Choosing the less-traveled path may be immensely rewarding. Yet so many of us prefer to return to the same tried-and-true vacation destinations. We consider that to be a genuine disgrace. There is so much that those who only ever travel to the “standard” locations are missing. 

We are not implying that nations like France or Italy are not worthwhile travel destinations; they very certainly are. Beautiful city, Paris. The Provence villages are charming. Tuscany has stunning vineyards. The Colosseum is also really spectacular.  But because the world is a vast and diverse place, there are a tonne of amazing off-the-beaten-path vacation spots to explore.

Here are our top picks for the most unique places you simply must see next:

Northern Cyprus

Cyprus is a Mediterranean island with plenty of sunshine, so it naturally attracts many visitors on our Egypt tour packages. However, only a small portion of those who visit the country go into the Turkish Cypriot North, which is located beyond the UN-controlled buffer zone that divides the nation in two. Join our Highlights of Northern Cyprus trip, which will be offered again in 2023, and you’ll be among the brave few who can marvel at Ottoman architecture and towering minarets in Nicosia, the continent’s final divided capital, unwind on serene beaches on the Karpaz peninsula, free of resorts, and stay in a traditional rural village where residents are collaborating to preserve their culture and heritage.

Genoa, Italy

Explore the architectural marvels, meander around the Piazza Banchi, or negotiate the tight caruggi (a maze of lanes). The 42 magnificent Renaissance and Baroque palaces that line Via Garibaldi (New Streets) are breathtaking. Visit the Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Rosso to view Rubens, Caravaggio, Van Dyck, and Gros’ creations.

Kenya, Africa

Kenya is well recognised for its opulent safari hotels and well-known safari experiences. But there is so much more to discover in this amazing nation of East Africa. Both aesthetically and culturally, it is an immensely varied location on our South Africa tour packages. Kenya features a wide variety of stunning natural scenery that will take your breath away, including the coral-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean, volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, and steep highlands.

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, is set against the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. The Red City, Morocco’s cultural center, is bustling, boisterous, and rich with history – and is famous for Gnaoua trance music, steamy hammams, and multi-course feasts. Visit the Saadian Tombs, the Majorelle Garden and Museum of Islamic Art, El Badi Palace, and the Bahia Palace (where the Grand Vizier once lived with his four wives and 24 concubines), as well as the colorful Jemaa el Fna plaza, which is lined with cafés and restaurants. The Koutoubia Mosque is the heart of the city.

We propose going outside the conventional tourist attractions the next time you arrange a trip overseas. Any of these locations would be a good place to start. Don’t allow your fear of the unknown keep you from enjoying the riches of the world.