While some travelers find solace in the familiar settings of theme parks and enclosed resorts, others seek a more unconventional journey. What makes a place a travel gem? It should be lesser known and less traveled but just as beautiful as the popular destinations. While it takes courage, traveling to lesser-known places can be satisfying. Let’s examine a sample of hidden travel gems around the world:
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, United States
If you enjoy the Grand Canyon but not the crowds it attracts, Glen Canyon is the place for you. Glen Canyon is just as beautiful along the same Colorado River, while the Grand Canyon gets all the attention. You can kayak a section of Lake Powell, hike through a slot canyon, or see 6,000-year-old petroglyphs carved into stone. Enjoy everything the Colorado River offers without battling the crowds of tourists.
Sedona, Arizona, United States
Since we’re in the same geographic area, it’s worth mentioning Sedona, Arizona, one of the best travel gems among travel destinations. Known for its New Age shops, yoga, and wellness retreats, Sedona offers hip urban experiences and breathtaking nature adventures outside its city limits. A thrilling hike, bike, or ATV ride awaits you in the surrounding landscape. If you’d rather stay in town, there’s still plenty to do. It’s a foodie heaven with award-winning restaurants and local wines. There is something for everyone in Sedona.
Ecuador, an Overlooked South American Jewel
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Leaving the United States, Ecuador has much to offer the discerning traveler. Take a guided hike into the jungle, surrounded by lush signs of life. Go hiking in the Andes Mountains, remembering you should acclimate to the altitude. (Most of the peaks are above 10,000 feet above sea level.) Take a side quest to the Galapagos Islands to scuba dive, explore, and meet the famous giant tortoises.
Ethiopia, an Underrated African Adventure
If you love food, particularly spicy, flavorful food, Ethiopia is the place to go. They’re known for their spongy bread, torn by hand and made with a grain called teff. It’s also quite healthy! If you’re a history buff, visit the city of Lalibela, home to 14th-century hand-hewn rock churches. If you’re fascinated with geology, check out the Danakil Depression, part of the African Rift Valley. The Earth’s crust is slowly being stretched apart, causing volcanic activity much like Yellowstone in the United States.
Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania is more than about a crazy, spinning cartoon character. This Australian province has a lot to offer in terms of both culture and nature. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, and rugged countryside beckons you for a hike. The beaches are unspoiled, and then there is the wine. Yes, wine! Tasmania has world-class vineyards and delicious seafood to go with it. Take a train ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway and meet the famous Tasmanian devil in person at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Canada’s smallest province proves that wonderful things can come in small packages. Fans of the literary legend “Anne of Green Gables” can visit the very places that inspired L.M. Montgomery. That’s far from all. PEI has world-class beaches, hiking trails, biking, horseback riding, and golfing. When you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from featuring fresh local seafood. It is among the travel gems, for sure!
Tiny but Mighty Tuvalu
If you’ve never heard of the country of Tuvalu, it’s because it’s the smallest and most remote country on the planet. How’s that for obscure? It’s a tiny island archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean; as remote as it is, the locals are well known for being warm and welcoming and treating visitors like family. It’s a little slice of tropical island heaven inhabited by wonderful people. That alone makes it a travel gem. Go kayaking, diving, swimming, or fishing in the gorgeous blue waters surrounding the island. Take in a Polynesian dance demonstration, play a game of soccer with the local kids, or relax under a palm tree.
Brown Station, Antarctica
This would be a bucket list destination to end all bucket list destinations, Antarctica. While most outposts on the continent are off-limits to visitors, expedition companies will take you to the South Pole. Brown Station is one of the few places open to visitors and an Argentine research outpost. There are some caveats: you can’t go whenever you feel like it. Reservations and a stack of waivers that the traveler must sign are made well in advance; it’s still risky! Activities include guided photography hikes, mountaineering, camping, and kayaking.
That’s All For Now!
This is a sample of hidden travel gems, and there are still so many more out there. This is to wet a traveler’s appetite for obscure places and overlooked travel gems. It takes a brave traveler to be drawn to the allure of adventure and the thrill of exploring obscure but beautiful destinations.
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