If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds on holiday next year, follow our guide to some little-known or overlooked destinations that have plenty to offer the discerning traveller. Whether you’re after empty, unspoilt beaches, a cultural city break, or adventures in the outdoors, this list should give you plenty of inspiration…
Bend, USA
Often thought of as the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon, Bend was once little more than an isolated lumber town, but in recent years has grown to become something of a mecca for adventure sports aficionados. The winter months see around 70km of trails opened up for downhill skiing, while hiking, kayaking and mountain biking are massively popular in summer. That’s not all though – Bend has over 20 independent breweries, and its own Ale Trail for dedicated drinkers to follow.
Nuqui, Colombia
Surfers looking for big breaks and few other people in the water should look towards Nuqui on Colombia’s Pacific Coast. Still relatively undeveloped, this isolated little town is developing a reputation among those in the know. There’s a variety of accommodation to choose from, including some cool eco-lodges, plenty of space on the beaches, and from June through October the chance to see whales.
Gerês National Park, Portugal
Most visitors to Portugal head either to the vibrant capital, Lisbon, the second city, Porto, or south to the sandy beaches of the Algarve (al though the wine region in the interior is also growing in popularity). However, we recommend flying into Porto, picking up a car and driving north for a couple of hours into Gerês. Here you’ll find some of Portugal’s wildest, most unspoilt and dramatic scenery, picturesque towns and villages where life goes on much as it has for centuries, and a wealth of mountain and lake activities.
Lombok, Indonesia
While Bali is the big draw for travellers in search of idyllic beaches and banging nightlife, just across the strait its lesser-known but equally impressive neighbour is quietly building a strong reputation for itself. Escape to Lombok for white sand beaches with far fewer crowds, superb surf opportunities, and don’t miss Gunung Rinjani, a volcanic peak with a beautiful lake in its crater, and bubbling hot springs.
Akureyri, Iceland
Iceland’s northern capital is one of the best places to catch the incredible Northern Lights during the winter months, but there’s many more reasons to visit as well. Akureyri makes an excellent base for exploring the coastline and its tiny fishing villages, waterfalls and bays that frequently host pods of whales. You can ski here, take a foodie tour, or even try ice-fishing.
Aukštaitija National Park, Lithuania
Lithuania’s oldest National Park, in the north-east of the country, makes for an easy day-trip from the lively capital, Vilnius, or you can book overnight accommodation. There are over 100 lakes in the park, in which you can swim, fish, or kayak. Drive around the many quaint villages to sample traditional food and drink, hike in pine woods, and relax in an area of exquisite peace and beauty.
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Okay this one is cheating a little – Karlovy Vary is the best-known spa town in the Czech Republic, but outside of Eastern Europe it’s still relatively little-known despite having been used as a filming location for Casino Royale. There are literally hundreds of hot springs in and around this charming town in Bohemia, but besides their rejuvenating properties, one of Karlovy Vary’s biggest attractions is the gorgeous architecture. Brightly coloured buildings make it feel like a fairytale town, especially during the autumn months when the forest surrounding it are at their most beautiful.