The world has been going through some tough times in the past couple of years and people are eager to get back to exploring the world. Though the most famous places remain crowded, there are many places that have not been discovered yet. Here are our top 10 travel destinations for 2024, providing off the beaten track experiences and hidden gems.
1. Svaneti, Georgia
Svaneti is a historical-geographical region in the Georgian part of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range and is one of the most spectacular and remotest regions of Georgia. Hike through the valleys that have not been explored, climb the stone towers of medieval age and taste the food of the Svan people. This little-known location gives you a taste of a region that has not been overrun by package tourism.
2. Palawan, Philippines
Popularly known as the “last frontier”, Palawan is an island province made up of more than 1,700 islands that are well known for their crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and virgin forests. It’s also possible to go for a trip to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is included into the UNESCO World Heritage List, or go for diving and feed the fishes at the Tubbataha Reef. Palawan remains unspoilt and has a relaxed atmosphere making it a perfect destination for anyone who loves nature.
3. Taghazout, Morocco
It has gradually transformed from a small fishing village into a famous surfers’ town with people from different parts of the world. Taghazout has reliable swell, a laid back vibe, and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Other activities include visiting the Souss-Massa National Park, exploring the old city of Agadir or simply laying down on the beach.
4. Tulum, Mexico
Despite the fact that Tulum became quite touristic recently, it’s still unique and is an eco-friendly tourist spot. See the preserved temples of the Maya civilization and enjoy the wonderful view of the Caribbean Sea or engage in Yoga and Spa treatments. Tulum is a very chilled out place and has a very good focus on being environmentally friendly which is great for tourists who are conscious of the environment.
5. Sado Island, Japan
Sado Island is situated in Niigata Prefecture and is a beautiful island that is not well known to tourists. A visit to gold mining heritage, watching the Taiko drummers, hiking in the coastlines and forests of the island. Sado Island is a perfect place for those who want to escape the crowded and noisy life of Japanese big cities.
6. Salta, Argentina
Salta is a charming city in the Andes Mountains, it has a lot of colonial architecture, colorful culture, and stunning sceneries. Eat at colorful markets, try the wine and take a train ride on the Tren a las Nubes railway. This paper has found that Salta has all the right elements of culture, food, and adventure to attract cultural tourists.
7. Dominica
Less popular than its Caribbean counterparts, Dominica is a beautiful country with a lot of things to do and see. The island is covered with rainforests, hot springs and waterfalls where you can also try to find the Sisserou parrot, Dominica’s national bird. Dominica is a perfect destination for those who are looking for a responsible traveling and the efforts made by the country to preserve the environment.
8. Iquitos, Peru
Iquitos is the largest city in the world that is not connected to other cities by road – the only way to get there is by air or by boat. It is quite a remote location which can be used as a base for wildlife watching safaris, meetings with the indigenous people, and ceremonies involving the use of ayahuasca. It is for the adventurous traveler seeking for the real Amazon experience, Iquitos is a city to visit.
9. Langkawi, Malaysia
This is a large group of islands on the north western coast of Malaysia with 99 islands and is famous for its beaches, mangrove forests and other rocks. You can hike in the Kilim Karst Geoforest Langkawi is a beautiful island that is ideal for tourists as it is surrounded by nature and has a laid back environment.
10. Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are a part of Denmark and is an autonomous island group located between Iceland and Norway and is so famous for its cliffs and birdlife and unique culture. Hike through hills where the fog covers everything, visit small picturesque villages, and attend the Føroyar – the annual festival of sheep shearing. The Faroe Islands are a perfect example of a place that is still so close to the natural state, and so isolated, which can be a great travel destination for adventurous travelers.
These are the places that are not famous and provide a good departure from the most visited tourist attractions. These off the beaten track destinations are a great way to find new ways of looking at the world, engage with the locals and make some unforgettable memories.