The sun setting over the Sahara desert, one of the unusal holiday destinations of the world, with a man walking three camels across the sand dunes.

Explore off-the-beaten track and unusual holiday destinations

Don’t follow in the footsteps of others, forge a path and leave your own footprints.

Heading off-the-beaten-track to unusual holiday destinations can be an enriching experience for any intrepid traveller. By exploring lesser-known destinations, you not only avoid the crowds but can immerse yourself in the local culture, learning about unique customs and traditions. Adopting this travel approach can also help minimise the negative impact of mass tourism, which is becoming an increasingly pressing issue worldwide.

Plunge into a hidden holiday destination; explore where the tourists don’t go.

Arrange a discovery call

The mountain ranges of Switzerland, where people go for off the beaten track holidays, with the sun setting over the snowy peaks.

Unusual holiday destinations

Travelling off-the-beaten-track is a fantastic way to step out of your comfort zone and develop your expertise as a seasoned traveller. So, if you're looking for unique, unforgettable and unusual holiday destinations, why not venture off the tourist trail and discover a new world of travel experiences?

Plane stamp icon with the words 'it's time to travel' written in a circle.

Thinking of a solo adventure?

Taking a solo holiday to an unusual destination could be an adventure of a lifetime. Imagine exploring the remote corners of Mongolia, where you can ride horses with local nomads, or trekking the Andes, where you can encounter indigenous communities that have preserved their traditions for centuries. Going off the beaten path may require additional research and preparation, especially if you travel solo, but the rewards are innumerable.

Once in a Lifetime Holidays excel in researching and planning itineraries to unknown destinations and can make suggestions to enhance your journey. We often recommend solo travellers try a homestay and stay with a local family - an enriching and immersive experience.

Our top

Hidden holiday gems

Borneo

Morocco

Aerial view of the peak of the Macchu Picchu trail, surrounded by mountains.

Peru

Sri Lanka

Cambodia

View of the red tinged canyon rock on an epic hike in the usa.

Utah

A holiday with a difference, with secluded sleeping pods in the midst of a large luxury resort in the forest.

Steer away from the usual and go beyond the tourist traps

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Why holidaying off the beaten track is a more sustainable way to travel

More often than not, popular tourist destinations and attractions are overcrowded and suffer from significant environmental degradation. However, travelling to less visited areas helps minimise damaging side-effects of mass-tourism. It allows communities in lesser-known, unusual holiday destinations to reap the benefits of tourism while preserving their natural and cultural resources. Getting off the beaten track gives you a more profound, authentic experience of the local culture, traditions, way of life, and cuisine.

By embracing sustainable tourism practices, we can ensure that travel remains an enriching and positive experience while preserving our destinations' environment and cultural heritage for future generations.

The historic 16th century city of Mostar in Bosnia with the river running past the ancient houses, one of the beautiful but unusual holiday destinations to visit in Europe.

Unusual holiday destinations closer to home

An off-the-beaten-path holiday doesn't need to be far away or expensive. Europe is a treasure chest filled with hidden gems waiting to be explored. Away from the usual tourist trail, Bosnia offers epic cycling trails with stunning views of unspoilt landscapes, while Pico Island boasts Portugal's tallest peak, towering towards the heavens at 2351 meters.

Veering off the tourist trail doesn't need to mean roughing it. Sustainable city breaks such as Ljubljana in Slovenia or Leeuwarden in the Netherlands offer under-the-radar options for those who want to explore buzzing city scenes while still enjoying the peace and quiet of a lesser-visited location. Despite Europe's popularity, a vast array of undiscovered holiday destinations are waiting to be found.

Destination:
Asia
David
I took a solo tour of Vietnam and Cambodia and wanted a more authentic experience. I trusted Once in a Lifetime Holidays to book the entire trip, and they didn't disappoint - I visited unusual and off-the-beaten-track destinations and immersed myself in the local culture. Travelling by sleeper train was a great way to meet people.
Destination:
Nairobi & Kenya
Annette Hack
I have just returned from a Bush and Beech holiday to Nairobi and Kenya. We saw all the big five except the rhino. A different perspective was gained from a hot air balloon on day 3, an incredible experience! Relaxing at the Swahili Beach Hotel was just what was needed to recharge our batteries. The trip was well organised with representatives meeting us at each point of our journey guiding us to the next destination. I highly recommend ‘Once in a Lifetime’ and would use them again within a heartbeat.
Destination:
Aruba
Gary
We got off the beaten track in Aruba and explored some lesser-known areas and beaches with the help of the fantastic travel agents at Once in a Lifetime Holidays. You need a four-wheel drive to see the beaches on Aruba’s northeastern coast and the rocky, windswept Arikok National Park, but it was all pre-organised, making it easy to focus on having a great time.

Destination:
Asia
David
I took a solo tour of Vietnam and Cambodia and wanted a more authentic experience. I trusted Once in a Lifetime Holidays to book the entire trip, and they didn't disappoint - I visited unusual and off-the-beaten-track destinations and immersed myself in the local culture. Travelling by sleeper train was a great way to meet people.
Destination:
Nairobi & Kenya
Annette Hack
I have just returned from a Bush and Beech holiday to Nairobi and Kenya. We saw all the big five except the rhino. A different perspective was gained from a hot air balloon on day 3, an incredible experience! I highly recommend ‘Once in a Lifetime’ and would use them again within a heartbeat.
Destination:
Aruba
Gary
We got off the beaten track in Aruba and explored some lesser-known areas and beaches with the help of the fantastic travel agents at Once in a Lifetime Holidays. You need a four-wheel drive to see the beaches on Aruba’s northeastern coast and the rocky, windswept Arikok National Park, but it was all pre-organised, making it easy to focus on having a great time.

Arrange a Discovery Call

A ‘Discovery Call’, lasting around 15 minutes, allows us to understand your travel preferences and gives you the opportunity to learn more about our services. It is the foundations on which we can build your Once in a Lifetime Holiday.

A Once in a Lifetime drink bottle in the sand next to a deck chair.