If you want to travel the world in a slightly different way, consider roads less travelled. In today’s post we will introduce you to six destinations that are beyond the ordinary. These destinations aren’t on the typical tourist map, but they offer something truly extraordinary: the opportunity to explore regions where nature, history, and adventure combine in unexpected and memorable ways.
Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Stepping into Bukhara is like stepping back in time to an era when merchants, poets, and scholars roamed the streets of this ancient city. Once a flourishing trade hub on the Silk Road, Bukhara remains one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Central Asia.
The skyline is dominated by grand domes and towering minarets, while its maze-like alleyways lead to vibrant bazaars and centuries-old tea houses where locals still gather.
Beyond its stunning architecture, Bukhara carries an atmosphere of living history. The Po-i-Kalyan complex, with its blue-tiled minaret, has stood for nearly a thousand years, while the Ark Fortress whispers stories of emirs and conquerors. At the heart of the city, you’ll find the Lyabi-Hauz, a scenic pond surrounded by mulberry trees, a perfect place to sip traditional green tea and watch the world go by.
Traveler’s Tip: Wander through the covered bazaars and sip tea with locals—Uzbek hospitality is unforgettable.
Galapagos Islands
Sometimes the amazing sight is actually an entire country or region. The Galapagos islands is such an example of that. While not exactly unknown, few people manage to make their way there, and in that sense it is certainly something of a rare treat if you are able to get there. The best way is to take a Galapagos cruise where you can see it all with a guide.
his volcanic archipelago, scattered across the Pacific Ocean, is a haven for wildlife lovers, where animals roam freely without fear of humans. It was here that Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution, and today, the islands remain one of the most pristine and biologically diverse ecosystems in the world.
Each island in the Galápagos has its own unique landscape and species. On Española, you can watch the elegant mating dance of the waved albatross, while on Fernandina, you’ll witness marine iguanas basking on black volcanic rock. Swim alongside playful sea lions, snorkel with hammerhead sharks, and marvel at the iconic blue-footed boobies as they perform their courtship rituals. The islands’ strict conservation efforts ensure that this paradise remains untouched, making every visit a truly rare experience.
Traveler’s Tip: Book a small-ship cruise or island-hopping tour to experience multiple islands while minimizing your environmental impact. Many tours have naturalist guides who can offer deeper insights into the fragile ecosystem of the Galápagos.
Sumba, Indonesia
Sumba is the Indonesia you’ve never heard of—wild, rugged, and deeply rooted in ancient traditions. Unlike Bali, where tourism dominates, Sumba remains largely untouched, with vast grasslands, secluded beaches, and villages where life continues as it has for centuries.
Here, you’ll find an island rich in culture, where locals still live in traditional thatched-roof houses and practice spiritual rituals that date back thousands of years. Beyond the culture, Sumba also offers some of the best off-the-grid beaches in Indonesia, with crystal-clear waters and world-class waves for surfers looking for a hidden paradise.
Traveler’s Tip: Witness the Pasola Festival—a breathtaking horseback battle that is deeply rooted in Sumbanese traditions.
Naoshima, Japan
Naoshima feels like a dream—a tiny island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea where nature and avant-garde art blend seamlessly. Once a quiet fishing village, the island was transformed into an artistic sanctuary, home to some of the most unique contemporary museums and installations in the world.
Visitors arrive by ferry and immediately sense something different. Dotted along the coastline are sculptures by world-renowned artists, including Yayoi Kusama’s famous giant polka-dotted pumpkin. The Chichu Art Museum, built almost entirely underground, houses masterpieces by Monet, while Benesse House allows you to stay overnight in a museum where art and architecture become one. Even the island’s abandoned homes have been turned into interactive art spaces, making every corner of Naoshima a visual delight.
Traveler’s Tip: Stay overnight at Benesse House, where you can sleep inside a museum surrounded by stunning artworks.
Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia
If you’re seeking the ultimate off-the-grid adventure, Mongolia’s Tavan Bogd National Park is the answer. Located in the remote Altai Mountains, this is a land of glaciers, alpine lakes, and vast open landscapes where the only sound is the wind.
Here, you’ll find nomadic Kazakh families who still live in traditional gers (yurts), herding yaks and eagles as their ancestors did for centuries. The park is home to the mighty Potanin Glacier, Mongolia’s largest, as well as the Golden Eagle Festival, where hunters showcase their skills with trained eagles. There are no luxury resorts, no Wi-Fi, and no crowds—just raw nature and an adventure you’ll never forget.
Traveler’s Tip: Stay in a traditional yurt with a local family for an authentic nomadic experience.
Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil
At first glance, Lençóis Maranhenses looks like a vast desert, but this is no ordinary landscape. Between June and September, seasonal rains fill the white sand dunes with thousands of blue-green lagoons, creating a surreal sight that seems almost otherworldly.
Unlike traditional deserts, this region receives enough rainfall to sustain an ecosystem, meaning you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of these temporary lakes. The journey to get here is an adventure in itself, requiring a 4×4 ride across endless dunes, but the reward is an experience like no other. The remoteness of Lençóis Maranhenses means it remains one of Brazil’s best-kept secrets, untouched by mass tourism.
Traveler’s Tip: The best time to visit is between June and September when the lagoons are at their fullest.
