In search of the road less traveled, we turned to seasoned travelers and bloggers for their most cherished hidden gems. From the coastal charm of Newcastle to the tranquil beaches of Da Nang, join us as we unveil thirteen lesser-known destinations that promise to inspire your next adventure.
- Newcastle: Discover the Coastal Charm
- McCarthy: Alaska’s Untouched Wilderness
- Rothenburg: Step Back in Time
- Bratislava: Quirky Charm and Central Location
- Palermo: Sicily’s Cultural Melting Pot
- Adelaide: Cuisine and Culture Collide
- Montenegro: Unspoiled Beauty and Adventure
- Phandar Valley: Pakistan’s Serene Escape
- Gargano: Italy’s Scenic Diversity
- Maribor: Slovenia’s Blend of Culture and Nature
- Svalbard: Arctic Exploration and Polar Bears
- Pryor Mountains: Wild Mustangs and Solitude
- Da Nang: Tranquil Beaches and Local Hospitality
Newcastle: Discover the Coastal Charm
One lesser-known travel destination that I highly recommend is Newcastle, NSW. Nestled along the stunning coastline of New South Wales, Newcastle offers a perfect blend of urban charm, natural beauty, and cultural richness that often goes overlooked.
My personal experience exploring Newcastle left me captivated by its unique charm and diverse offerings. As a beach town just a short drive from Sydney, Newcastle boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast of Australia. From the iconic Nobbys Beach with its picturesque lighthouse to the laid-back vibes of Bar Beach and Merewether Beach, known for its world-class surfing, there’s a stretch of sand to suit every preference.
But Newcastle is more than just a beach destination. It’s also a gateway to the renowned Hunter Valley wine region, where rolling vineyards and cellar doors await exploration. Just a scenic drive away, the Hunter Valley offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in wine tastings, gourmet dining experiences, and breathtaking countryside views.
What sets Newcastle apart is its vibrant cultural scene and rich history. The city is dotted with historic landmarks, including the convict-built Newcastle Gaol and the iconic Newcastle Memorial Walk, offering sweeping views of the coastline and beyond. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the city’s thriving arts community, with galleries, street art, and cultural events adding to its dynamic atmosphere.
One of my fondest memories of Newcastle is strolling along the bustling foreshore, soaking in the lively atmosphere and watching the sunset paint the sky in a kaleidoscope of colors. Whether it’s exploring the local markets, sampling fresh seafood at the harbor, or simply unwinding on the beach, Newcastle offers an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression.
In essence, Newcastle is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered and savored. With its proximity to Sydney, the allure of the Hunter Valley, and its own array of beautiful beaches and cultural attractions, Newcastle promises a travel experience like no other. So, if you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination brimming with charm and beauty, look no further than Newcastle, NSW. You won’t be disappointed.
Edmund Jenkins
Travel Expert, Time To Backpack
McCarthy: Alaska’s Untouched Wilderness
McCarthy, Alaska, is a little town nestled deep in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, and indeed a hidden gem that should be on any nature lover’s bucket list!
It’s a perfect base for exploring this area that offers 13.2 million acres of unspoiled beauty, rich mining history, some of the largest volcanoes, and the greatest concentration of glaciers in North America. Even though this is the USA’s largest national park, it’s among the least visited ones due to its remoteness and the challenges of accessing it.
We were fortunate to spend a whole summer in McCarthy, Alaska, and it was an adventure of a lifetime. Think hiking on glaciers, seeing the wildlife, river rafting, ice climbing, or even witnessing the northern lights. There is so much to see and experience in McCarthy, so if you love to take paths less traveled, then make sure this is your next stop!
Jana Trtíková
Travel Blogger, DreamyAdventurers
Rothenburg: Step Back in Time
Rothenburg ob der Tauber stands out as one of Germany’s most immaculately preserved medieval towns. As I strolled along the fully intact city wall, I felt as though I had stepped back in time. The panoramic views of the city from various points along the wall were nothing short of enchanting.
Given my passion for history, I delved into the museums and churches scattered throughout the town. A highlight was my visit to St. Jakob’s Church, where I marveled at Tilman Riemenschneider’s breathtaking 500-year-old altarpiece—a true masterpiece of woodcarving.
For fellow history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, I cannot recommend a visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber enough. This town is a treasure trove of historical charm and architectural splendor that simply must be experienced firsthand.
Lindsay Vaughn
Travel Agent, Lindsay V Travels
Bratislava: Quirky Charm and Central Location
Bratislava, Slovakia, is a charming little city. The food is filling, and there are lots of tall areas to climb and experience impressive views. The UFO Bridge is probably the most touristy attraction, yet it’s still cool to look out from any point of the city and see this massive behemoth straddling the Danube River. I was also tickled by the fun little statues around the old town.
Keep an eye out for Čumil the Sewer Worker and Schöner Náci, a Bratislava legend who tipped his hat to everyone who passed by. And yes, standing underneath his hat or tipping yours in response makes for a fantastic picture.
Your Euro will go far here—I got sticker shock from just about every meal I had, but it was about how inexpensive things were compared to other cities.
During the holidays, Bratislava’s main Christmas market features plenty of good eats and a very unique ‘forest’ of Christmas trees designed by local elementary schools. Other cities might have enormous trees or light shows, but there’s something especially endearing about this display.
Bratislava is also nicely located in Central Europe. It’s less than an hour to Vienna and about two hours to Budapest. Those two cities get far more publicity, but if you’re planning to visit them, Bratislava is worth a stop, too!
Joey Held
Travel Writer, Wacky Travel
Palermo: Sicily’s Cultural Melting Pot
Often overlooked for its more glamorous Sicilian counterparts on the eastern coast, the city of Palermo is a fascinating, vivacious gift that keeps on giving. I was blessed to spend a month there recently, and beneath its rough-around-the-edges veneer, there is a creative, culture-laden city waiting to be explored.
The city of Palermo has been coveted for its strategic location for centuries, and as a result, it has found itself conquered and ruled by a host of civilizations that have included the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards.
The city truly fits into the definition of a ‘melting pot.’ It’s an intriguing blend of East meeting West, with unique Arab-Norman-Byzantine architecture, a local dialect that is laced with Arabic, French, and Spanish words, and an eclectic cuisine that blends North African spices with traditional Italian ingredients.
Behind grubby Baroque facades lie the most incredibly ornate palazzos—some even with a resident principessa in situ who will kindly spirit you around—one such being the resplendent Palazzo Valguarnera-Gangi.
Local markets offer a riot of noise, bodies, and mouth-watering street food. Many of the city center’s grand, heritage buildings have been repurposed as boutique accommodations, which will resonate with those travelers who seek something a little different.
As a culture and history lover, I was in heaven. I dipped in and out of many museums and art galleries and learned about the impact the Mafia had on the city (and how its citizens fought back) at the extremely moving No Mafia Memorial. A particular highlight for me in my Palermo experience was the incredible Byzantine artwork in places such as the Palatine Chapel and ‘La Martorana,’ a small church whose gold ceiling glistens with intricate tiles dating back to the 12th century.
Outside of that, I happily spent my month in Palermo getting lost in near-empty palaces, discovering delightfully bizarre scenes while weaving my way through its warren of streets (like a teenage boy, who appeared out of an apartment building with a small, dapple-gray pony) and sinking my teeth into chunky arancini each day for lunchtime.
Isabelle Hoyne
Travel Blogger & Online Entrepreneur, Cultured Voyages
Adelaide: Cuisine and Culture Collide
Adelaide in South Australia is a lesser-known hidden gem that I’d highly recommend. Unlike the more popular cities of Melbourne and Sydney, Adelaide exudes a small-town charm with everything conveniently within a 15-20 minute drive. My favorite thing to do is explore the Adelaide Hills, particularly Hahndorf, where I indulge in yummy German sausages and beer.
Adelaide has a massive foodie scene, and of course, easy access to famous wine regions. Overall, Adelaide offers a perfect blend of culture and cuisine, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want to explore a different side of Australia for a few days.
Samantha King
CEO & Founder of Travelling King, Travelling King
Montenegro: Unspoiled Beauty and Adventure
Montenegro! Most people I talk to have never heard of it. It’s all the best parts of Croatia, but off the beaten path. There are incredible national parks across the country, delicious food (cheap and generous portions), and accommodations were reasonable. The coast is insanely beautiful, but I think the interior of the country is the real hidden gem. Probably my favorite trip ever.
Alex Cornici
Founder & CEO at, The Traveler
Phandar Valley: Pakistan’s Serene Escape
One lesser-known destination I absolutely recommend is Phandar Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. With its crystal-clear turquoise lakes, lush greenery, and snow-capped peaks, it’s a true escape into nature’s tranquility.
The stay at the valley will always be memorable to me. I woke up in a cozy guesthouse to birdsong and a beautiful view of the lake. The locals were incredibly friendly, and I loved exploring the small villages and trying traditional foods, including chamus (wheat and potato stew), shoro (a buckwheat soup), and mamtu (steamed dumplings).
SaadUllah Khan Niazi
SEO Content Writer & Blog Owner, @ Start Your Hike
Gargano: Italy’s Scenic Diversity
One unique place that I recommend for people to visit in Italy is the Gargano area, in Apulia. I think it is really underestimated, but it has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the entire region and offers you many different views, from the woods to the mountains and the beaches, so you will always have something to do and visit during your trip. The prices are also really affordable, so you won’t hurt your wallet while visiting all these incredible places.
Giacomo Piva
Travel Industry Analyst & Cofounder, Radical Storage
Maribor: Slovenia’s Blend of Culture and Nature
I wholeheartedly recommend Maribor, Slovenia, for those in search of an authentic travel destination off the beaten path. During my six months there as an Erasmus student, I was captivated by its perfect blend of culture, history, and nature.
From the historic charm of its Lent district, home to the world’s oldest vine, to the lush landscapes of Pohorje, Maribor offers a unique experience that combines the warmth of its community with the beauty of its surroundings.
Max Woolf
Travel Expert, PhotoAiD
Svalbard: Arctic Exploration and Polar Bears
Svalbard, Norway, far above the Arctic Circle, is where you find true wilderness. My journey here was filled with awe-inspiring moments, from witnessing the midnight sun to spotting polar bears in their natural habitat.
What makes Svalbard extraordinary is not just its dramatic glaciers and snow-covered mountains but also the feeling of being at the edge of the world. The historical mining towns and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault add layers of intrigue to the visit.
Kayaking among icebergs in the Arctic waters was a surreal experience, offering a silence and beauty that’s hard to find elsewhere. This destination is a haven for adventure-seekers looking for an encounter with raw, unspoiled nature.
Tim White
Founder, milepro
Pryor Mountains: Wild Mustangs and Solitude
The Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range in Wyoming is a little-known treasure of a travel destination. The vast expanse of mountains, set among red sandstone cliffs and alpine meadows, is breathtaking in and of itself, but it also hosts one of the few designated wild horse ranges in the United States.
The majesty of wild mustangs is something you must behold to understand—and I was able to understand quite clearly, as these horses travel along (and sometimes directly down the center of) the two-lane road that leads in and out of this vast, sparsely populated area.
I didn’t see other people or motorists for long stretches of time, making it feel as if the colorful prairie flowers and sky full of giant billowy clouds were there to commune with only me. The sense of wild freedom that the West embodies was palpable here, and it made me feel closer to nature, closer to myself, and closer to something truly divine.
Lia Munson
Co-Founder, Resilient Stories
Da Nang: Tranquil Beaches and Local Hospitality
My hidden gem is Da Nang in Vietnam. It’s a great beach town that most people haven’t heard about. Even though it has over a million people, it feels very tranquil. I spent over a month there, and it was deeply relaxing. Every day, I would take a walk on the seemingly endless beach. No canals or other obstacles interrupt the beach; you can just keep wandering.
Also, the food is outstanding. I would estimate that about 80 percent of the restaurants in Da Nang are seafood restaurants; yet, they are very affordable. They have these large pyramids of aquariums with all kinds of live fish, crabs, etc. You can choose your favorite kind, and they will take it out of the tank in front of your eyes, and then 10 minutes later, it will be on your platter.
But the best part about Da Nang is the people. They are not as jarred by tourism as other destinations in Southeast Asia yet. They are sincerely happy to see you. I remember one time when I was walking down the road and spontaneously got invited to a family dinner. Two minutes later, I was sitting down with a local beer, getting fed with homemade delicacies, and singing karaoke at the top of my lungs (everybody in Da Nang owns a karaoke machine). It is one of the best places I have ever been to—and I’m a digital nomad who travels virtually nonstop—and I cannot wait to go back.
Niels Bohrmann
Life Coach & Founder, Bohrmann
