Going on holiday is always a great experience and a good chance to escape, but you often find that when you travel to popular areas it is not quite as special. Hoards of tourists can ruin the experience and make a destination much busier, more expensive and stressful, so if you are looking for a special vacation you are better off looking at destinations which are slightly off-the-beaten-path. Here are a few ideas.
Laos
Southeast Asia is very popular with young backpackers and it is easy to see why. Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia are the most visited countries in this area which means that Laos slightly to the North is a real hidden gem. Laos has far fewer visitors but still features stunning natural scenery, colonial architecture, Buddhist monasteries, unique culture and many attractions to see.
Belize
Belize in central America is a brilliant destination for anyone looking for an adventurous trip which is off-the-beaten-path. Located on the eastern coast of Central America, Belize features stunning Caribbean coastlines as well as a breathtaking jungle to the East where you will find ancient Mayan ruins. This makes Belize a great place to explore yet it is somewhere that is often overlooked by travellers.
Nicaragua
Further south in Central America you will find Nicaragua which is the largest country in the continent yet one which most people do not visit. Nicaragua is famous for its amazing scenery which consists of huge lakes, imposing volcanoes and idyllic beaches. This means that it is a good place for action and adventure but you can also enjoy time simply chilling out on the beaches and relaxing.
Fiji
If you are looking to escape on your vacation then you will do well to find somewhere more idyllic and remote than Fiji. Found all alone out in the South Pacific, Fiji is a peaceful archipelago of over 300 islands with rugged landscapes, colour coral reefs, picture-perfect beaches and friendly locals. There is a relaxed way of life here which makes it a superb place for recharging your batteries and forgetting about life back home.
British Virgin Islands
Consisting of four large islands and a handful of smaller ones as part of a volcanic archival in the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands boast idyllic landscapes and is also the perfect place for sailing thanks to the protected waters and dock facilities found throughout the islands.
Finland
Perhaps a colder destination is what you had in mind, well look no further than Finland. Finland is the perfect destination for a winter holiday and one that is less travelled, perfect for cross country skiing, dogsledding and snowshoeing. So go on, what are you waiting for?
There are many great destinations around the world if you are looking for a holiday away from the masses but these are a few of the best off-the-beaten-path destinations to choose from.
Top photo by Tapio Haaja on Unsplash