If you love avoiding crowds and discovering hidden gems, traveling off the beaten path is the way to go. Instead of following tourist hotspots, you can explore underrated places, experience authentic cultures, and have more meaningful adventures.
This guide will show you how to find unique travel destinations and make your trips more adventurous.
Avoid Major Tourist Cities & Look for Alternatives
Popular destinations are often crowded, expensive, and over-commercialized. Instead of visiting mainstream cities, try lesser-known places that offer similar experiences with fewer tourists and a more authentic vibe.
Hidden Gems to Visit Instead of Tourist Hotspots
- Instead of Paris → Try Colmar, France (charming fairytale town with half-timbered houses)
- Instead of Rome → Try Matera, Italy (ancient cave dwellings and stone-carved buildings)
- Instead of Bali → Try Lombok, Indonesia (stunning beaches and waterfalls without the crowds)
- Instead of Barcelona → Try Valencia, Spain (rich history, great food, and relaxed atmosphere)
- Instead of Phuket → Try Koh Lipe, Thailand (crystal-clear waters and peaceful island life)
Pro Tip
Use Google Maps’ “Nearby Places” feature to discover underrated locations near major attractions.
Use Travel Blogs & Social Media for Hidden Gems
Local travel bloggers, YouTubers, and social media travelers often share secret spots that aren’t widely known.
Best Ways to Find Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations Online
- Search for local travel bloggers who share hidden gems in their home country.
- Check Instagram hashtags like #UnderratedDestinations, #HiddenGems, or #SecretSpots.
- Join Facebook travel groups and ask for recommendations from other travelers.
- Watch YouTube vlogs about unique destinations off the beaten path.
Pro Tip
Instead of Googling “best places to visit in [country]”, try searching “underrated places in [country]” for more unique results.
Use Alternative Travel Websites & Apps
Instead of relying only on TripAdvisor or mainstream guides, use alternative travel platforms that focus on unique and unusual destinations.
Best Websites & Apps for Finding Hidden Destinations
- Atlas Obscura – Lists quirky, unusual places worldwide.
- Culture Trip – Focuses on authentic, lesser-known experiences.
- iOverlander – Great for road trips and hidden camping spots.
- Komoot – Perfect for finding scenic hiking and cycling routes.
Pro Tip
Try Google Earth or browse Reddit’s r/travel to find little-known places with great reviews.
Travel by Train or Road Instead of Flying
Taking scenic train rides or road trips lets you discover small towns, hidden villages, and stunning landscapes along the way.
Best Scenic Train Routes for Hidden Gems
- Glacier Express (Switzerland) – Breathtaking views of the Alps.
- Flåm Railway (Norway) – Waterfalls, fjords, and mountain scenery.
- Rocky Mountaineer (Canada) – Snow-capped mountains and remote wilderness.
Great Road Trip Destinations
- Ring Road (Iceland) – Epic landscapes, glaciers, and hot springs.
- Garden Route (South Africa) – Coastal beauty, safari parks, and vineyards.
- Route 40 (Argentina) – Rugged mountains, deserts, and remote villages.
Pro Tip
Rent a car and follow local road signs instead of GPS—it often leads to unexpected discoveries!
Stay with Locals for Insider Tips
Locals know the best hidden gems, so staying in small guesthouses, Airbnb Experiences, or Couchsurfing stays can help you discover places that aren’t in travel guides.
How to Get Local Travel Tips
- Use Airbnb Experiences or Couchsurfing to meet locals who can recommend secret spots.
- Stay in guesthouses or homestays for a more personal and immersive experience.
- Ask locals at cafés or markets about their favorite places—most are happy to share!
Pro Tip
If you visit a small town, talk to taxi drivers or shop owners—they usually know the best secret spots that aren’t in guidebooks.
Travel During the Off-Season
Visiting a destination during low season can make it feel like an off-the-beaten-path experience, even in popular cities.
Why Traveling in the Off-Season is Better
- Fewer tourists mean you can enjoy places without crowds.
- Prices for hotels and flights are significantly lower.
- Locals are more relaxed and have time to share recommendations.
- Natural landscapes (like Iceland’s waterfalls or Norway’s fjords) look even more magical in winter.
Pro Tip
Use Google Flights’ “Price Graph” feature to find the cheapest and least busy travel dates.
Take a Different Perspective of Popular Destinations
Even in famous cities, you can find unique experiences by avoiding tourist-heavy areas and exploring local spots instead.
Unique Ways to Experience Popular Destinations
- Paris: Explore hidden courtyards and underground catacombs instead of just the Eiffel Tower.
- Florence: Visit small artisan workshops and local markets instead of crowded museums.
- Santorini: Hike to remote villages like Pyrgos instead of staying in Oia.
Pro Tip
Instead of booking group tours, go on a self-guided walking tour using offline maps and audioguides.
Try Unusual Accommodations
Where you stay can make your trip more unique and memorable. Skip standard hotels and try something extraordinary.
Unusual Places to Stay
- Treehouses – Perfect for nature lovers (Thailand, Costa Rica).
- Ice hotels – Sleep in a frozen wonderland (Sweden, Canada).
- Ryokan (Japanese Inns) – Traditional tatami mats & hot springs (Japan).
- Floating hotels – Stay on water instead of land (Maldives, Amsterdam).
Pro Tip
Check Glamping Hub or Unique Stays on Airbnb for extraordinary accommodations.
Follow Your Curiosity & Say Yes to Adventures
Sometimes, the best travel experiences happen when you go off-plan and follow your instincts.
Ways to Discover Hidden Gems Naturally
- Walk down side streets instead of sticking to main tourist roads.
- Accept invitations from locals to festivals, family dinners, or cultural events.
- Get lost (safely) and explore new places without a strict itinerary.
Pro Tip
Ask yourself: “Where do locals go on vacation?”—then go there!
Keep an Open Mind & Embrace Surprises
Some of the best experiences happen unexpectedly when you’re open to adventure.
How to Make the Most of Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel
- Talk to locals, try new foods, and be open to changing plans.
- Embrace challenges—sometimes getting lost leads to great discoveries.
- The best hidden gems aren’t always on a map—they’re found through experience!
Pro Tip
Keep a travel journal to write down unique discoveries for future adventures.
Final Thoughts
Finding off-the-beaten-path destinations is all about curiosity, local connections, and a willingness to explore beyond tourist spots. With these tips, you can discover hidden gems and create unforgettable travel experiences.
Would you like me to generate an image for this article, or shall we move on to the next topic: How to Travel Comfortably on a Budget?