15 Under-Explored Travel Escapes To Visit On Your Next Vacation

Sometimes, the best adventures take place off the beaten path. How’d you like to plan a getaway where you don’t have to elbow your way through the crowds or wait an hour for a meal?

Well, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up 15 destinations that are often overlooked, but worth the detour. Think of this as your personal bucket list for a few spots that will feel like your own little secret.

Salento, Colombia

Tucked in Colombia’s coffee region, Salento is the kind of mountain town that makes you want to slow down and savor small sips of life. The colorful streets, friendly locals, and relaxed atmosphere make it an easy place to fall in love with. Plus, it’s the jumping-off point to the Cocora Valley, home to towering wax palm trees that seem to touch the sky.

While you’re there, you can hike through the Cocora Valley, sip fresh-brewed coffee on a finca tour, and wander around the vibrant town square. Salento is also full of artisan shops and fantastic eateries serving traditional Colombian food like trout and plantains. All in all, it’s authentic, cozy, and far removed from the tourist trail.

Syros, Greece

Forget Mykonos and Santorini for a sec. Syros is an understated gem of the Cyclades. It has the neoclassical beauty of a bygone era, with less glitz and more culture. Ermoupoli, the island’s capital, is a stunner with its marble streets and pastel mansions.

Explore the old Vaporia district, check out the Apollo Theater (a mini version of Milan’s La Scala), and soak up the sun at Galissas or Kini beach. The food scene is also incredible, with plenty of tavernas dishing out local specialties like loukoumia (a Greek Turkish delight) and fennel sausages. Syros encapsulates Greece with a twist of elegance and none of the crowds.

Gjirokastër, Albania

If you love cobbled streets, Ottoman architecture, and panoramic mountain views, Gjirokastër is calling your name. This UNESCO-listed town in southern Albania has a magical feel, with stone houses tucked into the hillside and a castle that watches over everything.

You can wander through the Old Bazaar, step inside traditional homes-turned-museums, and climb up to Gjirokastër Castle for those beautiful views out over the city (and maybe even catch the National Folk Festival if you time it right). Albania is still flying under the radar, so you’ll likely feel like you have Gjirokastër all to yourself.

Kotor, Montenegro

This medieval town sits inside a fjord-like bay like something out of a fairy tale. Kotor’s fortified old town is a maze of narrow alleys, stone churches, and charming squares. It feels like a mini Dubrovnik, minus the overwhelming cruise ship crowds.

Climb the old city walls for a showstopping view of the Bay of Kotor, then cool off with a dip in the Adriatic. If you’re into history, you can check out the Maritime Museum or just soak up the ambiance in one of the many cozy cafés. We’d say Kotor is a perfect blend of coastal beauty and historic charm.