Untapped Destinations for Curious Travelers

The beaches in Madagascar, with their pirogues and palm trees, are beautiful - Author: Aleix Cabarrocas Garcia - CC BY 2.0
The beaches in Madagascar, with their pirogues and palm trees, are beautiful - Author: Aleix Cabarrocas Garcia - CC BY 2.0

There is no better feeling for a traveler than going to a place nobody else knows of. If you are a curious spirit who avoids all the crowded and popular destinations, you’ll probably agree that visiting an undiscovered spot is an opportunity that not too many of us have. You never usually hear about awesome places that are off the beaten path, therefore the chances to go for a vacation in some of those spots are very low. Nevertheless, untapped destinations do exist all over the world; it just takes a little patience to discover them and get there. Here are some of the best places that you never had on your must-visit list.

Puglia, Italy

Torre Sant’Andrea, Salento, is a great place to visit – Author: Freddyballo – CC BY-SA 3.0
Torre Sant’Andrea, Salento, is a great place to visit – Author: Freddyballo – CC BY-SA 3.0

Puglia is a beautiful region in the south of Italy. Its architecture is an outstanding mixture of Norman, Spanish, Greek, and Byzantine influences, and this gives the whole area a unique look. It also has exceptional cuisine, which includes the freshest ingredients, and it also leads the slow cooking movement in the area. Puglia is also known for its olive groves and unique lodgings.

Madagascar

Allée des Baobabs near Morondava, Madagascar. Madagascar is is incredibly biodiverse – Author: Frank Vassen – CC BY 2.0
Allée des Baobabs near Morondava, Madagascar. Madagascar is is incredibly biodiverse – Author: Frank Vassen – CC BY 2.0

Anyone looking for stunning natural surroundings and unique wildlife will enjoy the paradise of Madagascar. The island is incredibly biodiverse, and many naturalists and curious travelers dream of visiting. More than 80% of the flora and fauna on Madagascar can only be found there and nowhere else on the planet. If you wish to visit a place that none of your friends have visited before you, and if you want to spend an incredible vacation on a secluded beach while watching humpback whales in the ocean and lemurs on the beach, then check out the tiny island offshore of Madagascar known as Nosy Bay. Another remote spot with only 14 villas is Miavana, a luxury eco resort.

Ladakh, India

The Thikse Monastery in Ladakh is beautiful – Author: Michael Hardy – CC BY 2.0
The Thikse Monastery in Ladakh is beautiful – Author: Michael Hardy – CC BY 2.0

Ladakh is probably the most untapped place on this list and is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, encompassing four mountain ranges including the Himalayas, The Ladakh, The Zanskar, and The Karakoram. Ladakh is definitely one of India’s most beautiful and secret regions. As a curious traveler, you can stay in luxury tented camps and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The Buddhist heritage in the area is amazing, so if you’re interested in lifting your spirit, maybe this is the best destination for you.

The Faroe Islands, Denmark

Tinganes in Tórshavn is a seat of a part of the Faroese government – Author: Erik Christensen – CC BY-SA 3.0
Tinganes in Tórshavn is a seat of a part of the Faroese government – Author: Erik Christensen – CC BY-SA 3.0

The Danish Kingdom has some of the most remote places in Europe. If you are someone who appreciates cold weather and wants to visit an archipelago between Iceland and Scotland, then the Faroe Islands are the real deal. All the islands in the archipelago have rugged shorelines, and it is believed they were once homes of Vikings. No matter how remote they are, slowly but surely the Faroe Islands are becoming a hotspot for curious travelers who search for some extra excitement.

Malawi, Africa

The mountains in Northern Malawi look lush during the rainy season – Author: Felefuchs – CC BY-SA 4.0
The mountains in Northern Malawi look lush during the rainy season – Author: Felefuchs – CC BY-SA 4.0

Malawi is a country in southeast Africa that offers some of the best safaris in the world without crowds of people. In Malawi, you can go on a safari without all the disturbing 4x4s and get really close to elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalos. This country is a true African wonder, although it was never a popular tourist destination. The situation is changing in the past years, and more tourists have started visiting this jewel of Africa. The right time to go is as soon as you can purchase your tickets. Get there before the crowds start spreading all over the country! If you ever go, make sure you see Lake Malawi, which has more fish species than any other lake in the world.

Republic of the Congo, Africa

Gorillas can be seen in the Congo.
Gorillas can be seen in the Congo.

The Republic of the Congo is one of the most spectacular countries in the African continent and offers a mixture of untouched nature, unique wildlife spotting, and beautiful cities. It is a unique destination with not too many visitors, which makes it a perfect spot for everybody who wants to experience its natural wonders with only a few fellow travelers. The Congolese capital, Brazzaville, is known as “The Paris of Africa” and is an absolute must-see. The city is clean and safe so you don’t have to worry too much. Odzala-Kokua National Park offers some of the best trekking and kayaking routes, which will take you to hidden natural habitats of the majestic gorillas. If you want to experience Congo at its purest, venture to one of the discovery camps for a trip that will change your life forever.

Be creative, brave, and travel more. If you go to places where nobody else does, it will highlight just how beautiful our planet is and how lucky we are to live here. Choose your favorite untapped destination and good luck.

 

stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival