Offbeat Travel Destinations for Solitude and Adventure

Peace, quiet, and the freshest air: some of the world’s most remote destinations are sanctuaries of stillness and solitude.

These destinations provide the luxury of disconnecting from screens while reconnecting with natural surroundings and yourself. Below are highlights that inspire you to explore unique alternatives to the world’s most over-touristed destinations.

Lesotho

The tiny mountain kingdom where communities are investing in tourism

Dominated by the Drakensberg and Maluti mountain ranges, tiny Lesotho claims to be the world’s highest country—even its lowest point, in the so-called Lowlands, is about 1400m (4593ft) high. When hiking or trekking on a sturdy Basotho pony through this sparsely populated mountain kingdom, you are more likely to meet a shepherd clad in a traditional Basotho blanket than in tourist crowds. In 2019, just 800,000 international tourists ventured through its exhilarating 3000m (9840ft)-plus passes compared to the 15.8 million who visited South Africa’s highlights.

Lesotho’s community-run backpacker lodges, often in mountaintop trading posts that once served remote villages, remain a travel secret. Even Prince Harry’s connection to the country, where he worked with AIDS orphans, has yet to put this rugged country on typical travel itineraries.

Tetouan, Africa

Morocco’s overlooked white city is an artistic haven steeped in history

Tetouan enchants with its white buildings clinging to the Rif mountainsides, attracting those looking to escape the crowds found in nearby Chefchaouen. Phoenicians established a port here, and Roman remains dot the landscape. The city boasts a cosmopolitan air, enriched by centuries of immigrants, including Jews and Moors escaping 15th-century Spain. Tetouan served as the capital of northern Morocco’s Spanish Protectorate from 1912 to 1956.

Con Son

New trails and marine conservation put this tropical dot on the map

The mountains crash into the sea in Con Son, a coral-fringed island off the southern coast of Vietnam. This 52-sq-km (20-sq-mile) island features untouched forests, lotus-flower-covered lakes, and deserted beaches fringed by casuarina trees. Wildlife plays a vital role, with endangered sea turtles nesting on sandy shores, and more than 80 bird species calling it home.

However, this tropical paradise masks a dark history. Con Son once housed prisons for thousands during French rule and the American-backed regime, with former jails serving as memorials to those who suffered and perished.

Nagaland

An immersive tribal adventure in India’s last frontier

Nagaland, historical and mesmerizing, is bounded by misty mountains and studded with tribal villages. Although travel obstacles have declined in recent years, fewer than 6000 foreign visitors ventured into Nagaland in 2019, compared to 1.6 million to Rajasthan. The tribal cultures maintain fascinating pre-colonial traditions, and many travel weeks in Nagaland without encountering other travelers.

Shikoku, Japan

Japan’s outdoorsy pilgrimage island that champions zero-waste living

Shikoku offers much to explore yet often escapes tourists’ itineraries. Major events like Tokushima’s Awa Odori Matsuri and Matsuyama’s Dōgo Onsen attract crowds, but numerous under-the-radar experiences await. From sustainability projects in the zero-waste village of Kamikatsu to picturesque valleys and beautiful beaches, Shikoku presents Japan far from the madding crowds.

Kanchenjunga Region, Nepal

Welcome to the unspoiled Himalaya in Nepal’s silent corner

While the trek to Everest Base Camp is crowded, the Kanchenjunga region remains tranquil, attracting only 900 visitors annually. Situated amid a glacial garden of snow peaks, trekkers can savor a truly unspoiled vision of the Himalaya while traversing some of the most dramatic terrain on the planet.

North Luzon, Philippines

Headhunters and Spanish history in the jungle highlands above Manila

While world-renowned beaches beckon visitors to Boracay and Palawan, North Luzon often goes overlooked. This region encapsulates the country’s essence, from stunning coastlines to rich cultural heritage in its diverse landscapes and charming towns filled with intriguing histories.

Tubagua, Dominican Republic

Thatched jungle cabins and community tourism beyond the beaches

Tubagua presents a refreshing alternative to the crowded resort lifestyle in the Dominican Republic. Here, eco-lodges invite visitors to experience the authentic Dominican life through community tourism projects amid breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Suriname

Maroons and Amerindians rule this wild pocket of South America

As South America’s smallest and least visited country, Suriname offers an authentic South American experience. The capital of Paramaribo brims with UNESCO-listed architecture and serves as a gateway to nature-filled jungles that cover over 90% of the country.

Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA

Blissful isolation keeps this Texan park from getting overrun

Big Bend National Park features a vast wilderness with steep-walled canyons, rugged peaks, and a lush river corridor. The remote park boasts abundant hiking, paddling, and stargazing opportunities, shielded from the throngs that visit neighboring attractions.

Kufstein, Austria

Forget Salzburg: this Tyrol beauty is the real alpine fairytale

Kufstein, nestled against the Bavarian Alps, is a picturesque town that offers captivating landscapes without Salzburg’s crowds. With medieval fortresses and stunning views, it provides a perfect setting for outdoor adventure and cultural immersion.

Hyères, France

Beyond Provence’s honeypots lies this medieval town and Mediterranean islands

While tourists flock to Hollywood glamour in Cannes and Saint-Tropez, Hyères offers historic interest and proximity to lovely islands in the south of France. Rich in history, it boasts remnants from ancient settlements, providing a serene alternative to the typical tourist trap.

Freiburg & the Black Forest, Germany

An eco trailblazing city swaddled in silent alpine forest fantasies

The Black Forest features wooded hills and charming towns that often remain under the radar compared to Bavaria. With numerous hiking, cycling, and e-biking trails, this region reveals the peaceful magic of Germany’s original green destination.

Northern Iceland

Follow the arctic coast way along Iceland’s empty Atlantic Crown

While Iceland attracts millions of visitors annually, the northern regions remain relatively unexplored. Adventurous travelers can discover hidden gems along the coast, including deserted beaches, geothermal hotpots, and rich wildlife.

North Macedonia

Europe’s last frontier is this ancient beauty in the Balkans

With fewer than 800,000 international tourists annually, North Macedonia offers a glimpse into undiscovered landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Characterized by mountains, canyons, and scenic national parks, it invites exploration of its versatile history and vibrant communities.