Table of Contents
We all know that travelling is the best thing, like ever, but choosing where to go can sometimes be as tricky as trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube whilst blindfolded. Fortunately, I’ve spent the best part of my day listing out a range of lesser-known holiday destinations, so all you’re gonna have to do is head over to Travel House UK and get your flights booked!
1. Meteora, Greece
Everyone’s heard of Santorini, but fewer will have heard of Meteora. Don’t fret it though, that’s why I’m here (oh, and make sure you bookmark this page because my top tips will keep coming!). Meteora sounds like meteorite, which is fitting because this locale is home to some breathtakingly towering rock formations with monasteries handily sitting on top like a cherry on a cake. We’ve all heard of those lucky few with movie-star good looks, but whatever the equivalent of that is for a location, this place would surely have it! Speaking of which, this extraordinary location was featured in some scenes in the classic James Bond movie, For Your Eyes Only, and has even served as inspiration for shows like Game of Thrones! Thankfully, you won’t have to worry about being chased down by fire-breathing dragons; instead you can indulge in some peaceful hiking trails, explore the aforementioned monasteries, and be prepared to be amazed by the views. Plus, it’s much quieter than the usual Greek hotspots that people will frequent during the summer.
Oh, and the best part? Flights from London to Athens start from only £173.07 on Travel House UK, so be sure to get booked in before the tickets are gone!
2. Isla Holbox, Mexico
This tiny island off the coast of Mexico is the perfect escape if you’re after crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and chilled vibes. And for all you technophobes and environmentally conscious people out there, you might be pleased to hear that cars are banned here. It’ll only be bikes and the odd golf cart you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for, so taking a leisurely stroll through town with your headphones on full blast and spotting flamingos will definitely be on the cards. You may even want to go swimming with whale sharks during the summer (although admittedly, I’m probably not going to be swimming with sharks). For someone like me who is itching to break free from technology, if only for a short while, this is a great place to be!
3. Gimmelwald, Switzerland
If you’re a fan of the Alps but want to avoid the tourist crowds, Gimmelwald is the place to be. A quiet village in the Swiss mountains, it’s perfect for hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying the stunning views. The small, traditional Swiss village offers a real sense of peace and isolation.
And the best part? You can book a flight from London to Zurich from just £75.98! That costs less than it did for me to fix my leaking tap just last week!
4. Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands are a dream come true for nature lovers. Located far above the Arctic Circle, this remote group of islands features dramatic mountains, pristine beaches, and charming fishing villages. This goes without saying, but you’ll almost certainly want to feast your eyes on the Northern Lights during the winter, or the midnight sun in summer, depending on when it is you decide to visit.
5. Colchagua Valley, Chile
Most people think of Patagonia when they picture Chile, but Colchagua Valley is an underrated destination, especially if you love wine! The region is known for its vineyards and stunning landscapes, so you can tour the wineries, and sample some of the best wines in South America all the whilst enjoying the luscious Chilean scenery.
6. Aysén Region, Chile
Chile is such a marvellously rich region that I couldn’t help but list it twice! In the southern part of the country, you’ll find the less famous (but no less exciting) Aysén region. This spectacular part of the world is host to an array of different biomes, such as rugged wilderness and glaciers, with the odd lake or two dotted around, for good measure. And for all you introverts out there, you’ll revel in the fact that this is not a place you’ll typically find a lot of tourists (this is a hidden gem list, after all!). This means that not only will you get all the thrill-seeking benefits of exploring all the twists and turns this magical place entails, but you’ll also enjoy some much-needed quiet time (making this a great destination when you want to alleviate burn out, because I know you’ve been working hard!)
Flights from London to Santiago in Chile, start at just £710.09 – and trust me, it’s totally worth the price. With all the incredible things you’ll see and do, Chile earns its ticket fee.
7. Bhutan
This small kingdom nestled in the Himalayas is unlike anywhere else. Bhutan is all about preserving its culture and natural beauty. The country has a strict tourism policy, so it’s not overrun with visitors. Spend time in the capital, Thimphu, or visit the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on a cliffside.
8. Tbilisi, Georgia
While the country of Georgia is slowly becoming more popular, Tbilisi remains a bit under the radar, though I think that might start to change when more people start taking note of this list! Wander through cobblestone streets, enjoy the hot springs, and explore the surrounding wine regions. It’s rich in history and culture but doesn’t have the crowds of more famous European cities, making it perfect for a quick, low-key adventure.
Did I mention that flights from London to Tbilisi start from only £244.26? That’s about the same as I spend on groceries in a month, but far more exciting!
9. Banaue, Philippines
The Banaue Rice Terraces are often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” but they’re not as wellknown as they should be, so they’re a perfect addition to this list of lesser-known travel gems. Just by virtue of it being on the list of world wonders guarantees you’re going to be in for a real treat; These ancient terraces, etched into the mountains have been dated back over 2,000 years, making them even older than Jesus himself! Additionally, there’s ample opportunity in the surrounding parts for some long walks, and of course, some much-needed Instagram snaps (you really didn’t think I’d make it to the end of this post without mentioning Instagram at least once, did you?)
You can book yourself a flight to Manila from £611.09!
10. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia is an easy-to-miss country in Europe, but once you visit Lake Bled, it’s going to become an impossible-to-forget country. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and in the middle sits a tiny island with a picturesque church. You can row a boat to the island, visit Bled Castle for panoramic views (or to pretend you’re a king or queen for a day), or simply relax by the lake’s shore.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.