After all, traveling is to know the unknown and make one or two detours off the beaten path. But while famous tourist destinations may have their own charm, knowing places that do not appear to have been finally ravaged by mass tourism has its special charm. Planning on making this your most adventurous year yet? Well,
Here are the top 7 hidden gems crying out for your travel itinerary:
1. Hatta, UAE – Dubai’s Nature Get-away
The first glimpses to enter one’s mind with the mention of Dubai are those of towering skyscrapers and heavy luxury shopping. But just over an hour’s drive away from town waits Hatta-a mountain enclave of serenity. Smack in the middle of the Hajar Mountains, Hatta offers an adrenaline junkie’s playground-from kayaking in turquoise waters, Hatta Dam, to hiking trails and mountain biking. If yet another realistic experience is what one is seeking, then here it goes: Hatta Heritage Village will take him on a conventional civilization joy ride. Bookings have never been easier, be it for outdoor excursions or stays at eco-friendly lodges.
2. Matera, Italy – Vivarium Museum
Overlooked by the largest proportion of visitors that invade Rome and Venice, Matera may perhaps be one of the most intriguing parts of Italy. The cave houses of Matera, now forming the nucleus of one of the oldest continuously inhabited museums in the world, are a UNESCO World Heritage site-one may spend a lifetime on narrow streets in tours of cave churches, even boutique hotels hewn out of stone. To magical Matera, though, it’s real-only much farther away from the throng of tourists crowding Italy’s more famous cities.
3. Bavarian Forest, Germany: A Paradise for Nature Lovers
Skip Berlin and Munich for a low-key holiday amidst nature at the National Park of the Bavarian Forest. This vast nature reserve houses dense forests, wildlife, and crystal-like lakes. Depending on the season, one can walk or bicycle through it or ski down its slopes. Of the many things that it offers, the treetop walk offers an amazing glimpse into the forest canopy. Quaint villages dotting the area offer stays in cozy cottages and food consisting of typical German cuisine.
4. Giethoorn, Netherlands – Venice of the North
Giethoorn is a dreamy countryside of Holland also known as the “Venice of the North.” It is the real maze of canals devoid of cars, which one should rightly perceive from the point of a boat. Giethoorn has all the trappings of a quiet getaway-quaint cottages with green lawns and charming little bridges. Plenty of homestays and houseboat rentals are fairly easily available over the internet, while the laid-back pace of life in the Dutch countryside is fairly easily enjoyed.
5. Cape Winelands, South Africa – Serenity Served with a Taste
Probably some of the Beautiful parts of the country, the Cape Winelands comprise undulating vineyards and towering mountains, with quaint towns such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Just a short distance from Cape Town, the Winelands ensure that you will spend your days a lot more silently and leisurely. Pay a visit to family-run wineries and country cottage; sample some of the best wines and cuisine on offer in South Africa.
6. Ribe, Denmark – A Leap Back in History
This country’s oldest town is found south of Denmark and has tourists living the land of State of Denmark-Vikings. Indeed, Ribe is a remarkably well-preserved medieval town in characteristic cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and an imposing cathedral. Walking around the place almost feels like it is a travel through time, especially once the tourist goes to what is referred to as the Viking Museum. Everything from quaint B&Bs to specialized tours and reenactments-this is truly one of those places which should be on the bucket list for any history enthusiast.
7. Transylvania, Romania-Land of Castles
Other than being associated with the legends of Dracula, Transylvania is a region that. It houses Bran Castle, or, as it is more popularly known by its name, Dracula’s Castle; it’s, however the smaller and less publicized castles like Peles Castle and Corvin Castle which are the surprise packages. Transylvania is home to some of the most beautiful villages, rolling hills, and dense forests-a treat for any historian and lover of nature. Tourism here remains relatively cheap and less headache as far as reservation and accommodation problems than with other places.
Conclusion
Less famous destinations are an entirely different story. From casual walks down ancient streets to paddling down the serene waters of Hatta, each one of these travel secrets is just dying to be deciphered. Of course, it does not get much easier than this, with ease like that of modern-day user-friendly booking websites. Be different, take in the unbeaten paths, and find some of the greatest-kept secrets in the world! For more updates visit : www.thepennywize.com
FAQ’s
Q1. How does one go about booking those less-popular destinations?
A. In the case of all these relatively unknown destinations, one can fairly easily make bookings through online travel sites, such as Airbnb, Booking.com, or even some local tourism websites, as most have everything from boutique hotels down to local guesthouses.
Q2. How would I go about finding unique experiences in off-the-beaten-path destinations?
A. Websites like Airbnb Experiences and Viator are great portals for access to guided tours and activities, normally by locals, hence pretty authentic. It can be quite unusual compared with regular sightseeing.
Q3. Are these destinations suitable for solo travelers?
A. Most of them are considered pretty safe and well-suited for solo travel. From the Giethoorn canals to the Montenegro trekking routes, numerous options punctuate the landscape, inviting solo travelers.
