Worth the Trip: 8 Lesser Known Vacation Destinations

Tourism sure has 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 just don’t specialize in places like Hawaii, Disneyland, and cruises. We can get you to a lesser-known yet beautiful location that would excite your senses. Working with a destination specialist who can help you find an interesting hideaway place with fewer tourists is worth the trip.

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

Contact Riverdale Travel today and speak to an experienced consultant who can send you on your way!

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–getting you to your unique destination in no time.

1. 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 almost been left untouched for 400 years.

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

2. Luxembourg City

One of Europe's smallest capital cities, Luxembourg City is known as the "Gibraltar of the North" for its vast series of medieval fortifications. A high-speed train can take you there from Paris in about two hours. Bock casemates are a series of tunnels running beneath the ruins of the old city fortifications that lead out to large, cliff-side openings that offer fantastic panoramic views.

3. Malta

Taking a connecting flight from Paris or Rome will get you to this archipelago gem located to the south of Sicily and offers similarly stunning views and a relaxing vibe compared to Amalfi, and usually at a lower cost. 

While a smaller island, Malta is still desirable for its beautiful, calm beaches, blue lagoons, and exquisite hotels. Take a tour around Mdina Old City, a unique historical time capsule from the age of the Knights of St John. Don’t forget to visit Popeye Village in Mellieha, where you’ll find an authentic Popeye original film set turned into a family-friendly theme park.

4. 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 starting to become a more popular spot, you can still find more affordability within the center of the city as compared to 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.

North American and Caribbean Hidden Gems

Plenty of nook and cranny destinations can be discovered both in North America and the Caribbean if you just take the time to travel the path less taken.

5. Barbados in the Caribbean.

If you’re seeking a laid-back, restful vacation near clear blue water on white sandy beaches, consider Barbados. It might be a pricier alternative. However, you’re purchasing some perks, such as fewer crowds, world-class beaches, golf courses, gorgeous resorts, and a rich cultural history. It also happens to be Rihanna’s hometown!

6. Greenport, NY

Greenport, NY, is a cute historic fishing village located on the North Fork of Long Island–approximately 3 hours from New York City. Long Island’s North Fork is often overlooked by the popular South Fork, which is home to Montauk and the Hamptons, but 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. 

7.  Holland, Michigan

If you think you can’t travel all the way to Amsterdam, think again. See all the visions of genuine Dutch flavor located about 150 miles northeast of Chicago. Think cobblestone sidewalks, Netherlands architecture, and cuisine, plus millions of tulips blooming in spring.

Be sure to visit the Holland Museum or take photographs of the 250-year-old Dutch windmill located inside Windmill Island Gardens. May holds the Tulip Time Festival, and the winter holidays are when you can visit the Kerstmarkt. Travel through a boardwalk to view the “Big Red'' lighthouse that guards the channel connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa.

8.  Grenada, Eastern Caribbean

Known as "Spice Isle," Grenada is an island with a number of nutmeg plantations, including some you can actually 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, and fishing.

Riverdale Travel Can Make Your ‘Lesser Known’ Vacation More than Memorable

Now is the time to venture to an underestimated destination and explore sights that will have you wondering why you haven’t visited before! Let our Riverdale Travel seasoned consultants make your trip one to remember–whether it’s a weekend jaunt, a cruise, or a longer European escape.

We’ve got you covered. We’ll customize your trip with your travel style and budget in mind. Book a consultation or call us today at 763-323-3665.