We made it through January. So it’s time for the next one. Let go of resolutions you can’t keep and develop the habit of traveling more.
Health and wellness experts have determined that taking multiple vacations a year is beneficial to your overall health. However, to actually decompress, you need to go somewhere with breathing space. Paris, Rome and Tokyo are crowded, especially during high season.
To help you plan a trip away from the world, we asked industry experts for their favorite lesser-known destinations. We also considered group travel, emphasizing opportunities to observe wildlife, sample local cuisine, relax by the water, and connect with nature.
Bracciano, Italy
Italy remains one of the most desirable destinations for Americans, meaning popular spots (Rome, Amalfi Coast, Lake Como) remain crowded and expensive. Step into Lake Bracciano, a scenic destination that has fallen off the radar of Americans since Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes married there in 2006. “There’s a really rich medieval and Renaissance history, and no one goes there,” says the Rome-based cookbook author and tour guide. Katie Parra Said. You can easily reach and transfer from Rome to Bracciano in about an hour.
Do not miss it: Another often overlooked gem, Viterbo is approximately 48 kilometers north of Bracciano and less than two hours by direct train from Rome. “It’s just a vast, beautiful, haunted, magical medieval city,” Parla said.
Sunny day on Lake Bracciano near Rome.
FukuiJapan
if recent months If there are any indications, Japanese tourism could surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2024. To escape urban sprawl and see one of the country’s most spiritual places, go to Fukui.Naomi Mano, president and CEO of a Tokyo-based travel agency luxuriousthis city is known for its temples, hot springs, art, and food (especially Echizen crab).Towards the opening of the new Shinkansen MarchTravelers can reach Fukui from Tokyo in about three hours.
Do not miss it: Mano sends a visitor Eiheiji Temple, one of the most important places for Zen Buddhists. “This is a temple where all Zen monks go to train to become high priests,” she said.
Eiheiji is an important training ground for Zen monks.
Asheville, North Carolina
asheville We achieved the difficult balance of remaining realistic while catering to sophisticated tastes. The western North Carolina restaurant is a regular at the James Beard Awards.Two of the company’s breweries won last year’s award world beer cup.An independent hotel in a reused building Dear Zelda, radical And that flat iron, opens with a steady clip. But when you want to get back to Asheville’s roots, take a walk through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Darmi, Albania
Over the past few years, Albania has been quietly gaining traction as Europe’s next big beach destination. Crystal clear waters, rugged coastlines, and affordable accommodation all attract tourists. And unlike its Balkan neighbors, it remains “unspoiled,” he said. Emma is an anonymous Albanian travel journalist who runs an award-winning magazine and Instagram account. Ema light. Rent a car and head to the Albanian Riviera. It is home to small towns with perfect beaches, such as Dalmi.
Do not miss it: The capital, Tirana, is a must-see, worth at least two to three days of your trip to enjoy the restaurants and history, says Emma.
Darmi Beach in Darmi, Albania.
Popayan, Colombia
This UNESCO city of gastronomy There are plenty of restaurants, outdoor markets and stalls. His two prides in traditional cuisine are empanadas stuffed with pipian (potato, peanut, and spice puree); Desamalgado Valluno, A dessert made from candied fruit peels. The capital of Cauca state is also known as “La Ciudad Blanca” due to its pure white buildings.
Do not miss it: Daniel Buitron Jaramillo, Founder Colombia Eco Travel,It is recommended maura castilea small cafe in the historic center where you can enjoy classic empanaditas and champu, a drink made with pineapple, corn and tart lulo fruit.
View of the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Popayan, Colombia in the morning.
orkney islands, scotland
of orkney islands At least there are more uninhabited areas than inhabited by humans. Of these 70 islands off the north coast of Scotland, fewer than 24 of her islands are developed. Gray seals outnumber humans by hundreds of times, and flocks of puffins, murres and seaweed-eating sheep dot the rocky coastline. papa westleyOne of the smaller islands in the Orkney archipelago, North Ronaldsea is home to 60 ruins and is illuminated at night. dark sky island.
Do not miss it: of Heart of the Neolithic Orkney IslandsThe collection of ancient ruins that are part of Scotland’s UNESCO Trail include settlements with stone furniture and the Stone of Stenness, an upright monumental henge approximately 20 feet high.
Standing Stones of Stenness, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Neolithic Orkney.
Holbox Island, Mexico
Holbox is a cure for what ails Mexico’s resort-heavy Yucatan Peninsula. The 42km long island north of Cancun has no traffic jams due to a ban on cars and height restrictions on skyscrapers. The primary means of transportation is bicycles or golf carts on dirt roads. To cross from the mainland, it takes 25 minutes by ferry (or private his jet) from Chiquila. Holbox means “black box” in the Mayan language. Yum Balam make a reservation. One of his biggest repeat visitors is the whale shark.
Do not miss it: On moonless nights, head to Punta Cocos Beach to swim or paddle alongside bioluminescent plankton that illuminate the water like hundreds of fairy lights.
Cars are prohibited on Mexico’s Isla Holbox.
SChisto village,Portugal
Tucked away on a mountainside, through scenic valleys and meandering rivers, the Villages of Sisto (Ardeias do Sisto in Portuguese) is made up of 27 quaint towns. This village, which dates back to the 12th century and is named after the stone used in its construction, is particularly popular. hiker, biker, nature lover. From luxury accommodations like , you’ll find accommodation to suit every budget. casas do colo in Marialva Cerdeira House of Creativitya collection of nine restored schist houses.
Do not miss it: Journalist and food expert living in Lisbon miguel andrade To tell Tarasnar It is a highlight of the lush Lousa Mountains region. One of his favorite Portuguese dishes, chanfana, is a goat stew traditionally cooked over an open fire in a clay pot with red wine.
View of a medieval mountain village in the Piodan schist in Portugal.
Tairawhiti Gisborne, New Zealand
destination: Gisborne, the largest town on the North Island Tairafiti Gisborne This area is touted as the first spot in the world to see the sunrise. No wonder so many surfers wake up early to catch the best waves in the country. The East Coast area has a strong Maori culture. Tairāwhiti Museum houses a vast collection of indigenous art, including stonework, textiles and painted panels. The 4.5-mile Tupapa Heritage Trail is paved with history, landmarks and legends brought to life by Māori storytellers. Tupapa App.
Do not miss it: Start your day atop Maunga Hikurangi, the sacred mountain of the Ngati Porou people. His nine wood carvings of Maui and its whānau (families) bear witness to the sunrise.
Wooden carvings of Maui and his family stand on the sacred mountain Maunga Hikurangi in Gisborne, New Zealand.
Fredericksburg, Texas
swimming hole. A wide and open space. Funky town and fast-growing wineries. A road trip through the Texas hills.Consider Fredericksburg with its German-Texas heritage (Beer garden and plenty of Bavarian cuisine) says an Austin-based travel journalist. Pam LeBlanc. This town is known for its peaches and peaches. National Museum of the Pacific War, as well as a number of family-run boutiques and restaurants.chic Albert Hotel will open this year. Or you can camp at Pedernales State Park, where Leblanc loves to swim in the cypress-filled river.
Do not miss it: The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is 27 miles north of Fredericksburg and “where you can hike and rock climb to the top of a giant pink granite dome,” LeBlanc said in an email. Stated.
The pink dome of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area attracts hikers and climbers.
Belize, Toledo area
For a taste of the Caribbean far from the crowds, head to Belize’s southernmost district. ‘There’s a lot to do,’ says Belize birding guide Loni Martinez From exploring waterfalls, caves and large rainforest preserves to learning about the mix of peoples who call Toledo home, including the Maya and East Indian communities, he said.
Do not miss it: Most of Toledo’s coast is rocky, so Martinez recommends taking boat tours to nearby islands such as Port Honduras Marine Reserve in search of “picture-perfect” white sand beaches. I recommend it.
A waterfall in Rio Branco National Park in the Toledo area of Belize.
sumba island, indonesia
Bali may be the best known of Indonesia’s tens of thousands of islands, but it’s not the only one worth visiting. Sumba, home to new hotels and herds of wild horses galloping across golden beaches, is highly recommended by Catherine Heald, CEO of an Asia-focused luxury travel company. remote place. Beyond Sumba’s lush rolling hills and surfable turquoise waters, the island boasts beautiful thatched architecture.
Do not miss it: Consider the following side quests Komodo National Park, home to more than 5,700 famous dragons and world-class scuba diving. You can reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site by plane or boat.
Aerial view of Wainyapu village on Sumba Island, Indonesia.