Tired of the swarms of tourists at Paris, Venice and Bangkok? Yes, even the lesser-known spots such as Cinque Terre and Cape Town are fast becoming selfie-stick-touting tourist havens. Where can one escape to for a bit of peace, pretty nature and a genuine experience of an alternate culture? Enter Skyscanner’s list of 10 undiscovered destinations that are least-searched Here are some places that were only searched once or twice in 2014. Using that we can take you where few others are going.
1. Abbotsford, Canada
The quaint town of Abbotsford in British Columbia, Canada, can be worth the trip for off-the-beaten-track travellers.
Think snowy mountains, crisp cool air, lush greenery and pretty rivers – that sums up the picturesque little city of Abbotsford, located in the province of British Columbia, Canada. The Abbotsford Canadians distinguish themselves from the inhabitants of many other developed cities by treasuring their beautiful home; the city’s motto is ‘Splendour without Diminishment’ (Splendor sine occasu) and so, the region remains scenic and green despite Abbotsford’s economic progress over the ages.
This is the perfect place for an agri-farm tour, helicopter ride through the magnificent mountains, skiing, whitewater rafting, camping, hiking, trekking and various other outdoor recreational activities amidst nature’s undisturbed majesty.
2. Caen, France
Labbaye aux Hommes of Caen, France, one of the citys many gorgeous ancient architectural sites.
For the history buff who doesn’t want to jostle with the crowds at Carcassonne, Tallinn or Milan, a visit to the French city of Caen, the capital of the Basse-Normandie region, is a must. Caen is an amazing place for numerous reasons: firstly, it’s the home town of 11th-century war hero William the Conqueror who was born in France but went on to conquer and become King of England; secondly, it holds some of Europe’s finest historic architecture; and thirdly, nobody knows about it.
Visit thousand-year-old architectural gems such as the majestic Château de Caen, one of the Europe’s largest medieval castles, as well as Caen’s ancient abbeys, Abbey of Saint-Etienne and Abbey of Sainte-Trinite.
3. Chester, England
The pretty little city of Chester is just bursting with different types of medieval architecture.
Now for a look at one of the cities William the Conqueror had conquered: pretty little Chester in Cheshire, England. Itself a medieval town, Chester – was founded in CE79 by the Romans. Ownership of the town changed hands numerous times over the course of history, according to whoever was strongest at that time, so Chester’s architecture today displays a diverse tapestry of influences, including Norman, Roman, Victorian and Tudorian styles.
Many of the buildings in Chester have been given Grade I status, meaning that it holds great historical significance, so be sure to take your time sightseeing around this gorgeous city.
4. Chihuahua, Mexico
Chihuahua boasts a diverse tapestry of historic buildings and exciting arts festivals aplenty.
Chihuahua, Mexico, is where Chihuahua, the tiny dog breed, originated. But besides producing unbelievably cute, precious canines, Mexican city Chihuahua (capital of the state of the same name) is also famous as an exuberant tourist destination with a story to tell.
Being capital of a state with a 3,000 year old history has its advantages – uncover the Chihuahua state story from the time the Native Americans first saw the Spanish explorers to the Mexican fight for freedom at the Museo Casa Chihuahua and Museo de la Revolucion Mexicana; observe the city’s historic European architecture in the form of baroque cathedrals, Art Nouveau buildings and colonial palaces; explore the famous million-year-old Nombre de Dios grottoes filled with ancient stalactites and stalagmites, then round off the Chihuahua experience by attending one of the city’s many year-round arts festivals.
5. Gisborne, New Zealand
Muriwai Beach, one of Gisborne’s amazing sand-and-surf areas.
Gisborne, situated in northeastern New Zealand, has lots going on for it – it’s one of the first cities of the world to see the sunrise each day due to its amazing location at the planet’s east, has some of the best surfing beaches of the country, and with a Maori population of almost 20,000, retains many of the ancient traditions lost in other parts of New Zealand. Gisborne is also known as the ‘Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand’ with plenty of home-grown vineyards, so if you’re a fan, be sure to make time for a wine tour and some tasting.
6. Pamplona, Spain
Pamplona is one of few places in the world that still holds bull runs.
If danger (or bull) is your middle name, then Pamplona in northern Spain is your place. The city is most famed for its hair-raising, adrenaline-pumping and scream-inducing, annual bull run, an old Spanish tradition that has more or less been wiped out in other parts of Spain for obvious safety reasons. Think you can outrun enraged bulls on the loose? Then head to Pamplona during summer with your daredevil friends for the ultimate race of (and for) your life through the city’s crooked streets.
7. Telluride, Colorado, United States
Kick back at Telluride, Colorado, one of America’s most gorgeous mountain towns.
Indulge the snow bunny in you with a winter trip to Telluride in Colorado, USA – a stunning mountain town nestled in a box canyon and surrounded by steep cliffs, waterfalls, lush forests and, most importantly, amazing ski runs. But if cold weather’s not your thing, there’s plenty to do and see in beautiful Telluride in summer as well. With nature all around you, opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, rafting and camping are aplenty.
8. Pico Island, Portugal
Get back in touch with nature at Portugal’s mysterious Pico Island.
Portugal’s Pico Island, second largest of the Azores chain of volcanic islands, is as exotic as any Hollywood set-piece. It features a huge volcanic peak, Montanha do Pico, after which the island was named, is surrounded by lush greenery, dense forests and crystal clear turquoise seawaters, and makes the perfect backdrop for a castaway movie. As if that weren’t exotic enough, Pico Island also boasts black volcanic earth and vineyards that are centuries old. Go off-the-grid on this spectacular island where you can whale-watch, bird-watch, swim with dolphins, fish, ride quad bikes or just laze on white sandy beaches to your heart’s content.
9. Ca Mau, Vietnam
Swampy Ca Mau is an undiscovered gem of Vietnam.
But before you travel afar, how about exploring some place closer to home? Vietnamese city Ca Mau offers an unconventional sort of charm to the discerning traveller. Don’t expect typical South-East Asian white sand beaches or palm trees here! Instead, discover exciting swamplands and mangrove forests just bursting with flora and fauna, along with floating markets, ancient Khmer pagodas, super-fresh seafood dishes and a hospitable, down-to-earth populace who are genuinely happy to see and help you.
10. Milos, Greece
Like many other Greek islands, Milos looks like paradise on earth, without the swarms of tourists.
You’ve heard of spectacular Santorini, maybe even Mykonos and Crete Heraklion, but have you heard of the Greek paradise island, Milos? If you haven’t, well, expect nothing less than the best of Greek island offerings – stunningly gorgeous beaches, sparkling blue waters, mineral-loaded natural hot springs, amazing architecture, rock formations, fresh Mediterranean cuisine and much more. The one thing that’s conspicuously missing? Massive hordes of tourists. – Skyscanner
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