Whether it’s a misty mountainside echoing with animal cries or a sparkling beach that seems undiscovered, there’s something truly magical about exploring a remote destination. Travelling to the lesser-visited corners of the world offers the opportunity to expand your knowledge and understanding of our planet through cultural, wildlife, adventure and scientific experiences, especially when you travel with an operator that offers expert guides well-versed in the region’s demands. Here are five of the best destinations to consider.
1. Rwanda
Best for: Mountain gorillas and off-the-beaten-track safaris
Rwanda is a destination of great natural diversity, home to sparkling lakes, modern cities and a rolling patchwork of emerald green hills. It takes two and a half hours to drive from the country's capital, Kigali, to the remote regions Volcanoes National ParkHere you’ll have some of the country’s most memorable wildlife experiences, including the chance to track and observe mountain gorillas. Treks can last over four hours, and are worth every step to see these impressive animals in their natural habitat, with the Rwenzori mountain range and five of the eight Virunga volcanoes as a backdrop. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of world-renowned primatologist Dian Fossey and learn about the work she did to help save the species from extinction. Specific permits are required and strict guidelines are in place to ensure the wildlife is protected, so it’s best to travel with an expert and knowledgeable guide.
Then head east to Rwanda Akagera National Parkwhere a world-class rewilding project is underway. Increased community engagement and conservation measures – including a new law enforcement strategy and wildlife reintroduction, monitoring and surveys – have helped Akagera’s wildlife population grow from fewer than 5,000 in 2010 to 12,000 today. Go and see lions, Masai giraffes and southern white rhinos.
How to do: Direct flights are available from many international destinations to Kigali. From there, the best way to explore Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park is to follow an expert-led itinerary with a local private guide. To learn more, visit vayaadventures.com
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is one of the few places where visitors can observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Photograph by Guenterguni, Getty Images
2. Costa Rica
Ideal for: Outdoor activities and tropical rainforests
With its bird-song rainforests, bustling rivers and daunting volcanic landscapes, Costa Rica is renowned for its thrilling travel experiences that those in the know have long tried to keep to themselves. Adrenaline-seeking travelers looking for aquatic adventures can go rafting or kayaking on the Pacuare River, while those not afraid of heights can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the rainforest on a zipline in Herradura.
In 2021, Costa Rica received the award Earthshot Prize for Nature Protection and Restorationdue to its reforestation and ecotourism efforts. It is also one of the few countries in the region to have developed a comprehensive national decarbonization plan, aiming to become carbon neutral by 2050. Choosing to travel here helps support these efforts, especially if you visit with an operator that emphasizes active learning and carbon offsetting.
How to do: Fly to San José, where you can join a Costa Rica tour that includes plenty of outdoor activities and responsible destinations. Learn more at routescholar.org
Whitewater rafting is just one of the many ways to enjoy Costa Rica's wildlife-rich landscapes and rugged natural beauty. Photography by Alyssa Bichunsky, Road Scholar
3. Mongolia
Ideal for: monasteries, mountains and nomadic culture
Situated between Russia and China, Mongolia is a destination synonymous with remote and rugged adventures: its deserts, forests and grasslands are unexplored by most travellers. Ulaanbaatar, the country’s capital, is arguably the best starting point for your trip. Here, Mongolia’s traditional yurt-style architecture sits alongside the striking Soviet design of buildings such as the National Theatre, while sites such as Choijin Lama Temple and Gandan Monastery offer insight into the country’s fascinating religious history.
Extreme adventure seekers can head northeast to the scenic natural landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, or southwest to the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert, where hiking, horseback riding, and archery await amidst the peaks of the Gobi Altai Mountains. Don’t miss a trip to the Flaming Cliffs, where the rocks glow vibrant red and orange at sunset. This is where Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews and his team from the American Museum of Natural History made the world’s first discovery of dinosaur eggs, and visitors can still see many of the fossils. Base your stay in Three Camels Lodgeabout an hour's drive from the cliffs. Here, cultural experiences combine with a commitment to local causes, from paleontological expeditions to the Mongolian Bankhar dog project.
How to do: You can fly direct to Ulaanbaatar from many countries in Europe and Asia. To experience the best of the Gobi Desert, book a guided expedition. For more information, visit nomadicexpeditions.com
Rural areas of Mongolia are home to nomadic herders of sheep, goats, horses and camels who move around as if in a yurt. gers (portable dwellings) according to the seasons. Photograph by Tuul and Bruno Morandi, Getty Images
4. Lipsi, Levitha and Amorgos
Best for: Quiet islands, ancient villages and deserted beaches
Despite its reputation as a popular tourist destination, Greece has over 1,200 islands and islets, many of which remain relatively unknown. On the quieter islands, the ancient custom of filoxenia guarantees a warm welcome. The word, which means hospitality, literally translates to love for strangers. It is best exemplified on the island of Lipsi, where Lipsi Vineyard The estate offers visitors a wine tasting, including Aposperitis, an award-winning sweet red wine made from the indigenous Greek grape Fokiano. Exclusive to the estate, this wine is made using traditional island techniques (picking fully ripe grapes that are then left to dry for days in the sun), which produces a distinct fruity flavor.
Even in the Aegean islands of the Cyclades and Dodecanese, home to the popular destinations of Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and Kos, there are plenty of less-visited islands with whitewashed villages, domed churches and secluded beaches to discover. From Levitha, home to just a few people, to the caves and coves of Amorgos, visiting quieter islands means the economic benefits of tourism can be extended to businesses located outside the main tourist hotspots.
How to dot: Fly to Athens to embark on a cruise that will take you to all these destinations and more. To learn more, visit varietycruises.com
The Aegean island groups, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, are best explored by boat, allowing you to visit a number of lesser-known places like Amorgos. Photography by Dietmar van de Rydt, Variety Cruises
5. Antarctica
Best for: Polar wildlife and expert guided tours
As your ship sails through the Antarctic Peninsula’s 1,300 kilometres of ice-carved channels, islands, glaciers and iceberg-studded bays, the crystal-clear light will have you reaching for your camera again and again. And it’s not just the scenery: Antarctica’s wildlife is also fascinating, with many spectacular species to spot. Keep your eyes peeled for several types of penguins, as well as seals and whales.
A trip to Antarctica also offers the opportunity to visit many fascinating historical sites, including the South Shetland Islands, a key breeding ground for penguin colonies. It’s best to explore with expert guides, who can help you experience this pristine environment in the most responsible way possible, while sharing their in-depth knowledge. Many polar expedition ships offer lectures on geology, glaciology, history and wildlife, as well as expert-led excursions such as Zodiac (small boat) trips, sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding between icebergs. Robert Kunikoff, Global Travel Collection travel advisor, says: “Exploring Antarctica is an extraordinary opportunity, but it is essential to approach it with humility and responsibility. We are the stewards of this pristine environment when we visit and therefore have a mission to ensure its preservation for future generations.”
How to do: An expedition cruise is the best way to experience the Antarctic Peninsula, with expert guides and science offerings on board. Find an expert advisor on globaltravelcollection.com
Although it is the only continent in the world without any land mammals, Antarctica has plenty to offer wildlife lovers, with opportunities to spot birds and marine animals such as penguins, whales and seals. Photograph by Kurt In Albon, Getty Images
Consider responsible travel to these destinations by traveling with operators approved by Sustainable Travel International, a public benefit corporation that aims to protect and conserve vulnerable destinations by educating travelers about the impact of tourism on nature and people. All of the operators mentioned above work with Sustainable Travel International to offset the emissions from their trips, which individual travelers can also do themselves via the online site carbon calculator. To learn more, visit sustainabletravel.org
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