Worth the Trip: 14 Lesser-Known Vacation Destinations

Tourism has definitely picked up significantly since the COVID days, and that’s a great thing! 

That being said, travelers are willing to do just about anything to get out of the house and go on vacation, but most head out to heavily traveled destinations. Why not try to find that diamond in a rut that only a select few have had the knowledge and experience to know?

At Riverdale Travel, we don’t only specialize in places like Hawaii, Disneyland, and cruises. We can also take you to a lesser-known yet beautiful location that will excite your senses!

Let’s look at destinations around the world that are not so heavily traveled yet offer fantastic scenery, activities, and history and, most of all, can be budget-friendly. 

Escape to Lesser-Known European Corners

Europe is incredibly easy to get around thanks to its various modes of transport – bus, ferry, or fast trains – which will get you to your unique destination in no time.

Bruges, Belgium

For a similar scenic experience to Venice’s winding canals, Bruges, Belgium (aka “Venice of the North”) has canals used solely for tourist boats. While it’s becoming a more popular spot, you can still find more affordability within the city's center than in Venice.

This is one of the most picturesque cities in Northern Europe, with a photo opportunity at every corner. As for cuisine, there are plenty of options, but be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with the many chocolate and pastry shops available on every street. 

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

One of Europe's smallest capitals, Luxembourg is known as the "Gibraltar of the North" for its impressive medieval fortifications. Easily accessible from Paris via a high-speed train in about two hours, this charming city offers a unique blend of historical grandeur and modern charm. Once part of a formidable fortress, the old town features an extensive network of military structures that reflect its rich history and strategic importance in Europe.

A highlight of any visit is the Bock Casemates, a fascinating series of underground tunnels carved into the cliffs beneath the old city. Originally constructed in the 17th century and expanded over the years, these tunnels stretch for 23 kilometers and give visitors a glimpse into the city's military past. Large openings along the cliffs offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it an unforgettable experience. 

In recognition of its exceptional historical and cultural value, Luxembourg City's old quarters and fortifications were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, inviting travelers to explore its captivating history and architectural beauty.

Malta

An enchanting archipelago located just south of Sicily, Malta is a hidden gem in the Mediterranean that offers visitors stunning views and a laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, often at a more affordable price. This small yet captivating island boasts beautiful, tranquil beaches and crystal-clear blue lagoons, making it an ideal destination for sun-seekers and water enthusiasts. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Malta is perfect for travelers looking to explore beyond the typical tourist hotspots.

One of the highlights of Malta is the Mdina Old City, a historical marvel that serves as a time capsule from the era of the Knights of St. John. Wandering through its narrow, winding streets feels like stepping back in time, with medieval architecture and breathtaking views from its fortified walls. For families and fans of cinema, Popeye Village in Mellieha is a must-visit. Originally built as a film set for the 1980 movie "Popeye," this charming theme park has been transformed into a family-friendly attraction that offers fun activities and picturesque scenery.

In addition to its cultural treasures, Malta's natural beauty is showcased through its rugged coastline and numerous diving spots. The islands are known for their warm climate and welcoming locals, making it a perfect year-round destination. Whether exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on serene beaches, or enjoying local cuisine, Malta promises an unforgettable experience combining history, adventure, and relaxation.

Salzburg, Austria 

Anyone who respects symphonies can also respect Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music. Here, you will see authentic Baroque architecture that has remained almost untouched for 400 years.

Fantastic palace-looking hotels and lots of beer and schnitzel are in every corner. It’s also easy to reach, generally taking a two-hour train ride from Munich.

Discover North American & Caribbean Hidden Gems

If you take the time to travel the less-traveled path, you can discover plenty of nooks and cranny destinations in North America and the Caribbean. 

Barbados in the Caribbean

If you seek a laid-back vacation surrounded by clear blue waters and pristine white sandy beaches, consider Barbados your next getaway. While it may be a pricier alternative to other Caribbean destinations, the higher cost comes with many perks, including fewer crowds and access to world-class beaches and luxurious resorts. This beautiful island is known for its stunning coastline and rich cultural history, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration. Barbados also happens to be the birthplace of global superstar Rihanna, adding a touch of celebrity allure to your visit!

Barbados offers an array of activities that cater to both relaxation and adventure. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, sailing, or simply lounging on the beach while exploring historical sites and indulging in local cuisine. The island is dotted with attractions such as Harrison's Cave, lush botanical gardens, and vibrant wildlife reserves, ensuring something for everyone. 

Whether you're sipping rum at a local distillery or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Bridgetown, Barbados promises a memorable experience filled with natural beauty and cultural richness.

Catalina Island, California

Catalina Island, located just 26 miles from Long Beach, California, is a captivating destination that has long been associated with the legacy of William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum magnate who purchased the island in 1919. Under Wrigley's stewardship, Catalina transformed into a popular resort area, complete with infrastructure improvements and attractions that continue to draw visitors today. 

The island is a favorite for boaters and offers excellent SCUBA diving opportunities, making it a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Additionally, Catalina served as the spring training ground for the Chicago Cubs during the 1920s, further solidifying its place in sports history.

One of the island's most notable features is its charming town of Avalon, which showcases Wrigley’s vision through landmarks like the iconic Catalina Casino and the historic Hotel Atwater. The Bock Casemates are a series of tunnels running beneath the ruins of the old city fortifications, leading out to large, cliff-side openings offering fantastic panoramic views. Visitors can explore these historical sites while enjoying the island's stunning natural beauty and vibrant marine life. 

With its rich history and recreational offerings, Catalina Island remains a unique getaway that captures the essence of Southern California's coastal charm.

Greenport, New York 

Greenport, New York, is a cute historic fishing village on the North Fork of Long Island, approximately three hours from New York City. 

The popular South Fork, home to Montauk and the Hamptons, often overlooks long Island’s North Fork. Still, this place is filled with great beaches, waterfront restaurants, antique boutiques, award-winning wineries, and art galleries. Check out the fall festivals and apple picking! 

Grenada, Eastern Caribbean

Known as "Spice Isle," Grenada has several nutmeg plantations, including some you can tour. 

It’s also the site of an underwater sculpture gallery filled with marine life, the relaxing Grand Anse Beach, and the historic Fort George, which played a large role in the Seven Years War, the French Revolution, and the Grenadian Revolution.

This place is perfect for families, couples, or nature lovers seeking eco-adventures—boating, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, and fishing.

Holland, Michigan

If you think you can’t travel to Amsterdam, think again. It's about 150 miles northeast of Chicago and offers visions of genuine Dutch flavor. Think cobblestone sidewalks, Dutch architecture, cuisine, and millions of tulips blooming in spring. 

Be sure to visit the Holland Museum or take photographs of the 250-year-old Dutch windmill inside Windmill Island Gardens. May holds the Tulip Time Festival, and you can visit the Kerstmarkt during the winter holidays. 

Travel through a boardwalk to view the “Big Red'' lighthouse guarding the channel connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. 

Explore the Sights in South America

While Mexico and the Caribbean are popular destinations, plenty of lesser-known vacation destinations in South America can capture your heart and mind. 

Check out some of our favorite places to see in South America. 

Atacama High Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert, a remarkable desert plateau located on the Pacific coast of northern Chile, is renowned as the driest non-polar desert in the world. Stretching over 1,600 kilometers along the western edge of the Andes Mountains, this unique landscape covers an area of approximately 105,000 square kilometers. The desert's extreme aridity is so pronounced that some weather stations in the region have never recorded a single drop of rain, creating an otherworldly environment that has drawn comparisons to Mars.

Despite its harsh conditions, the Atacama Desert offers visitors an array of captivating experiences and comfortable accommodations. Easily accessible via a 90-minute flight from Santiago, the region boasts excellent places to stay and many outdoor activities. Visitors can hike to explore geysers, foothills, and vast plains, immersing themselves in the desert's diverse landscapes. 

Thanks to its high altitude and clear skies, the area is also known for its exceptional stargazing opportunities. From the lunar-like Valley of the Moon to the colorful Rainbow Valley, the Atacama Desert presents a striking palette of geological wonders that make it a photographer's paradise, offering countless opportunities to capture its unique beauty.

Chachapoyas, Peru

Chachapoyas, nestled in the northern reaches of Peru, is a hidden gem that offers an enchanting blend of natural splendor and archaeological marvels. This captivating region is home to some of Peru's most stunning landscapes, including lush cloud forests that shroud the area in an air of mystery and beauty. 

The region's crown jewel is the ancient citadel of Kuelap, often dubbed the "Machu Picchu of the North," which is a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the pre-Incan Chachapoya civilization. Perched atop a mountain ridge 3,000 meters above sea level, Kuelap's massive stone walls and intricate structures offer visitors a glimpse into a fascinating ancient world.

Beyond its historical treasures, Chachapoyas boasts breathtaking natural wonders that captivate adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. The Gocta Waterfall, one of the world's tallest waterfalls, plunges an impressive 771 meters through two tiers, creating a spectacular display of nature's power. Hiking through the region's Andean cloud forests immerses oneself in a unique ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna. These misty, verdant forests offer picturesque trails and harbor hidden archaeological sites waiting to be discovered. 

From the Canon del Sonche, a canyon rivaling the famous Colca Canyon in its grandeur, to the numerous pre-Columbian ruins scattered throughout the landscape, Chachapoyas presents an unparalleled opportunity to explore Peru's rich natural and cultural heritage.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is one of the most remote inhabited places on Earth, located approximately 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile. With a population of around 8,000, this isolated paradise sees relatively few tourists compared to more accessible destinations. The island's claim to fame is its enigmatic Moai statues, of which are approximately 900 scattered across the landscape. These massive stone figures, carved by the ancient Rapa Nui people, continue to captivate visitors with their mysterious origins and purpose.

Reaching Easter Island requires effort, as the only regular commercial access is via a 5.5-hour flight from Santiago, Chile. Cruise ships rarely visit due to the island's extreme isolation, typically requiring about five days at sea in each direction. However, those who journey have an unparalleled opportunity to explore the island's archaeological wonders, including the quarry where the Moai were created.

The island's remoteness has helped preserve its unique culture and archaeological sites, offering visitors a truly one-of-a-kind experience far removed from the beaten path.

Ibera Wetlands, Argentina

Other beautiful locations in South America often overshadow the Ibera Wetlands in Argentina, but they deserve their time in the sun. The wetlands are ideal for wildlife lovers, offering opportunities to see caimans, capybaras, giant otters, and a vast array of bird species. 

Explore this unique destination on a boat tour through the wetlands, horseback riding, or a wildlife safari. 

Merida, Mexico

Mérida, located just a couple of hours' drive from Cancun or accessible via flights, is a charming town showcasing Spanish colonial architecture's true essence. Known for its stunning colonial-era buildings, Mérida offers visitors a glimpse into its rich history through well-preserved structures and vibrant streets. The town is dotted with great boutique hotels and a diverse culinary scene, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion. With its picturesque plazas and colorful facades, Mérida is a photographer's dream, providing countless opportunities to capture the beauty of this historic city.

As you stroll through Mérida, you'll be captivated by the intricate details of its architecture, which features elements like high ceilings and elegant arches that reflect its colonial past. The city is home to several architectural gems, including the iconic Catedral de San Ildefonso and La Casa de Montejo, each telling a story of the region's complex history. In addition to its architectural allure, Mérida boasts a lively atmosphere filled with local markets, art galleries, and traditional festivals. 

Whether indulging in delicious local cuisine or exploring the nearby archaeological sites, Mérida promises an unforgettable trip to Mexico that beautifully blends history and modern charm.

Immerse Yourself in African Culture

African countries offer endless amazing places to see wildlife, enjoy the local food, and immerse yourself in the diverse culture. 

Check out some of these incredible destinations waiting to be explored! 

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a unique natural wonder, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extraordinary ecological significance. This vast inland delta is formed where the Okavango River spreads across the Kalahari Desert, creating a lush oasis in an otherwise arid landscape. Unlike most river deltas, the Okavango doesn't flow into a sea or ocean; instead, its waters are absorbed by the desert sands or lost to evaporation, forming a complex wetland system that covers an area of 6,000-15,000 square kilometers.

The delta's annual flooding cycle, which peaks between June and August during the region's dry winter, attracts one of Africa's greatest concentrations of wildlife. The rich waters support an incredible diversity of fauna, including over 200,000 large mammals such as African elephants, buffalo, zebra, and giraffes, as well as more than 400 bird species and 71 fish species. 

This thriving ecosystem not only provides a sanctuary for numerous threatened species but also sustains the livelihoods of local communities through fishing, hunting, and tourism. The Okavango Delta's inscription as the 1000th UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 highlights its global importance and the need for its continued conservation.

Sossusvlei, Namibia

If you have only seen red dunes in movies and TV shows, it’s time to experience them firsthand. Sossusvlei, Namibia, is home to surreal red dunes and striking salt pans. It boasts a unique desert landscape in the heart of Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park. 

Book a trip to climb the famous Dune 45 at sunrise, explore Deadvlei’s eerie white clay pan, or stargaze into one of the darkest skies in the world. 

Lamu Island, Kenya

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu Island offers a colorful mix of Swahili culture, beautiful beaches, and laid-back charm. 

It is a perfect location to relax and explore African history as you wander through the ancient town of Lamu, visit historic Swahili ruins, or take a boat trip to explore quiet, uncrowded beaches. 

Work With Us to Plan a Memorable, Lesser-Known Vacation!

Now is the time to venture to an underestimated destination and explore sights that will have you wondering why you haven’t visited before! Whether you want to travel with a group of people or plan a solo vacation, Riverdale Travel helps maximize every moment and dollar you spend on your trip!

Working with a destination specialist who can help you find an interesting hideaway with fewer tourists is more than worth it. Personalize every detail of your trip with a seasoned consultant who understands how to make your vacation one to remember. Whether it’s a weekend jaunt, a cruise, or a longer escape, we’ve got you covered! We’ll customize your itinerary based on your travel style and budget. 

Contact Riverdale Travel today and speak to an experienced consultant who can send you on your way: Book a consultation online or call us at 763-323-3665.