Secret Travel Destinations You Shouldn’t Miss
There are many breathtaking places around the world that leave us at a loss for words when we see them. Spots that are like little gems and jewels, in that they rarely show up as part of the usual travel agenda. If you are looking for a travel destination that isn’t swarmed by tourists, then this list is the right one for you. One of the best ways to discover these hidden gems, is to, of course, ask the locals. But just in case, we prepped a few options for you in advance. Read on to see the selected secret travel destinations we picked for you!
Bormio, Italy
Bormio is a beautiful alpine village in Lombardy and is only a three-hour drive from Milan. In the winter, you can glide down the ski slopes, visit the city centre, or relax in the ancient thermal springs. There is even a distillery from the 19th century, where you can try the alpine Amaro Braulio that is made with herbs from the region.
For a unique experience, it’s best to spend a night at the QC Terme Hotel, Bagni Vecchi. Here, you can relax in real Roman thermal baths, and enjoy the view of the valley. Or you can stroll through the streets of the village and, along your way, visit the Palazzo de Simoni museum. In the nearby Stelvio National Park, it is also possible to go on bike tours or hike year-round.
Siswan Forest Range, India
This forest range is a great place to get some rest after the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and the palaces of Rajasthan. The more than 8,000 hectares of protected forest area are home to scenic viewpoints, rolling hills, and a variety of plants and animals.
You can stay at the Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort and Spa, which offers luxurious villas as well as tents for travellers on a tighter budget. It’s best to hike and mountain bike with skilled guides here, so that you can enjoy the tranquil scenery to the fullest.
Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is an archipelago between Norway and the North Pole. It is a great destination if you are looking for a frosty adventure. This region is not only beautifully decorated in glaciers and arctic tundra, but is also one of the northernmost inhabited areas of the world. You will find many nature and bird sanctuaries that are also home to reindeer, arctic foxes, and even polar bears.
Given Svalbard’s proximity to the Arctic Circle, you may also witness the magic of the Northern Lights in winter, or in summer, the “Midnight Sun” – a phenomenon where nighttime disappears and only the day remains. It is truly an unforgettable experience!
Lake Natron, Tanzania
When you see pictures and read stories about Lake Natron, you might think these are from a picture book. Located in East Africa’s Tanzania, the lake turns birds into pillars of salt because it is very alkaline. The pH of the water can reach up to 10.5, which immediately burns the skin of any animal that touches the water.
A beauty one should enjoy with caution, and from a distance! The alkaline nature comes from the sodium carbonate that flows into the lake from the surrounding area. While not ideal for swimming, Lake Natron’s blood-red waters are a true sight to behold.
Tropea, Italy
Tropea is a small town in Italy that is full of historic and iconic monuments. Notably, you will find the incredible Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola from the 12th century here. This Byzantine pilgrimage church is perched on a cliff over-looking the sea and offers many monuments to marvel at. The best thing about Tropea is that it still is a hidden gem in Italy. So, there won’t be many tourists around during your stay.
You can enjoy the spectacular view of the sanctuary or take a dip in the warm, turquoise water before relaxing on the beach. The old town of Tropea is also wonderful for a stroll if you need to get out and stretch your legs. Voted the most beautiful village in Italy, Tropea should definitely be a hidden gem you visit.
Salt Mines of Yekaterinburg, Russia
In the “Capital of the Urals,” you will find abandoned salt mines that will leave you in awe. These salt mines have mesmerizing bright blue, yellow, and red patterns on their walls. While hard to believe, these psychedelic drawings in the mines formed naturally!
The mineral carnallite is the “artist” responsible for the whirls and whips along the mine walls. It found its way into the rocks millions of years ago after the salt-lake above the caverns dried up. With a government permit, you can explore the colourful maze of tunnels and be entranced by the patterns here.
Conclusion
There is a wide range of secret travel destinations around the whole world to discover, especially if unique is what you are looking for. Once you see the above destinations, the sights and experiences will live on in your memory for a long time!
