The world is full of destinations on the well-trodden path, where the number of visitors seems to go up every year and the crowds can sometimes feel endless. Don’t you want to go somewhere different for a change? No matter what corner of the globe you look at, there are plenty of overlooked vacation spots just waiting to be explored.
Whether you want to relax somewhere off the beaten path or escape to a place you’ve never even heard of, you’ll find it on this list of under-the-radar destinations.
Anguilla
Where: Caribbean
Ringed by blindingly white sand and lustrous aquamarine waters, this mostly flat desert island offers a decidedly low-key escape, especially compared to bustling St. Martin nearby. There are no nonstop flights from the U.S. to Anguilla, and no port for cruise ships to pull into, which helps to maintain the island’s relaxed vibe. Locals value privacy and peace—they won’t even permit Jet Skis on the island for fear of noise pollution.
Where to Stay: Viceroy Anguilla is a luxurious retreat that attracts a crowd of international sophisticates. CéBlue Villas & Beach Resort, on the other hand, is comprised of a collection of gorgeous hillside villas that offer privacy, while the property itself offers top-rate service, great food, and an atmosphere free from pretension.
North Stradbroke Island
Where: Australia
Located less than 20 miles from Brisbane, “Straddie” (as locals call it) is a popular weekend destination for Brisbanites looking to escape the city. Activities here include swimming, fishing, surfing, and hiking to explore the island’s five beaches and dozens of inland lakes. You can spot koalas on the island, or head to Point Lookout, considered one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the world.
Where to Stay: Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel & Spa Resort is one of the best full-service properties on the island. Alternatively, you can sleep on the beach with Straddie Camping.
Hainan Island
Where: China
Popular with Chinese and Russian tourists, but mostly unknown to other travelers, this tropical island off China’s southern coast is home to gorgeous beaches, a volcano park, monkeys, a Shaolin Buddhist temple, an ancient Hainanese village, and more. The island is now being promoted as “China’s Hawaii,” which may sound like a tourism ploy, but the scenery here is worthy of the comparison.
Where to Stay: The Ritz Carlton, Sanya offers luxury in the island’s main hub. If you want an escape, head to Le Méridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa, located on a bay where you’ll find Hainan’s best surf.
Hocking Hills State Park
Where: Ohio
Hiking, biking, archery, fishing, hunting, camping—you’ll find all this and more at this state park, spread across more than 2,300 acres. The park is most notable for its waterfalls and dramatic rock formations, including Old Man’s Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls.
Where to Stay: The park has nearly 200 campsites, most of which are equipped with electricity. There is also access to hot showers and flush toilets. Alternatively, there are several cabins in the area, such asComfort in the Woods.
Koh Lipe
Where: Thailand
Accessible only by boat, this island paradise in the Andaman Sea is surrounded by clear water and pristine reefs, where 25 percent of the world’s tropical fish species live and swim. Considered a calmer alternative to overrun Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe features a variety of beaches—some developed, some deserted—but you’ll find peace and quiet at Sunrise Beach. As part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, Koh Lipe is unlikely to see the kind of massive developments that have detracted from the appeal of other Thai islands.
Where to Stay: Castaway Beach Resortoffers spacious wooden bungalows and a large deck overlooking a beach.
Gates of the Arctic National Park
Where: Alaska
Travelers who are proficient in outdoor survival skills should head to this vast, nearly untouched wilderness park, spread across 8.4 million acres in northern Alaska. The park has no established, roads, trails, or campsites, which means that trekking across this landscape is a challenging but one-of-a-kind adventure. Home to the Brooks Range mountains and six rivers, the park offers excellent fishing opportunities in addition to its superlative scenery.
Where to Stay: You’ll need to know how to set up a camping site. Otherwise, you can make a day trip and fly to Fairbanks to spend the night.
Şanliurfa
Where: Turkey
Commonly called Urfa, this historic city dates back at least 3,500 years, and Turkish legend has it that Abraham was born in a cave here. The cave and other important sites draw hundreds of thousands of Muslim visitors annually. Aside from its traditional architecture, Urfa’s main attractions are the Fish Pool, an old covered bazaar, the Throne of Nimrod fortress, and a small archaeological museum. A trip to nearby Göbekli Tepe is considered a must, as it is home to the world’s oldest temple, dating from more than 11,000 years ago.
Where to Stay: For something familiar, there’s a Hilton Garden Inn; for something with a more authentic feel, there’s Hotel El-Ruha, which features traditional Turkish architecture.
See the rest of the vacation destinations on Fodor's»
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