15 Places That Aren’t Tourist Traps – Yet

Last year, my cousin and a couple of her friends decided to go on a trip to Shimla together. Summers, as always, were very hot in Delhi and they were looking for an escape. Someone recommended Shimla and off they went hoping to get far from the crowds and noise in Delhi.

Boy, were they disappointed! Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations for tourists – both Indian and international. Naturally, summer is the most popular time of the year to visit it. Instead of getting away from crowds and noise, they found plenty of both in this otherwise charming hill station.

A lot of us have gone through this. We go to a particular vacation spot because it comes highly recommended by someone and we end up in a place full to the brim with tourists when all we wanted was to get away from it all. What we don’t realize is that chances are that if a place comes highly recommended by many different people, it is probably going to be crowded. Take a look at the:

15 offbeat holiday destinations that are not tourist trap- yet

Koh Rong, Cambodia

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, the island boasts of 43 kilometers of beaches. Ferries are the only transport that can get you to and from the island and most of the resorts are around the Koh Tuich village. Some resorts can be found near the other beaches as well. The vacation is very beach-focused and perfect for those who want some peace and quiet.

Jose Ignacio, Uruguay

For most of the year, Jose Ignacio is a sleepy little fishing village with a population of 300. But during the summer of the Southern Hemisphere (November to February) this is the preferred destination for celebrities such as Shakira. That might make this place sound busy, but if you’re looking for a quiet and low-profile retreat, the place has a secret beach club, a secluded island and even a yoga shack that only some know about.

Sofia, Bulgaria

While it is being tipped as the next ‘in’ tourist destination, right now this historic and lovely city is very much in the background when it comes to tourism. Compared to other capitals in Europe, Sofia is also fairly cheap. Perfect for those of you who want to get immersed in history without the distraction of fellow tourists.

Bangladesh

Rich in history and culture, Bangladesh has enough diversity to please your soul. Although the tourism industry isn’t very well developed in the country, there are enough historical and natural locations that you will find something of interest every day.

Myanmar

Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar is a Southeast Asian country where tourism has burgeoned off late. The name of the country means ‘fast’, a most appropriate handle when one considers the leaps and bounds by which the tourist industry has grown. However, the place is still relatively undiscovered and boating on isolated lakes whilst enjoying a beautiful sunset by yourself is still very much possible.

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Ambergris Caye has been home to Mayans, Buccaneers and whale hunters at different times in its past – something that gives the island a rich and diverse history. A diver’s paradise, the island is situated near the world’s second longest reef – the Belize Barrier Reef.

Apulia, Italy

Apulia is perfect for those who want a little bit of everything in their vacations, from a bit of history with visits to the Bari castle to a spiritual experience at the Santa Croce Basilica to a cultural experience at the Rignano Garganico archaeological museum. Throw in blue seas, red sands, gorgeous sunsets and friendly locals and the place is perfect for a relaxing vacation.

 

Roatan, Honduras

That Roatan is not very well-known among tourist circles can be ascertained by the fact that it was only discovered in 2005 by cruise liners. Although it is popular with divers and with those who like fishing, the fact that Honduras isn’t very safe keeps the throngs away.

Busan, South Korea

Seoul may be the most popular tourist destination when it comes to South Korea, but there is a reason Busan is called the ‘summer capital of Korea’. It has a large number of beaches in addition to a bird sanctuary, a famous fish market, and an art museum.

Zimbabwe and Zambia

You can go for a magnificent view of the Victoria Falls or you can go to admire the wildlife, especially the elephants, in the 14,600 square kilometers Hwange National Park. The popularity of the park hasn’t reached the same heights as some of the other national parks in Africa so you can be assured of being undisturbed there.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

The island is perfect for relaxing and lazing under the sun on sandy beaches that are snow-white in appearance, swimming in waters that put crystals to shame with their clarity and exploring thick, green jungles that will offer you plenty of nature. You can canoe and dive or visit the different farms that you’ll find here.

Manila, Philippines

The second largest city in the country of Philippines, Manila is famous for its food, which is both delicious and dirt cheap. In addition, there are plenty of museums, monasteries, old palaces and old churches to keep you occupied during your stay here.

Kep, Cambodia

At the beginning of the 20th century, Kep was where the French elite in South-East Asia went to relax. Well-known for its beautiful villas and great restaurants, Kep was left in ruins in the aftermath of several years of civil war. Today, it is recovering and becoming a tourist destination slowly but surely.

York, Great Britain

One of the oldest cities in Great Britain, York has everything a quintessential British town should have – tea houses, pubs, churches, coffee shops, historical buildings and much more. The 500-year-old York cathedral is one of the town’s main attractions.

Salinas Grandes, Argentina

A salt marsh that is 25000 square kilometers and turns into a giant mirror when it rains – it has to be one of the most unusual sights in the world. As an added bonus, the place is not considered very accessible so you won’t find many tourists here.

Do you know of other places that aren’t yet tourist hot spots? Have you been to one of the above places and would like to share your experience? Tell us in the comments below.