Off-The-Beaten-Path Travel Destinations You Must Visit

Find the stunning places you’ve only heard about from local friends, where the views are just as beautiful but the tourists actually stay away.

Explore Sri Lanka, an idyllic tropical island bursting with historic wonders.

Unequalled by any other destination, the Uyuni salt flats and Lake Titicaca in Bolivia offer incredible salt flats and Lake Titicaca scenery, but outside of South America, you can see the Northern Lights in Finland. In Ecuador, it’s possible to mountain-climb high peaks and take part in jungle adventure activities – all while enjoying the many beautiful Pacific beaches.

Table of Contents

Timor-Leste Gen

Z road warriors will lack for nothing in Timor-Leste in Southeast Asia with its diverse nature preserves, history lessons and village interactions – all things that curious and socially conscientious youth crave. This untapped treasure-chest of hiking, spelunking, diving and snorkelling for young travellers provides ample opportunities for memorable travel. Experience the white colonial buildings of the capital, Dili, and nearby Areia Branca, a massive granite sculpture commemorating the resistance to Indonesian rule. Meanwhile, Venilale offers visitors the opportunity to explore several underground caves, where locals practise weaving and herbal medicine. At the easternmost part of your country: Sacred Jaco Island, a clear turquoise sea lending from light aqua to deep blue. You can’t stay there – it’s supposed to be sacred to the local Autochthonous communities – but you can go there for a day trip and enjoy.

Kotor

Almost every place you go to in Kotor is idyllic and there’s a huge amount to do and see. This is one of the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites, with much medieval architecture and monuments, and 4km of walls made of stone from the Middle Ages, still intact. Kotor’s waterfront promenade is arguably the best place to stroll for locals and tourists alike. Relax and admire the bay, the surrounding mountains, and the overall lively atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed city. Another must-visit site is Kotor’s St Tryphon Cathedral, built as a Roman Catholic church dedicated to the city’s patron Saint Tryphon and replete with splendid Romanesque architecture and stunning frescoes that will dazzle any visitor to this glorious coastal city. You´re probably enjoying Kotor Bay now. A great day trip from Kotor is by boat to Mamula island. You´ll love an idyllic day of swimming there. Or head nearby Skadar Lake – the largest lake in the Balkans. Not only swimming is allowed there, also hiking through the nearby mountains which provides an exciting experience.

Sicily

Italy was always on travellers’ wish lists, but much of the country was skipped over by tourists in favour of a day trip to Pompeii and a ferry to the Amalfi coast. Today, Sicily stands out as a destination in itself, thanks to its year-round sunshine and vitality. Agrigento and its Valley of Temples is among Sicily’s main sights and it should not be missed: book a private guide for the day and get ready to learn and discover this archaeological site with all the historical facts and legends it surrounds you with. Discover the architectural jewels and views of Noto, an UNESCO World Heritage Site – spend a few heavenly days there, getting dressed up for the occasion. Unwind among Caltagirone’s decorations, famous worldwide for its ceramic production since the Middle Ages – why not try your hand at sculpting a vase or painting majolica masks? Take tours on mountain bikes or walk up Mount Etna for breathtaking landscapes.

Tahiti

Look around. If you do not hasten, the globe is full of wonders which nobody visits, because it has not been well advertised. Today more than ever, we yearn to escape from other people. Lonely Planet offers you breathtaking, off-the-beaten-track, scenic, and adventurous getaways. And best of all – you don’t have to leave home! Long before the Maldives became tropical travel’s destination du jour, Tahiti set the cinematic gold standard for unspoiled ocean waters, thatched-roof suites on stilts and a culture unlike any other in the world. Perhaps lesser known than Bora Bora, a leap of faith is required when visiting the main island of Tahiti, there to discover that it’s the gateway to 118 islands in five distinct and diverse archipelagos, where you can find every kind of activity and attraction to suit your tastes. Don’t let Bora Bora’s fame make you overlook Tahiti. Loll around on the beaches, tour a museum and two excellent markets, buying shell money or paintings by Tahitian artists. Or, take one of Te Pari trail’s hikes into mountain valleys to find waterfalls and natural pools, or find time to visit Paul Gauguin’s Marae Arahurahu, his beloved place of worship and inspiration for his art.