Tired of seeing the same travel destinations pop up on every list? If you’re craving something different—somewhere a little less crowded, a little more surprising—these off-the-radar vacation spots might be exactly what you’re looking for. From remote islands to under-the-radar cities, each one offers something special without the tourist overload.
The Faroe Island
Tucked between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands feel like another planet—think grassy cliffs, misty fjords, and waterfalls that tumble into the sea. It’s remote, wild, and blissfully uncrowded. Great for travelers craving solitude, epic hikes, and stunning landscapes without the tourist crush.
Luang Prabang, Laos
This laid-back town along the Mekong blends French colonial charm with Buddhist serenity. Wake early for the monk alms-giving ceremony, cruise to nearby waterfalls, and explore gilded temples. It’s one of Southeast Asia’s most peaceful and culturally rich getaways.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Skye is all rugged beauty—windswept moors, ancient castles, and cliffside walks that feel straight out of folklore. The Quiraing and Fairy Pools are otherworldly, especially when shrouded in mist. It’s the perfect offbeat destination for road trippers and dreamers.
Climb Inside an Egyptian Pyramid
Just mention Egypt and pyramids will naturally pop into almost everyone’s mind. These amazing ancient structures built more than 4,000 years ago have a way of captivating our minds with the mysteries of Egypt’s Old Kingdom era. A trip to Egypt that includes a day in Giza to see the pyramids will be one that you’ll always remember. And did you know that you can actually climb inside a pyramid? With so many ancient relics, tombs, and monuments in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and along the Nile River, you’ll definitely want to spend at least a week exploring Egypt. It’s a once in a lifetime type of trip that you’ll never forget.
Sail Through the British Virgin Islands
You may have taken the typical Caribbean cruise before, filled with beach ports of call and on-board swimming pools, but if you’re craving something more authentic, and an experience for the adventurer in you, then sailing in the British Virgin Islands is just the thing. While cruises grant you the option of touching down on multiple islands during your vacation, they rarely allot you enough time to really explore local life. When you opt to sail with a bareboat charter through the Caribbean, you get to take your time and enjoy the classic Caribbean beaches to your heart’s content.
Stay in a Riad in Fez’s Ancient Medina
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a truly far-off land, the depths of a Moroccan medina would be the right place to start. As soon as your grand taxi drops you off at the arches of the Fes el Bali, you’ll realize just what you’ve got in store for you. The Fes el Bali is protected by UNESCO and was constructed between the years of 789-808 AD. The medina boasts the largest car-free urban area in the world. While you may not have to look out for cars, animals can be found in abundance in the medina. Adopt your new found home and get lost in the vastness of the medina.
Meteora, Greece
The extraordinary rock formations of Meteora in central Greece is home to one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in the world. There are still six remaining monastaries in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. They were built between the 11th and 15th centuries and still house monks and nuns to this day. You can visit Meteora either on a day trip from Athens, or by tour from Kalabaka (a nearby town).
Get Your Inuit on in an Igloo
For a truly unique vacation experience that very few people have embarked on, head to the Inuit Greenland town of Ittoqqortoormiit where you can sleep in a colony of igloos. It’ll take you as long to find it on a map as to figured out how to say it properly. It’s one of the remotest locations on earth, but that just makes it all the more unique. This is just one of the towns in Greenland you can visit on an overland adventure.
Volcanic Izu Islands
With tropical white sandy beaches, rugged volcano-formed landscapes, and lush forest covered mountains, Tokyo’s islands offer endless adventure and cultural diversity. The Izu Islands of Japan are formed over active volcanoes. The constant rush of adrenaline attracts some visitors while others come for the pristine and outlandish landscape the islands offer. Each of the nine islands has something different and unique to do. Onsen lovers will find their paradise in the Izu Islands, as will hikers and outdoorsy types.
The Transkei, South Africa
For those seeking a laidback nirvana, far removed from the bustle of civilization, look no further than the Transkei region, one of the best places to visit in South Africa. The coastal portion of the area, often referred to as the Wild Coast, is one of the most beautiful places in South Africa.It’s a popular route amongst backpackers, for its mellow atmosphere, cultural immersion, and undisturbed natural landscapes. Here, you’ll find endless rolling hills, lazy rivers, and desolate sandy beaches stretching into the distance.
Train Holiday in India
There is no better way to imagine seeing the beauty of India than during a rail holiday. Picture an idyllic view of the countryside whilst the train chugs along the tracks. All you have to do you sit back and take in the beauty of the Indian landscape. With some budget tours starting at around $1,295 per person and going up to $4,995 per person, this really is a once-in-a-lifetime-trip. You will be met with fantastic accommodation, fine dining in the restaurant car, air con and proper bathroom facilities. Mumbai to New Delhi or New Delhi to Varanasi can be more time efficient than flying and you get the added benefit of seeing stunning scenery on the way.
Camping Under the Stars in the Jordan Desert
The moon-like terrain of Wadi Rum, where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed, in the desert of Jordan is an incredible landscape that is just otherworldly. You won’t believe its beauty until you see it with your own eyes. The way to do Wadi Rum is to choose your accommodation, like the Memories Aicha camp pictured above, and allow them to take care of the rest, because you can’t just drive into Wadi Rum on your own.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.