9 Off-The-Beaten Path Destinations to Visit Before They Get Too Popular
Looking for some off-the-beaten-path destinations to spice up your travel bucket list?
We will introduce you to 9 hidden gems that will blow your mind and inspire you to pack your bags. From remote islands and deserts to ancient temples and cities, these destinations offer a blend of natural beauty, unique cultural experiences, and exhilarating activities, making them ideal choices for travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Go visit these places before the crowds reach them!
Faroe Islands
A remote archipelago in the North Atlantic boasting dramatic landscapes of soaring cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys, the Faroe Islands are a hiker’s paradise featuring some of the most visually stunning sceneries in the world.
Embark on epic hikes along rugged coastal trails, spot puffins nesting on towering sea stacks on the island of Nólsoy, and witness the sweeping vistas of the Kallur lighthouse. Sail around the coast to view the showstopping Múlafossur Waterfall. The Faroe Islands offer truly unique options for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and photographers alike. Experience the untouched beauty and friendliness of locals on a 6-day tour around the Faroe Islands.
Socotra, Yemen
Surreal does not begin to describe this hidden gem off the coast of Yemen. Encounter ancient dragon's blood trees, their umbrella-like crowns casting a mystical aura. These trees are found nowhere else on Earth but here. Dive or snorkel into crystal-clear waters teeming with colourful fish, sharks, sting rays, dolphins and pristine coral reefs. Explore the mind-blowing landscapes, from towering sand dunes to lunar-like rock formations.
It is not easy to get to Socotra. With only one charter flight route to the island, which takes off once per week from Abu Dhabi, travellers will be strapped for options. A visa can only be obtained through a local tour company. There are very few hotels on the island and to be able to experience all that Socotra has to offer, the only true way to do it is camping. Socotra is not for the faint-hearted, but it promises an otherworldly adventure unlike any other.
Svaneti, Georgia
Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the Caucasus Mountains and bordering Russia, Svaneti is a haven for adventure seekers. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of medieval villages, where ancient stone towers guard the valleys. Trek through alpine meadows, conquer challenging mountain peaks or hit the slopes for world-class skiing. Svaneti offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and thrilling outdoor activities.
Bhutan
Unlock the secrets of the mystical Kingdom of Bhutan, tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas. Traverse breathtaking landscapes dotted with prayer flags, sacred Buddhist monasteries, and traditional dzongs. Trek through pristine forests, encountering rare wildlife and serene mountain vistas. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and spiritual traditions of this mountain oasis, where great emphasis has been placed on ‘High Value, Low Volume’ tourism.
Like Socotra, Bhutan is only reachable through a few different routes, with flights leaving from Bangkok, Kathmandu, and select cities in India. Travellers are required to pay a daily tourist fee of $200 to visit the country on top of paying for accommodation, food, and activities. There are many packages available through certified travel advisors, with hotels ranging from 5-star luxury retreats to straightforward homestays.
Palau
Dive into a paradise of turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs in Palau. This Pacific island nation beckons adventure enthusiasts with its stunning marine biodiversity. Snorkel or scuba dive among colourful fish, graceful manta rays, and World War II wrecks. Discover Palau on an off-road ATV tour taking you through the thick jungle. Explore the labyrinthine limestone islands, relax on untouched white sandy beaches, and witness stunning sunsets.
The highlight of a visit to Palau is an experience like no other: swimming amongst thousands of stingless jellyfish in the famous Jellyfish Lake. Located in the Rock Islands of Palau, this 12,000 years old lake was created during the last ice age when a rise in ocean levels carried seawater and jellyfish inland, trapping them in the lake. Over time, the jellyfish gradually lost their stingers since they had no other predators to repel and have since then thrived in this safe environment. Swimming in Jellyfish Lake is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.
To visit Jellyfish Lake, you will need to book a tour to get there, and some of these tours will include an environmental fee of $100. Make sure to check if this is included in the price.
Another way to see Palau is by cruise. Four Seasons Explorer has recently unveiled Palau cruises to the public. With daily embarkations, full board options, a minimum of 3 dives per day, hikes, snorkelling and cultural activities, this cruise is a dream vacation waiting to happen. Contact us for more information and special offers.
Bagan, Myanmar
Step back in time amidst the ancient temples of Bagan. Explore a landscape punctuated by over 2,000 well-preserved pagodas and stupas, revealing the rich history and spiritual heritage of Myanmar. Cycle through dusty trails, catch mesmerizing sunrises or sunsets from temple tops or embark on a hot air balloon ride for a bird's-eye view of this archaeological wonder. Bagan is a photographer's dream and a true cultural gem.
Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Embark on a journey into the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert, Mongolia's hidden treasure. Discover towering dunes, flaming cliffs, and the legendary "Singing Sands." Experience life like a nomad on a horseback riding tour in Terelj National Park. Embark on an 8-day adventure and encounter nomadic herders in the Gobi, ride Bactrian camels across the desert, or search for dinosaur fossils in the "Valley of the Dinosaurs." The Gobi offers a unique blend of raw beauty and ancient history in a remote and untouched landscape.
The Azores, Portugal
Explore the untouched beauty of the Azores, a volcanic archipelago belonging to Portugal and situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters to discover vibrant marine life, hike or mountain bike through verdant hills and volcanic craters, and experience the numerous waterfalls in the Azores on a canyoning adventure. Encounter majestic whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The Azores offer a serene escape and a true connection with nature in a remote and captivating setting.
Visit Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest of its kind currently in operation, perched atop rolling hills overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Indulge in a gin tasting at Solar Branco Gin Library, boasting the largest gin collection in Europe and the second largest in the world. Stay at the newly opened Solar Branco Eco Estate, a boutique eco-hotel with design-forward rooms set within a renovated 1860s building, featuring a secret drinking den and an indoor garden.
The Azores is fast becoming a favourite destination for adventure travellers due to its proximity to the European mainland, providing easy and quick flight connections, and because of its allure as a serene hiking and trekking destination with mild weather and good tourism infrastructure.
The Gates of Hell, Turkmenistan
Located in the expansive Karakum desert, the Darvaza gas crater in Turkmenistan, commonly referred to as 'The Gates of Hell', is an unconventional yet awe-inspiring destination for travellers.
In 1971, the Soviets had been drilling the ground around this area and accidentally reached an enormous underground gas reservoir, puncturing it in the process. This caused the ground to collapse and dangerous toxic fumes to be released into the air. The Soviets worried about the possibly catastrophic consequences of this gas leak, therefore setting it alight. They had hoped the fire would gradually die down within a few weeks, but instead, it has been burning ever since.
This remarkable gas crater has been ablaze for more than 50 years, but might soon be put to rest. The president of Turkmenistan announced in 2022 that his government intends to make efforts to extinguish the fire. Given the circumstances, time is of utmost importance, and individuals with a strong desire to visit 'The Gates of Hell' should make their plans sooner rather than later.
Combine a visit to the Gates of hell with a tour of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan for a total of 13 days. Travel through ancient cities, sleep in a traditional yurt, and witness the awe-inspiring vistas of this incredible region.
Like this article?
Leave a comment below. We would love to hear if you’ve been to any of these destinations or are planning to do so in the future. In case you need help planning your travels, we would be happy to guide you. Contact us for a free introductory call or check out our Travel Planning page to find out more. Alternatively, you can also fill out our form.
