17 Hidden Vacation Spots That Are Better Than Tourist Traps
There’s nothing magic about overcrowded and overpriced tourist traps. If you want real adventure, it’s time to get away from the well-traveled path.
Find some of the prettiest hidden gems, peaceful spots, and unique experiences. Here are 17 vacation spots far away from tourist traps and ones you must explore immediately.
Faroe Islands, Denmark
There is an influx of tourists to Reykjavik, but the Faroe Islands are a secret European retreat. Thanks to their 18 volcanic islands, there are remote hiking trails, exhilarating cliffs, and beautiful villages.
Over 300 bird species will amaze bird enthusiasts. Water cascades into the ocean at Vagár’s Mulafossur waterfall, which you can visit. The islands attract fewer than 500,000 annual visitors.
Milos, Greece
While Santorini and Mykonos grab all the limelight, Milos is where to go to get the authentic Greek charm. With more than 70 pristine beaches, including Sarakiniko’s moonlike landscape and the brightly colored cliffs at Firiplaka, Milos boasts snorkeling, kayaking, and the warm hospitality of the Mediterranean. But Milos is also famous for its eco-tourism practices, which allow you to travel guilt-free.
Sossusvlei, Namibia
Switch to Namibia’s Sossusvlei if you want to get away from it all in remote Africa. Think about climbing some of the world’s tallest dunes in Dead Vlei, a parched clay pan peppered with ancient, blackened trees.
It’s one of Africa’s top photo destinations. Although local tourism reports show fewer visitors than mainstream safari parks, it remains intimate.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
There’s Arctic beauty in the Lofoten islands like no other. Crystal-clear fjords tower between peaks, and a summer midnight sun colors the skies.
Reinebringen is a short hike to spectacular views and kayak trips to explore hidden coves. Experts say it is the best place to see Arctic marine wildlife. With lower tourism numbers than in southern Norway, the Lofoten Islands offer solitude with nature.
New Mexico’s White Sands National Park
It’s one of the nation’s most unique landscapes. Gypsum dunes stretch for miles and wink back at you under the sun.
Make the most of your adventure with a sunset ranger-led tour. According to the National Park Service, fewer than 800,000 people visit annually, which provides opportunities to explore serenely.
Palawan, Philippines
Although crowds can target Boracay, Palawan has been left untouched. It’s always been a dream for travelers who love seclusion with UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Puerto Princesa Underground River.
Palawan is famed among divers for its limestone cliffs and emerald waters. Despite being named the World’s Best Island by Travel + Leisure as recently as 2020, many people still overlook its charm.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Skip Edinburgh and make your way to the Isle of Skye instead. The area’s natural beauty is a wonderland of its jagged cliffs, lush valleys, and fairy pools.
Explore the landslip at the Quiraing or visit Dunvegan Castle. Scotland’s Best B&Bs suggests visiting in May or September when the number of tourists is small. It’s an excellent place for adventure in seclusion.
Cherbourg, France
Skip the long lines of Paris to explore the hidden gem of Cherbourg in Normandy. Cherbourg is a historic port city with stunning seaside cliffs and lovely beaches.
For fascinating marine exhibits, check out Cite de la Mer or Fort du Roule, which are full of historic sites. According to a recent Eurostat survey, French coastal towns like Cherbourg are cheaper without compromising experience.
Tasmania, Australia
Why trace crowded routes through Sydney when you can enjoy the rugged wilderness and laid-back charm of Wineglass Bay, one of the world’s most photographed beaches, in Freycinet National Park?
To try Cradle Mountain’s Overland Track for multi-day walks, most mainstreamers should enjoy fractions of mainland Australia’s tourist numbers.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Marrakech’s busy souks draw many to its stalls, but Chefchaouen is a calming alternative. Popular as Morocco’s “Blue Pearl,” every building is washed in dazzling shades of blue.
Quiet exploration of its cobblestone streets is one of its selling points. An added escape from fast-paced life is the Ras El Maa waterfall, which you shouldn’t miss. As a retreat destination, Lonely Planet frequently hails Chefchaouen as a winner.
San Blas Islands, Panama
While Borabora is known for its elite luxury, the San Blas Islands in Panama offer affordable elite seclusion. Over 300 islands are part of a network featuring white sand, turquoise water, and the hospitality of the Indigenous Guna Yala people. Sailing Magazine named San Blas one of the world’s best sailing destinations.
Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
Waikiki may be the Hawaiian spot, but savvy travelers will tell you Lanikai Beach is the best place for serenity. The calm, clear waters make this one of Oahu’s best places to paddleboard or kayak.
There’s also a short hike to the Lanikai Pillboxes, where you’re rewarded with stunning Pacific views. It’s a treasure consistently ranked among the best-hidden beaches by Conde Nast Traveler.
Kotor, Montenegro
Although beautiful, Croatia’s Dubrovnik is often overrun with tourists. Instead, visit Kotor, Montenegro.
It is in the Bay of Kutor, where ancient walls cradle silent cobblestone streets offering panoramic marina views. According to Forbes, book a mellow Mediterranean experience in the spring or fall.
Meteora, Greece
Meteora will hale away as you skip Athens’ ancient ruins. Six active monasteries are suspended in the sky in their towering rock formations.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is much less crowded than the Acropolis landmarks. Sunrise over the valley is much raved about amongst travel photographers.
Vinales Valley, Cuba
Vinales Valley is a lush escape for adventure seekers, while Havana is worth attention. Explore under brilliant sunsets, on tobacco farms, ride horseback, or hike Mogote hills.
While Vinales is a rising star, according to Booking.com, its Caribbean counterparts remain more popular.
Hokkaido, Japan
Tokyo’s excitement is undeniable, but Hokkaido’s untouched wilderness promises unforgettable charm. In winter, you can ski pristine powder in the Niseko area (winter) or visit Furano’s fields of vibrant lavender farms each summer.
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Panama’s Bocas offers similar rainforest wonders with fewer visitors than Costa Rica’s eco-parks. On any given day, you can experience the jungle and sea and explore vibrant coral reefs nearby. Bocas’ laid-back vibe is a favorite for adventure seekers.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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