There’s an enormous large world on the market. And whereas the traditional spots are widespread for a motive, it’s usually the quirkier, eyebrow-raising locations that get our hearts beating the quickest. Better nonetheless, it may possibly profit folks and the planet once you select to go to them too.
This yr, we’re urging adventurous travellers to seek out recent experiences in lesser-known locations. Ready to make the leap? Dive into the unknown with these new, improved and far-from-the-norm journeys.
1. Experience rural life in Northern Cyprus
Cyprus is a sun-drenched Mediterranean island, so naturally, it’s not wanting vacationers. But solely a fraction of its guests enterprise past the UN-controlled buffer zone that splits the nation in two to discover the Turkish Cypriot North. Join our Highlights of Northern Cyprus journey that’s relaunching in 2023 and also you’ll be one of many adventurous few, admiring Ottoman structure and hovering minarets in Nicosia, Europe’s final divided capital; stress-free on quiet, resort-free seashores on the Karpaz peninsula; and staying in a conventional rural village the place locals are working collectively to protect their tradition and heritage.
2. Find an unknown island paradise in Comoros
If you’ve by no means heard of this tiny island nation, you’re not alone. This little archipelago off the east coast of Africa sits between Mozambique and Madagascar, however receives only a few guests in comparison with its extra widespread neighbours. In 2020, UNESCO designated the island of Moheli and its surrounding waters a biosphere reserve, acknowledging the range of wildlife that makes the world such a draw for wildlife lovers. Join our brand-new Comoros Wildlife Expedition in 2023 (launching quickly) to identify sea turtles, humpback whales, endangered flying bats and extra. All whereas serving to to preserve their pristine pure habitats.
3. Blaze a (type of) new path in Bhutan
After a four-year restoration venture, centuries of historical past are coming again to life on the newly launched Trans Bhutan Trail. Follow within the footsteps of merchants, pilgrims and monks as you enterprise by untouched landscapes, with loads of historical past, tradition and encounters with native folks alongside the best way. Trust us – climbing these revamped historic byways is the last word technique to see Bhutan.
4. Go past the plain in Bosnia and Herzegovina
In the Nineteen Nineties, Bosnia and Herzegovina was making headlines for all of the fallacious causes. Today, years after the battle ended, conflict continues to be the very first thing that springs to thoughts for many individuals contemplating a visit right here. But the nation has come a great distance since these days. And Intrepid, in partnership with USAID, are working to help sustainable tourism improvement – displaying travellers a shocking aspect of Bosnia and Herzegovina on a model new expedition, departing for the primary time in May 2023.
5. Tackle a lesser-known trek in Peru
The Inca Trail will get all of the love – and due to this fact all of the crowds. While the journey to Peru’s crowning glory, Machu Picchu, tends to stay as much as the hype for travellers, there are different, equally astonishing climbing routes and Inca ruins which have but to be found by the lots. In 2023, we’re launching our model new Great Inca Road expedition – a 12-day trek alongside sections of a 25,000-mile historic freeway that includes epic Andean landscapes and under-the-radar ruins.
6. Heed the decision of the mountains in Pakistan
Long-touted because the ‘next big thing’ in journey journey, Pakistan stays one of many final locations most individuals suppose to go. But with our new 15-day expedition, we’re hoping to alter that. Travelling north from Islamabad to the Hunza Valley, you’ll get a really feel for what life is like within the area’s most distant mountain villages, go to cafes and initiatives that help native ladies and deal with high-altitude hikes to achieve glittering glaciers, otherworldly lakes and astounding valley views. What are you ready for?
7. See North Africa with out the crowds in Tunisia
Put on pause through the pandemic, our Tunisia expedition (launching quickly) is again with a bang for 2023, promising 12 days of wow-worthy moments. You’ll discover the biggest medina in North Africa, stargaze within the Sahara at an in a single day desert camp, go to the subterranean cave properties of Matmata – a village it’s possible you’ll recognise from varied Star Wars films – and wander the remarkably preserved Roman metropolis of Dougga, which comes full with dramatic outside theatre backdropped by rolling olive groves.
8. Go on a one-of-a-kind journey in Papua New Guinea
There are cultural festivals, after which there’s Papua New Guinea’s hearth dancing competition. This spectacle, practised by the Indigenous Baining folks on the Isle of New Britain, is not like something you’ve ever witnessed. A approach of marking particular events and the approaching of age of younger males, the festivities are pushed by rhythmical drumbeats, whereas contributors don elaborate masks and dance round and over a bonfire all through the night time till the embers die out. Now Intrepid travellers have the privilege of attending one in all these occasions, and studying extra about PNG’s distinctive historical past, tradition and landscapes on our Firedance Festival journey.
9. Explore an underrated area in Italy
Italy is hardly ‘off the beaten track’ – simply take a look at Rome’s Colosseum or Venice’s waterfront within the peak of summer season. But that’s all of the extra motive to hunt out its quieter corners. Umbria might not have the aptitude of Florence or the glamour of Milan, however its medieval cities, farmstays and distinct regional delicacies will present you a unique, quieter aspect of Italy.