Imagine finding a pristine beach where your footprints are the first of the day or walking through cobblestone streets without bumping into the crowds of tourists. These hidden gems are the destinations where the air feels a bit fresher, the pace slower, and the experience more fun. The quality of your vacation is negatively impacted when a location becomes overly crowded. Over-tourism has resulted in the ‘destination dupes’ trend, in which overcrowded tourist locations are replaced by less crowded, less expensive, but equally good alternatives. Here are 10 such places that you must consider while planning your vacations with surprisingly low tourist crowds.
São Sebastião, Brazil
Beach lovers, kite surfers, and scuba divers will find this serene piece of southeast Brazil the perfect getaway, just an hour’s drive from São Paulo. Despite having 62 miles of coastline with Atlantic seas and absurdly flawless sandy beaches, the area is rarely included in rankings of Brazil’s greatest beaches. Take a stroll through the historic old town of São Sebastião, hop between the beaches of Maresias, Juquehy, Barra Do Sahy and Boicucanga, and take the boat to Ilhabela to see some of the 400 waterfalls on the island.
Sibiu, Romania
Sibiu, a beautiful town in Romania, is a historic Saxon city situated on the southern edge of Transylvania. Many major cultural events, like the international theater festival Sibfest and ARTmania, are hosted here, and it houses the Brukenthal National Museum. This city invests much in its cultural history, preserving its magnificent cobblestone squares and medieval displays. Half the excitement is discovering its tunnels lined with cats, especially during the busy Christmas market.
Plymouth, England
Plymouth, a city in Devon, would be an excellent day trip destination if it were any smaller. If it were larger, it would be impossible to ignore. We believe that it is unjust that it has gone unnoticed, maybe due to its average size. The recently renovated Market Hall and its “immersive art dome” will wow you. There aren’t many pools as breathtaking as Tinside Lido. Right in the heart of the ancient city center sits the oldest distillery in England. If you reserve a room at the Bistrot Pierre B&B in the recently renovated Royal William Yard, you’ll have the perfect weekend to remember.
Tasmania, Australia
Australia’s smallest state, Tasmania, offers everything. The Tasmania Wilderness World Heritage Area protects much of the island, which has over 800 hiking routes. It is one of the only carbon-negative sites in the world. Despite its white sand beaches, Tasmania is more than a summer resort; the off-season offers cold-water swimming, the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), and winter celebrations like Dark Mofo. Indeed, there is no shortage of culture: visit Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art or explore Port Arthur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Brown Station, Antarctica
Several Antarctic cruises visit historic Port Lockroy. But make sure that Argentina’s Brown Station is on your agenda. It is situated on the real Antarctic continent, opposite Port Lockroy. Upon landing, you will share 5.5 million square miles of land with millions of penguins, many of whom will be waiting to greet you. You could see seals or orcas from the station, and you’ll undoubtedly get icy views of Paradise Bay, one of the most breathtaking landscapes on the White Continent.
Mongolia
Mongolia must be seen to be believed. It is known for its traditional yurts, hospitable nomadic people, and herds of feral horses thundering across the land. This supposedly remote nation is more accessible than you may think, thanks to a recently constructed international airport and reasonably priced local-led excursions. Spend a few days exploring Ulaanbaatar, the country’s capital, which is surprisingly compact and simple to navigate. Next, head to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park to take in the breathtaking peaks and clean mountain air. Spend the night in your own yurt beneath the stars, and don’t be shocked if wandering people pass by to say hello.
Karpathos, Greece
While the crowds of tourists head to the congested beaches of Mykonos or Santorini to watch the sunset, few people take the four-hour boat voyage from Rhodes to the small paradise of Karpathos. There, you’ll wind yourself relaxing on a stretch of practically uninhabited beaches swept by crystal-clear waves and visited by monk seals from the Mediterranean. Here, ladies still dress in vibrant traditional attire, and the sole mode of transportation is donkeys.
Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Cabo Rojo is a vibrant beach town on Puerto Rico’s southwest coast with all the white sands and turquoise waters you would expect from a Caribbean vacation. With a relaxed atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, it’s a three-hour drive from San Juan. There are several beaches to pick from, including Boquerón, one with restaurants and cafes. Small, family-run hotels and vacation rentals exist, like the opulent Cuatro Casitas or the family-friendly Combate Beach Resort.
Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe
While most visitors to Zimbabwe head straight for the famous Hwange National Park or the magnificent Victoria Falls, there is a location on the country’s eastern border that is as stunning but less known. The Bvumba, Nyanga, and Chimanimani hill ranges make up Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands. It is home to Mount Nyangani, the highest peak in Zimbabwe, and the hiking community’s pinnacle, including the mist-filled Bvumba Mountains to the south and Mutarazi Falls, which are Zimbabwe’s tallest waterfall, where ziplining and thrilling skywalk are popular activities.
Lombok, Indonesia
Amazingly, more tourists don’t take the short journey to the island of Lombok, given how congested the beaches can get in nearby Bali. In contrast to the slow-moving buffalo that dominate the white sand beaches of the south, Instagrammers are an uncommon species in the terraced rice fields in the east. Mount Rinjani, the second-tallest active volcano in Indonesia, is a magnificent mountain that provides challenging hikes and breathtaking views. Lush woods and waterfalls engage many people who do not wish to hike.
Conclusion
Venturing off the main road can lead to discovering hidden gems and unique experiences. These locations provide an opportunity to get away from the crowd and find something unique. So, embrace the spirit of exploration and allow your curiosity to be piqued by these hidden gems. Recall that the world is filled with mysteries just waiting to be discovered. Happy travels!
18 Reasons Why People Are Leaving Florida in Masses
Exploring factors that impact the desirability of living in Florida, this list delves into various challenges shaping residents’ experiences. From environmental concerns like rising sea levels to economic factors such as fluctuating job markets, these issues collectively contribute to a nuanced understanding of the state’s appeal.
18 Reasons Why People Are Leaving Florida in Masses
