Why settle for the ordinary when 2025 offers a world of extraordinary adventures? This year is your chance to break free from the well-trodden tourist paths and discover the destinations the world has yet to fully appreciate. From the rugged beauty of Namibia and the untouched charm of Papua New Guinea to the celestial skies of Stewart Island and the ancient wonders of the Silk Road, these off-the-beaten-path gems are calling your name.
Bolivia
Nestled where the Andes, Amazon, and Atacama converge, Bolivia is a land of extreme natural beauty and authentic indigenous and pre-Columbian South American culture you likely won’t find elsewhere on the continent. Walk on the mirror of the Uyuni Salt Flats, scale mountain peaks scraping the sky, or lose yourself in the surreal lunar beauty of Valle de la Luna. From La Paz’s vibrant landmarks to Sucre’s colonial charm and Potosí’s silver mines, Bolivia invites you to discover some of Mother Nature’s most breathtaking and diverse masterpieces while enjoying the benefits of a less travelled destination.
Cambodia
Cambodia’s hidden temples, lush natural landscapes, and ancient traditions reveal a fascinating glimpse into the soul of Southeast Asia. Cambodia’s main attraction is undoubtedly the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat temple complex, the world’s largest religious monument. You’ll likely need a few days to explore the City of Temples fully, but the intricate carvings, breathtaking designs, and towering spires promise a truly unforgettable experience. Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s largest city, offers an opportunity to witness the nation’s transition from the Khmer Empire, with over 14,000 historical artifacts at the National Museum. Easily combine Cambodia’s storied history with beautiful natural scenery, including the Koh Rong’s picture-perfect beaches, overlooking the enchanting turquoise sea.
Churchill, Manitoba
Churchill, Manitoba truly is an off-the-beaten-path destination. Though, not for everyone. Nearly 1,000 polar bears retreat from the frozen Hudson Bay to Churchill’s shore every summer. Considered the Polar Bear Capital of the World, Churchill offers you the world’s best opportunity to come closer than ever to one of the world’s most majestic species. When night falls and the vibrant pink fields of fireweed disappear, look up and you’ll have a good chance of witnessing the Northern Lights dancing above. You’ll also discover some unique Canadian history tucked away in this corner of northern Manitoba, with a Cold War military base, Canada’s only deep water Arctic seaport, and one of the oldest Hudson’s Bay Company fur trade forts.
Vacation packages to Churchill
The Kimberley, Western Australia
The Kimberley’s ruggedly beautiful Outback landscapes are often overlooked on Australian vacations due to their remoteness, but they have the potential to be the highlight of your 2025 travels. Tucked away in the northern corner of Western Australia, the Kimberley is where the Outback meets the ocean, adorned with ancient mountain ranges and sandstone and limestone gorges. It’s also home to one of the world’s most stunning beaches, Cable Beach, and one-third of the world’s diamond production, centred in Broome. Camel rides at sunset, scuba diving in rainbow coral gardens, and searching for waterfalls falling into the ocean are all unforgettable experiences waiting for you this year.
The Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
Bungalows suspended above turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, postcard-perfect beaches, and warm hospitality—French Polynesia seems like paradise perfected. And then you discover the Marquesas Islands. Roughly 1,500 km northeast of Tahiti lies some of French Polynesia’s most secluded islands, away from the crowds, brimming with the enchanting natural splendour and cultural richness you expect from French Polynesia. Rugged volcanic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, majestic bays, and volcanic black sand beaches set the scene for your idyllic off-the-beaten-path escape, best enjoyed on an all-inclusive cruise.
Montenegro
Montenegro's stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage rival those of its popular neighbour Croatia, but with more affordable prices and less commercialized. Made up of verdant mountain ranges, pine forests, and crystal-clear glacial lakes, this small Balkan country offers a beautiful blend of coastal, continental, and mountainous landscapes perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. Kotor, a fortified medieval town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site bustling with ancient history and mesmerizing natural beauty. Kotor’s Old Town is one of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved fortified medieval towns with architecture influenced by the Roman and Ottoman empires and the Venetian Republic.
Namibia
Namibia is a land where the sun paints the desert in hues of fire, where rolling red dunes meet a coastline so rugged it’s been dubbed the Skeleton Coast. Active and adventurous travellers will never run out of new experiences. Explore the iconic Sossusvlei and the surreal white clay pan of Dead Vlei, and challenge yourself to climb Big Daddy, one of the world’s tallest sand dunes The safari parks, from Etosha National Park’s shimmering salt pan, alive with lions and elephants yet free of crowds, to the lush Caprivi Strip’s crocodile-filled waterways, combine adventure with serenity. Track desert elephants. Sandboard towering dunes. Then, as night falls, look up—Namibia’s starlit skies will dazzle you beyond belief at the Namib Rand Nature Reserve—Africa’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary. You’ll also discover several local communities excited to share their unique culture with you as you uncover the magic of Namibia.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea may be the most “off-the-beaten-path destination in the world, as one of the world’s least explored countries. With a human culture going back roughly 40,000 years and over 750 tribes flourishing without outside influence for centuries, Papua New Guinea is truly the final frontier of exploration. Visitors are welcomed with open arms, as the Papuans’ wantok system highly values helping others. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll experience a Sing-Sing—a celebration among tribes to showcase their distinct songs, dances, and colourful traditional costumes. Papua New Guinea’s natural beauty is equally captivating, with an abundance of unique wildlife and bird species—including the Birds of Paradise—across the lush rainforests, razorback mountains, and pristine palm-fringed beaches. Arguably, the best way to explore this incredible natural scenery and cultural diversity is by cruising along the Sepik River in the comfort of a “floating lodge.”
Vacation packages to Papua New Guinea
The Silk Road (The Stans)
Rail travel remains one of the hottest travel styles today, and the Orient Silk Road Express is one you must consider. This rail journey is the perfect way to discover Central Asia’s beauty and cultural richness in comfort and style. Roll from Almaty in Kazakhstan to Tashkent in Uzbekistan, embarking on exciting tours en route, including a boat ride on Issyk Kul Lake, a tour of Bishkek (one of the world’s greenest cities), and a visit to Samarkand’s renowned historical sites. This is an incredibly scenic, educational, and unforgettable journey perfect for globetrotters yearning to discover new and hidden corners of the world.
Stewart Island, New Zealand
Did you know New Zealand actually has more than the two main islands? If you were to venture only 30 km/19 mi south of the South Island, you’d discover Stewart Island/Rakiura. Over 85 per cent of the island is a national park and nature reserve, with 10 times the number of walking/hiking trails compared to roads (280 km to 28 km/170 mi to 17 mi). Stewart Island is packed with kiwis, though don’t count on them for directions—the feathered kind greatly outnumbers the human kind. With only 400 Stewart Islanders calling the island home and only one settlement (Halfmoon Bay), Stewart Island is a haven for natural and wildlife experiences, mainly birdwatching, hiking, and stargazing. In fact, Stewart Island, known as Rakiura in the Māori language (The Land of Glowing Skies), is home to the world’s southernmost Dark Sky Sanctuary and is renowned for its Aurora Australis displays.
Born to two parents who met travelling, Sael has always wanted to travel the world. Sael has hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, visited blue-footed boobies on the Galapagos Islands, stood on both hemispheres of the equator in Ecuador, climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, hiked the base of Uluru, surfed Pacific Ocean waves in Mexico, and skydived over the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. Meeting new people and sharing stories are some of Sael's favourite parts of travelling, and he hopes he can help ignite this passion for discovery in others.
Get Inspired
Travel Stories to Inspire You.
Newsletter
Unlock Even More
Sign up to our newsletter to unlock travel Specials, Inspiration, and Expert Guides right to your inbox.
