Destination Treasures: The Unofficial List of Places You Never Knew You Needed to Visit
- Herson Guerrero
- Jul 29
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 5
Presently, with so much information and accessibility towards travel, it is hard to make up our minds on where to travel, what to see, and who to go with, it is baffling and overwhelming. The same popular destinations popping up in your socials, I get it, it can get a little frustrating. Making up your mind is only part of the adventure, and then the question...should I go alone or with my partner? Will it be worth it? Will it be too touristy? Is it high season there? Yes, these are all valid questions; considering costs, routes, stays, days of work, etc. could alter your desicion. This has to be calculated because you don't want to spend a hefty amount of money or credit card points just to be at the Louvre and not being able to walk calmly, or go to Thailand's beaches expecting paradise, and then once there, not a single spot to sit on. Hey, I've been there, I've had unfortunate settings in my travels, but I've also had very good ones. I've also been to the top places on Instagram but also been to little-to-non known destinations that may give you some flexibility when choosing your next big adventure, even giving you room to make it a "combo" or a "2-for-1 destination". Here is that unofficial list.
1. Luoyang, China
After weeks of traveling around Beijing I felt like I needed to see a city or site a more like an "out of the way" place while I was there. With so much to see and do, the desicion was more difficult than I thought. I wanted history, food, and authenticity. So I did a little research and discovered that Luoyang had a lot to offer, from beautiful historic ruins, to a Shaolin Monastery, and a 1 to 2 hour train ride to Xian, another beautifully vibrant city full of food spots, and home to the Terracotta Warriors.
Why visit: Various well preserved UNESCO World Heritage sites near to other great cities
Best for: Solo travel and couples seeking quiet exploration
Family fun: Kids will enjoy exploring temples and spotting boats in the bay.
Where to stay: (Luoyang) Novotel Luoyang Hon-den (Xian) Grand Noble Hotel
Must do: Shaolin Temple, Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, Terracotta Warriors (in Xian Mausoleum Museum)
China has a lot to see, and I am dying to go again. No matter where you go, there is something very unique at every turn. Hope some of this Chinese info helps you out.
2. Almería, Spain
Andalusia is definitely my favorite region in Spain. From delicious food, one of a kind culture, and great music, rest assured that a visit here will give you a memorable Spanish/Moroccan experience. A few miles out of the coast of Africa, lies Almería. In my opinion, it's one the most underrated destinations on this list. With a strong Moroccan influence, Almería shines from its various forts, like the famous Alcazaba (the largest Arab citadel in Spain) that began its construction in 955 AD and its coastal nightlife filled with tapa bars and great restaurants. Many famous movies and productions like Game of Thrones, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were filmed in Almería.
Why visit: Experience authentic culture away from big cities, great roadtrips
Best for: Nomad travel enthusiasts who enjoy vibes and cultural immersion
Family fun: It is a great addition to a Spanish holiday, a ferry ride away from Morocco
Where to stay: Anywhere in the Roquetas del Mar area, HO By Olivencia Puerta de Purcherna.
Must Do: Alcazaba, Tapas (hang out), beach hoping, roadtrip, visit city center.
Walking around Almería is a delight. But if you manage to have a car, the roadtrips are great here since there are a lot of great coastal routes. You can't get here by train, the closest train connecting with other parts is Granada, which could also be included in your visit.
3. Cinque Terre, Italy
Italy is my favorite country. It has countless places that offer a rich experience and atmosphere. That being said, Italy is one of the most popular destinations. Cinque Terre is a balance between not so crowded spaces and being a little bit apart from the major cities. You can only get there by either train or boat. That gives Cinque Terre the benefit of being visited only by those who really want to visit it. A bonus is that each of the 5 villages offers a different taste. The Disney movie Luca was inspired by these villages and uses Cinque Terre as its setting.
Why visit: Experience raw Italian culture, fresh sea food and fruit, and picturesque ocean views
Best for: Solo travel, travel couples, and families.
Family fun: Take a boat tour, soak in the sun, eat fresh food
Where to stay: Any of the 5 villages.
Must do: Eat fresh seafood, hike to every town, beach time, lemon Sorbetto or Limoncelo.
Cinque Terre has gained popularity since social media has been exposed as one of the most beautiful destinations that Italy has to offer. Luckily it is not as accessible and accommodating as any other Italian destination.
4. Calafate, Argentina
Located in La Patagonia, Calafate has a very charming and welcoming vibe to it. From UNESCO Heritage sites like the famous Perito Moreno glacier, a cruise through Los Glaciares National Park, delicious food like "cordero al disco" and the Calafate fruit, not to mention the immense landscape filled with amazing animal life. You feel like you are in another planet. No matter how trendy it is, its enormous geographical landscape makes it feel isolated.
Why visit: Experience remote landscapes, diverse activities like ice bars and walking on top of glaciers.
Best for: Adventure travel, hiking, travel couples and families
Family fun: Safe and easy trails make it great for kids.
Where to stay: Boutique Hotel La Cantera
Must do: Try cordero al disco at Isabel, try calafate fruit, go on Glacier cruise.
The main attraction in Calafate relies on its nature. Mountains, icebergs, fauna, and food are the main source of attraction. You could even combine it with the Chilean side of the Patagonia.
5. Varanasi, India
Varanasi is known for its spirituality and religious lifestyle found in Varanasi. India is packed, there is no going around it, but Varanasi holds a special and rare quality that the rest of the country doesn't. It's genuine and raw. It is not everyone's first choice, and that's why you should definitely go. It is a perfect stop if you want to see another side of India and it's located quite close to Nepal.
Why visit: Unique relaxed pace, very genuine Indian experience
Best for: Solo travel and nomad travel looking for cultural depth
Family fun: Not entirely recommended but could be a 1 day option.
Must do: Visit famous Buddhist monuments: Bohdi Tree at Sarnath, río Ganges, Ganga Arti, Dhamek Stupa
Varanassi is not for everyone, but, if you want to somewhat escape the traditional Golden Triangle route, it is definitely a sight to see with your own eyes.
5. Koyasan (Mount Koya), Japan
Japan's largest cemetery lies within this beautiful ancient forest. Tucked upon a mountain, this UNESCO Heritage site is home of the Shingon Esoteric Buddhism sanctuary which was founded by monk Kobo Daishi in 816 AD. This prefecture is peaceful, charming, and historic. Walk for hours around a beautiful mausolea forest that makes you feel like you are in a Studio Ghibli film.
Why visit: Unique and powerful, a very genuine vibe, full of historical importance
Best for: Solo travel and nomad travelers
Family fun: Kids will have space to explore, just make sure they know what they'll see
Stay: Many sanctuaries and temples offer stays, but get fully booked quickly
Must do: Visit Lantern Hall, eat traditional food, visit Resting Place.
Visiting Mt. Koyasan feels like you are going on a pilgrimige. If you want a break from the beautiful chaos that cities like Tokyo and Osaka. In my opinion Koyasan is way underrated. Go for it.
6. Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Colonia feels like a piece of the past got stuck in this time frame. With a quick ferry ride from Buenos Aires, Argentina, you will get there in about one hour. Being a UNESCO Heritage site, Colonia is filled with beautiful flowers and its charming coffee shops give you the perfect excuse for a visit. It could be a day trip from Montevideo, Uruguay as well, making it a perfect getaway for your trip. Colonia del Sacramento is easy to walk around, and it is not overwhelming.
Why visit: Very good day trip, historic and picturesque
Best for: Solo travel, travel couples, and families
Family fun: Families will enjoy the change of scenery
Stay: Charco Hotel
Must do: Eat parrilladas, visit bridge and coffee shops.
Colonia is one of those places that you don't expect to be so enchanting. Uruguay is known for many things, great people, great food, and good times. Visiting Colonia alone or with loved ones will make a great day to remember.
7. Taxco, Mexico
Being one of the Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) all around Mexico, Taxco earns its place on this list with flying colors. Distinguished by its all around white buildings, many shops, and top quality silver, Taxco gives its visitors a memorable experience full of things to do and great places to eat while in town. Keep in mind that Taxco is located on the high hills of Sierra Madre range in the state of Guerrero, and once you see it for the first time, it feels like a kingdom from a Lord of the Rings movie.
Why visit: Beautiful arquitecture all around, its cobblestone streets make it magical
Best for: Solo travel, travel couples, nomad travel, and family adventures
Family fun: Families will benefit from its historic importance and overall beauty
Stay: Arca de Noé Hotel
Must do: Go silver shopping, eat traditional Pozole, walk around.
Pick Taxco if you like historic and different destinations. Taxco is only one of the many different Magical Towns in Mexico. Just try to make sure that if you are going to see a few, include Taxco.....and if you have to choose, I would pick Taxco every time.
8. Amman, Jordan
If you find yourself in Jordan, you are probably going to be in Amman for a day or two. Although Amman, in my opinion, is super expensive, it's underrated, and it offers an enormous variety of activities that you can do during your stay. Street art tours, great restaurants, day tours from Amman are amazing, or you could just walk around admiring the city center.
Why visit: Offers many activities and sightseeing
Best for: Solo travel and nomad travel looking for cultural depth
Family fun: Wouldn't recommend family with children, but teenagers are okay
Stay: Carob Hostel
Must do: Hercules Temple, Roman Theater, buy local fruit.
Amman is one of those places that hits you with the immense feeling that you are somewhere unique and far. Amman could also work as a starting point to an Arabic adventure around Jordan, even giving you access to wonders like Petra and Jerash.
9. Gloucester, Virginia
USA is full of vibrant cities, filled with lights and action on their famous concrete jungles. Virginia is one of the few states that has a more chill vibe. With historic importance, delicious food, and warm weather, Gloucester shines with class. One of their highlights is their variety of quality oysters. It's a vibe, it's peaceful and relaxed.
Why visit: Relaxed pace, coastal vibes, delicious food
Best for: Family travel and couples
Family fun: A lot of camping sites and water activities
Stay: The Inn at Warner Hall
Must do: Go camping, eat oysters, walk around Main Street.
10. Flores, Guatemala
The capital of Flores is a laid back place where there are plenty of places to eat, get some rest or take a stroll in the lake. I like to think of Flores or Petén as the gateway to Tikal, UNESCO Heritage Site. People use it as a starting point or resting point towards or from Tikal or even Belize which is maybe a one to two-hour drive. Flores is also a 10-hour bus ride from Antigua, and a one hour flight from Guatemala City, just something to consider.
Why visit: Relaxed town with lots of shops, great gateway to Tikal
Best for: Solo travel and nomad travel
Family fun: Kids will enjoy exploring Tikal overall, Flores is more relaxed
Must do: Walk around Isla de Flores, visit Tikal National Park.
Flores feels like one of those nomad towns that are relaxed and work perfectly for resting or preparing for that big adventure. Kinda feels like Aguas Calientes in Perú, when you really are there for Machu Picchu.
Tips for Visiting Hidden Gems
Plan ahead: Some places have limited accommodations or transport options
Respect local culture: Smaller communities appreciate visitors who follow customs respectfully
Pack light: Especially for nomad travel, carrying less makes moving easier
Stay flexible: Hidden gems often have unpredictable weather or schedules
Engage with locals: They can offer the best tips and stories
Exploring these lesser-known destinations can transform your travel experience. You’ll find more meaningful connections, quieter moments, and stories that stand out from typical tourist tales.
If you want to break away from the usual hotspots, consider adding these hidden gems to your travel list. Whether you’re traveling solo, roaming as a nomad, or seeking family fun, these places offer something special that you won’t find in crowded guidebooks. Start planning your next adventure to discover the world’s quieter, more authentic corners.
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