June 9, 2022 - Meagan Palmer
Last Updated on 3/28/2023
When it comes to travel, it can be easy to choose the “must-see” destinations of the moment. After all, they’re always trendy for a reason. But sometimes it feels good to get away from the crowds and explore less-traveled areas. Who knows? You might even end up setting a new trend! Or you can keep it a secret forever…your call.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path travel destination to explore, here are our favorites – check them out before they get found out!
When you think of seeing giraffes in Kenya, a safari probably comes to mind. Perhaps you envision yourself cruising around in an open-top SUV with binoculars. While this is definitely an excellent option when it comes to hanging out with giraffes in the wild, we have a much more off-the-beaten-path adventure to present to you: Giraffe Manor.
Located just outside of Nairobi, the Giraffe Manor is home to one of the most endangered species of giraffe in the world, the Rothschild Giraffe. In an attempt to increase their numbers, the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife founded the Giraffe Center in 1979. It has since turned into a 10-room hotel where guests can stay and interact with these beautiful animals up close. The giraffes are unrestricted, but often decide to join guests for meals, or even pop their heads into windows. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t find anywhere else!
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Laos, a small country in Southeast Asia, is known for its incredible beauty and islands. While it’s less traveled than some of its neighbors like Thailand and Vietnam, it does see its fair share of tourists. But one of the lesser-known geological spectacles it has to display is the Kong Lor Cave, a limestone cave filled with stunning emerald-green water that the locals say is sacred. You’ll rent a boat, which will be helmed by a guide—completely in the dark, besides the small headlamps you’ll have to see the cave’s stunning stalactites and stalagmites, as well as other rare rock formations. This off-the-beaten-path encounter is sure to impress your friends back home.
Ecotourists will be thrilled to know there are 20 national protected areas, otherwise known as national parks to visit when traveling to Laos. Although these locations are remote and somewhat difficult to travel to, these travelers will be rewarded with jaw-dropping views. Definitely an off-the-beaten-path type of adventure some people only dream to experience.
If you’re afraid of heights, you may want to skip this one—but we highly suggest reading on. If you’re into beautiful views of gorgeous scenery, we have just the adventure for you. At Casa de Arbol, a monitoring station for a nearby volcano in Ecuador, you can pay just $2 to buckle into a swing that will send you to the middle of the Ecuadorian wilderness. You can also try zip-lining — or go for both. When you’re done, take in at least one of the area’s hikes to calm your nerves and reminisce on the incredible scenery you just encountered—you may need it!
If you ask us, British Columbia, Canada is one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Home to incredible mountains and bright blue lakes, the bustling city of Vancouver, and a unique array of animal life; it’s a must-visit travel destination for any nature enthusiast. Plus, it’s right across the border in Canada, so you don’t have to travel for days out of the country to get there if you live in the United States!
If you want to see it out in a truly different way, head to Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. Not only will you experience all of the aforementioned outdoor adventures, but you can also devote your evenings floating above the forest in an orb. Called “free spirit spheres”, these orbs are attached to the trees, so you and your travel companions can get cozy from a new vantage point during your trip.
Do you have any secret spots you think we should know about? We won’t tell anyone if you don’t want us to! Just tag us at @insureyonder on Instagram. We’d love to hear about them.
As a seasoned professional with over five years of experience in the travel insurance industry, Meagan has honed her expertise in marketing and operations working for Yonder Travel Insurance. Throughout her career, she's shown dedication assisting customers at every stage of their travel insurance journey, from the initial quote process to navigating the claims process. Her expert understanding of travel insurance equips her to provide unbiased and valuable insights, which help travelers find the best coverage and maximize its benefits.
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