While the likes of New York, Rome, Melbourne and Phuket will always have a place in our hearts, when it comes to the much-pondered question of where to travel to next we’re making the case for going off-beat.
From increasingly dynamic cities that are just putting their mark on the travel landscape to long forgotten about locations that really should be celebrated, as well as cutting-edge capitals and out-of-the-way backwaters, there’s something on this list to satisfy all appetites, budgets and inclinations.
Akaroa, New Zealand
All-too-often overlooked by travellers touring the South Island, the township of Akaroa should be on every visitor’s itinerary.
Taking the time to wander around the pretty French colonial town with its charming heritage buildings and slow pace of life is a must, as is a tour of the impressive harbour. From there, you can hop on a boat, head out to sea and spot endangered Hector’s dolphins, white-flippered penguins and New Zealand fur seals.
Exploring the glorious hills, bays and bushland of Bank’s Peninsula further also comes highly recommended – learn more about the history of this extinct volcanic area at Akaroa Museum.
From sampling award-winning, artisan cheeses at the famous Barry’s Bay Cheese shop to tucking into fish and chips on the harbour promenade, you’ll eat well in Akaroa.
Where to stay: Boutique bed and breakfast French Bay House offers a winning combination of vintage decor, tranquil gardens and modern conveniences.
frenchbayhouse.co.nz.
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Seriously sophisticated, with a bustling cosmopolitan feel, Kazakhstan’s largest city offers up a mix of leafy green parks, excellent museums (particularly the Kazakhstan Museum of the Arts), modern malls, great restaurants and a thriving coffee scene, all set against a snow-capped mountain silhouette.
For a literal taste of the country’s cultural melting pot background, head for the chaotic Green Bazaar where traders from all over Central Asia hawk their wares from stalls piled high with fresh produce.
Alternatively, take your pick from a Turkish bath, Finish sauna, Russian banya or rigorous massage at Arasan Banya, the city’s public baths, or enjoy a swanky night out at the beautiful Abay Opera House.
The ritzy ski resort of Shymbulak is just 30-minutes’ drive from the city meaning hitting the slopes is a must for enthusiasts.
Where to stay: As you’d expect, it’s luxury all the way at The Ritz-Carlton, Almatay – the rooms are spacious, the spa is excellent and the views of the Alatau mountains impressive.
ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/kazakhstan/almaty.
Djibouti City, Djibouti
We’re calling it: Djibouti City should be on every seasoned globetrotter’s watch list. The once sleepy spot is now a busy port town with a kaleidoscope of cultural influences and masses going on.
Spend your days there wandering around the absorbing, somewhat dilapidated European Quarter and exploring the chaotic, criss-cross alleys of the African Quarter, with its enthusiastic street vendors. As night falls, make for the vibrant corniche area, bag an al fresco table at one of the waterside restaurants and soak up the myriad sights, smells and sounds the city has to offer.
Away from the metropolis, otherworldly vistas, vast salt plains, gorgeous beaches and the opportunity for adventures aplenty await. Take your pick from trekking up the dormant Ardoukoba volcano, snorkelling in the frequented-by-whale-sharks Bay of Ghoubbet or standing in awe of the extraordinary Lac Abbe on the Ethiopia-Djibouti border.
Where to stay: If five-star luxury is non-negotiable, book a room at the Djibouti Palace Kempinski. For a more culturally immersive (and less expensive) option try the family-run Hotel Menelik.
hkempinski.com/en/djibouti/djibouti-palace. menelikhotel.com.
El Mirador, Guatemala
Off the beaten track and then some, the secluded, jungle-shrouded archaeological ruins of El Mirador – one of the largest and oldest cities in the Mayan world – is only accessible by foot, horse or helicopter, making it about as far from a package holiday destination as they come.
Those lucky enough to experience the mysterious ancient site first hand must first embark on a sometimes arduous five-day, 40 kilometre-plus trek through dense, ecologically diverse rainforest teaming with tropical forest animals (toucans, puma, jaguar and howler monkeys included). As soon as the Danta Pyramid, arguably the most majestic pyramid of the ancient world, comes into view all that hard work will be forgotten about though and the 360-degree jungle views from the peak are extraordinary, to say the least.
Where to stay: Organised expeditions are the only sensible option here and you will of course be camping all the way. While the tours might be pricey, the trip is more than worth it for the adventurous of spirit.
Flatey Island, Iceland
Remote Flatey Island can only be reached by ferry and that ferry only runs regularly in the summer months. Don’t let that put you off though. The stresses and strains of modern life slip away here and a sense of blissful serenity prevails (the lack of cars and internet connection certainly helps).
In terms of things to do, it’s very much a case of make your own fun on Flatey. The bird spotting is excellent and there’s a small beach, as well as backwater bays dotted with the occasional shipwreck to investigate. While there aren’t any shops (!), you will find the oldest library in Iceland here.
Where to stay: The island’s only hotel, Hotel Flatley, is a dream of a spot. The rooms have been beautifully restored, the coastal vistas are remarkable and the in-house restaurant is superb (many Icelanders travel from the mainland to eat here).
hotelflatey.is.
Hue, Vietnam
While not as well-known as hectic Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, the coastal town of Hue more than holds its own as one of Vietnam’s most alluring destinations.
Rightly renewed for its magnificent architecture, the small Imperial city has an appealing old-world air to it. Cultural must-dos include exploring the famous Purple Forbidden City, taking a dragon boat tour along the Perfume River and visiting the Tu Duc Royal Tombs.
At the Dong Ba market, the oldest market in Hue, fresh fruit stalls sit cheek by jowl with seafood, meat, clothing and utensils stands and the overall effect is a brilliant cacophony of colours, sounds, sights and smells. After all that hustle and bustle it’s time to hit the beach, and boy does Hue have some fabulously deserted stunners.
Where to stay: Built on the banks of the Perfume River, the majestic-looking Azerai La Residence was recently named one of Asia’s Top 30 Hotels by Conde Naste Traveller readers.
azerai.com.
Irkutsk, Russia
Far more than just a stop off on the Trans-Siberian railway, Irkutsk, with its old town streets lined with 19th-century wooden houses, impressive Russian Orthodox churches and many museums and art galleries is a fascinating, culturally-rich destination in its own right.
The food is good too. Choices galore await on the lengthy Karl Marx Street, but it’s the pelmeni (Siberian-Russian dumplings) at Real Zames that come recommended time and time again.
When in Irkutsk it would be remiss not to visit the nearby natural wonder that is Lake Baikal, the oldest, deepest and most transparent lake in the world. While you’re there, do set aside time to exploring the lovely fishing village of Listvyanka.
Where to stay: One of the classist hotels in the city, the History Boutique Hotel is a great place to kick back after a busy day of sightseeing.
history38.ru.
Kampot, Cambodia
Such is the captivating nature of Cambodia’s former main port that many visitors end up staying here for far longer than intended, and some never leave.
There’s more than a trace of the sleepy south-east Asian vibe of 40-years ago about Kampot. And yet while the pace of life is slow, the riverside city with its tangle of streets, faded peach and yellow French-colonial villas, hip, arty vibe and ever-growing café culture is chock-full of things to do.
Mangroves, mountains, lush jungle and limestone caves dot the nearby landscape, while nature lovers who venture further afield will be duly rewarded at the beautiful Reem National Park around two hours’ drive away.
The city is of course famed for its eponymously named peppers and the country’s most revered spice lends its floral, herby heat to all manner of dishes. Take a tour of a pepper plantation and a cooking class to learn more. Should you feel the beach calling, the coastal resort of Kep is just a tuk-tuk ride away.
Where to stay: For something a little but different, the cute individual waterside bamboo bungalows at the Bamboo Bungalow are a great (inexpensive) shout.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Where to begin with Raleigh? Whether you’re looking for art, live music, amazing food, one-of-a-kind shopping or beautiful beaches, you’ll find it all in close proximity to the North Carolina capital.
Among a wealth of excellent galleries and museums, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences stands out, as does the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA). Raleigh boasts a wide range of very good restaurants, from Japanese to Thai and everything else in between (consider a meal at Laotian spot Bida Manda a non-negotiable). This is the land of barbecue though, so you’ll be wanting to immerse yourself in all things low and slow, smoked and saucy. Head for the Ole Time Barbecue for an authentic, old-school ‘cue experience or go slightly more upscale with a meal at The Pit. The Fiction Kitchen meanwhile offers vegans riffs on Southern favourites – think braised beets and fried mock chicken and waffles. For a laid-back beach day getaway, the scenic and uncrowded Topsail Beach on Topsail Island is less than two and a half hours drive.
Where to stay: The eight-room Guest House is a contemporary yet homely downtown inn with light and airy bedrooms, a communal breakfast nook and a delightful shaded backyard with city skyline views.
guesthouseraleigh.com.
San Sebastian, Spain
This picturesque port on the Bay of Biscay is quite simply a foodie’s dream. Whether you’re munching sensational pinxtos in one of the many bars lining the alleys of the Old Town or lunching in Michelin-star restaurants (there are several), eating badly is simply not an option in San Sebastian.
For a real treat, a meal at the Mugaritz is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will bring you multiple courses (we’re talking 20 plus) of exquisite, oft beguiling fare. For something more accessible but certainly no less enjoyable, head to La Brexta, a traditional food market where you can sample some of the finest produce the Basque Country has to offer – from gorgeous olives and olive oils to the freshest fish, fabulous cheeses, cured meats and much, much more.
Where to stay: Uber fashionable, achingly stylish and yet relatively reasonably priced; you won’t want to leave guesthouse Ibaia Et Arramak.
ibaiaetarramak.com.
Shimla, India
Nestled deep into a vast cedar forest, the city of Shimla sits at the foothills of the Himalayas, gifting visitors spectacular views and the sort of fresh mountain air that city-dwellers dream of.
A combination of colonial architecture, beautifully maintained English-style gardens, meandering lanes and relaxed energy mean it’s ever so easy to fall in love with the Shimla.
The Mall, a busy, pedestrianised promenade is where locals and tourists alike hang out, particularly come evening. Here you’ll find row upon row of shops, as well as cafes, coffees shops, bakeries and more.
For a dose of culture, take in a play at the historic Gaiety Theatre or visit the impressive Christ Church, North India’s second oldest church. No trip here would be complete without a journey on the famous Toy Train, which dutifully chugs its way along the scenic narrow track from Shimla to Kalka.
Where to stay: The centuries-old Ballyhack Cottage offers old-school charm in abundance, as well as lovely terraced lawns, simple, home-cooked food and a fantastic central location.
ballyhackcottage.com.
Strahan, Australia
Lush green wilderness, clean air, abundant wildlife and good living; it’s fair to say Tasmania is a rural dream.
The historic harbour town of Strahan on the vast west coast of the island is the embodiment of that ideal: quaint and welcoming with a delightful port, rugged mountains, superb restaurants and plenty of opportunities for off-the-grid adventures.
Take a boat cruise out along the aptly named Hells Gates into the mouth of Macquarie Harbour and you’ll arrive at the awe-inspiring World Heritage-listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park (look out for the Orange Bellied Parrot, one of the rarest birds on earth). Alternatively, opt to investigate the surrounding ancient dark forests on foot or take it all in from the air by seaplane. A steam train journey along the reconstructed West Coast Wilderness Railway meanwhile offers a romantic step back in time and staggering vistas to boot.
Where to stay: A cliff edge location, contemporary design, creature comforts and floor-to-ceiling views of the shimmering harbour make the nautically-themed Wheelhouse Apartments a top choice.
wheelhouseapartments.com.au.
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