THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED.

Sometimes the best travel experiences come from exploring the lesser-known places. These underrated destinations often offer stunning landscapes, rich culture, and fewer crowds—making them perfect for travellers looking for something unique. Here are 10 ideas for destinations you should consider.

Nestled along the Adriatic coast, Kotor, Montenegro, feels like stepping into a medieval fairytale. Surrounded by dramatic mountains that plunge into the bay, the town’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of stone alleyways, Venetian-style buildings, and ancient fortifications. Climbing to the Fortress of San Giovanni rewards visitors with panoramic views of the fjord-like bay below, a sight that rivals even the most famous European coastal destinations.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Salento, Colombia, offers a completely different but equally enchanting experience. This colourful town is the gateway to the Cocora Valley, home to the world’s tallest wax palm trees, which stand like giants over misty green hills. Whether you’re hiking through lush cloud forests or sipping some of Colombia’s finest coffee in a charming café, Salento is a place where time seems to slow down.

For those in search of untouched tropical paradise, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, is as breathtaking as it is remote. This stunning archipelago is home to some of the most biodiverse marine life on the planet, making it a dream destination for divers and snorkelers. Beneath its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs teem with manta rays, sea turtles, and an astonishing variety of fish. Unlike the overcrowded beaches of Bali, Raja Ampat remains relatively undiscovered, its raw beauty preserved by its inaccessibility.

Venturing to Southeast Asia’s mainland, Luang Prabang, Laos, offers a completely different kind of serenity. Nestled between two rivers, this sleepy town blends French colonial charm with deep-rooted Buddhist traditions. The golden-roofed temples, bustling night markets, and mesmerizing Kuang Si waterfalls make it one of the most atmospheric places in the region. At dawn, locals and tourists alike rise early to witness the daily almsgiving ceremony, where monks in saffron robes silently collect offerings—a moment of quiet spirituality that lingers long after you leave.

If a destination that feels like another planet intrigues you, Madagascar is an adventure like no other. This vast island off Africa’s east coast is a haven for nature lovers, home to otherworldly landscapes and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. The famous Avenue of the Baobabs, where ancient, towering trees stretch towards the sky, feels like something from a fantasy novel. In the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, razor-sharp limestone formations create a labyrinthine landscape unlike anything else in the world. And, of course, Madagascar’s many national parks are filled with playful lemurs, making every nature trek feel like a real-life David Attenborough documentary.

From Africa to Europe, Lake Bled, Slovenia, offers a different kind of dreamlike escape. This picturesque lake, surrounded by the Julian Alps, is home to a tiny island crowned by a beautiful medieval church. Rowing across its emerald waters, ringing the church bell for good luck, and hiking up to Bled Castle for a breathtaking view make this one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.

For those seeking island paradise far from the usual tourist trails, Samoa in the South Pacific is a true hidden gem. Unlike the more commercialized Fiji or Bora Bora, Samoa offers untouched beaches, volcanic landscapes, and a deep connection to Polynesian culture. The breathtaking To Sua Ocean Trench, a natural swimming hole surrounded by lush greenery, is one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. The warmth of the Samoan people, combined with mesmerizing waterfalls and traditional fiafia nights filled with music and fire dancing, makes this destination an unforgettable retreat.

But if it’s rugged wilderness and dramatic scenery you’re after, Patagonia, straddling Chile and Argentina, delivers in every possible way. This remote region is a hiker’s paradise, home to the legendary Torres del Paine National Park with its jagged mountain peaks and glacial lakes. On the Argentine side, the towering Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few advancing glaciers in the world, captivates visitors with its sheer size and constant movement. Whether trekking through ice fields, spotting guanacos roaming the vast plains, or sailing past massive icebergs, Patagonia is a place where nature truly takes center stage.

For an even more extreme adventure, Svalbard, Norway, offers one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth. Located between Norway and the North Pole, this Arctic archipelago is home to polar bears, reindeer, and vast glaciers that stretch endlessly into the horizon. In winter, the Northern Lights dance across the sky in a spectacular display, while in summer, the Midnight Sun keeps the land bathed in light 24 hours a day. Dog sledding across the frozen tundra, visiting the world’s northernmost town, and sailing through iceberg-strewn fjords make Svalbard an unforgettable destination for those willing to venture to the very edge of civilization.

Finally, for those seeking wild beauty closer to Europe, the Faroe Islands, Denmark, remain one of the last untouched corners of the continent. This North Atlantic archipelago, with its dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and mist-covered hills, feels almost mythical. With a population of just 50,000, the islands remain blissfully free from mass tourism. Whether you’re hiking to the breathtaking Múlafossur waterfall, spotting puffins on Mykines island, or simply soaking in the serene landscapes, the Faroe Islands offer an escape into pure, unspoiled nature.

Traveling off the beaten path isn’t just about avoiding crowds - it’s about discovering the soul of a place, experiencing authentic local culture, and uncovering hidden beauty that few others have seen. These ten destinations offer something truly special for those willing to venture beyond the usual hotspots. So next time you’re planning a trip, why not skip the tourist traps and explore one of these underrated travel gems instead? Get in touch if you’d like to discuss a holiday to somewhere away from the standard tourist trail.