In a world where popular tourist spots are often overcrowded and pricey, true adventurers seek something more: unexplored places in the world for traveling that are hardly explored by the crowd. If you are ready to travel more offbeat and look for those less explored places and experiences, then this post is for you.
Starting from beautiful offshore islands to fewer tourist-visited holiday locations in the major cities, they will inspire you to travel and explore the tranquility as well as excite you with the fun and liveliness of adventures. The following are some secret traveler’s paradise for those who seek adventure, culture, and extraordinarily beautiful terrains.
1. Faroe Islands, Denmark
Faroe Islands is one of the most beautiful places which can be described as almost ‘virginal’. This group of 18 islands is situated between Iceland and Norway in Europe and has cliffs, hills, deep water, and small fishing villages. The terrain of the Isles is highly elevated and provides excellent grounds for trekking and watching birds including Puffin.
Why it’s a hidden gem: The Faroe Islands can boast that they are significantly less populated as compared to such Scandinavian counterparts as Iceland. The hiking trails and the misty fjords of the Canadian territory are all the more beautiful for visitors who do not want to visit the most crowded sights.
Adventure Tip: Trek 2 hours to Gásadalur village to see the unique waterfall that lies directly at the ocean.
2. Bhutan
Bhutan, small and isolated located in the eastern Himalayas, is one of the least explored nations in the world to date. Tourism has been well regulated with limited numbers of tourists who are allowed to visit Bhutan every year; the country has a Gross National Happiness policy. Here you will come across monasteries that are relatively older, sumptuous valleys, and some of the most picturesque mountain terrains in the world.
Why it’s a hidden gem: Bhutan has a very limited policy on tourism, hence the country is not very popular and it is the best place for adventurers looking to find peace and people who are true to their profession.
Adventure Tip: Trek to the famous religious site of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery which is perched at 3,000 feet on a cliff at Paro Valley.
3. Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is more of an extreme Arctic haven for travel enthusiasts who seek the harshest of environments that can be offered to them. Svalbard is an arctic archipelago situated just between mainland Norway and the North Pole and which boasts of glaciers, polar bears, and frozen tundras. During the winter you can witness the famous Aurora Borealis or else the Northern Lights, while during the summer, the sun shines continuously for a whole day.
Why it’s a hidden gem: Altogether, Svalbard may be deemed an extremely beautiful place, however, it is still quite unfamiliar and not overcrowded. As a result, it remains truly a place for travelers having extreme weather and geographic location.
Adventure Tip: Go on a snowmobile tour or a dog sledding tour to have a thrilling arctic tour.
4. Kyrgyzstan
If you are looking for rocky mountains, adventurous travels, and the shanty feel of a nomadic civilization then your list should include Kyrgyzstan. This country is situated in Central Asia and has the features of the Tian Shan mountain range and big alpine lakes. If it is yurts, horseback riding traditions, and impressive trekking tours that you are looking for, Kyrgyzstan is what you need, no crowds included.
Why it’s a hidden gem: Kyrgyzstan for the most part remains off the radar of many tourists, and is a place of expansive wilderness and unparalleled loneliness.
Adventure Tip: Hike through the Jyrgalan Valley or ride a car to reach the Song-Kul Lake and spend the night in a tent, in a yurt.
5. Azores, Portugal
The Azores is an archipelago in the heart of the Anonymous Ocean and remains one of the most attractive European destinations. These islands are endowed with forests, hot springs, and crater dimples that have evolved to form lakes and beautiful coastlines. Desert enthusiasts are also sure to describe the Azores as the perfect haven for adventurers who love hiking, watching whales, or spelunking into caves.
Why it’s a hidden gem: Portugal as per se is a famous country, whereas the Azores islands themselves do not attract a lot of tourists, so they are quite a quiet and cheap place to relax.
Adventure Tip: One can hike up the Caldeira do Faial to get a view of the entire island or swim in the Lagoa do Fogo – a good example of a volcanic crater filled with water.
6. Madagascar
It’s an Eastern African country that is famous for being a dream travel destination for adventures and contains one of the most unique biodiversity on the planet. This small island country located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa hosts endemic animals such as lemurs and chameleons as well as various plant species. Let’s discover the most fascinating aspects of the place, such as the tropical rainforests, the karstic structures, and the stunning reefs and sandy shores.
Why it’s a hidden gem: Due to its geographic isolation and relatively low levels of tourism development, Madagascar boasts amazingly beautiful lands for fans of real tourism.
Adventure Tip: Trek to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park – a world heritage site with several pinnacles of limestone, and numerous wildlife species.
7. Socotra, Yemen
Socotra Island also famously known as “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean” is an island that appears to be from another planet. Its extraterrestrial-like terrains are habitats to odd plants and animals including dragon’s blood tree and the desert rose. Due to the political unrest in Yemen, many tourists avoid the country; nevertheless, traveling to Socotra is quite safe for those, who are interested in the bizarre geography of the island exclusively.
Why it’s a hidden gem: Being an island, Socotra is very remote and receives fewer tourists yearly making it one of the least visited exotic destinations on the planet.
Adventure Tip: Visit the peculiar vegetation of the Diksam Plateau and/or take a sea kayaking trip of the island’s protected lagoons.
8. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat is one of the provinces in Indonesia, which has a high potential for marine life and still unexplored islands. Raja Ampat based in West Papua boasts crystal clear water and colorful coral that make it one of the top globes famous diving destinations. One can also come across the jungle islands and interact with the inhabitants of the country’s indigenous population.
Why it’s a hidden gem: Raja Ampat still is an untouched and hidden gem destination for both, diving enthusiasts and those interested in conservation, unlike Lombok or Bali.
Adventure Tip: You can go diving or snorkeling to be able to see some of the many diverse coral reefs that can be found across the place or climb up Pianemo Island to have a breathtaking view of the limestone formations.
9. Namibia
Namibia is a place of large sandy plains, gigantic dunes, and such incredible scenery that it seems to be from another world. Its most iconic destination; is the Namib desert with several activities that include; Dune climbing and desert safari. It also has numerous wild animals such as elephants, lions, and giraffes among others. Namibia is for loners because there are not many travelers due to its isolated desert lodges.
Why it’s a hidden gem: Namibia is one of the most beautiful countries and has few visitors, so it is a perfect place for those who want to spend time compared to nature.
Adventure Tip: Hike up Dune 45 in the Sossuslei area to reach the top to see the view that will leave you breathless in the early morning.
10. Palawan, Philippines
Alas, not as well-known as other SE-Asian locations, Palawan is however home to some of the most beautiful beaches and lagoons on the planet. From the great cliffs of El Nido to the subterranean ribbons of Puerto Princesa, Palawan is every travel junkie’s wet dream.
Why it’s a hidden gem: Palawan can be considered one of the most hidden treasures of Southeast Asia because it is rather isolated and is not overcrowded with tourists.
Adventure Tip: There is an option to visit the island of El Nido and go on different boats, or to rent a kayak and go through the Big Lagoon.
How to Find Little Treasures on the Next Trip
Now that you’re inspired to explore these hidden gems, here are a few tips for discovering secret travel destinations on your own:
- Go Off-Season: Getting to the country or place at a time when there are fewer crowds is always advisable as it will also be cheaper.
- Avoid Tourist Traps: Do not visit heavily marketed, promoted, and filled tourist attractions that compromise space and are costly.
- Use Local Guides: Find locals and people who move around the given area so that they can take you to areas that are not described in the tourist maps.
- Be Flexible: Open yourself for changes, opportunistic moments, for surprises that are lying ahead of you, interested in discovering them.
In ‘Shhh’ clients are guaranteed a sneak peek into some of the juiciest secrets in the world.
There is so much undiscovered beauty that has not yet been discovered by tourists who prefer to wander off the typical tourist route. These 10 destinations offer more than the regular stay at a hotel as people will be able to attain both their adventure and relaxation.
