40 Lesser-Known Travel Destinations For Your Next Vacation

Located only twelve miles away from Dublin, Bray rose in popularity when it became part of the railway network in the 1850s. Over the years, it saw a considerable decline, but lately developed a vibrant scene of restaurants and cafes. With the harbor and panoramic views from the Bray Head as beautiful as ever, Bray is definitely worth a visit.

Mongolia is a perfect combination of modern progress in its capital city and untouched wilderness in the steppes. You can spend a night (or two) under the stars in the Gorkhi Terelj National Park, sleep in a yurt like a nomadic herder, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Cabo Rojo has everything you would expect from a Caribbean destination, and yet, it is relatively quiet and devoid of large resorts and hotels. You have numerous beaches to choose from for a day on the white sand and a picturesque sunset in the evening.

Alpine roads, fertile farmlands, and beaches with white sand and no people in sight — that’s Gippsland for you. Though it suffered greatly during the summer bushfires in 2019-2020, it has been steadily recovering since. The local gastronomy scene has seen a particularly big development that also empowers local produce.

Greece has been in the top positions of many travel lists, but the small island of Symi is still somewhat unknown to the wider public. With one of the most beautiful harbors in the country, neoclassical houses scattered around the island, and uncluttered beaches, it will show you Greece like none of the standard tours have. Another tip that applies to the entire country is to visit it in the off-season. You will be surprised how different yet charming it is.

Once you’ve seen the more mainstream places in Morocco, take your chance to feel like a true Roman soldier and travel to Lixus. One of the oldest settlements in Morocco, Lixus displays to this day the remaining traces of the Roman Empire. This is also the place where according to the myth, Hercules completed one of his twelve labors.

You might have heard about Morocco’s beauty and its natural and architectural sites to visit. You may have even seen its numerous vibrant bazaars and shops that offer handcrafted local goods. But did you know you can now not just buy souvenirs but also help the community through shopping in places that sell goods produced by socially or financially vulnerable women? Find out about the organizations that work with them, and plan your next trip to Morocco.

The Lauterbrunnen Valley offers an impressive total of 72 waterfalls to its visitors, but there is more that’s not directly on display. The Trümmelbach Falls roar inside the mountain, but all ten of them are easily visible from viewing platforms which can be reached through an old tunnel funicular and lift.

It is really beyond comprehension why Essex mostly lies outside the usual tourist routes of England. If you want to find yourself in a typical classical-English-novel landscape, visit the marshes and woodlands that run along the Thames. The coastlines are heaven for bird-watchers.

The Cape Wrath lighthouse lives up to its true purpose of being a light of help to travelers. Even if for you that light of help is some hot food after a long day of hiking. The cafe in the lighthouse of Scotland’s northernmost point stays open around the clock and is definitely worth a visit.

Plymouth is a great place to discover if you are into art and architecture. Its renovated Market Hall and gallery The Box that is all about the local artists will give you a new perspective. If you are a gin fan, you’ll be interested to visit England’s oldest distillery, which is located right in the historic center of the town.

Myanmar (previously known as Burma) is known for its majestic temples, but Hsinbyume Pagoda remains yet to be discovered by the majority of travelers. Its second name, Mya Thein Tan, translates as 100,000 emeralds, and that’s an apt name to describe its beauty. Whether you choose to explore the architecture and look for secret statues in hidden niches, or spend a quiet afternoon meditating on one of the seven terraces, the all-white temple will welcome you.

If you are fascinated by ancient civilizations, visit the My Son Sanctuary. Located off the usual tourist route, it presents an ensemble of temples that were built by the Champa civilization between the 4th and 13th centuries. While not much is known about Champa, the breathtaking architecture they left behind remains one of the most interesting places to visit in Vietnam.

When an award-winning beach is also one where you can stay away from the crowd, you feel like you’ve found yourself the best possible deal. Be it the beach itself or the adjacent pine forest, often the only company you’ll find are some birds or a single seal.

You would think that anything in the immediate vicinity of the Notre Dame Cathedral has been explored and became mainstream a very long time ago. Yet, just a few steps away you will find a place not many people know about. The Hôtel-Dieu complex is Paris’ oldest working hospital that also has a working piano in the courtyard.

Those who’ve ventured on a trip to Suriname describe it as a true adventure similar to those described in your favorite childhood books. The country’s area is still mostly covered with forests, while its rivers offer amazing kayaking opportunities. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can take a guided trip to the inner parts of the country.

If you make it all the way to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in the northeast of the country, you will discover a completely different Brazil. From crystal lakes to sand dunes, the three-hour journey from São Luís to the municipality of Barreirinhas in the vicinity of the park is absolutely worth it. Visit from July to September to experience the lagoons at their fullest.

Turku may have given up its title as the capital of Finland in 1812, but it surely retained all its charm. With a vibrant cafe culture and the mystery of a medieval castle and cathedral, there is a reason why it is often referred to as the Paris of Finland. If you decide to go on a tour down the Aura River, make sure you take an electric boat that offers a tasting tour.

Indonesia consists of over 17,000 islands, yet most tourists visit exclusively Bali, which is not even the largest of them. But if you want to escape the crowded beaches and mainstream attractions, take a short trip to the island of Lombok to discover a quiet paradise with beaches, rainforests, and waterfalls.

Srebrenik, often called King’s Town, has a plethora of charming history to offer. Its 12th-century fortress is the best-preserved medieval construction in the country, and it’s full of local legends. Right outside the town, you will find the peak of the Majevica mountains and Lake Ingram, all of it accompanied by delicious local food and a vibrant atmosphere.