Recent travel has changed immensely, with many people now opting for lesser-known spots for an experience that can’t be bought. As the pandemic continues to affect global travel, now more than ever people are seeking alternatives to the well-trodden path. According to recent travel research, interest in the “unpopular destinations” has skyrocketed, as holidaymakers search for meaningful journeys, authentic experiences, fewer crowds and deeper cultural connections. With the results of surveys indicating more than half of international travellers currently research destinations off the main tourist trails.
Hidden gems aren’t really that secret. Rather, they are the uncrowded, largely unspoiled treasures that deliver stunning scenery, compelling histories, friendly local faces, and mouth-watering cuisine – a country’s true heart rather than just ticking boxes on a must-see list.
Why are the less-popular locations getting so much more popular?
Modern travellers have become more interested in having real experiences rather than just posing for a photograph in the latest Insta-spot. After the Instagram revolution encouraged us all to pile into identical tourist destinations, a new wave of travellers are avoiding them instead, in favour of peace and quiet, and authentic local immersion rather than commercialised attractions. Industry trends show a growing appetite for travelling to quieter areas, with the young, and adventure- seekers in particular, opting for a more local experience, particularly for group travel.
Another increasingly common factor for many holidaymakers is the rise of overtourism. Many popular areas are struggling with congestion, over-polluted environments and inflated prices for basic items, meaning quieter places offer better value for money, smaller wait times and more of an opportunity to contribute to the local economy.
More than anything, the notion of travelling is shifting from simply ticking a famous landmark off a bucket-list, to creating the kind of lasting memories that you might get from sharing tea with a family in their home, or watching the sunset with nothing but mountains and silence around you.
What makes a destination a ‘hidden gem’?
Although there are many quieter places, a hidden gem is one that has retained its original charm while still offering incredible beauty, authentic local culture and an ease of travel. These gems are often characterized by the following qualities:
Feature Description
Authentic Culture This means it has a strong sense of local identity and culture
Fewer crowds Instead of long queues and overwhelming numbers of tourists, you’ll enjoy peace and quiet.
Affordable prices Good value for money is key, and costs are usually lower.
Unique landscapes Striking scenery and interesting natural features.
Local hospitality Friendliness and warmth from local residents.
The more curious traveller who seeks out hidden gems often discovers charming cafs, friendly little guesthouses and family-run restaurants without trying.
Hidden Gems in Europe
Kotor, Montenegro
Nestled between high, imposing mountains and a spectacular Adriatic bay, Kotor looks as if it has been plucked directly out of a medieval fairy tale. The country of neighbour Croatia has drawn immense crowds to the region in previous years, but Kotor remains relatively peaceful outside of high summer season. The UNESCO-listed old town, surrounded by high walls, is a maze of winding cobblestone streets with charming churches, tiny plazas and cosy little cafes. Adventurous hikers can climb the fortress overlooking the city for views that are almost as impressive as anywhere in Europe.
Albarracn, Spain
Set deep within the region of Aragn, in the heart of Spain, sits the town of Albarracn, with walls that wind over mountains, the most beautiful buildings and the colour pink being ever-present. It is no Barcelona or Madrid; here life moves slowly, and along the narrow streets you’ll find colourful handmade balconies, ancient churches, and relaxing plazas.
Hidden Gems in Asia
Phong Nha, Vietnam
Whilst the more famous Ha Long Bay draws many tourists to Vietnam, the National Park of Phong Nha-K Bàng is often overlooked – much to the surprise of seasoned traveller that know of the area. The National Park is home to some of the biggest cave systems on Earth, as well as limestone mountains, subterranean rivers and jungle trails that give you an experience of authentic Vietnam away from the usual tourist trail.
Tawang, India
High in Arunachal Pradesh, in North-eastern India lies the land of Tawang which combine the stunning mountain landscapes of the Himalayas with rich Buddhism culture. With Snow capped mountains framing colourful monastery, meandering roads passing through alpine lakes, waterfalls and verdant valley, the imposing Tawang monastery is one of the largest in the world outside Tibet. This place offer the calm and peaceful experience in an untouched land far away from India’s bustling urban landscapes.
Hidden Gems in Africa
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Think of white sandy beaches, and crystal blue oceans where dolphin Swim freely amongst pristine coral reef ecosystems. Bazaruto Archipelago offers all of that and more without an overwhelming tourist infrastructure to spoil the view. Explore these island hopping getaways while taking part in diving, snorkelling and marine life experiences.
Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
Often dubbed the ‘roof of Africa’, the dramatic cliffs of the Simien Mountains, Ethiopia, are the landscape of a truly unique wilderness. The region combines breath-taking mountain landscapes with incredibly rich biodiversity and the chances of seeing unique Gelada baboons, Ethiopian wolves and many more are high.
Hidden Gems in the Americas
Valle de Cocora, Colombia
The towering wax palms, the world’s tallest, make for one of the most striking South American landscapes, all set amongst mist-shrouded valleys and with countless colourful hummingbirds flitting by. The stunning hiking routes offer spectacular viewpoints and allow travellers to step inside the magic of the Cocora Valley. Colombia’s famous coffee culture also shines through in the numerous farms found throughout the area.
Isla Holbox, Mexico
A short journey north of Mexico’s Yucatn Peninsula will take you to the blissfully tranquil island of Holbox. Cars are a rarity here and locals navigate the dusty streets via golf cart or by bike. Take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere to dine on fresh local seafood and discover incredible wall murals and unforgettable sunsets. During certain months, travellers have the opportunity to spot humpback whale sharks and witness bioluminescence.
Hidden Gems in Oceania
Stewart Island, New Zealand
While most tourists flock to the South Island, Stewart Island remains a wonderfully quiet and natural escape, offering nearly as much protected parkland as people, or a good 85%. The island’s pristine coastlines and forests are ideal for hikers and wildlife lovers. Birdwatchers will also be delighted to know this is one of the best and easiest places to spot wild kiwi in the wild.
How to travel to a hidden gem more responsibly
Travelling to these quieter destinations offers a chance to engage in more responsible tourism practices.
Support locally owned businesses such as hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.
Respect the local culture and traditions; find out before you go.
Reduce your reliance on plastic, especially single-use items.
Stay on marked trails while hiking.
Hire local guides where possible.
Travel in the shoulder season if it is appropriate to your itinerary.
Learn a few words of the local language.
With tourism trends slowly but surely becoming more eco-conscious, travelling to destinations less trodden is a more prevalent consideration. Not all travellers may think it through in depth, but travelling to a hidden gem will naturally lend itself to a more responsible travel experience. More importantly though, the destination is preserved to be experienced for generations to come. It doesn’t necessarily mean travelling to places where nobody else has ever heard of – the world is no longer so secret, and that is okay – the most important thing to do when visiting a less-visited destination, is to simply be mindful of your impact and behave like you’re entering someone’s home.
Conclusion
Some of our most memorable travel experiences don’t take place in the iconic landmarks, but in remote villages, quiet valleys and on lesser-known islands which offer a truer and more authentic taste of what the world has to offer.
From trekking through Ethiopia’s dramatically rugged mountains and wandering through Spain’s charming, time-forgotten villages, to navigating Vietnam’s giant cave systems and enjoying breathtaking sunsets on Mexico’s blissfully uncrowded shores, visiting a hidden gem offers so much that we look for in travelling. As the world of travel evolves, choosing to travel off-grid allows you to experience authentic destinations while supporting small communities, creating your most unique stories. Your next great discovery may just lie where you’d least expect it.