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.
Luang Prabang, Laos
This sleepy town, where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet, is pure magic. With its blend of French colonial architecture, golden temples, and jungle backdrop, Luang Prabang feels like a dream. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and every moment feels truly special.
Be sure to watch the sunrise almsgiving ceremony, visit the sacred Mount Phousi, and take a tuk-tuk to the turquoise Kuang Si Falls. The night market is perfect for picking up handmade souvenirs and sampling authentic Laotian street food. You’ll quickly see that Luang Prabang is peaceful, spiritual, and a feast for the senses.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is funky, artsy, and full of surprises. Georgia’s capital has been at the crossroads of the East and the West for centuries, and it shows it with its mix of architecture, food, and traditions. Imagine crumbling balconies, vibrant street art, and wine bars tucked into old brick cellars.
You can explore the old town, ride the cable car to the Narikala Fortress, and relax in the historic sulfur baths. Tbilisi is also a foodie’s paradise, with hearty khinkali dumplings and khachapuri bread on nearly every menu. And don’t miss the chance to try local wines; Georgia is one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world.
Faroe Islands, Denmark
With rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and remote villages, the Faroe Islands are a storybook come to life. This volcanic archipelago in the North Atlantic is technically part of Denmark, but it feels like its own little universe.
Hike to the famous Múlafossur Waterfall, drive the scenic roads connecting the islands and, if you’re lucky, you just might spot some puffins along the way. The weather here can be moody, but that only adds to the mystique. These islands are a paradise for nature lovers and photographers who don’t mind it when the wind combs through their hair and tests their balance.
Matera, Italy
You’ve probably never heard of it, but Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Built into limestone cliffs, its ancient cave dwellings (sassi) make it look like a set from a biblical epic – and, actually, it has been used as one. We’re talking about Mel Gibson’s The Passion of The Christ.
When you’re here, you can explore the rock churches, stay in a renovated cave hotel, and sip aperitivo while overlooking a gorge. Matera was named a European Capital of Culture in 2019, but it still flies under the radar, compared to Rome or Florence.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
What do you say we dive into crystal-clear waters and swim with vibrant marine life? Let’s meet in Raja Ampat. Located off the northwest tip of Papua, this remote archipelago is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
The islands are ringed with coral reefs, hidden lagoons, and untouched beaches. It’s a bit of a mission to get here, but totally worth it if you love scuba diving, snorkeling, or just getting as far away from the real world as possible.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar is a picture-perfect blend of history and beauty. Its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) arches gracefully over the Neretva River and connects two sides of a city that’s been shaped by Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences.
Here, too, you can wander the cobblestone streets, sip coffee in a riverside café, and watch locals dive off the bridge. It’s a compact town, but it packs a ton of character, culture, and resilience into every stone.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia isn’t on most people’s radar yet, but Lake Bled might just change that. This fairytale lake with its little island church and castle-topped cliff is almost too perfect to be real.
Be sure to rent a rowboat to reach Bled Island, ring the wishing bell, and hike to the Ojstrica viewpoint for unforgettable photos. The surrounding countryside is full of trails, waterfalls, and friendly locals. Oh, and don’t forget to try the famous Bled cream cake!
Bhutan
Tucked away in the Himalayas, Bhutan is a kingdom unto itself. It measures success by Gross National Happiness, not GDP, and its approach to tourism is all about sustainability and cultural preservation.
You’ll want to visit the ancient monasteries, hike to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest, and experience the colorful tshechu festivals. Bhutan is rich in tradition, natural beauty, and soul-soothing peace. Like Raja Ampat, it’s not the easiest place to get to, but it’s worth every bit of effort.
Puglia, Italy
Down in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is a sun-soaked sensation full of whitewashed villages, olive groves, and turquoise seas. It doesn’t get the same love as Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, and that’s part of its charm.
Here, you can stroll through the trulli houses of Alberobello, embrace the baroque beauty of Lecce, and swim in the grottoes along the Adriatic coast. The food here is rustic and delicious, with plenty of orecchiette pasta, fresh seafood, and local wines to savor. It’s so good, Puglia made our list of the top ten destinations for foodies in Italy!
Svalbard, Norway
For a true Arctic adventure, head to Svalbard, a remote Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. It’s one of the best places to see polar bears, glaciers, and the northern lights.
We like to base ourselves out of Longyearbyen when we’re here. It’s the world’s northernmost town. Then, the best things to do are to set sail on a snowmobile safari or a boat trip through the icy fjords. Svalbard is wild, remote, and unforgettable – a true bucket list experience if you’re feeling bold.
Valle de Viñales, Cuba
If the goal is to step back in time, then Valle de Viñales should be next on your list. Filled with tobacco farms, limestone mogotes, and colorful casas particulares, this Cuban countryside town is chock-full of character and charm.
Imagine riding horses through the valley, touring cigar farms, and dancing the night away to live music in the main square. Valle de Viñales is slower and more laid-back than Havana, but just as vibrant in its own way.
Let’s Meet Beneath the Setting Sun
So, which city shall we meet beneath the light of the setting sun? Syros, Luang Prabang, Puglia? Whichever destination is calling your name, we hope it fills your heart with wonder and delight.
If you’re feeling inspired, head on over to our extensive library of destination guides. We’re ready to walk you through any number of cities and towns across the globe.
Whether your goal is quiet peace and relaxation, or a little bit of Caribbean wonder, we’ll help you pack your bags just right, score the best deals, and live out your wildest dreams.