9 Enchanting and Secret Vacation Spots to Travel

New York City, Walt Disney World, and Paris are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world getting millions of visitors every year. Does the thought of being surrounded by thousands of tourists in these classic destinations make you cringe?

Well, don’t worry. We’re not going to list any of those types of places on this list. We’ve got 9 secret vacation spots that will be free of crowds, leaving you to enjoy discovering a new place and relaxing during your vacation instead of fighting through screaming children at every turn.

1. Mayotte

When many people think “vacation”, they think of a tropical beach paradise. Most flock to the classic Hawai’i or Aruba, but if you want something not as well known but just as gorgeous, consider Mayotte.

Mayotte is technically under French control, but it isn’t the crowded tourist destination that France is. This gorgeous island is situated in the Indian Ocean surrounded by coral reefs and tropical lagoons.

You can do classic beach activities, walk through exotic nature reserves, and explore some of the largest enclosed lagoons on Earth. Getting to and staying on this remote little island doesn’t come cheap, but if you have the funds, it’s a great secret getaway.

2. Huacachina, Peru

Machu Picchu isn’t the only amazing destination in Peru. While most people flock there, consider checking out Huacachina instead.

This little village is an oasis in the middle of the desert. A little lake in the middle of the town provides water in an otherwise dry and barren area of Peru. While there aren’t a ton of activities for you to do here, it’s great for those who want to explore and interact with locals.

You can also go sandboarding, try local cuisine, ride in dune buggies, and more.

3. Tuvalu

Let’s give you another island paradise, shall we? This Polynesian island is smack dab in the middle of Hawai’i and Australia. It’s got the gorgeous tropical weather and environment of both those locations without a huge amount of tourists.

This is where you go if you want a classic beach vacation: with no one area of the island higher than 16 feet above sea level, you’re in for a lot of relaxing days on the beach enjoying the sun and sand.

Be sure to go in between storm seasons to avoid getting caught in dangerous weather.

4. Nagorno Karabakh

Travel isn’t all about lounging on the beach, though. If you’re more into learning about history, exploring new places, and understanding local culture, Nagorno Karabakh might be the best choice for you.

Don’t feel bad if you’ve never heard of this place: that’s why it made this “unknown locations” travel list! Nagorno Karabakh is in the same region as Armenia and Iran.

Museums, classic buildings, churches, war memorials, and more are scattered around this region. This gives you ample places to learn about local history and understand the culture.

It’s also quite mountainous and covered in forests, which make for great hikes if you’re into the outdoors.

5. Ibaraki, Japan

Tokyo is by far the most popular destination in Japan, but don’t underestimate other locations in this gorgeous country. One such location is Ibaraki.

This place is known for gorgeous natural sights. If you love the outdoors and nature, consider coming here for a secluded and awesome vacation. Hitachi Seaside Park is well known for the gorgeous fields of natural flowers that grow during all seasons.

You’ll also get gorgeous mountain views with Mt. Tsukuba. Whether you look from afar or decide to tackle one of the many hiking trails available to you, you won’t run out of things to do in this little city in Japan.

6. Marieta Islands, Mexico

This must truly be one of the most secret travel destinations in the world considering you need to apply for and get a permit in order to go there. Beautiful beaches and access to awesome marine wildlife like dolphins, sea turtles, and whales will make the process of getting there worth it.

You’re also guaranteed a quiet trip considering it’s so well-regulated to prevent hoards of people from visiting.

7. Ouezzane, Morocco

Morocco itself is a popular tourist country, especially for those living in Europe. However, Ouezzane goes relatively untouched by tourists. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting, though.

This city is filled with religious and traditional architecture, shrines, and culture making it perfect for those who love learning about local culture. Known as one of the top spiritual destinations in the country, you’re sure to learn about local religion and religious history when visiting Ouezzane.

You’ll also get to see street art and buildings and be able to see local merchants for a traditional memento to remember your trip and support the local economy.

8. Kyrgyzstan

This central Asian country is often overshadowed by neighboring China and Kazakhstan in terms of tourism, which is perfect for those looking to travel to hidden gems.

The landscape here is one of the most compelling features: wide open fields, verdure green valleys, huge lakes at the base of mountains, skiing, and more await you. You should also check out the city of Osh. It’s a town with museums, buildings, and markets built directly into the mountains.

9. Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are a British Territory located in the South Atlantic. The Falklands are one of the few places in the world you can see creatures like:

• Seals
• Albatross
• Penguins
• Whales

While the temperature might put some people off (usually is quite cold), the adventure and amount to explore are amazing. You can take wildlife tours, explore the open landscape via small planes or 4-wheelers, go hiking, fishing, and more.

The local history is also quite interesting with quite a few museums and war memorials to check out.

Secret Vacation Spots That Will Blow Your Mind

Break up the classic travel routine by jetting off to one of these 9 secret vacation spots. You’ll get all the adventure and relaxation you’ve been craving alongside a sense of wonder and fresh opportunities.

All of these destinations are abroad, which means you’re going to need an updated passport and potentially a travel visa. Check out this guide to get all of that straight before you jet off.