Though legendary travel hotspots such as Paris, Bali and New York continue to pull in thousands of satisfied visitors year after year, hundreds of equally exotic and stunning places around the world go unnoticed and undiscovered. Their allure of authentic experiences, scenic views, vibrant culture and woeful lack of tourists make these exclusive locations perfect for those bored of the mainstream and seeking a trip rather than a vacation. If you want to get away from the masses, then check out these 5 incredible locations that are worthy of your next adventure.
1. Kotor, Montenegro
Sitting on the Adriatic coast, Kotor is one of Europe’s hidden treasures. Set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and a stunning bay; this medieval town is a perfect example of the area's natural and historical intrigue.
Take a walk in the Old Town along its narrow brick streets, or visit the centuries-old churches and climb the fortress walls for stunning views of the bay. Visitors to Kotor can truly enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and experience the local culture.
For those who prefer to remain on dry land, hiking, sailing and kayaking are also available in the beautiful Bay of Kotor. It is a fantastic place to combine history and culture with nature and relaxation.
2. Luang Prabang, Laos
A travel destination in its own right, often it is mistaken for being just a gateway to other scenic destinations in Southeast Asia. A peace haven, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO-heritage city that boasts of majestic temples, quaint colonial architecture and green riverbanks.
Visiting the morning alms-giving ceremony, when villagers bring their offerings on foot to the local Buddhist monks passing by the streets, has to be one of the most memorable sights in Luang Prabang. Tourists can take a trip to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls, with their aquamarine lakes and jungle surroundings.
Relaxed pace of life, friendly inhabitants and genuine culture make the city an ideal place to visit for those wishing to get a taste of local cultures and see amazing natural scenery.
3. Faroe Islands, Denmark
Situated north of Scotland between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands still rank among the least visited places in Northern Europe. This isolated cluster of 18 volcanic islands, linked by tunnels and bridges, is home to some of the world's most spectacular scenery.
Dramatic cliffs, roaring waterfalls, wild coastlines and idyllic villages are a photographer and nature lover's heaven. Walking trails bring us through pristine landscapes where sheep are more common than people.
The lack of major tourist attraction areas makes the Faroe Islands an exciting place that offers a mysterious, adventurous feeling of solitude, very unlikely in contemporary travel as compared to crowded Scandinavian destinations.
4. Matera, Italy
Although Rome, Venice and Florence feature predominantly on travel itineraries, the city of Matera is still considered one of Italy’s most intriguing hidden secrets. Famous for its ancient cave dwellings-the 'Sassi', it is believed to be one of the earliest continually inhabited cities.
When you walk in Matera, you will believe that time is going back. The old houses, churches and hideouts built in stones and the narrow streets make the city a really different and unrepeatable place. Many caves became boutique hotels, gastronomic places, or museums.
The stunning architecture, cultural richness and movie-worthy landscapes of Matera are becoming more well known around the world, but it still remains a more authentic and less crowded experience than many other places in Italy.
5. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat is heaven for nature lovers and marine life enthusiasts. Situated in the West Papua province of Indonesia, Raja Ampat, which means 'Four Kings', is a collection of thousands of islands-more than 1,500 to be exact-nestled within pristine, azure seas.
There is little doubt that raja ampat is one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world. Snorklers and divers can enjoy thriving reefs of coral, giant schools of multi colored fish and abundant marine life including large numbers of sea turtles. There are limestone islands that soar straight up from the sea and dominate the horizon. They offer some of the most striking scenery in Southeast Asia.
While gaining popularity among the adventure nomads, it is still relatively quiet compared with many other tropical travel destinations. The untouched environment, huge biodiversity and isolated islands are still an incredible experience.
Why Choose Lesser-Known Destinations?
There are many benefits of traveling less popular destinations other than the crowds avoiding ; With less tourists around you might have more genuine cultural interactions, experience many local traditions that are less commercialized and create a direct impact to less tourism dependent communities.
Similarly, these destinations offer chances to explore landscapes, foods and cultures that are often ignored by popular tourism. Adventure, cultural experience, relaxation, photography-whatever your motivations, you will usually find that known places can't match hidden gems in providing a fulfilling travel experience.
Final Thoughts
There are countless places in the world to visit that are off the beaten path, and just waiting to be discovered-places like the medieval city of Kotor, a sense of serenity in the city of Luang Prabang, the wilds of the Faroe Islands, the oldest cities of Matera, and the breathtaking undersea world of Raja Ampat.
With travelers craving more authentic experience and connections, taking the road less traveled can be the most rewarding travel experience. So next time you're planning a trip, take the path less traveled-one of these hidden gems may be your new favorite spot before the masses discover it.