Off the Beaten Path: Travel to Uncommon but Striking Locations

21 August 2025

So, you've already taken that selfie by the Eiffel Tower, danced your way through Bali, and maybe even hugged a koala down under. Great. But what if I told you there's a whole delicious buffet of overlooked, underrated, and utterly jaw-dropping places that most tourists miss entirely?

That's right—this travel guide is about going off the beaten path. We're skipping the standard itineraries and heading into the wild corners of the world where your Instagram followers will actually ask, “Wait, where is that?!”

Ready to wander where Wi-Fi might be sketchy but the memories are stronger than your morning coffee? Let’s go.

Why Go Off the Beaten Path?

Let’s be real—mainstream travel spots are awesome, but they’re also, well… crowded. Like standing-in-line-for-an-hour-to-see-a-rock crowded.

Going off the beaten path means:
- Fewer tourists
- Lower prices
- More authentic experiences
- Surprising discoveries

Plus, how else are you going to gather stories that'll make your friends look up from their phones and say, “You went WHERE?!”

The Appeal of the Uncommon

Uncommon travel spots aren’t hyped up for a reason—either they’re hard to get to, not Insta-famous (yet), or simply underappreciated. But what they lack in mainstream attention, they more than make up for in character, beauty, and sheer “wow, I didn’t know this existed” energy.

Think of it like thrifting for travel—you’re not buying the mass-marketed stuff. You’re digging for those unique, one-of-a-kind gems.

1. Kotor, Montenegro – A Tiny Town With Titanic Views

Imagine you took a medieval castle, surrounded it with mountains and added a sparkling bay that looks like it was filtered through Pinterest. That’s Kotor.

Located on the Adriatic coast, this tiny Montenegrin town is basically Dubrovnik’s less crowded, more charming cousin. You can hike the fortress at sunrise, pet some stray cats (they basically run the town), and enjoy pizza and wine for less than your Netflix subscription.

Pro Tip: Hike the Ladder of Kotor. It’s the stairmaster from hell, but the views? Chef’s kiss.

2. Svalbard, Norway – Where Polar Bears Outnumber People

Ever wanted to go somewhere so remote that it feels like you’re on another planet? Welcome to Svalbard, baby.

This Arctic archipelago sits halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Yes, THE North Pole. It's cold. It's wild. It's got more reindeer than people. Also: real-life polar bears. Not the stuffed ones—actual live ones.

In the summer, it’s 24/7 daylight. In the winter, it’s 24/7 darkness. Either way, it’s a vibe.

Don’t Miss: The Northern Lights, glacier hikes, and the eerie charm of Longyearbyen—the northernmost town on Earth.

3. The Faroe Islands – Iceland’s Edgier Cousin

Tucked between Norway and Iceland, the Faroe Islands are like Mother Nature’s secret side project. With dramatic cliffs, turf-roofed houses, and waterfalls that casually tumble into the ocean, this place looks like it was designed by a fantasy novelist.

Best part? Hardly anyone goes there. Not because they don’t want to—because they don’t know it exists. And that, my friend, is your golden ticket.

Must-Do: Hike to the Lake Above the Ocean. It will absolutely mess with your sense of perspective in the best way possible.

4. Luang Prabang, Laos – Tranquility Without the Tour Buses

Thailand gets all the attention in Southeast Asia, but just next door in Laos sits the serene, under-the-radar gem of Luang Prabang.

It’s the kind of place where monks in saffron robes still collect alms at dawn, waterfalls are a regular day trip, and the food—holy mango sticky rice—is divine.

No crazy parties. No 12-hour queues for temples. Just peace, culture, and killer river sunsets.

Insider Hack: Rent a scooter and get lost. You'll find hidden villages and rice paddies most people only dream of.

5. Valle de Cocora, Colombia – Giant Palms and Jurassic Vibes

Remember that one time you said, “Let’s go see the world’s tallest palm trees?” No? Well, time to say it now.

Nestled in Colombia’s coffee region is the Valle de Cocora—a lush valley where wax palms tower up to 200 feet. It's like walking into Jurassic Park, minus the dinosaurs (thankfully).

Add to that the charm of nearby Salento town (think colorful balconies and fresh coffee), and you've got yourself a high-altitude slice of heaven.

Goofy Tip: Ride in a Willy Jeep to get there. Yes, they’re called Willys. No, it doesn't get old saying it.

6. Aït Benhaddou, Morocco – A Real-Life Desert Fortress

Ever watched “Game of Thrones” or “Gladiator” and thought, “Where is that place?!” Surprise—it’s probably Aït Benhaddou.

This ancient ksar (fortified village) in the Moroccan desert is made of red clay and dreams. It’s cinematic, it’s historic, and it’s not half as tourist-trampled as the big cities like Marrakech.

Bonus: It’s en route to the Sahara, so you can live your best Lawrence of Arabia fantasy afterward.

Pro Travel Nerd Tip: Go during golden hour. That light on the clay walls? Photographers cry tears of joy.

7. Yakushima Island, Japan – Rainforests, Monkeys, and Mysterious Vibes

Japan is about more than Tokyo and cherry blossoms—and Yakushima proves it.

This subtropical island is home to Japan's oldest trees (some over 7,000 years old!), magical mossy forests, and wild monkeys who definitely do not respect your personal space.

It inspired the Studio Ghibli movie Princess Mononoke, which tells you almost everything you need to know: it's mystical, green, and dripping in ancient vibes.

Don’t Skip: The hike to Jomon Sugi—your legs will hate you, but your soul will thank you.

8. Chefchaouen, Morocco – Fifty Shades of Blue

Okay, okay—Morocco gets another entry. But can you blame me?

Chefchaouen (say that five times fast) is a dreamy little town nestled in the Rif Mountains, painted entirely in blue. It feels like you’ve stepped into a Smurf village designed by interior decorators.

The vibe? Chill. The food? Mint tea and tagines galore. The Instagram opportunities? Off the charts.

Fun Fact: No one’s entirely sure why it’s blue. Theories range from religious symbolism to mosquito repellent. Either way, it’s cool as heck.

9. Socotra, Yemen – Alien Planet, But It’s Real

Listen, if Tatooine and Jurassic Park had a baby raised by David Attenborough, you’d get Socotra.

This island off the coast of Yemen is otherworldly. Picture dragon blood trees that look like giant umbrellas, beaches that rival the Maldives (not kidding), and no crowds. Literally, almost none.

It’s one of the most isolated and biodiverse places on Earth. Translation: Instagram gold and bragging rights for life.

Safety Note: Do your homework. Tourism is slowly picking up, but always check travel advisories before booking.

10. The Azores, Portugal – Europe’s Best-Kept Secret

Eight hours from New York and somehow still under the radar, the Azores are Europe’s answer to Hawaii—minus the price tag and packed beaches.

With green volcanic craters, blue crater lakes, natural hot springs, and cows living their best lives, it’s a slice of paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and people who like places that smell faintly of fresh cheese and sea breeze.

Try This: Eat a meal cooked underground by volcanic steam. It’s called “Cozido”, and yes, it’s as epic as it sounds.

Tips for Traveling Off the Beaten Path

You don’t just wake up in these places. They take a little extra effort—but it’s worth every minute. Keep these tips in mind:

- Research, research, research: A little planning prevents a lot of “Uhh, where are we?” moments.
- Pack light but smart: You’re not hitting five-star resorts, so bring the essentials (hello, TP and universal charger).
- Be respectful: You’re a guest. Learn basic local customs and at least one word in the local language.
- Go slow: These places deserve more than a quick photo-and-run. Give them the time they deserve.

The Joy of the Unknown

There’s something magical about not knowing everything before you go. That feeling of stepping into the unfamiliar and realizing the world is so much bigger (and cooler) than your bucket list?

That’s what going off the beaten path is all about.

So next time you're planning a trip, maybe don’t follow the crowd. Chart your own course. Get a little lost (in the good way). And come back with stories that no one else at the party has heard before.

Because honestly, saying “I went to Paris” is fine… but saying “I got mildly sunburned while watching goats scale a cliff in Socotra” hits different.