Getting to off the beaten path destinations and exploring lesser-known towns and cities can make for a more relaxing and memorable trip. Navigating overcrowded streets, weaving between tour groups, and waiting in a never-ending sequence of ticket booth queues can dampen your travel experience.
Some underrated countries and out-of-the-way places became our favorite travel destinations because they gave us a more authentic experience and allowed us to avoid all the hassles of overly touristy hotspots.
If you want an alluring but less touristy travel experience, here are our top eight off the beaten path travel ideas, where you can avoid crowds and enjoy a truly relaxing holiday.
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Top Off the Beaten Path Destinations
1. Koh Jum, Thailand
Thailand has long been known as a haven for beach lovers, with its powdery soft sand and turquoise waters. Holidaymakers overrun popular places like Phuket, Railey, Ko Lanta, and Koh Phi Phi. However, the quaint island of Koh Jum remains a hidden gem in the Andaman Sea.
Situated between Krabi and Koh Lanta, this island paradise offers the same beautiful sea and stunning tropical island vibe without crowds or a party atmosphere. A good friend and fellow backpacker tipped us off to it, and it turned out to be the most relaxing and serene destination of our entire Thailand trip.
The island is home to only three small, quiet villages and plenty of long sandy stretches of beach backed by a forest of palms where you can occasionally watch monkeys frolicking amongst the trees. The beaches are less populated, allowing you to claim an expansive patch of sand all to yourself where you can read, sunbathe, or picnic in total peace.
The sections of the island near Baan Koh Ting Rai village and Baan Koh Jum village have easier access to the small selection of restaurants and amenities and also offer the largest selection of bungalows.
If you want an off the beaten track destination, check out the island’s eastern side near Baan Koh Pu village. You are assured an even more remote and tranquil environment. However, you’ll need transportation to access any restaurants or activities outside of what your bungalow offers.
In addition to observing life in an authentic island village, activities around Koh Jum include swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. You can also catch the most glorious sunsets from the island’s western side. The perfect way to end the day is to take an evening stroll along the beach to watch the sky alight in pink, purple, and orange hues.
2. Ollantaytambo, Peru
The Sacred Valley of Peru is famous for its archeological site, Machu Picchu. However, there is another fascinating nearby destination that travelers often overlook. Ollantaytambo (Ollanta for short) is a charming mountain village along the train route to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu.
Most tourists skip over Ollantaytambo on their way to mountaintop Incan ruins, but it is a worthwhile destination in its own right. Best of all, it is quiet and sparsely populated with foreigners.
Ollantaytambo is a historic Incan village home to a terraced hillside archeological site. The complex boasts remnants of a Temple to the Sun, a Temple to the Moon, and several ceremonial fountains.
On an opposing hill across the tiny village sits the Pinkuylluna Storage, a stone structure initially used to store dried food and other goods. You can hike up and explore these ruins for free while getting a panoramic view of the narrow valley and village below.
A second lesser-known Incan site, Pumamarca, is an easy day trip from Ollantaytambo and will help you avoid the crowds. A lovely, moderate-level hike leads you through mountain landscapes and tiny authentic villages to the ancient ruin site.
When we visited, we were the only people there and had the entire site all to ourselves! The only other people we saw all day were a few locals leading their livestock through the mountain pastures.
Are you looking for a destination rich in history, culture, and natural beauty but free from hoards of tourists? Ollantaytambo might be the ideal spot for you!
3. Benaulim, India
While many of Goa’s beach towns can be busy and lively, Benaulim is a laid-back, unassuming town centrally located along the Arabian Sea. The town has just enough amenities to be comfortable and convenient but is not overly touristy.
You can often observe local fishermen pulling in their large nets at the end of the day and occasionally see a few cows taking a seaside stroll. There is a small smattering of low-key beachside cafes to keep you satiated and well-hydrated as you lounge under a beach umbrella on the sandy shores of Benaulim.
The beach is an endless stretch of white sand and cerulean water dotted with only a handful of sunbathers and swimmers. Benaulim town and namesake beach cater to more subdued travelers than places like Arambol. It is a perfect location to escape the crowds and experience a relaxing and therapeutic beach holiday.
4. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
If you want to explore a more remote region of the world, why not travel to one of the most southern points of the earth? It’s the road less traveled, and you are unlikely to find kitschy tourist attractions or big crowds way down here.
The Patagonia region is split between Argentina and Chile, and both destinations boast spectacular natural scenery accessible from small rustic towns sprinkled across the mainland and the southernmost island of Tierra del Fuego.
Patagonia may be a well-known part of the world, but due to its distant location, it receives a low volume of tourism compared with centralized destinations.
Towns like Puntas Arenas, Puerto Natales, and Porvenir in Chile, and El Calafate, El Chalten, and Ushuaia in Argentina are tiny, walkable towns with a handful of restaurants, basic amenities, and a few local tour operators.
There is little in the way of nightlife or modern entertainment facilities. The draw there is the dramatic, rugged natural landscape.
Patagonia offers many options for nature lovers seeking adventure in an off the beaten path destination, from hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting to glacier treks and zodiac excursions. While you may run into other outdoor enthusiasts during your stay, the hiking trails are not crowded, and you can enjoy your ventures in peace.
Highlights of the Patagonia region include the Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile, full of granite spires and glacier lakes, and The Penguin Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural Pinguino Rey), home to a colony of King Penguins, outside Porvenir on the Chilean side of Tierra del Fuego.
In Argentina, you can visit Ushuaia, the continent’s southern tip and the jumping-off point for trips to Antarctica. El Chalten is a one-street town situated inside a national park. It’s known as the hiking capital of Argentina. El Calafate is also a quaint town near the Perito Moreno Glacier, where you can take a trekking tour or a boat trip for an up-close view of the breathtaking glacier.
It’s important to note that weather plays a significant role in Patagonia trip planning, as temperatures can fluctuate, and there is the potential for very high winds. It’s a year-round travel destination with pros and cons for each season.
We recommend autumn or spring as the temperatures are more comfortable and the wind is generally moderate. While summer has the warmest temperatures, it is the windiest season, with winds reaching high enough speeds to interfere with transportation and activities.
Patagonia’s seasons run opposite to those in the northern hemisphere, with spring occurring from September to November, summer from December to February, and autumn from March to May.
5. Borneo, Malaysia
Another excellent off the beaten path travel destination idea for nature enthusiasts is a trip to Malaysian Borneo. Just a short flight from the mainland of Malaysia takes you to the wild jungles of the tropical island off the South China Sea. The region is divided into two states—Sabah in the east and Sarawak in the west.
As a remote destination, with some popular hikes and attractions capping the number of daily visitors, you won’t have to worry about crowds and long waits here. The Malaysian side of the island has only a handful of small cities, leaving most of the region untouched.
Kuching is the capital city of the Sarawak region and a jumping-off point to several natural and cultural attractions. Bako National Park is a short bus and boat ride away, where you can observe proboscis monkeys, silver-leafed monkeys, macaques, and wild boars roaming about the park.
The Semenggoh Nature Reserve is also an accessible day trip where you can observe orangutans being rehabilitated and released back into the wild, swinging in from the trees during feeding time at a platform in the jungle.
The Sarawak Cultural Village and the Borneo Cultures Museum offer insight into the diverse indigenous groups that populated the region.
Mulu National Park is a true hidden gem secluded deep in the rainforest and only accessible by plane. The park offers a variety of activities, including cave excursions, boat tours, canopy walks, jungle treks, and night walks to spot the forest’s nocturnal residents.
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the Sabah region and the starting point for guided treks up the popular Kota Kinabalu mountain. For a less strenuous nature experience, visit the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, where you may spot pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, or langurs, or take a scenic boat ride down the jungle river.
Nearby, Sipadan Island is known as a world-class diving site, home to 3000 species of fish and hawksbill turtles. Scuba diving excursions run from the mainland or neighboring islands. We recommend making arrangements in advance due to the finite accommodations in the national parks and the daily cap on trekking and diving permits in areas like Sipadan and Kota Kinabalu.
6. Hampi, India
India boasts a wealth of impressive tourist attractions throughout the country. The most famous sites, like Agra’s Taj Maha and Jaipur’s Hawa Maha, are surrounded by touts and jam-packed with visitors.
However, there are plenty of other equally impressive but lesser-known destinations where you can avoid the hassles and crowds. Hampi, located in the Karnataka province, is one such place.
The small town of Hampi is situated directly next to an expansive UNESCO site called the Group of Monuments at Hampi. The historic site consists of ruins and many well-preserved Dravidian temples and palaces from the 14th to 16th centuries.
Some highlights include the 48-meter Virupaksha Temple, the ornate Vijaya Vittala Temple, and a unique stone chariot. The Achyutaraya Temple complex and its courtyard are a fascinating spot tucked out of the way and require a short trek from the main road. Hiking the rocky cliff behind the ruins also gives stunning views of the site and valley below.
A popular and enjoyable way to navigate the network of ruins and ancient temples is by bike. The historic landmarks cover a sizable area, but anyone with an average fitness level can comfortably pedal between sites. If biking doesn’t appeal, you can arrange transportation via tuk-tuk.
Hampi is also a practical base for a visit to Badami, another less frequented town known for its cave temples carved into unique rock formations. The Badami Cave Temples boast a mix of ancient Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples. The collection of Bhutanatha Temples, beautifully perched on Agastya Lake, dates back to the 7th and 12th centuries.
7. Ometepe, Nicaragua
Are you looking for a sparsely populated, tranquil island to escape to? Ometepe Island in Lago Cocibolca (Lake Nicaragua) might be the answer. Nicaragua is already a relatively less frequented travel destination, and Ometepe falls even further off the well-trodden trail.
On the other side of a short ferry ride from Puerto San Jorge, a nature-lovers tropical paradise awaits you, with verdant rainforest, striking waterfalls, and abundant hiking trails. Two looming volcanos bookend the end of the island and offer exciting trekking opportunities with stunning views over the island landscape.
Volcan Concepcion sits on the island’s north end near the two quaint but colorful towns of Moyogalpa and Altagracia. Treks up Concepcion are known to be strenuous but worthwhile, with rocky terrain towards the peak where hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views.
Those looking to relax can head to one of the island’s beaches, like Punta Jesus Maria in the north—known for its gorgeous sunsets—Playa Santo Domingo, located mid-island, or Playa Santa Cruz in the south. Another ideal spot for relaxation is Ojo del Agua, where crystal-clear natural pools are set amongst the trees.
Volcan Maderas towers over the southern, typically quieter, end of the island. Treks up Maderas lead through a lush rainforest to a crater lake, where hikers can take a refreshing plunge at the summit.
This island region is also home to the 30-meter San Ramon Waterfall, which can be reached by a three- to four-hour hike through the jungle. Another exciting attraction near the base of Maderas is the series of petroglyphs dating back to pre-Columbian times.
Whenever you go on the island, you’ll find a laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. It is the perfect place to relax in a hammock and hear nothing but the sounds of nature.
8. Sicily, Puglia, and Calabria, Southern Italy
While Italy is not considered an off the beaten path travel destination, Southern Italy is less expensive and overrun with tourists than Rome, Florence, and Venice. Less tourists is especially true outside of the summer season.
Foreigners and locals may hit the southern beaches from June to August, but tourism dwindles for the rest of the year. Most travelers are drawn to the iconic Italian destinations, leaving a wealth of charming towns and historical Roman ruins scattered across the bottom of the boot, relatively less crowded and comfortable to explore.
The island of Sicily is a treasure trove of both ancient Roman and Greek sites, including The Valley of the Temples archeological site in Agrigento, the cliff site amphitheater in Taormina, and the Neapolis Archeological Site in Siracusa.
Picturesque towns like Ragusa, Noto, and Caltagirone boast beautiful Baroque architecture, and Palermo is home to Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest and most famous opera houses. Those looking for an outdoor adventure can take one of the cable cars up Mount Etna to check out its moon-like landscape.
Calabria is home to plenty of tiny, adorable coastal towns with meandering narrow lanes, terracotta roofs, and stunning coastal views that rival the likes of Almalfi and Cinque Terra.
Chianalea, Scilla, Tropea, and Pizzo are some towns with pale pastel-colored buildings perched along the azure sea. Consenza is a beautiful historic town topped by the remnants of a Norman castle. It is situated at the convergence of two rivers. It is known for its exquisite, UNESCO-listed cathedral.
Puglia, located in the heel of the boot, is home to several unique ancient architectural sites, like the Castel Del Monte, an octagonal-shaped 13th-century castle on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Trulli of Alberobello is a UNESCO townsite consisting of well-preserved striking whitewashed buildings with conical roofs, evidence of a prehistoric construction technique.
For more classical Italian architecture, check out the Baroque city of Lecce, teeming with ornate churches and an ancient Roman amphitheater, or Ortrano with its 15th-century Aragonese walls and castle and the 11th-century Otranto Cathedral, known for its unique above-ground crypt.
Sicily is Italy’s best off the beaten track winter destination for more optimal weather conditions, as the temperatures are the most comfortable in the mid-to-high teens. Puglia and Calabria are a few degrees cooler in the winter but make lovely autumn and spring holiday locations.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations Summary
These travel destinations off the beaten path offer unique and authentic experiences for those seeking to escape the crowds and discover hidden gems.
From the serene beaches of Koh Jum to the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo and from the wild jungles of Borneo to the volcanic landscapes of Ometepe, each location provides a refreshing alternative to more touristy hotspots.
Whether you want natural wonders, cultural immersion, or historical sites, these lesser-known destinations cater to various interests while allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed and intimate travel experience.
By venturing beyond the typical tourist routes, you’ll avoid the hassles of overcrowded attractions and gain a deeper appreciation for local cultures and environments.
These top off-the-beaten-path travel destinations invite you to create lasting memories, fostering a sense of discovery and adventure that’s often lost in more popular travel spots. So, pack your bags, step off the well-trodden path, and embark on a journey to these remarkable locations that promise to redefine your travel experience.
FAQs
What is off the beaten path travel?
Off the beaten path travel refers to exploring lesser-known destinations not typically frequented by mass tourism. It involves seeking unique experiences, authentic local cultures, and unspoiled natural environments away from crowded tourist hotspots.
What is the most underrated place to travel?
While “most underrated” can be subjective, one consistently overlooked gem is the Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory of Denmark located between Iceland and Norway.
This archipelago boasts stunning landscapes, unique Nordic culture, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, yet remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. It’s on our bucket list!
