Where to Travel in February Off the Beaten Track

Dear travel & want to get off the typical tourist trail? These destinations are for you lot! With hidden gems in Europe, Asia, Noth and South America AND Oceania

Information technology's that time of year once more folks! The New Year ways lots of inspirational travel posts to kick first your wanderlust. And I'thousand sure by now you've seen your fair share of the 'best places to visit in 2022' articles. You lot know the ones, packed full of destinations that anybody visits and are firmly on the tourist trail. (Check out these ones from Flight Centre and CNTraveler for more of that!). But this one is different.

In that location is a great big wide world out in that location with hundreds of astonishing places to visit that nobody really hears about and so we've decided to round up the all-time of them in our guide to the elevation 22 Off the Beaten Path Places to Visit in 2022 (for when it is safe to travel again!)

Disclaimer: Almost all posts on this site contain Affiliate links, and this one near 22 Off The Beaten Path Places to Visit in 2022 is no different. This means that if you lot click on any of the links in this post (and make a purchase) I may receive a pocket-size commission at absolutely no cost to you. Each post is carefully crafted to (hopefully!) answer all your questions and recommendations are made where we believe they will meliorate your trip and assist with your planning. As such we give thanks you in accelerate should you make up one's mind to click & buy. Read my full Disclosure here.

Off the Browbeaten Path Destinations in Oceania

Samoa

Undiscovered, untouched, and admittedly beautiful, Samoa a country that sits practically on the international date line and is one of the first to welcome in the New year. Made up of x islands – 2 large (Upolo and Sava'i) and 8 smaller islands (although just 4 are inhabited), you could hands drive around all and only see a scattering of tourists (if any in some areas!). And the lack of tourists is just 1 of the things that make Samoa amazing!

There are likewise some fabulous places to stay – from resorts to beach bungalows and everything else in betwixt; some amazing things to practise – from natural wonders such as sea trenches and epic waterfalls, to beautiful beaches and the opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the beautiful Samoan people. Are you intrigued? You should be! And to get you in the mood, hither are some essential Samoa travel tips to give y'all a heads up about to know before you become!

Vanuatu

Contributed by True cat from Walk My Globe
If you're looking for the real South Pacific Island experience without the crowds of Bora Bora or many places in Republic of the fiji islands, then head to Vanuatu. On this archipelago you'll find stunning white sand beaches, perfect bluish holes, explosive volcanoes and world-class wreck diving. There are then many incredible islands to cull from merely our option for a mix of adventure and ease of contained travel is Espiritu Santo.

Hire a car and the island is yours to explore. Head to Lonnoc Beach for possibly the most incredible white sand and turquoise water you lot will ever set up eyes on, and chances are you won't be sharing information technology with another soul. In one case y'all've had enough of the beach, y'all tin explore the jungle interior and head to one of the island's many blue holes. If yous practice bump into anyone it's likely to exist 1 of the incredibly friendly locals using a rope swing to catapult themselves into the iridescent blue h2o.

Caput there quick before the rest of the world realizes what they've been missing out on.

Christmas Island, Australia

An external territory of Commonwealth of australia, Christmas Isle is an eco-paradise just waiting to be explored and should definitely be on your list for 2020. And with yearly tourism figures not breaking five figures, it's one of the most off the beaten path places in Australia!

Most famous for the 50 million red crabs that inhabit the island, and their spectacular annual migration, there are several more endemic crab and bird species on land plus dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays and hundreds of species of fish pond effectually it's 80km of coastline.

Add in incredible walks through the Isle'due south National Park, beautiful beaches and caves hidden along the coast and a fabulous community feel created by the Australian, Malay and Chinese residents living in harmony, and you've got an Island paradise merely waiting to be explored.
Commencement Planning your trip to Christmas Island hither.

Tonga

Contributed by Nicole from TravelGal Nicole
Tonga is one of those places that doesn't receive a lot of love (except during the Olympics when their flag bearer fabricated the headlines) but the pocket-sized Pacific country has over 170 islands with unspoiled beauty and an authenticity like no other, it is also one of the few places in the world where you lot can swim with humpback whales.

I flew to the island of Ha'apai, Tonga which has a real laid back feeling, beautiful palm trees, and a reef right outside our accommodation. I spent a week swimming with the whales as they come to Tonga for the shallow waters to nascence their calves. That'south right, this is not a whale watching excursion, you can really get in the water with the whales and swim with them. That's when you realise just how bug they are and I kept saying in my heed I tin can't believe I'm doing this!

One of my favorite experiences from the week was a tour hour 'hang' with a female parent and calf. You oft come across the baby whales start as they accept to come up upwards for air more often than their mothers. The female parent was just spooky at the bottom of the seas floor whilst the calf would come up to the top for a breath and then come cheque us out earlier returning back to its mother. Its almost similar a 'axle me up' moment as the calf goes up and down as they can simply agree their breath for 5-ten minutes whilst the mother can hold their breath for thirty-40 minutes. Definitely a must do feel.

The Solomon Islands

Simply a short 2.v-three hour flying from Brisbane, the Solomon Islands lie in the heart of the Due south Pacific. Welcoming only 25,000 (approx) tourists a twelvemonth, visiting this isle nation is a true off the browbeaten path destination. Made upward of 992 islands, it is a haven for those wanting to get away from it all.

Wifi is practically none real exterior of 'major' cities and with some of the most incredible diving on the planet, plus the kastom civilisation of the the locals, it is like stepping dorsum in fourth dimension. Read all about my Discovery Prowl (and why it is easily the all-time Solomon Islands vacation) here.

Off the Beaten Path Destinations in Europe

Ortigia, Sicily

Contributed past David & Faye from Delve Into Europe
Information technology's hard to imagine a city that could once lay claim to being the most powerful in the world, but it's true of Siracusa (often Anglicised to Syracuse), in the south-east corner of Sicily, which in the 5th century BC dominated the Mediterranean.

Siracusa is now a small provincial city, often missed by visitors to Sicily fatigued more towards Palermo or Taormina. The modern mainland part of the urban center has some of the most extensive Greek ruins in Italy, just the all-time of the city is in the tiny offshore island of Ortigia (also spelt Ortygia), its ancient core with over 2,700 years of history.

Ortigia is one of the best subconscious gems in Italy. It's more often than not closed to traffic so you can wander the labyrinth of lanes lined with 18 thursday century Bizarre mansions, or the two seafront walks looking out over the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea.
The fresh produce market place on Ortigia is outstanding, with some of the best food yous could always eat on sale. You'll also find cafes and trattorie all over the island, many with tables spilling out onto the streets.

Every nighttime of the week we stayed there, we made certain we stopped by at the Piazza del Duomo. This is one of the most cute squares nosotros've seen in Europe, dominated by the Baroque forepart of the cathedral, contrary which nosotros sabbatum enjoying our java and gelato for a fraction of the price you lot'd pay in more famous squares in Rome or Venice.

Syros, Greece

Contributed by Nathan from Foodie Flashpacker
Syros is a great off the beaten path choice when you desire to visit Greece. Dissimilar the big name islands such as Mykonos and Santorini, Syros is not (even so) overrun with tourists. This ways that locals are still genuinely excited to receive tourists to their island.

Syros has everything y'all'd want in a Greek island vacation- gorgeous beaches, astonishing nutrient, lots to meet and do, postcard worthy sunsets, and an interesting history to learn about equally you explore the area.

I also plant the isle to be an incredible value as compared to the other areas of Greece that I visited. A typical meal was around x – 12 euros or yous could find gyros for less than two euro. Nice, family run invitee houses were 40 euro a nighttime, with a homemade breakfast included. Endeavor comparing those prices to the prices of Mykonos!

Definitely consider Syros if you're wanting to experience the best of authentic Hellenic republic.

Olomouc, Czech Republic

Contributed by Nat from Dearest and Road
You must travel to Olomouc now! This tiny charming town in the Czech Republic is still a hidden gem in Central Europe. Imagine cobblestones alleys, Baroque churches in about every corner, fountains and castles in only i place. Some people dare to say it is a small and unknown version of Prague, I would say that the ii cities are stunning and dissimilar, and both deserve to exist visited.

The Holy Trinity Cavalcade in Olomouc is one of the 12th UNESCO Heritage sites in the Czech Republic, but it'due south not the simply breathtaking attraction in that location. The Olomouc Holy Loma, the Communist Astronomical Clock and the Bouzov Castle make Olomouc an unique and interesting destination. Pack your bags and travel to Olomouc now! Cute boutique hotels, historical sites, the fairytale vibe in the town and the delicious local beer are waiting for you lot.

Skopje, Macedonia

Skopje (Скопје) – the capital letter of the Republic of Republic of macedonia – is hands 1 of the best off the beaten path cities in Europe and 1 that should definitely be on your listing to explore in 2020.

A town full of history in it'south own right, the 2014 building project implemented by the President has seen the riverside city explode with neoclassical styled buildings that yous'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped into a previous century. Information technology is quite a sight to see, and has even been described equally 'garish' by some, simply what information technology lacks in authenticity is backed up with it's genuine Ottoman and Byzantine-era marvels including the old Turkish bazaar (Čaršija) which is bordered by the 15th-century Kameni Almost (Stone Span) and the Tvrdina Kale Fortress which marks the highest point of the urban center and has been Skopje'southward guardian since the 5th century.

Exterior the urban center walls, visitors can visit The Millennium Cantankerous (Милениумски крст), a 66 metre-high cross situated on the top of the Vodno Mountain which was built as a memorial of 2,000 years of Christianity in Macedonia; and volition exist entranced past the beautiful Matka Canyon – a gorge packed with medieval churches, monasteries and the remnants of a fortress alongside 77 species of small butterflies owned to the Balkans and another 18 that have been just discovered are new to science all over the earth. Funky, fresh and fabulous, Skopje has a lot going for information technology. Get there before anybody else does!

Off the Browbeaten Path Destination in Asia

Tohoku, Japan

Ginzan Onsen in Tohoku

Tohoku is the least visited prefecture in the whole of Japan, and we think that in 2022 it is time to alter that! Located at the pinnacle of Honshu Island (the main island) information technology is known for its volcanoes, mountainous terrain and skiing.

There are also temples, stunning hot spring villages – such as Ginzan Onsen, in a higher place – and are a great place to hop into your first Onsen. (If you're non sure about hopping in essentially a warm bath completely naked with total strangers, have a read of our guide to How To Onsen in Japan) – it's substantially an Onsen 101!

Dili, Timor-Leste

Contributed by Michelle & Nikki from Cheeky Passports
Although capital letter cities are rarely considered to be "off the browbeaten path" destinations, Dili, the capital of the small isle nation of Timor-Leste (Democratic republic of timor-leste), is 1 city which is rarely included on any traveler'south itinerary despite its proximity to other very popular destinations in Southeast Asia and daily flight connections to Bali.

This is probably due to the fact that Timor-Leste itself is largely ignored by those looking for an affordable beach and island vacation with some level of tourism infrastructure. Dili is neither very affordable when compared to cities in the neighbouring countries, nor is it very easily attainable to the casual tourist. Despite its reputation, there are however notwithstanding, several things to do in Dili on a upkeep! (click the Cheeky Passports link above for more)

Those, who like the states, savour traveling to lesser-known regions, may still find sleepy Dili interesting and fascinating. Not only is it habitation to some beaches (not the most beautiful in the country, admittedly) but it is also a good base from where to start exploring Timor-Leste, with some of its museums providing insight to the land's turbulent by.
If you're looking to get off the browbeaten path in Southeast Asia, we cannot recommend Dili enough!

Kyrgyzstan

Contributed by David & Lina from Divergent Travelers
Centuries of history take passed through Kyrgyzstan and many people know the country as the slap-up meeting place of the Silk Road. A place where people from all walks of life, culture, organized religion and race would come across to trade. In that history lonely is a reason to explore a country that has so much to offering, you lot'll wonder why you didn't volume a longer trip.

If the intrigue of the history isn't enough consider that you'll get an intimate look at the lives of the nomadic people of Central Asia while you larn about their traditional games. You'll rub elbows with masters of Eagle hunting, a tradition that has been passed through generations. Y'all'll trek mount ranges so remote and and so rarely visited that you'll experience alone in the world. Tying it all together with cuisine that will surprise you and smiles so warm you'll have no choice simply to smile back.

Kyrgyzstan may be off the browbeaten path, but you'll exist rewarded for the adventure.

Tajikistan

Contributed by Kirsty from Kathmandu & Across
Tajikistan may be landlocked but the lack of bounding main is more than made up for with mountains, grassy plains, lakes and rivers.

Out of all the off the beaten path road trips we've taken, the journey through Tajikistan is one of the most visually stunning. The virtually captivating (and adventurous) parts of the land is the 'route' forth the Pamir Highway and through the Wakhan Valley; the latter part cutting through mountains and following the river which forms a natural border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

Truthful to form when information technology comes to off the path travel, Tajikistan is not a luxury destination. You'll demand to tackle this road less travelled either past 4WD or on two wheels (bike or motorbike) as the route is often unpaved and crude. Bated from the spectacular scenery, a highlight of Tajikistan is the warm hospitality you'll experience in rural parts. Avoid hotels – you may have to anyhow equally they don't exist in out of the way places – and stay in local homestays where you will be provided with a mattress and a pile of blankets, a dwelling house-cooked meal and a saucepan of hot water to bathe in. And of course, plenty of smiles.

ÜrÜmqi, China

Located in N West China and the upper-case letter of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ürumqi is described by many every bit the 'jewel at the base of operations of the Tianshan Mountains'.

A former prominent end on the aboriginal Silk Road, there are an incredible number of natural wonders in the area including the beautiful alpine Heavenly Lake of Tianshan; the challenging-to-climb Bogda Superlative, the perfectly manicured People's Park and the lesser known Red Mountain (Hongshan) – which is the perfect identify to see the Urumqi Skyline.

Within the metropolis the biggest depict for visitors (and coincidentally the biggest tourist trap!) is the Bazaar (also known as Erdaqiao market). Pop in here to grab your souvenirs – just remember to dress respectfully. One of the well-nigh noteworthy features of the market is that it an Islamic market every bit seen in the traditional wearing apparel worn inside, loudspeaker circulate call to prayer and a nearby mosque.

But despite all this, the magic of the region is establish in the 49 ethnic groups which call the area abode. They include the Han, Kazakhs, Tajiks, Russians, Hui, Uyghur, Kyrgyz and Mongols – and nowhere in the region is this variety more apparent than in the capital letter.

Kinabatangan, Borneo

Contributed past Kate from Travel for Difference
Borneo is ane of those locations that so many no niggling about. Situated in South East asia, this huge rugged island is shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and the tiny nation of Brunei – It's incredibly diverse, and overwhelmingly beautiful all in one.

However, deep in the rainforest of the state of Sabah, Malaysia, lies the Kinabatangan River; the second longest in the whole of Malaysia. Here, in the midst of rich biodiversity, wildlife is some of the richest you'll ever experience.
Orangutan, pygmy elephant, proboscis monkeys and sunday bear are frequently seen here. River safaris at sunrise and sunset are your best bet at experiencing some fascinating wildlife that you will never find elsewhere – Orangutans especially!

There are many lodges forth the river edge to leave you immersed in the dazzler of nature. Sleep in a cosy room whilst monkeys scatter forth your roof, savour your fourth dimension relaxing in nature and searching for wild fauna until your heart'south content!
Sadly, this role of the world is slowly being destroyed past palm oil plantations, and then it's best that you visit before long earlier information technology's too late…

Sheki, Azerbaijan

Contributed past Emily from Wander Lush
Located in the shadow of the Greater Caucasus mountains, 300km northwest of Azerbaijan's capital letter, Baku, Sheki is a gem of a town. Information technology draws less visitors than the postcard villages of Lahic and Xinaliq, and as a result, it has retained much of its amuse.

Sheki's main attraction is the twin summer and winter palaces of the Sheki Khans. With its plasterwork, intricate stained-glass windows and exquisite frescoes, the summer palace is considered modernistic Azerbaijan's most prized piece of historical architecture.

At the crossroads of E and Westward, Sheki once sat on the legendary Silk Route. Silk factories and shops withal line the town's charming cobblestoned streets. Another highlight is the Sheki Karvansaray Hotel, a stone caravanserai of 600 rooms. Formerly an inn for Silk Road traders, it was restored in the late 1980s and now offers ane of the most unique accommodation experiences you can detect anywhere in the world.

Similar much of rural Azerbaijan, Sheki is fairly conservative—but the locals are warm and welcoming. Evenings in Sheki are all-time spent drinking at the hip Buta Bar and eating piti, an effluvious saffron stew served with heapings of Turkish-style bread.

Zhangye, Gansu Province, Mainland china

Contributed by Cara from Crawford Creations
Zhangye is Communist china like you lot've never seen information technology before. Traditionally home to Tibetan Buddhists, the area is pockmarked with grottoes and temples hanging precariously from the cliff sides. And these aren't the ornate perfectly manicured temples typically open to tourists, these are dust covered awnings perched on the side of a mountain similar an entrance to a cave.

They're marvelous to behold and require a bit of hiking to get to, only you'll be rewarded with the unique opportunity to clamber through narrow passageways inside a mountain that empty along the manner into caverns converted into beautifully busy prayer rooms.

Although Zhangye boasts some of the most unique Buddhist temples and grottoes in the world, its real crowning gem is nature made. The area is abode to many incredible Danxia geological formations, a unique landform found simply in China that consists of sand fine art looking stone sculptures formed over millions of years of mineral deposits and natural erosion.

Zhangye'due south otherworldly beautiful Danxia formations include China's scenic Rainbow Mountains, Binggou rock sculptures, and Pingshanhu One thousand Canyon. Exist careful exploring the parks around Zhangye though, or you might detect yourself thinking you're on another planet!

Negara brunei darussalam

Contributed by Karen from WanderlustingK
Brunei is a small country in Southeast Asia, notwithstanding, it's total of a rich cultural history, astonishing compages, and pristine rainforest. Almost travelers in Southeast Asia skip Brunei as they retrieve it's irksome, but if you're interested in getting off the beaten path, Brunei is the perfect place.

Visitors to Brunei tin expect super friendly locals, some interesting local food specialties, ane of the world's largest water villages (but across from the capital BSB by boat), stunning elaborate mosques, and lush twenty-four hours-trips to protected rainforests.

Brunei is a fleck more expensive than its counterparts, even so, it's a small-scale country, so simply five days means that you tin cover the uppercase too every bit visit Negara brunei darussalam'due south most famous national park, Ulu Temborung, every bit a day trip from the urban center and culture lovers will go obsessed with the wooden water hamlet and its many adorable kittens.

Kutch, Gujarat, India

Contributed by Ellie from Soul Travel Blog
Home to deliciously sweetness vegetarian thalis (meals), Gandhi's ashram, India's oldest (sea)port, and some of the near interesting nomadic herding communities in Republic of india, the westerly state of Gujarat is overlooked by the bulk of visitors to India. The region of Kutch, in the west of Gujarat is an like shooting fish in a barrel journey from the state capital of Ahmedabad and boasts a beautiful and fascinating landscape.

I spent days visiting India's largest common salt-lake – the Corking Rann of Kutch – chasing nomadic Rabari tribal herders, and learning to beverage chai from a saucer with desert communities: whose rich cultures are fast coming under pressure in rapidly changing modern India. Kutch has become known for its beautiful and traditional handicrafts, only it'south too a place to slow down and learn about life in the Thar Desert and be function of slower-paced India.

Off the Browbeaten Path Destination in Africa

Oh my, at that place are oh and so many! From Ethiopia to Uganda, Senegal to the gambia. There were merely too many to include in this mail service. Head on over to my Best Places To Visit in Africa post to read the total list.

Off the Beaten Path Destination in the America'southward

Abaco, Bahamas

Contributed by Nicole from Family unit With Latitude
The Abaco Islands are a small island chain in the Bahamas. They are small, quaint, family unit islands. Think deserted beaches, friendly people, fabled fishing, wonderful snorkeling, gorgeous views, and beautiful trivial villages.

The Abaco Islands are home to the world's 3^rd longest barrier reef. You can cull to stay on one island or hop around to see all of them; Green Turtle Cay, Elbow Cay, Guana Cay, Homo-o-War Cay, Marsh Harbour, and Treasure Cay are the master spots that yous will want to visit.

Our favorite deserted islands are No Proper noun Cay – home to the pond pigs of Abaco and Fiddle Cay – home to the Cheeseburger in Paradise embankment party for four^thursday of July.

The Abacos are steeped in history equally well. Home to loyalists to the crown during the US revolutionary war, you lot can see a unique view on history when you visit. 2020 is the twelvemonth to visit the Abacos. With much of the Caribbean area rebuilding from several damaging hurricanes in 2017 (Jose, Irma, and Maria), the Abaco Islands were untouched and are equally unspoiled every bit ever.

Nunavut, Arctic Canada

Contributed by Victoria from Follow Me Away
Nunavut is ane of the all-time destinations to visit in 2022 if you lot want to take your risk travel to the side by side level. Nunavut is located in Arctic Canada and takes up i/five of the entire country! Depending on where you lot are traveling from, you may have to take betwixt ii-4 flights just to get there! This is all office of the fun and the journey to such an epic destination.

When in Nunavut, you can visit with Inuit people and exist taken to see wildlife such every bit Polar Bears and Narwhals or learn most carving and hunting. You tin also walk on an ice flow which is basically a flat iceberg! This is the highlight of visiting Nunavut as many places around the world discourage walking on Icebergs because they are top heavy.

In Nunavut, y'all can even dock your boat on an ice flow and get out and have a picnic on a piece of water ice floating in the Arctic Ocean! If y'all are tired of commercialism and are looking for something off the browbeaten path, consider heading to Nunavut!

Then there y'all take it – hopefully this travel guide to the best off the beaten path places to visit has ignited your wanderlust beyond the typical tourist traps. Which one would be at the elevation of your list? Accept you visited whatever of them already? And if you could add together whatsoever destination to the list – where would information technology exist? Let me know in the comments below!

Oh, and if you liked this mail please share on Facebook, tweet or pivot – I'd actually appreciate it!

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