Certain cities around the world welcome tourists and visitors by the busload each year – and rightly so. But, when you’re packed into the crowds of Florence when you could be savoring the same experience in Perugia, you’ll quickly see the merits to the calmer, peaceful alternative.
Below, we’ll take a tour around the world, dipping in and out of hidden wonders that will still dazzle and delight you, with less of a frenzied feeling.
La Paz, Bolivia
As a lesser-known Latin American location, Bolivia deserves top-billing on a list of hidden travel gems. Here, you can have it all – the capital city of La Paz is brimming with culture, color, and culinary delights.
Then, you also have access to a host of natural treasures including an entry point to the Amazon rainforest, the Uyuni Salt Flats, and Lake Titicaca. For an affordable, yet delightful, introduction (or return) to Latin America, Bolivia is waiting to welcome you.
Porto, Portugal
With your Spanish intact from Bolivia, you might move west to Portugal next, particularly Porto. Your Spanish might help you interpret most of the Portuguese with a little bit more ease.
The colorful streets of Lisbon are often at the top of everyone’s bucket list. While people flood the streets of Lisbon, you can take aim at Porto – which is equally colorful.
If you seek out the Douro River, you’ll find a lovely riverwalk brimming with restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Their seafood and wine are particularly on point; you won’t be disappointed by any of the menus you’re offered. On one of your free afternoons, take a tour of the Palácio da Borsa to have your proverbial socks knocked off.
Kampala, Uganda
You can take aim at Kampala as a starting point. But, you have so many options within Uganda, that it’s hard to landlock yourself into only one city.
In a continent that’s home to the pyramids and a special city like South Africa, Uganda often gets overlooked. Even Kenya and Tanzania come to the forefront sooner than Uganda. But, ironically, if you like Kenya, Uganda should be next on your list for your return to this continent.
Here, you’ll open the door to fantastic safari rides, go gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and make an introduction or two to a white rhino at the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch.
Kidepo National Park is another national treasure brimming with wildlife you won’t see anywhere else, including enchanting cheetahs, statuesque giraffes, and sweet, sweet elephants.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
While Uganda will put you in touch with nature in a way no other corner of the earth can, Ethiopia will wow you with its cuisine. As the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa is your best bet for some of the finest dishes. Don’t pass up any opportunities for their coffee or tea, either.
When you think about nightlife, you might think of more metropolitan cities like New York or London. But, along with their cuisine, Addis Ababa will show you they know a thing or two about having some fun when the lights go down in the city.
Sarandë, Albania
The Greek island of Corfu is the closest comparison point to Albania. You can even spot it from across the sea. Yet, for a far more affordable adventure, you can visit Albania and dip your toes into the same clear blue waters, dine in decadence, and acquaint yourself with the beautiful Balkan culture.
In terms of a home base for beach exploration, you might consider Sarandë. There, you can even catch a ferry to its beloved neighbor, Corfu. When you’re ready for some mountain trekking, your best bet will be Theth, a small town completely ensconced by mountains, offering staggering views and the lovely Theth Waterfall.
Perugia, Italy
From Albania, you can sail across to Italy and stay a while in this unmatched corner of the earth. The reason Perugia is noteworthy is because it delivers that Tuscan feeling on a silver platter without the frenzy of Florence.
This is the place to wear your best walking shoes because you’ll get swept away by their ancient town, including the statuesque churches, castles, and a university with 14th-century roots. While all your meals will be the most authentic Italian dishes you’ve ever tasted, don’t overlook any of the chocolate or wine on offer!
Helsinki, Finland
Here, the comparison points may be Iceland or Norway. But, Finland is just as safe with many of the same offerings on the table, including the Northern Lights if you time it right.
Known for its outdoor saunas, Finland is the place to melt all your cares away in showstopping surroundings. For a few cultural offerings, you might want to park yourself in Helsinki for a few days to take in the world-class seafood, art museums, and unique Scandinavian architecture.
Kotor, Montenegro
Like Finland, Montenegro deserves a nod if you like sailing through fjords, getting lost in forests, and dipping your toes into dazzling waters. It’s not often you get all three things packed into one.
The old city of Kotor is one of the destinations here that will steal your heart. It’s also the entry point to Lake Kotor, one of the best ways to spend your afternoon atop a paddleboard. Another notable town is Budva, known for its restaurant scene, easy access to the beach, and friendly locals.
Durango, Colorado
Moving to the United States, you’ll find plenty of natural wonders on offer, as well. For example, Finland’s outdoor saunas can be found in any one of the hot springs in Durango, Colorado. Imagine spending an hour or two in some hot springs after a glide down the snowy slopes of the San Juan Mountains.
This is a special corner of the country because you can enjoy Durango’s delights any time of the year. The Durango Hot Springs, in particular, will wow you. Best of all, if you have some time, you might want to make your way to this healing city on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, connecting Durango and another shimmering showstopper, Silverton.
If traveling by train tickles your fancy, check out 20 of the most scenic train rides across the US.
Missoula, Montana
Moving north from Colorado to Montana, it was tough to choose between Bozeman and Missoula. Even though Missoula is a college town, it’s fully refined with a host of breweries and eateries nestled into the mountains.
After a day’s rest, when you’re ready to take on Glacier National Park, it’s a scenic two-hour drive to and from this national treasure. All of Montana, particularly Missoula, will warm your heart and heal your soul.
Cleveland, Ohio
People don’t often take aim at the Midwest when they picture swanky getaways. That’s why Cleveland is not only a hidden gem, but a unique find. Its art scene is burgeoning and its neighborhoods are gentrifying.
Best of all, it also has a delightful waterfront area that you can stroll in between your restaurant stops, beautiful boutique finds, and a sip or two in one of its top-shelf breweries.
Knoxville, Tennessee
In a state that lays claim to Memphis and Nashville, Knoxville often gets overlooked. Even its nickname gives it away: the Scruffy City. Knoxville may be small, but it’s certainly mighty.
After a day spent driving around the Smoky Mountain National Park, you can head to downtown Knoxville, particularly their pedestrian-only Market Square filled with beautiful shops and beautiful plates of food for even the most refined palate.
St. Petersburg, Florida
While Knoxville must compete with Nashville, St. Petersburg must compete with Miami. But, there’s truly no comparing the two. Where Miami is bright and bustling, St. Pete’s is easy-going and peaceful.
The whole city continues to evolve, with a burgeoning coffee shop culture, world-class eateries, a sushi scene that’s utterly on point, and – best of all – easy access to a number of beaches. St. Pete Beach might be the obvious choice. But, a lesser-known gem is the nearby Sunset Beach where, you guessed it, the sunsets will dazzle and delight.
San Diego, California
Speaking of unbeatable beaches, San Diego is the place for that whenever you’re stateside. Because of its location in southern California, the climate is beautifully temperate all year round.
If you make your way to Ocean Beach, the thing you want to take aim at is Sunset Cliffs National Park. If you’re able to score a sea kayak, this is one of the best ways to explore the caves beneath the cliffs.
While here, you’ll eat better than you have in months, especially if you partake in their Mexican or Asian scene. Post-dinner, all you need is a blanket, a bottle of water, and a mind to watch the surfers ride the waves as they live their best lives.
Doolin, Ireland
You can make your way to Ireland after you’ve indulged in the decadence of St. Pete’s. Instead of flying into London, you might like to fly into the smaller airport on the west coast, Shannon Airport.
From there, you can rent a car and drive south down a roadway called the Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll find Galway City, full of rich cultural delights like live Irish music every evening, but Doolin is a hidden gem for those looking to get a real taste of Ireland’s traditional music scene.
As a small village with no more than a few hundred residents, it packs up in the summer, thanks to its close proximity to the Cliffs of Moher, Galway City, and those tantalizing musical notes that float through the air.
If you’re interested in exploring Doolin and beyond, these 25 must-visit destinations in Ireland will help you make all your dreams come true.
Bishop’s Castle, England
For a medieval experience in England, it’s usually best to head to the Cotswolds. But, Shropshire is making waves these days as the new Cotswolds, taking you off the beaten path and into the winds of history.
Once you take a look at Bishop’s Castle, you’ll feel confident in your choice of Shropshire over the picturesque Cotswolds.
The way Doolin draws musicians is the way Bishop’s Castle draws artists. The Poetry Pharmacy, for example, will cure all your cares with their delightful offering of poetry and books. One of the town’s most famed artists, Jenny Jones, is also worth a visit.
If you time your visit right, you can partake in their Open Studios weekend where artists like Jenny Jones open their doors to the world and give a unique glimpse into their artistic talents.
Montgomery, Wales
For a similar off-the-beaten-path experience over in Wales, Montgomery is just waiting to embrace you. The center of Montgomery is technically called Trefaldwyn, a tiny town happy to host you for an overnight stay in any one of the Georgian and Victorian buildings that have been converted into decadent Airbnbs.
Filled with bookshops, unique markets, and plenty of spots to nibble on a scone and sip some tea, you’ll be utterly enchanted by this fairy tale town, starting a new love affair with one of the UK’s most unique nations.
North Berwick, Scotland
North Berwick offers easy access to Edinburgh via the ever-efficient ScotRail without breaking the bank on an Edinburgh Airbnbs. It’s a charming coastal town brimming with history, refreshing winds from the sea, and unique boutiques just waiting to welcome you through their doors.
North Berwick Golf Club calls players from all over the world. Meanwhile, the North Berwick West Beach offers long stretches of sand with stunning views out to the islands of Craigleith and Bass Rock.
Enjoy a Peaceful, Easy Getaway
If you choose to visit any of these hidden travel gems off the beaten path, you’ll be absolutely delighted. With fewer crowds, easier access to locals, and more affordable stays on deck, you’ll know you’re traveling right.
Whichever corner of the world you’d like to explore next, we have a destination guide already prepared to help you plan your peaceful, easy getaway to perfection.