10 Beautiful Off-the-Beaten Path Destinations for Couples, Families, and More

To travel is to embark on a grand adventure that can soothe your mind, body, and soul. Solo travel is a chance to reset, while vacations with loved ones mean that you get to share all the fun with precious people.

A big part of creating memorable travel experiences comes down to choosing the right places to visit. So, for those of you eagerly lining up leave days and clearing your calendars for the next big trip, take a look at these amazing off-the-beaten path destinations.

Off-the-beaten path holiday destinations you’ll love!

1. Gold Coast, Australia

Plenty of folks think of visiting Sydney or Melbourne whenever they find themselves in Australia. But for an off-the-beaten path destination that’s truly a vacationer’s paradise, look no further than the Gold Coast! There’s definitely no shortage of beautiful beaches in this part of Queensland, but for the highlights, check out Surfer’s Paradise Beach, Currumbin Beach, and Broad Beach.

White sands aside, Gold Coast is also known as Australia’s theme park capital! You’ll discover tons of exciting attractions to explore like Dreamworld, which is filled with adrenaline-pumping rides, and Sea World, which offers cruises for whale watching. There’s also the WhiteWater World, which features some of the most advanced water park rides in all of Australia.

After having your fill of theme parks, you can also get close and cuddly with koalas and kangaroos at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Also, don’t miss a chance to enjoy an amazing bird’s-eye view of the entire district from the Skypoint Observation Deck!

TRAVEL TO GOLD COAST

2. Tasmania, Australia

One of the more mysterious destinations in Australia, Tasmania is a wildly beautiful place, covered in natural parks and alpine lakes. Fun fact: it is also the smallest state in Australia! Located 300km away from the mainland, this island makes for a great off-the-beaten path destination.

Stop by the capital, Hobart, for a touch of culture at the MONA: Museum of Old and New Art. Besides that, you can also explore the historic sandstone warehouses of Salamanca Place, which is now a hub of cafes, restaurants, and antique stores.

South of the city, you can find the Port Arthur Historic Site. This collection of guard towers, a church, and a model prison offer insight into Tasmania’s past as a prison colony. If you’re in the mood for a hike, visit Freycinet National Park. This World Heritage-listed destination is one of Australia’s oldest nature reserves, and home to the stunning Wineglass Bay.

TRAVEL TO TASMANIA

3. Okinawa, Japan

Like many places in Japan, Okinawa Prefecture is steeped in history and is a perfect off-the-beaten path vacation. A popular summer vacation spot due to its subtropical climate, there is no shortage of gorgeous beaches in Okinawa.

Some popular choices include Kabira Bay with its crystal-clear waters and multitudes of coral, and the rustic Mibaru Beach that’s dotted with thought-provoking rock formations.

Okinawan culture differs slightly from the rest of Japan, due it once being the Ryukyu Kingdom before becoming a Japanese prefecture in 1879. A visit to Shuri Castle is the perfect cultural odyssey into the Ryukyu Kingdom, as it used to serve as the royal palace and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On top of that, don’t forget to visit Churaumi Aquarium on Okinawa Main Island. This is the largest aquarium in all of Japan, and is famous for one attraction in particular, the Kuroshio Sea. This fish tank is large enough for whale sharks to swim freely in, and holds roughly eight million litres of water. 

Lastly, allow yourself a visit to the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, which commemorates lives lost during the bloody Battle of Okinawa during World War 2.

TRAVEL TO OKINAWA

4. Jeju Island, South Korea

If you’re travelling to South Korea and looking for something a little different from the urban beauty of Seoul, Jeju Island makes for a perfect off-the-beaten path vacation! In fact, this gem of a location is stunning, you’ll probably need more than one trip to take it all in.

Looking for some Insta-worthy photo ops? Drop by Jeongbang Waterfall, one of Jeju’s most iconic waterfalls and the only waterfall in Korea that spills directly into the sea. You can also journey to Yongmeori Coast for a fantastic place to watch the sunset, and admire the stunning cliffs that line the coast.

Matcha lovers, listen up! You definitely need to check out Jeju’s Ossuloc Tea Museum. Here, you’ll find a teacup gallery, roasting space, and a stone house where you can take part in tea-tasting sessions. Lastly, if you’re looking for a little bit of the adrenaline rush, check out the Shinhwa World Theme Park, or try go-karting at the Wind 1947 Cart Riding, which features one of the longest circuit tracks in South Korea.

TRAVEL TO JEJU ISLAND

5. Hong Kong

Hong Kong may not immediately come across as an off-the-beaten path destination. However, there are plenty of people that remain unaware of the exciting experiences here.

Hitch a ride on the iconic Star Ferry, a ride that takes people between Kowloon and Hong Kong island. This humble cruise will guarantee you some of the best views of the city’s iconic skyline.

For those of you looking to shop until you drop, the Stanley Market hosts an assortment of vendors selling gifts, clothes, and antiques. Not far away, Murray House stands as a restored colonial building with restaurants on the first floor. Once the sun goes down, you can also visit the Temple Street Night Market.

Another great attraction to check out at night is the Tai Po Waterfront Park. One of Hong Kong’s largest parks, there are plenty of gardens to explore and an amphitheatre that seats 600 people. There’s also a lookout tower that comes complete with telescopes, so you can peer at the surrounding high-rises.

TRAVEL TO HONG KONG!

6. The Maldives

Looking for the ultimate tropical vacation? Say no more; just make your way to the Maldives! This island paradise is one of the best destinations in the world to simply relax and unwind.

The Maldives boasts dozens of luxurious resorts and spas, in addition to various exciting activities under the sun. You can go swimming with whale sharks at the South Ari Atoll, and witness the glowing blue bioluminescent waters at Vaadhoo Island. 

Moreover, the Maldives is one of the best destinations in the world for scuba diving. You can also explore the capital, Male, for a glimpse at the urban culture of the Maldives that so many tourists tend to bypass in favour of the islands.

TRAVEL TO THE MALDIVES!

7. Switzerland

Switzerland is basically a treasure trove of off-the-beaten path destinations that range from snow-capped mountains to winding train rides through the Alps. Visit Switzerland in the winter and you’ll be able to experience some of the best skiing in the entire world. You can also visit the Swiss National Park and marvel at the beauty of the surrounding lakes, alongside lush valleys.

Famous for its train network, you’ll want to try out Switzerland’s Glacier Express. This is an eight-hour train ride that takes you through the heart of the Swiss Alps. As an alternative, you can also ride on the Bernina Express.

Don’t forget to visit Zurich for some fantastic shopping experiences and opportunities to sample Swiss chocolates. Other cities that should make your Switzerland bucket list include Bern, Lucerne, and Geneva.

TRAVEL TO SWITZERLAND!

8. Tromso, Norway

To visit the city of Tromso is to set yourself up for an unforgettable off-the-beaten path vacation! There are plenty of fun things to do on this icy island, but just make sure you bundle up before getting started.

A truly surreal attraction that awaits in Tromso is watching the Northern Lights. Standing in the chill air, watching the skies above you ripple with purple and green, is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Another amazing activity you can do in Tromso is going on a reindeer sledding tour. That’s right folks, all your Santa Claus dreams can come right to life (minus the presents, of course). But before you get out on the snow, consider visiting Tromso’s Arctic Cathedral.

This iconic landmark holds concerts all year round, but you definitely want to catch one of the Midnight Sun concerts, which are held during summer months.

TRAVEL TO NORWAY!

9. South Shetland Islands

The South Shetland Islands are located at the tip of the Antarctic peninsula, and make for a truly off-the-beaten path destination. A trip to this remote corner of the planet will have you gazing upon breathtaking views of ice sheets, icebergs, and glaciers.

Seeing these massive chunks of blue and white ice drifting across the ocean is a sight you’ll always remember. On top of that, the South Shetland Islands are a great place to see flocks of penguins milling about in the thousands. You even be able to spot some of them “dancing” or skating amidst the ice.

TRAVEL TO SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS!

10. Reykjavik, Iceland

As the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik brings with it endless possibilities for adventure, culture, and history. This is one off-the-beaten path destination that you have to visit at least once in your lifetime.

Your first stop in the city should definitely be Hallgrimskirkja Church, a unique building constructed with an expressionist style. It might remind you of an ancient pipe organ, and contains a viewing platform that provides an amazing panoramic view of Reykjavik.

Besides that, you can take a stroll along the waterfront and check out the incredible Harpa Concert Hall & Conference Centre. This massive glass building is an architectural masterpiece, and changes colour depending on the light of day. 

Also, remember to explore the city and try out some Icelandic cuisine while you’re out and about. The tame options are seafood and lamb, but there’s also sheep’s head, and fermented shark! 

No trip to Iceland is ever complete without taking a dip in one of its famous geothermal pools! One of the best places to experience that around Reykjavik is the Blue Lagoon, which is about 45 minutes away from the city centre.

TRAVEL TO ICELAND!

We live on a big blue planet that holds plenty of off-the-beaten path destinations for your next vacation. Whether you’re travelling alone or with company, there’s no such thing as a bad time for a brand new adventure. Get ready to wander off the beaten path, and make some unforgettable memories.

Brought to you by Sedunia Travel