Escape the Crowds With These 18 Hidden Travel Gems

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.