Ever felt like you’re being fed the same destination over and over as if by some tourism algorithms? Trust us, the Taj Mahal and Santorini aren’t the only golden nuggets out there.
A challenge of today’s adventurer is to avoid mass-tourism, either by visiting the popular sights when they are less crowded, often referred to as ‘shoulder season’ or, take aim at something a little less known but just as magical. That’s where this read comes into play. Let’s shine a light on some captivating places that you might not have considered just yet, with testimonials from people that have actually been!
Rising star… Albania
This small and relatively unknown European country packs a punch! Nestled between the mountains of the southern Balkan peninsula and the azure Adriatic coast, it’s fast becoming a favorite Mediterranean destination, offering similar delights to its neighbors Greece, Montenegro and Croatia further north, but at generally lower rates!
The rugged coast, sprinkled with stunning beaches and mountainous views overlooking them is a major draw with Vlore, Saranda and Ksamil in the south beckoning tourists from near and far but Albania has much more to offer, from Roman ruins and Ottoman fortifications to absolute premium hiking trails and a unique history and culture for you to explore.
I fell in love with Albania! It is a stunning country; while driving through the mountains there were breathtaking views everywhere.
Quirine, our Customer Support Training and Development Lead, booked an adventure in Albania and loved it so much she’s thinking of returning for more.
“I fell in love with Albania! It is a stunning country; while driving through the mountains there were breathtaking views everywhere. The capital Tirana is full of good vibes and energy with amazing food and drinks to try out. I had some of the best tomatoes and their coffee is simply awesome. I learned so much traveling around, the heartwarming hospitality made me feel welcome everywhere and really makes me want to go back!”
Africa’s Mediterranean gem... Algeria
Often overshadowed by its western neighbor Morocco when it comes to number of visitors, Algeria is not one to sleep on and is vying for your attention! While the tourism industry here is less developed, you can expect equally marvelous architecture, cuisine and truly genuine adventures with fewer tourist traps and without a pushy salesman at every corner.
The capital Algiers is a bustling metropolis on the Mediterranean coast, boasting several breathtakingly beautiful mosques and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed citadel, or casbah if you will, founded on the ruins of the Roman settlement Icosium from the 10th century onwards. In fact, Algiers is just your starting point and across the country there are adventures of every kind waiting to be experienced, from overnight Bedouin camps to prehistoric cave art!
Whether you are a relaxed beach-goer, a passionate foodie, or a bold adventurer, Algeria has whatever you are looking for.
Jana is our Employee Experience Coordinator at our Vienna office and always seeks out somewhat unexpected destinations. This is what she had to say after her adventure in Algeria last year…
“Algeria is just magical. Whether you are wandering around Roman ruins, getting lost in the ancient city of Constantine, swimming in an oasis under a starry night sky in Taghit, or discovering rock paintings that are thousands of years old in the middle of the Sahara Desert, you constantly feel like you are on another planet…
With the dreamy blue skies and the Mediterranean coast in the north, and the dunes, lush oases, and vastness of the desert in the south, there is something for everyone. Whether you are a relaxed beach-goer, a passionate foodie, or a bold adventurer, Algeria has whatever you are looking for.”
Can’t get enough of cool Colombia
Peru has long been the winning destination in South America when it comes to international visits, and with Machu Picchu being one of the most iconic places in the world we don’t see that changing anytime soon. But, did you know that there’s an older ruined city deep in the jungles of our next country Colombia?
Ciudad Perdida, tucked away in the green hills of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, close to the Caribbean Coast, predates Machu Picchu by ca. 650 years and is testament to the long and varied history of pre-columbian civilization in South America. While there isn’t much architecture preserved, as wooden structures were the standard here, there are pathways, stairs and terraces laid out with traces of buildings and gardens from as far back as 800 CE. Rather uniquely, the access today is entirely in the hands of the native Kogi people, descendants of the Tayrona that once lived here, making sure visitors get an authentic and respectful experience while also preserving the lost city and it’s natural surroundings.
I just can’t get enough of Colombia, it is 100% the gift that keeps on giving, especially the countryside. Wherever I go I feel like time stood still and I’m getting a taste of days long past before they’re gone.
Colombia has many varying climates and, as it’s close to the equator, welcoming all year ’round. Here’s a testimony from one of our copywriters who’s very passionate about travel, yours truly…
“I just can’t get enough of Colombia, it is 100% the gift that keeps on giving, especially the countryside From the Caribbean Coast and Cartagena’s colonial history and magical architecture to the cute villages of the coffee region I feel like time stood still and I’m getting a taste of days long past before they’re gone.
I’ve been to paradise islands, Afro-Colombian festivals, hiked through national parks and moonlike deserts and there’s still more to discover and every area is full of activities like water sports or hikes. And salsa of course! Anyone who’s already been to Colombia… Should just go back! There’s too much to experience from carnivals to whale watching, you could literally spend months and months exploring.”
When Japan is overcrowded… Korea to the rescue!
There’s no denying Japan is a must-visit and should be on everyone’s to-do-list. But it’s also increasingly suffering from mass tourism, especially during the coveted cherry blossom season in the spring. So why not experience historic shrines, places and rugged landscapes dotted with pink somewhere else? South Korea‘s got you covered!
Similar to its eastern neighbor in many ways, South Korea offers an eclectic mix of history and modernity living side by side, with rich culture and prolific cuisine and astonishing natural beauty to match. Seoul is a prime example of this, with bustling modern neighborhoods, historic royal palaces, preserved traditional village architecture and the verdant Namsan Park overlooking the city and inviting scenic hikes and photo ops, especially in the cherry blossom season!
By touring three different locations—Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan—you are able to experience different parts of Korea and see the cultural and historical differences between the places.
This time, why not let a customer have the word?! This is what Lucy had to say about her South Korean adventure…
“By touring three different locations; Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan – you are able to experience different parts of Korea and see the cultural and historical differences between the places. Also, the temple stay at Golgulsa Temple was very interesting and allows you to take part in Buddhist practices and traditional martial arts training.
The highlight of the tour was the journey to the DMZ and being able to visit the Third Tunnel of Infiltration and view across the DMZ from the observatory – something you will never forget! The transport and accommodation provided is of a very high standard and we were especially pleased with all of the hotels we stayed in. Overall, I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in touring South Korea as it was stress-free travel with 5 star experiences.”
The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, that’s for sure. But your adventure will be greener and more unique on this list instead of the overcrowded bucket list icons. And this is just a sample of the diverse adventures out there! Oman, Uganda, Finland, Laos… the list of well-deserving but under-appreciated destinations is endless and we look forward to featuring more of them in coming articles.
Stay tuned and, as always, keep traveling!
