Some vacation destinations are ones everyone needs to visit – Hawaii, the Caribbean, cities throughout Europe. These popular places attract millions of tourists every year, and they even have busy seasons that pack hotels and airports with travelers from around the world.
While popular vacation destinations have major attractions and appeal, the reality is brushing shoulders with millions of tourists while trying to relax isn’t always the best experience. Why wait in long lines and pay high tourist prices simply because everyone wants to visit the same place?
To enjoy the vacation of a lifetime, visit a less popular, under-the-radar destination before it becomes mainstream. Travel to cities and countries that few people have discovered, and you’ll have a remarkable vacation.
Add one of these up-and-coming hotspots to your itinerary in 2018:
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an small autonomous island off the coast of Tanzania. Surrounded by beautiful blue ocean, Zanzibar is a tropical paradise few travelers have discovered. Best of all, you can explore the island for cheap. With low prices and no taxes, it’s a stunning yet affordable vacation destination.
Zanzibar is ideal for a quiet retreat. Since Zanzibar is situated just 10 miles off the coast of Africa, you can also visit the mainland, or Tanzania, as part of your trip. Go on a safari or enjoy a boat ride around the island, and you’ll enjoy experiences impossible to get anywhere else.
Recently, Zanzibar’s government began to promote tourism by licensing new resorts and opening historical sites to foreign travelers – meaning in the next few years, more and more tourists will start visiting this little-known island.
Phuket
Thailand is fast becoming a hot tourist destination. The nation already attracts about 30 million travelers per year – but almost everyone who visits Thailand goes to the usual destinations of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya. Skip these tourist mainstays and head to Phuket instead. A large tropical island in southern Thailand, few tourists visit Phuket due to its distance from Thailand’s capital city, and the travelers who do visit the island are spread out over 222 square miles.
Phuket is one of the cheapest destinations in Thailand. High-quality condos can be rented for about $150 per week, and delicious meals can be purchased for under $2. If you want a luxurious vacation experience that includes beautiful beaches, Phuket is among the best destinations in the world.
Siberia
Siberia may not sound like a relaxing place to vacation. This Russian destination is synonymous with gulags and freezing temperatures. However, that’s what makes Siberia one of the best under-the-radar destinations in the world for well-informed travelers. The last gulag was closed almost three decades ago, and Siberia is now one of the safest remote regions in the entire world.
Home to only a few residents, Siberia is an exceptional place to explore nature. In the summer, temperatures are mild and the wilderness is full of wildlife. Plan a visit to Siberia and make sure to book a group tour so you don’t miss out on some of the region’s best attractions.
Tunisia
Only Europeans in the know are aware that Tunisia is a hidden gem of the Middle East. Many people avoid Tunisia due to perceptions of political instability, but this small nation has never experienced any instability. Consequently, with few tourists visiting, resorts in Tunisia have few guests and inexpensive prices.
Vacationing in Tunisia is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy world-class Mediterranean resorts without large crowds. The best time to visit Tunisia is in the winter when temperatures are mild. You can explore the world’s largest desert, visit open air markets, and take in an entirely new culture.
Bohol
Bohol is a tropical island in the Philippines that offers a broad range of attractions and an unparalleled landscape. Bohol is known for what local residents call Chocolate Hills, which are unique mounds that dot the landscape of the island. You can get up close with nature on the island of Bohol, including diving in coral reefs, hikes in the jungle, and traditional fishing.
Another advantage of Bohol is that it is a high-income area with many residents from foreign nations. Despite the wealth of many residents, prices are among the lowest in the world on the island of Bohol. It’s safe, visually stunning, and truly one of a kind.
Luang Prabang
Laos is a developing nation with a growing tourism industry. Luang Prabang in northern Laos has been inhabited for over a millennium, but very few travelers make their way into the city limits. Since the ancient culture of Luang Prabang still prevails in most parts of the city, it is one of only a few places in the world still untouched by the modern world.
Luang Prabang has a welcoming local culture perfect for making new friends while traveling abroad. Additionally, prices are low in Laos, so you can save significantly on hotels, food, and transportation. Luang Prabang is a great travel destination if you want to experience a rich traditional culture in a place that allows you to disconnect from your everyday world.
Where Will You Plan Your 2018 Vacation?
Make your annual vacation truly unique this year by heading to one of these lesser-known destinations. Whether you’re a beach goer who loves spending time in the sun or a wildlife fan who loves to explore new terrain, these are only a few of the world’s best destination spots. Visit now, and you’ll get the rare chance to explore new cities and locales before tourism takes over.
