Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the crowds at popular travel destinations and longed for a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience? While the world’s most famous destinations are popular for a reason, there are many alternative destinations waiting to be explored. From hidden gem towns to underrated national parks, the world is full of lesser-known destinations that offer unique and unforgettable experiences. So read ahead and discover some hidden treasures that might just inspire your next trip!

Skip Switzerland, and experience the great outdoors in Slovenia

Switzerland is indisputably gorgeous but it’s also expensive! For equally beautiful landscapes, head to Slovenia. Considering its small size, Slovenia boasts an array of attractions and stunning natural beauty with its picturesque landscapes, including the Julian Alps, the stunning Lake Bled, and the underground Postojna Cave system. Additionally, Slovenia is rich in history and culture, with charming towns such as Ljubljana and Piran, offering a blend of medieval and modern architecture. Foodies will be happy to hear that Slovenia also has an up-and-coming food and wine scene thanks to its rich blend of Central European and Mediterranean flavors it has no less than 24 gastronomic areas and three wine-growing regions! While Slovenia isn’t the cheapest destination in Europe it is much more affordable than Switzerland which has a reputation for not being too kind to your wallet, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who still want to experience the great outdoors. See for yourself on either our 7-Night Slovenia Experience or our 4-Night Mini Slovenia Experience!

Skip Iceland, and get ready for an adventure in the Faroe Islands

Iceland may be a popular destination for its stunning natural beauty, however, this recent influx of tourists can easily take away the magic of the place. This is where the Faroe Islands come into play! Home to just 50,000 people, this remote archipelago is located between Iceland and Norway and offers breathtaking landscapes that range from towering cliffs and waterfalls to lush rolling hills, quaint fishing villages, and the famous ‘floating lake’. The islands are also home to a vibrant culture and history, with a fascinating Viking heritage and a thriving art scene. The Faroe Islands’ food scene is also a highlight and those up for sensational seafood and eager to sample fermented cuisine will love it! Salmon is a huge part of Faroese culture, so much so, it accounts for 50% of their exports! Head to Etika, an intimate sushi restaurant in the capital Tórshavn, serving up some of the freshest salmon on the island. They even have an up-and-coming craft beer scene and whiskey distillery! Due to its small size and relatively untouched landscape, the Faroe Islands offer a much more intimate and off-the-beaten-path experience compared to Iceland, making it perfect for those seeking a quieter and more authentic adventure.

Skip Dubrovnik in Croatia, and explore Montenegro’s fortified town of Kotor

Like Dubrovnik, the town of Kotor is situated on the Adriatic coast and while both destinations boast charming old towns and stunning coastal views, Kotor offers a more laid-back and authentic experience with less crowds! The town is nestled in a picturesque bay, surrounded by towering mountains and crystal-clear waters and the old town of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a rich history and a blend of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. The town’s vibrant cultural scene also makes it an excellent destination for music and art lovers, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Kotor’s buzzing food scene is another highlight, with fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. The Venetian, fortified town offers all the beauty of Dubrovnik but without the prices or the crowds, not to mention its unique walls which offer unbeatable views of the bay for those prepared to scale it! Come see for yourself on either our 7-Night Montenegro Experience or our shorter 4-Night Mini Montenegro Experience!

Skip Tuscany and head to the delicious region of Puglia

The Tuscany region is probably one of the most visited parts of Italy, with hoards of tourists arriving each day, this can be overwhelming, especially in the hot summer heat! – And while tourism is growing in Puglia, you’ll find far fewer crowds so you can navigate the streets without fighting through tour groups and you’ll benefit from lower prices. Located in the southern region of Italy, Puglia’s rugged coastline, picturesque countryside, and charming towns offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Unlike the well-known Tuscan hill towns, Puglia boasts white-washed villages with traditional trulli houses, ancient cave dwellings, and stunning Baroque architecture. As one of the sunniest and most fertile areas of Italy, the region is renowned for its food, wine, and olive oil! Everywhere you look you’ll see women making orecchiette (little ears) pasta down cobbled alleyways, vibrant fresh vegetables, and budding olive oil trees. The Valle d’Itria in the centre of the region has the highest concentration of olive trees in the whole of Italy, therefore it’s no surprise this liquid green gold is applied liberally to most dishes. The beaches of Puglia are another highlight, with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand. This relatively untouched region offers a more affordable and off-the-beaten-path experience than Tuscany, making it ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Italian adventure. Join us on our 4-Night Dolce Vita Puglia Experience for a chance to see an area before it becomes too popular!

Skip Tanzania, and try spot the ‘Big Five’ on safari in Botswana

Without question, the Okavango Delta in Botswana and Serengeti in Tanzania are two of the most spectacular wildlife habitats on Planet Earth. While Tanzania is a more popular destination for safari-goers, what distinguishes Botswana from Tanzania is the abundance of riverine and wetlands landscapes. These riverine and wetlands are home to some of the world’s most stunning and diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos, and boast some of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas. Unlike Tanzania, where national parks can be crowded with safari vehicles, Botswana offers a more exclusive and personalized experience with fewer tourists and smaller, more intimate camps. Additionally, Botswana’s wildlife management policies prioritize conservation and sustainability, resulting in a healthy and thriving ecosystem. The Okavango Delta, a vast wetland that is home to an incredible diversity of animals, is a highlight of any safari in Botswana. The delta’s unique water-based safari activities, such as mokoro rides, offer a different perspective and a chance to experience the wilderness up close. Botswana is also home to a healthy population of endangered African wild dogs, which are harder to spot in Tanzania. We offer both a 7-Night Botswana Desert to Delta Experience and a 7-Night Botswana Mobile Safari Experience, come join us!

If any of the experiences above have taken your fancy please don’t hesitate to get in contact at info@untravelledpaths.com.

Written by Lucy Kaufmann