OFF THE BEATEN PATH HOLIDAYS: 5 EMERGING DESTINATIONS

If you’ve spent a few years chasing the same bucket-list destinations and battling the crowds, you may be starting to crave something quieter—somewhere where you can connect and feel like a traveller again instead of a tourist. Here are five suggestions for new places to consider - for off the beaten path holidays, each one a little under the radar and full of character - and which could be just what the doctor ordered.

Albania – Europe’s Best-Kept Secret

Often overlooked for its more famous Balkan neighbours, Albania is finally having its moment. From the turquoise beaches of the Albanian Riviera to the ancient ruins of Butrint and the lively café culture of Tirana, this country offers Mediterranean charm without the price tag. The mountain village of Theth, nestled in the Albanian Alps, is a haven for hikers and nature lovers.

Improved infrastructure and a growing number of boutique hotels are making Albania more accessible, but it’s still blissfully under-visited - for now.

2. São Tomé and Príncipe

These are two little islands off the west coast of Africa that barely register in guidebooks. Getting there takes some effort, but it’s so worth it.

It’s like a dreamland for nature lovers: volcanoes, jungle, and beaches that look Photoshopped. On São Tomé, you can wander through cacao plantations and hike beneath towering rock spires like Pico Cão Grande. Príncipe is even more remote, with eco-lodges hidden in lush forest and hardly another traveller in sight.

3. Salta, Argentina

If you love wine, landscape, and colour (both literal and cultural), head to Salta in Argentina’s northwest. It’s a blend of the Andes and the American Southwest – with cactus-lined valleys, red canyons, and sleepy colonial towns where time slows down. This is the only part of Argentina where you’ll see indigenous people – so it feels really South American here.

The Calchaquí Valleys are home to small, family-run bodegas producing Torrontés, a crisp white wine unique to the region. Don’t forget to explore the colourful Quebrada de Humahuaca. And it’s definitely worth visiting the city of Salta itself – it’s a charming place with Spanish colonial architecture and narrow streets to wander around. I really loved it here.

4. Tohoku, Japan

Everyone does Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. But Tohoku - Japan’s quiet northeast - doesn’t find its way onto many tourist itineraries. Everything’s slower here and more grounded - and deeply connected to the seasons. Matsushima Bay is a must-visit. I took a boat ride from the mainland among pine-covered islets and visited the serene Zuigan-ji Temple. It’s one of Japan’s 3 top scenic destinations – and I really enjoyed my visit. It was definitely one of the highlights of my most recent trip to Japan.

Yamadera village is famous for its hilltop temple which you can access via a climb of over 1000 steps. I’m afraid I wasn’t fit enough to make it to the top, but the views are stunning as you climb up the path and the village is very quaint with numerous restaurants and interesting boutiques. 

 5. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

This archipelago of over 1,500 islands in West Papua is a remote sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and divers. Raja Ampat holds the highest recorded marine biodiversity on the planet. Getting here is a mission (think flights, ferries, and patience – or alternatively, a very pricey cruise), but once you’re there, you’ll feel like it’s like the Earth saved its best reef for last.

Conservation initiatives and eco-resorts are improving, but the region still requires a significant effort to reach—making it a dream for anyone looking for luxury in the wild.

Some of the most rewarding journeys often lie just outside the mainstream. Whether you’re sipping wine at altitude in Argentina or diving into untouched reefs in Indonesia, these emerging destinations offer something rare: the thrill of discovery. So pack your bags, ditch the usual, and get ahead of the curve—before everyone else catches on.

Get in touch if you'd like to start planning your trip to an off-the-radar destination.