Hidden Travel Gems
Every traveller dreams of discovering that picture perfect spot free
from other tourists and their associated influence on the local culture, prices,
food, etc... There's no better feeling than going out on your own and
telling your friends tales of exotic and unheard locales. While some of these
locations might not be entirely hidden from travellers, they may be popular
with local travellers or tourists from a specific part of the world but they
are for the most part off of the typical tourist trail.
(In alphabetical order)
Bundi,
India
Bundi is a small city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Rajasthan is one of
India's most popular tourist destinations, however unlike many of its Rajasthani
counterparts Bundi is for the most part free of the tourist crowds that can make
neighbouring cities such as Jaipur and Pushkar feel so common. The centrepiece
of Bundi is its magnificent hillside fort, which truly dominates the city and
its horizon. Visitors to the city can also visit the Sukh Niwas Palace where Rudyard Kipling found
the inspiration for his masterpiece 'Kim'.
Busan,
South Korea
Often overlooked in favor of its more glamorous neighbor to the north, Busan
offers a wealth of attractions to the willing traveller. Home to several beaches
and an alpine landscape, Busan is South Korea's second largest city and is
located on the southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula. One of the cultural
highlights in the city is the Beomeosa Temple, considered one of Korea's five
great temple complexes. As far as entertainment and dining are concerned, the
best areas are Haeundae Beach and the area around Kyungsung University. With the
new high-speed rail line connecting Busan to Seoul in just three-hours there's
no reason not to take a daytrip to Busan, but ideally a visitor would hvae more
than a day to spend in this charming city.
Busuanga,
Philippines
Busuanga is an island in the Philippines just north of the more well known
island of Palawan. Busuanga is quite a ways off the tourist trail, although it
does have its own niche followers. The reason for the niche followers? Well
Busuanga is considered by many to be the best place in the world for wreck diving. During
World War II, when the Philippines was occupied by the Japanese, the Americans
did a bombing run of the area and sunk as many as two-dozen Japanese ships.
Today in-the-know tourists come from all over the world to dive at these sites
where the depths range from shallow (10 metres) to deep (65 metres). There are other things to occupy your mind
on the island if wreck diving isn't your scene, activities include: a hot springs
located just north of the main town of Coron, chartering a small boat to
explore the nearby islands many of which offer white sand beaches, great
snorkeling, and on Coron Island a wonderful tropical lake. The island is a very
affordable destination with abundant lodging opportunities. The easiest way to
get to Busuanga is to fly on Cebu Pacific from Manila.
Essaouira,
Morocco
Along the Atlantic Coast of Morocco lies the fortified town of Essaouira. An 18th
century town characterized by unique architecture and a laid-back atmosphere, in
the 1960's and 70's it
became a favorite refuge for rock stars like Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens. In recent years
the city has begun attracting surfers and windsurfers
from all over the world who come to take advantage of its strong winds and
impressive waves. Less adventurous travellers will find a perfect place to relax and
can stroll through art galleries and wood workshops,
or simply mingle with the fishermen and craftsmen who swarm the streets.
Greenland,
North America
With global warming breathing down our necks it's time to start thinking
ahead and I don't just mean in terms of carbon reduction. Greenland's ice fields
are two miles thick and large enough to blanket an area the size of Mexico and
according to some projections they are going to melt by the mid-century mark,
meaning our time to see this wonder may be running out. One of the best ways to see the ice fields of Greenland is to
take a helicopter trip from the more temperate east coast. The east
coast of Greenland can be reached from neighboring Iceland but the
tourist season is limited to a three month period in summer.
Guanajuato,
Mexico
Most people visit Mexico for beach holidays and never venture from its coastal
regions. It’s a shame because by doing so they’re missing out on Mexico's rich
history and colonial elegance, all of which is on display in the interior city
of Guanajuato. Guanajuato is a city of immense old world charm, formerly a major
mining town, the city has a beautiful hillside location. Located halfway between
Mexico City and Guadalajara, the closest airport to Guanajuato is in the nearby
city of Leon where international air connections to the United States are available.
Guilin,
China
While known throughout China for its natural beauty, Guilin still attracts
relatively little heat on the international tourism circuit. However this may
change in the future as direct flights have recently started between Guilin and
Hong Kong making it easier for any would be visitors. Now as for reasons to
visit Guilin. Guilin itself is a small city located on the Lijiang River, but
the highlight of visiting Guilin is in exploring the surrounding region. Nearby
and also on the river are the charmin g towns of Yangshuo and Xingping A popular
way to visit these towns is to take a river cruise from Guilin and experience
the river's majestic beauty, some of which can be seen on the back of the 20
Yuan note.
Gyeongju,
South Korea
Sometimes called the 'culture capital' of South Korea, Gyeongju served as the
capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom which ruled over the entire Korean
Peninsula for three-hundred years between the 7th and 9th centuries. These days
tourists come to see the cultural sights and the town does not disappoint.
Burial mounds of the Silla royalty can be found right in the city center and the
surrounding region is rich in history. The nearby temple of Bulguksa and its
neighbouring grotto of Seokguram were the first places in Korea to be designated
UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Hangzhou,
China
Hangzhou is a medium sized city (Chinese standards) located near Shanghai. But
what makes the city special is its location on the stunning West Lake. The very
beautiful lake has been a hotspot for centuries among Chinese artists and poets
looking for inspiration. These days it's more often a hotspot for Chinese
tourists and international backpackers, but there's still plenty of inspiration
left to find. Hangzhou can easily be reached via train from Shanghai or by bus
from nearby Suzhou. There are also direct flights from the Hangzhou Airport to
Hong Kong.
Hanoi,
Vietnam
A nation's capital doesn't easily make this list, however Hanoi is often
overlooked not only by visitors to Asia but also to visitors of Vietnam as well.
It's their loss as Hanoi is one of Asia's most fascinating capitals. Almost
always shrouded on fog, Hanoi sits on --- lakes and is a bastion of French
architecture which clashes against the Communist apparatus that rules the
country. The dining in the city is excellent and the old city is a wonderful
maze of streets and markets which will leave even the most hardened travellers
impressed. A popular daytrip from Hanoi is to visit Halong Bay. Halong Bay is
however not a hidden gem as not many visitors to Vietnam miss the bay. Hanoi has
excellent flight connections thanks to its business dealings, and it can also be
reached from train from Saigon, its more international southern neighbor, or
from Kunming in China.
Hoi An,
Vietnam
The truth is Hoi An is firmly on the radar of
visitors to Vietnam, however it still isn't well known by non-Vietnamese aficionados. Hoi An, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is
located on a river just south of Da Nang and near the infamous China Beach. The
city is popular with backpackers and couples and you can definitely feel the
romance in the air. A popular activity is to take a boat ride on the river
and to stroll through the town's many markets. Otherwise there's not much to do but
sit back and enjoy the amazing food and feel the warmth of the kind locals. Hoi An is reached via a
short taxi ride from Da Nang which has train and air connections with the rest
of Vietnam. Most international travellers will transit through either Saigon or
Hanoi, however there are direct air connections to Singapore, Siem Reap and
Taipei.
Ilhabela,
Brazil
This is an example of how a destination might be hidden to the international
traveller but not the local traveller. Ilhabela is 'the' seaside vacation
destination for people residing in the state of Sao Paulo. Located only a few
hours by bus from Sao Paulo city, Ilhabela manages to remain mostly free from
foreign tourists and as long as you don't visit during a Brazilian holiday,
you'll find it to be a pleasant destination. The island is affordable and is
home to tropical jungles and beautiful beaches. Across from the island is the
nice town of São Sebastião. In the vicinity around São Sebastião there are some
truly spectacular beaches and also a few jungle waterfalls.
Irkutsk,
Russia
Irkutsk is a beautiful city located on the Angara River near the shores of the
world's largest lake, Lake Baikal. Known as the 'Paris of Siberia' in a
testimonial to the city's architecture, the city's traditional wooden houses are
a big tourist draw. A popular way for tourists to reach Irkutsk is via the
Trans-Siberian Railway. I've taken this trip myself and you can read about my
adventure here: http://www.travelersdigest.com/trans_siberian_railway.htm
Jaisalmer,
India
An Indian city located in the desert state of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is a must see
for visitors coming to Rajasthan. And while most travelers planning a trip to
the area will have no doubt come across Jaisalmer in their preperations, many
choose to bypsass Jaisalmer on their circuit of Rajasthan because of its out of
the way location. This however would be a mistake as Jaisalmer is one of the
most charming places in Rajasthan. Picture an old city built entirely inside a
fort located on a mountaintop that towers above the surrounding desert.
Travelers can stay inside of the fort and those who do will be rewarded with
spectacular views and gorgeous sunsets. A cool side-excursion is to go on a
sunset camel trek through the nearby sand dunes.
Kenting,
Taiwan
At the very southern tip of Taiwan is a small peninsula and it's this peninsula
that
compromises Kenting National Park. While it's a popular destination with weekend
day-trippers from Kaohsiung, Kenting is not often visited by foreign travellers
to Taiwan. The town being orientated to local tourists has a festive atmosphere, giving it the feeling of a Taiwanese night market or a carnival
of some sorts. The area
really shines in its beaches, mountains and hot springs. A good way to reach the
area is by private car and the coastal road from Kaohsiung is a very scenic
drive. Having a private car would also makes it easier to explore the area. Kaohsiung can be
reached via air or rail from Taipei or by direct flights from Hong Kong.
Kumbhalgarh,
India
Kumbhalgarh, located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is one of the region's
most stunning fortress complexes. Located in the Aravalli Mountains just north
of Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh is perched upon a mountaintop 1900 meteres in altitude.
The complex is home to hundreds of temples and a beautiful palace. The fort also
has perimeter walls extending 36-kilometres in length, the world's second
longest after only the Great Wall of China. Visitors to the fort will find it to
be relatively free of the tourist hordes that crowd some of Rajasthan's other
forts Also worth a visit and located near Kumbhalgarh is the town of Ranakpur.
Ranakpur is known for its Jain Temples which are considered to be some the
finest in all of India. While in Ranakpur I recommend visitors stay in a jungle
lodge and enjoy some great hiking in the hills.
Lofoten
Islands, Norway
The Lofotens are a chain of islands located north of the Arctic Circle in Norway
and stretching over 250 kilometers in length. The island chain is home to a
stunning mountainous landscape and is also the most northerly location in the
world where average temperatures remain above freezing year-round. Svolvær is
the main entrance point for most tourists and is connected by ferry with Bodø.
Popular activities while on the islands include sea kayaking, whale watching,
mountain climbing and cycling. The islands are also a great place to witness the
fishing culture of the far north.
Luang
Prabang, Laos
Located on a plateau overlooking the Mekong River, Luang Prabang isn't often
overlooked by travellers to Laos, however, seeing as Laos is almost always
overlooked by travellers to Southeast Asia I feel comfortable including it in
this list. The town is definitely a highlight of Laos which is already a
pretty amazing country. Luang Prabang is a very affordable place, the
accommodation is cheap, the
food is excellent and there are some interesting local attractions. Located 30
kilometers south of town, the Kuang Si Falls are a popular excursion from the
city. The waterfalls make for an excellent swimming hole but they can get a bit
crowded on those hot and balmy days. which is an excellent swimming hole
although it is relatively popular. Also near Luang Prabang are the Pak Ou Caves,
notable for a large statue of the Buddha that inhabits the upper cave.
Luang Prabang can be reached by air through the capital Vientiane and also via
direct flights from Bangkok.
Madagascar,
Southern Africa
Often referred to as the "eighth continent" in reference to the
island's break from Africa sometime around 160 million years ago. It's
this
long absence from a continental body that has allowed an entirely unique set of
animal and plant life to develop on the island. Madagascar is now home to one of the
world's most diverse eco-systems, housing 5% of the entire world's animal
species. The primary tourist draws are the tropical rainforests that populate the island and
the unspoiled beaches that line the coast. Getting to Madagascar can be a
challenge, the easiest way to reach the island is by flight from either South
Africa or France. The island was once a French colony and as such there are
regular flights from Paris to its capital of Antananarivo.
Merida, Venezuela
Located high in the Venezuelan Andes, the city of Merida sits on a plateau in
the shadows of Venezuela's tallest peak, Mount Bolivar. The town is a university
town and has a Parisian air to it that can be felt in its sidewalk cafes, artisan squares
and leafy lanes. A short drive from
Merida and higher into the mountains visitors can find some nice hot springs and
some quaint mountain towns. Merida can easily be reached by
plane from either Caracas or Maracaibo.
Mexico
City, Mexico
You might be asking yourself how the world's largest city can be called a
'hidden gem', but the truth is Mexico City is firmly off of most travellers'
radars. It's not without reason that Mexico City has its tarnished reputation,
but the city has put most of its problems in the past and is fast becoming a
world-class city. The pollution has cleared, the crime rate is down, and what's
left is a beautiful city high in the Mexican mountains offering a wonderful
climate and many cultural attractions. So put your preconceptions to rest and give
Mexico City a chance, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Mongolia,
East Asia
It's not so much that Mongolia is hidden as it's simply overlooked. Of course
much of the reason it's overlooked is its accessibility issues, but trust me
Mongolia is worth the effort! Sandwiched in between China and Russia, Mongolia
is more than just a buffer state, it's a country with a strong cultural and
historical identity. Famous for its vast steppes and nomadic lifestyle, even
today half of Mongolia's population continue to live a traditional nomadic life.
An interesting experience while in the country is to stay in a ger camp on the
steppes where you can get a taste of a nomad's life and enjoy outdoor activities
such as horseback riding. But Mongolia is also home to so much more than just the steppes!
In the southern part of the country travellers can find the great
Gobi Desert, while in the far north of the country is Lake Khovsgol with its
alpine landscape is the Gobi's polar opposite. A popular way for visitors to arrive in Mongolia is on the
Trans-Siberian Railway, I've taken this trip myself and you can read about my
adventure here: http://www.travelersdigest.com/trans_siberian_railway.htm
Montenegro,
Eastern Europe
Montenegro is a beautiful country located on the Adriatic Sea just south of
Croatia. While Montenegro is still very much off the beaten path for most
international travellers, that is sure to change once more people get word of
the country's beautiful coastline, low prices, and glamorous casinos. Tourist
highlights in the country include Herceg-Novi, Budva and the Bay of Kotor.
Namibia,
Southern Africa
Two of Namibia's most interesting attractions are the Skeleton Coast, the name
given to its desert coastal region and the NamibRand Nature Reserve located
inland in the Namib Desert. The Skeleton Coast is a national park on the coast
of Namibia known for its beauty in particular the striking contrast of the
desert meeting the sea. The Bushmen of interior Namibia called the region "The
Land God Made In Anger", while its current name of Skeleton Coast derives from
thousands of skeletal shipwrecks that dot the coast. The best way to see the
park is to rent a car and drive up the coast from Swakopmund. While the
NamibRand Nature Reserve is a private nature reserve located in Southern Namibia
and is an amazing place to see Namibia's desert ecology up close. A good way to
get around in Namibia is by renting a car and driving through the sparsely
populated countryside. Another way to travel in Namibia is via the Desert
Express, a luxury train that takes tourists from Windhoek to Swakopmund.
San
Sebastian,
Spain
Also known by its Basque name of Donostia, this picturesque seaside town is
an important player in Basque Country and is also featured in more
Hemingway novels than you can imagine. The city's layout is centered around its crescent
bay and the town has wonderful beaches and a lively atmosphere throughout. This city isn't as hidden
to travellers as some of the other places on this list
and has been on the backpacker route for years now, but it's still a refreshing
break
from a city like Barcelona or even neighbouring Pamplona. But never mind all that, what's really important is you try the wine!
Santa Catarina,
Brazil
Mind you it's hard for an entire state on the Brazilian coast to be considered
truly 'hidden', but not that many tourists make it as far south as Santa
Catarina. The state's most popular attraction is the island of Florianopolis and
it's deservedly so. Affectionately called 'Floripa' by its inhabitants, the island is home to a
large but charming city (also called Florianopolis) complete with nice
restaurants and a happening nightlife. The rest of the island consists of
tropical beaches, beautiful resorts, lakes, mountains and really everything else
you could want in paradise. But to really get off the beaten
path and see where Santa Catarina shines means to move away from the coast. Just
inland from Florianopolis is the town of Urubici, located high in the Serra
Geral mountain range, the
area is a world away from the tropical Floripa. The town itself is untouristed,
has some great food and there are some nice waterfalls and rock arches in the
vicinity. if you plan on seeing the mountains Santa Catarina is best explored
with a car but one isn't necessary if you're only going to visit Florianopolis.
Florianopolis maintains good air connections with the rest of Brazil and also
with Buenos Aires. Florianopolis is also a short bus ride away from the city of
Curitiba.
Suzhou,
China
Suzhou is renowned through China for its canals, scenic streets, temples and
many beautiful gardens. However international travellers often overlook the city
in their rush to visit some of China's more famous sights. Suzhou is located one
hour outside of Shanghai by train but it seems like a completely different world
from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai. Some of the city's main attractions
include the beautiful canalside streets of Ping Jiang Road and Shan Tang Street
as well as the gardens of the Humble Administrator and the Lingering Gardens
which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yerevan,
Armenia
Yerevan's doesn't come up often when people think of a happening and interesting
place to visit, however that's exactly what it is. Located in the mountainous
country of Armenia, Yerevan is home to a small but interesting nightlife,
numerous parks, and several interesting museums including the somber memorial of
the Armenian genocide. A great daytrip from Yerevan is the Geghard Monastery
located in the mountains just outside of the city. Armenia is the world's first
Christian country and as such has a long and interesting religious past. The
Garni Pagan Temple is located near the monastery and is usually included by tour
operators in trips to the monastery. Getting to Armenia can be somewhat
difficult depending on what part of the world you're in. Check out Armavia the
official airline of Armenia for flights into the country.
- Article written in whole by Dakota Smith - Travelers Digest
