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Want to travel off the beaten path? Enjoy all the beauty of some of the world's most famous attractions, but without the crowds?
I love traveling off the beaten path and finding hidden gems and treasures that many other people wouldn't think to explore.
But this time, Time out did all the work for me! They revealed their most underrated travel destinations in the world. And it’s a great list!
Here are the top 6:
6. Sibiu, Romania
Romania is already one of the most underrated and affordable European destinations.
But this Romanian city does not want to use clichés to attract tourists: it presents itself on its own terms.
This means you won't find any Count Dracula merchandise here. But you will discover a very cool, low-key city with a unique cultural identity.
Plan your visit to coincide with one of its many cultural festivals.
These include: ARTmania Art Festival or Sibfest, which is a famous but little-known international theatre festival.
Sibiu is a must-see for culture lovers, who can explore cobbled streets and relax in ancient squares while mingling with locals who share their interests.
5. Prince Edward Island, Canada
Canada is not an unusual destination, especially for American travelers who often visit their northern neighbors, but Prince Edward Island is one of the hidden gems of this vast country.
Canada's smallest province, Prince Edward Island, is truly packed with things to see and do.
You can enjoy sandy shores and picturesque red sandstone cliffs.
There are 23 patrolled beaches here during the summer months if you want a relaxing beach day.
The island also has 67 lighthouses, including the Covehead Harbour Lighthouse, the most famous of them.
Prince Edwards Guided Tours offers a lighthouse and vineyard tour if you'd like to learn more about these fascinating structures and the island's history (as well as enjoy a glass of wine or two).
Don’t forget to bring your appetite. Prince Edward Island is famous for its seafood like lobster and mussels.
4. Con Dao, Vietnam
It's hard to imagine that there is still a place in Vietnam that is off the beaten track. This country has been explored for decades by travelers and backpackers.
But Con Dao seems relatively untouched, making it a great place if you want to get away from the crowds.
You'll need to take a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City to reach this archipelago, which is actually a huge national park.
And you’ll never feel closer to nature. Incredible white-sand beaches, brightly colored coral reefs, and sandy coves that are home to nesting turtles are lined with jungle-clad mountains and forest trails.
Visiting Con Dao is like exploring Vietnam before the tourists arrive!
3. Sao Sebastiao, Brazil
Sao Paulo may attract the crowds and attention in Brazil, but if you drive just 3 hours south you'll find this perfect slice of paradise.
Crowds are low and the atmosphere is calm and relaxing. Sao Sebastiao is a popular spot for kitesurfers and scuba divers, but beach lovers of all types will feel right at home here.
It's a great place to beach-hop and get closer to nature.
But if you are interested in history and architecture, you may also be disappointed.
The old colonial town of Sao Sebastiao is one of the oldest towns in the country and the region.
It's worth taking a day away from the beach to explore.
2. Douz, South of Tunisia
Tunisia is not the most famous of North African nations (that prize would go to Morocco or Egypt), but it deserves a lot more love. as a tourist destination than he currently receives.
Often referred to as the gateway to the Sahara Desert, Douz is home to rolling sand dunes and Tunisia’s largest oasis. The Douz Palm Grove is one of the largest of all Tunisia’s desert oases, with nearly half a million palm trees. This means the city’s outskirts attract a lot of attention.
But the city itself is worth exploring. The streets are compact, giving the city a magical, labyrinthine feel. And the small folk museum (Musée du Sahara) offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the people who also live in the desert.
If you want to get off the beaten track in North Africa, Tunisia in general and Douz in particular are worth exploring.
1. Filandia, Colombia
You've probably never heard of Filandia (I know I haven't!), but there's so much here that appeals to off-the-beaten-path travelers.
And it's a destination whose stars are rising thanks to its recent accolade as one of the world's best tourist villages, according to the UN World Tourism Organization.
It’s a well-deserved title because this little town is utterly charming. Picture multi-colored balconies and whitewashed buildings set against a backdrop of rolling hills.
These rolling hills and high vantage point mean that Filandia offers some of the the best views of Colombia. And when you've had enough of the views, there are plenty of other things to see and do here too.
Visit a coffee plantation, hike or horseback ride in the Andes, hop in a jeep and go on a rural adventure.
The Barbas Bremen Nature Reserve, located on the outskirts, is a must-see. For $88 per person, you can join a guided tour of this fascinating place and sample tropical, exotic and endemic fruits as part of the experience.
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The opinions expressed here are those of the author and not of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the article.
