Uncharted Territories: The Most Enchanting Hidden Gems for Your Travel Dreams

While famous sights and big cities are popular for a reason, the world abounds with charming small towns and gorgeous natural formations that we typically don’t see on top travel lists. 

Hidden Gems Around the World

Happy man dressed like a tourist holding his passport up and his luggage over his shoulder.
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One user in the popular travel community on Reddit specifically sought out these hidden places. They asked the community to share the incredible small places they’ve been to that aren’t on anyone’s travel radar. 

May the responses inspire you to book a trip to an undiscovered locale!

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

The Registan, the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand - Uzbekistan
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Uzbekistan rarely makes travel lists, but the hidden gem holds numerous wonders for the trepid explorer. Samarkand was a critical stop on the old Silk Road. Visitors can immerse themselves in the country’s history, culture, and natural beauty. 

Białowieża Poland

The governor's mansion in Białowieża Poland.
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Visitors to Poland typically visit the capital city and tour the horrific history leftover from Nazi occupation, but they’d be wise to discover the charming small towns scattered throughout the country. 

Step in Białowieża to step back in time and see a glimpse of rural Europe. 

Greek Isles

Aerial view of Old Greek orthodox church on island Panagias in Parga, Greece.
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Everyone goes to Santorini, Crete, and the famous islands that line cruise ship itineraries, but take a small ferry to the smaller, inaccessible isles for a real glimpse of island life. 

The Greek isles contain nearly 6,000 small islands, a little over 200 of which are populated. Skip the famous ones and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lesser-known isles. 

Akrotiri

The archeological ruins at Akrotiri on the Greek Island Santorini
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Tourists flock to Pompeii to view a volcanic city, but an older, lesser-known ruin is just as well preserved. The 16th Century BC settlement highlights how advanced the Minoans were, with the marble multi-level buildings preserved in ash. 

Head to Santorini to tour these impressive ancient ruins. 

Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lake at Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada.
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Everyone obsesses about Banff National Park in Canada, leaving its lesser-known counterpart, Waterton Lakes, an ideal destination for tourists looking to avoid crowds. 

Waterton Lakes National Park boasts impressive scenery and vast swaths of wilderness. 

Cartago Province

The tropical green hills in the Cartago Province of Costa Rica.
Photo Credit: Guayo Fuentes via Shutterstock.com.

Though Costa Rica sees thousands of yearly visitors, most head to San Jose and Tamarindo. However, the Cartago Province is just as beautiful and far more undisturbed. 

The area features charming mountain towns and fantastic hiking opportunities. 

Orkney

Neolithic ruins on the islands of Orkney, Scottland.
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The small Island archipelago off Scottland’s northern coast features stunning scenery and neolithic architecture. 

Though Orkney does see a fair share of tourists, many skip the smaller islands. 

Namibia

Aerial View of Namibia's Capital at Sunset - Windhoek, Namibia
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African countries don’t get a lot of love on travel bucket lists, but tourists would be remiss to overlook stunning Namibia. 

The country features a lively culture and fantastic street food, the best dark skies you’ll ever see, and numerous wildlife sanctuaries protecting the most impressive large land mammals calling Africa home. 

Madhya Pradesh National Parks

Two Bengal tiger lying on the road in the jungle at Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
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The National Parks in India are just as impressive as those in Africa, but they have tigers. 

According to one user, the scenery in the famed Disney tale The Jungle Book was inspired by the Madhya Pradesh National Parks. 

Turkish Kurdistan

A hot air balloon flying over Mardin, a city in Southeastern Turkey, at sunset.
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The southeastern portion of Turkey borders Syria, Iraq, and Iran, so many tourists tend to avoid it. However, the region abounds with history. 

It’s the safest place in the world to view Mesopotamia, the birthplace of civilization. The region also boasts the finest Turkish cuisines, so travelers won’t feel they missed out if they go here rather than the larger, more popular cities. 

Duluth

A lighthouse on the shore of Lake Superior near Duluth, MN
Photo Credit: Frank Kennedy MN via Shutterstock.com.

Minnestota’s Twin Cities may attract a fair share of visitors, but few from outside the region prioritize visiting Duluth. 

The city is a gateway to Lake Superior, offering fantastic adventures for outdoorspeople. The area features splendid hikes, roaring waterfalls, and excellent skiing in the winter. 

Why You Should Visit Aspen in the Shoulder Seasons

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Aspen is a winter wonderland perfect for outdoor skiing adventures. But if you don’t enjoy skiing, you should consider visiting during the shoulder season instead. Here’s why shoulder season is Aspen’s best kept secret!

You Don’t Need to Travel Overseas for Ancient Ruins

Tower ruins at Hovenweep National Monument in the Canyons of the Ancients.
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Explore stunning ruins in your own backyard with an adventure through the Canyons of the Ancients.

Visit a Real Haunted Hotel

An imaginary haunted house - a huge mansion with a giant full moon behind to represent one of the creepiest fall activities to enjoy
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For a real-life encounter, consider staying at one of America’s most haunted hotels

The Best Places to Visit in the US

map of portion of the US covered with sunglasses, magnifying glass, and other travel icons
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The US bursts with cool cities, gorgeous national parks, and niche cuisines. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in the diverse country!

Here’s the Best Places to Visit in the US for your specific travel goals!

Enjoy All Things Macabre at a Horror Convention

Woman making a scared face wearing horror cosplay like a painted skull from Dia de Muertos.
Photo Credit: Dia De Los Muertos via Shutterstock.com.

Celebrate the horror genre by checking out the best horror conventions across the US
 

Source: Reddit