for you, I Love You in French is Je T’aime. You can thank us later!

Best time to visit Quebec: June – September and December – February Attractions of Quebec: Montmorency Falls, Cathedral Basilica of Notre Dam, Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Musée de l’Amérique francophone, Édifice Marie-Guyart observatory, and Château Frontenac Average Budget:  $4,466 onwards

Suggested Read: 95 Best Honeymoon Places In The World To Visit

15. Pucón, Chile

Walking along the water bodies with such breathtaking views is very romantic indeed which is why Pucon is counted among the best honeymoon places in the world . The hot water springs & waterfalls of Ojos del Caburgua have a mystic aura that is sure to captivate you so make sure that you include it in your itinerary.

Best time to visit Pucón: December – March Attractions of Pucón: Villarrica cave & volcano, camping by the hot water spring & waterfall at Ojos del Caburgua, and hiking through Huerquehue National Park Average Budget:  CL$17,277 onwards

Suggested Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Chile Which Are You Ready To Give You A Glimpse Of South America!

16. Galápagos, Ecuador

The canyons, such as the Las Grietas, formed in the crevices around volcanos are stunningly beautiful. You can go for dinghy & cruise rides in the azure waters of Galápagos. You can also get a chance to go snorkeling or scuba diving and even swim with the sea lions here. Who would want to miss this opportunity? Not me, definitely as it is list in the top offbeat honeymoon destinations in the world .

Best time to visit Galápagos: December – June Attractions of Galápagos: Water activities, Galápagos National Park, Galápagos tortoises at Pinta island, and volcanos Average Budget:  $3,095 onwards

Suggested Read: 28 Places To Visit In October In World

17. Zanzibar Islands, Tanzania

Zanzibar Islands give you a chance to relax on a hammock while admiring the views from the beautiful sandy & tropical beaches. If you want to relish some tasty dishes then you must head to the over-the-sea Rock Restaurant which is simply out of this world. The huts on the beaches offer a paradisiacal setting for your beach honeymoon. But if you want to spend some days in luxury then head to The Manta Resort which offers an exclusive underwater suite.

Best time to visit Zanzibar for honeymoon : June – October and November – March Attractions of Zanzibar: Snorkeling & underwater Manta Resort at Pemba island, House of Wonders museum, Hamamni Persian baths, and Zanzibar Butterfly Centre Average Budget:  $46 onwards

Suggested Read: Wake-up With The Sharks At These 10 Almost Unreal Underwater Hotels In The World

18. Reunion Island, Africa

One of the best islands in the world for honeymoon that you can head to with your partner is the Reunion Island. It is the a sandy beach of Boucan Canot which is pristine, beautiful, and mostly deserted. The waterfall on river Langevin in the jungles is an intimate & isolated place to visit on the honeymoon. Apart from this, you can simply sunbathe on the clean Ermitage Beach. Make sure that you visit the volcanoes on your honeymoon in Reunion Island as the views of the islands from the top are breathtaking.

Best time to visit Reunion Island: May – September Attractions of Reunion Island: Micro Flight ride or hike to the active volcano of Le Piton de La Fournaise, Voile de la Mariée waterfall, sunbathing at Ermitage beach, snorkeling & surfing at Boucan Canot Beach, and Saint-Gilles-les-Bains aquarium Average Budget:  $5,000 onwards

Suggested Read: 15 Places To Visit In Africa That Are Famous All Across The World

19. Dingle, Ireland

The sunlit green lands & the azure waters are views that are hard to find in every country. Dingle gives a chance to explore such a place where one can marvel at the sunset views over the Dunquin Bay and spend some romantic time. You find waterfalls on the roads itself, such as the one at the Connor Pass. Moreover, make sure that you explore tourist attractions such as the abandoned Minard Castle that are truly beautiful.

Best time to visit Dingle: May – mid-July Attractions of Dingle: Millennium-old Gallarus Oratory church, old cultural village of Great Blasket Island, Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, and hiking up to Mount Brandon Average Budget:  €109 onwards

Suggested Read: 15 Ireland Travel Tips For A Trouble-free And Fulfilling Irish Vacation

20. Lapland, Finland

Haven’t seen Northern Lights yet? This is your chance to witness the beauty of nature with your better half. You can also go camping in the snow under the Northern Lights. The views are horribly good and romantic that it will leave you to want more. Make sure that you clear your schedule during the nightfall so that you can see the beautiful setting sun over the snow-clad mountains and the valley.

Best time to visit Lapland : Late February – March Attractions of Lapland: Northern Lights, reindeer safaris, Yllas’ sauna Gondola, Arktikum Science Museum, Santa Claus Village, Lainio Snow Village, Ranua Wildlife Park, Levi Ski Resort, and Riisitunturi National Park Average Budget:  INR 9,000 onwards

Suggested Read: Finland Nightlife: 6 Best Nightclubs Where You Can Drink N Groove

21. Reykjavik, Iceland

Another place that you can land to for a perfect honeymoon amidst nature is Reykjavik. You can witness the Northern Lights twice a year here so make sure that you plan your vacation accordingly. The walks along the sea are nothing less than romantic and the city itself is beautiful, colorful, and full of romance which makes it one of the top romantic destinations in the world. Are you ready to witness the beauty of the Northern Lights this year?

Best time to visit Reykjavik : February – March and September – October Attractions of Reykjavik : Revolving glass-domed fine dining Perlan restaurant, Golden Circle geyser & waterfall, Northern Lights, Tjörnin Lake, and Árbæjarsafn open-air history museum

Suggested Read: Philippines Honeymoon: Come, Raise A Toast To The World’s Prettiest Island Country!

22. Zakynthos, Greece

A Greek island in the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos is an offbeat honeymoon destination in the world where you can spend private time with your loved one. One of the top visited places here is the Navagio Shipwreck Beach. A walk on the hanging bridge to the island is insanely romantic here which you cannot afford to miss. With turqoiuse blue waters splashing on the rocks and cool breeze in the air, this island has proved to be the best place to unwind for a couple.

Best time to visit Zakynthos: March – May Attractions of Zakynthos: Blue Caves, Shipwreck Beach, scuba-diving at Laganas, kayaking, snorkeling, and base-jumping (only if you dare to do so!) Average Budget:  $2,430 onwards

Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Greece For An Epic Mediterranean Vacation!

23. Matera, Italy

The ancient town of Matera looks stunning in the night lights and is also among lesser known honeymoon destinations in the world. If you are planning to explore this destination in the summer season then let me tell you that the sunny days in the old rustic town are equally romantic. Walking on the typical stone staircase of the UNESCO World Heritage Site is an altogether different experience. You can choose the intimate Sextantio Cave Hotel for your temporary abode.

Best time to visit Matera: August – September Attractions of Matera: Sassi of Matera, Crypt of the Original Sin church-cave, cave-house of Vico Solitario, Musma Museum of Contemporary Sculpture of Matera, and Castello Tramontano castle Average Budget:  $4700 onwards

Suggested Read: Bora Bora Honeymoon: Your Guide To Plan An Extravagant Affair On The Exotic Island

24. Bodrum, Turkey

The Turkish Riviera looks splendid in the light of the setting sun. This is the best kept secret when it comes to the top honeymoon destinations in the world . The streets in Bodrum are cozy and shadowed by colorful flowers where you can capture some insta-worthy pictures. The Bodrum Amphitheatre and other tourist attractions ensure that you have ample fun outside the hotel too.

Best time to visit Bodrum: May – September Attractions of Bodrum: Bodrum Castle, Bodrum Amphitheatre, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and yachting at Kara Ada Average Budget:  $60 per day (onwards)

Suggested Read: 9 Handy Turkey Travel Tips To Make Your Vacation Memorable And Hassle-free

25. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Image Source Bora Bora is simply the most exotic honeymoon places in the world because of its views and azure beaches. The overwater bungalows are very secluded and intimate where you would love to spend some private time. If you are coming via the Air Tahiti flight then you are in for a treat because it offers aerial views of the exotic archipelago destination. Bora Bora has proved to be one of the best honeymoon spots in the world in the recent years so make sure that you consider it for your vacation.

Best time to visit Bora Bora: June – October Attractions of Bora Bora: Extinct volcano of Mt Otemanu, watersports at Matira Beach, Musee De La Marine museum of boats, and Alain Gerbault Memorial at Vaitape Average Budget:  $3,184 onwards

Suggested Read: 8 Best Spots For Canyoning In Wales For An Unforgettable Adventure

26. Baa Atoll, Maldives

There might not be many unexplored honeymoon destinations in the world but then there surely are some lesser-known places where you can resort to for a romantic getaway. You will find one such place in Maldives which goes by the name Baa Atoll. This is the perfect place if you want to surround yourself with pristine beaches, blue waters, and colorful reefs. You might not find a better place than this for a tropical vacation. Reconnect with nature and get amazed by the changing hues of the sky. 

Best time to visit Baa Atoll : November – April Attractions of Baa Atoll : Amilla Fushi, Milaidhoo, Dharavandhoo, and Fonimagoodhoo Average Budget:  € 2,903 onwards

Suggested Read: 25 Maldives Travel Tips You Must Keep In Mind Before You Plan A Trip

27. York, Great Britain

Now everyone must have heard of New York in the United States but were you aware of York in Great Britain? Certainly not, which is why it makes one of the best options for offbeat places for honeymoon . Dating back to around 2000 years, the place is rich in history as well as gives a romantic appeal which is why it has often been described in classics. Explore every corner of the walled city hand-in-hand with your partner. At every nook, you will be gifted with a historical treat. Plan your trip to this  unique honeymoon destination.

Best time to visit York : March – May Attractions of York : York Castle Museum, Shambles, York Minster, and National Railway Museum York Average Budget:  INR 1,61,103 onwards

Suggested Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Manchester For A Great English Holiday

28. Lhasa, Tibet

If you are the kind of couple who is looking for some peace and some time moments away from the daily hustle then there cannot be a better offbeat honeymoon destination in the world than Lhasa in Tibet. It is one of the best places to immerse in the culture of Tibet. Moreover, the views of the Himalayas will leave you spellbound. So, if you are looking for unconventional honeymoon destinations then you must explore Lhasa which is nestled in Tibet. 

Best time to visit Lhasa : April – October Attractions of Lhasa : Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, and Jokhang Temple Average Budget: ¥5,624 onwards

Further Read: What Type Of #HoneymoonCouple Are You?

Take a look at these lesser known and offbeat honeymoon destinations in the world before you plan your international honeymoon trip . Which of these underrated honeymoon destinations in the world intrigue you the most? Let us know if you are planning a honeymoon to anyone of these. Make sure that you keep your camera ready to click some amazing landscapes at these places!

Frequently Asked Questions About Offbeat Honeymoon Destinations In The World

Is it feasible to travel during Covid-19?

As the travel industry is opening up slowly, yes traveling is feasible abroad and across India during Covid-19. But make sure you follow the given guidelines and precautionary measures for Covid. Also remember to read the latest updates for Covid before making any travel plans.

Which is the best place for honeymoon in the world?

There are many places for honeymoon in the world and picking one of them is a difficult task. So, here is the list of the best places for honeymoon in the world that one can resort to – Bora Bora, Hawaii, Maldives, Bordeaux, Cinque Terre, and Amalfi Coast among others.

What are the top 10 honeymoon destinations?

It is a task to name the top 10 honeymoon destinations in the world because the list keeps changing. However, some of the most preferred destinations are Bali, Bora Bora, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Paris, Lombok Island, Goa, and Havelock Island.

How do I choose my honeymoon destination?

First, make a list of your favorite honeymoon destinations then narrow down it on various factors like budget, weather, kind of location (like beach or mountains), hidden gems, and packages. The list most probably will narrow down to one or two options from which you can choose your final destination.

What is the cheapest honeymoon destination?

Morocco and the Andaman Islands are two of the cheapest destinations for honeymoon in the world.

What is the most popular honeymoon destination in the world?

Bora Bora has been recorded as the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world due to its crystal clear waters, serene beauty, beautiful coral reefs, and lavish overwater villas.

How much does an average honeymoon vacation cost?

On average, couples spend $4,000 to $5,000 on their honeymoon vacation. However, the budget depends on various factors like the number of days of the trip, activities that you opt for, and accommodation.

How much should you spend on your honeymoon?

Expenditure on the honeymoon totally depends on your preferences and on the number of days you are planning your vacation. A lavish trip with luxurious accommodation will be heavy on your pockets whereas a budget trip will help you save your money.

Looking To Book Your Honeymoon Package?

Kerala Honeymoon Package (6D/5N) @ Rs 16,000/-

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Spend some quality time on the beaches of Goa

Andaman Honeymoon package (5D/4N) @ INR 23,000/-

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Explore glorious places, colourful towns, sand dunes and lakes

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UK weather: Bank holiday thunderstorm warnings in force for large parts of UK

A more positive outlook is expected in the coming days as high pressure builds and many places should be warm and sunny by next weekend.

Monday 6 May 2024 11:54, UK

Thunderstorm warnings have been issued for large parts of the country, lasting from lunchtime until Monday night.

The Met Office says thunder and heavy downpours could cause flooding and travel problems.

Southeast England - including Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and south London - could be affected from noon, says the forecaster.

Other areas affected are mid-Wales and most of northern England, stretching up past Glasgow into southwest Scotland.

That warning is in force from 1pm - with both alerts ending at 9pm.

"Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures," says the Met Office, while there is also a small chance that roads and properties could be flooded.

Bank Holiday Monday has brought a grey and cloudy start for many, with forecasts ranging from 12C (53F) in the Hebrides to 18C (64F) in northern England at 1pm.

Get the latest Sky News forecast for where you live

However, it will become warmer, brighter and drier from Tuesday with high pressure forecast for much of the UK - and it should stay that way for next weekend.

Read more from Sky News: Woman arrested after baby has cardiac arrest at Legoland Sunak admits Tories may not win general election

London is expected to have 23C (73F) with sunny spells next Saturday and Sunday, according to the Met Office.

Highs of 20C (68F) are forecast in Edinburgh, while Cardiff is set for sunshine and 19C (66F), and Belfast likely to struggle with cloud but still feeling warm with a maximum of 20C.

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