Go Here, Not There!

Ah, those tried-and-true getaways… Looking for a romantic holiday? Paris it is. A tropical paradise? Off to Hawaii. Yes, we all love (1) them for obvious reasons. But sometimes these favourite vacation spots can come with crowds and you might not find that “hidden gem” feel while you’re there.

It might be hard not to follow what’s #trending, especially when it comes to travel. However, there are also plenty of new places to explore. You should just leave the flocks of tourists behind and journey into lesser-known destinations. “What are these off the beaten track destinations?” you may ask. All right, let’s go: Are you planning to visit Greece? There is no denying that Mykonos and Santorini are stunning islands, but (2) they also attract lots of crowds. If you’re looking for a taste of off-the-beaten-path Greek culture, go to Naxos and Milos instead. You’ll find opportunities to experience old-world Greek charm in villages, unspoiled beaches as well as hiking and cycling trails.

Or are you going to travel to Turkey? Millions of tourists flock to Bodrum’s beautiful beaches each summer. But you should try Alaçatı in the Izmir province, not Bodrum. (3) It is characterized by stunning Aegean beaches, cobblestoned streets, outdoor cafés, unpretentious boutique hotels, and world-class windsurfing. A holiday in Italy? Oh, who doesn’t love Italy? Venice, in particular, is a must-see place for everyone. But why not go to Burano instead of Venice this time? It is like a miniature, colourful version of Venice. The brightly painted houses, boat-lined watery streets, and bridges are a photographer’s and artist’s dream. And compared to Venice, you’ll find (4) it much less crowded with tourists. Is that all? Of course, no! There are also more off-the-beaten-path destinations; for example, try Slovenia, not Croatia; Namibia instead of South Africa; Rainbow Mountains and Colca Canyon in Peru instead of Machu Picchu and the list goes on and on.

Off the beaten path, getaways help you discover the world. (5) They also offer many adrenaline-pumping activities, minus the masses and the high prices. Therefore, always take the road less travelled while making your next travel plans.