Are you tired of battling crowds at the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall of China? Is the tourist-saturated city of Prague losing its charm? Do your travel photos from every vacation look strikingly similar, no matter what continent you visited? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then brace yourself, as we are about to embark on a globe-trotting adventure that would take you off the beaten path to some delightful hidden treasures of the world.
Let’s start our journey in the quaint little town of Giethoorn in the Netherlands, also known as the ‘Venice of the North’. With no roads, the only way to travel is by boat on one of its many canals. The tranquil atmosphere, coupled with the village’s thatched-roof cottages and charming gardens, make this destination a hidden gem definitely worth visiting.
Next, we journey to the remarkable Salar de Uyuni, found in southwest Bolivia. This is the world’s largest salt flat, a surreal, otherworldly expanse of white that transforms into a giant mirror effect during the wet season. The barren, striking landscape feels like something from another planet and offers an unforgettable experience.
Then it’s off to Asia, where we’ll visit the enchanting town of Shangli in the Sichuan Province, China. This ancient town, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle of other Chinese cities, is a perfectly preserved slice of history with its old bridges, cobbled lanes, and traditional Chinese country homes.
In Africa, the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia, one of the lowest and hottest places on the planet, offers an uncanny, lunar-like landscape. The volcanic craters filled with bubbling lava, salt lakes, and sulfuric acid ponds create an eerie yet striking environment surely to give you a unique experience.
Our final jump lands us in Oceania, in Australia’s often overlooked, Kangaroo Island. Boasting breathtaking landscapes that encompass towering cliffs, dense bushland, and pristine, deserted beaches, it is a haven for wildlife and wilderness.
The world is full of hidden gems, some known only to the locals or the rare, adventurous tourist. If off-the-beaten-path destinations intrigue you, loosen up your travel plans and don’t fear straying from the tried and tested locations. Discovery lies not just in coming across locations untouched by commercial tourism but also in connecting with diverse cultures, unfamiliar sights, and stunning landscapes that fill the world.
So, as you map out your future travel plans, consider swapping out Rome, New York, and Sydney for Giethoorn, Salar de Uyuni, and Kangaroo Island instead. Say goodbye to overpriced gift shops, hordes of tourists, and cliched travel destinations. Say hello to the extraordinary discovery of the world’s hidden treasures.