In its latest ranking published on Tuesday, October 13, Time Out presents 41 destinations not yet “in fashion” that deserve a detour, ranging from the tropical forests of Costa Rica to secluded Pacific beaches. Facets of the world kept away from the crowds, but whose exploration would benefit the local population through tourism, in addition to sparing travelers from crowding and stress. Europe is brimming with such gems according to the travel and escape-focused outlet, which first cites Bucovina, in Romania.
This mountainous region is home to several UNESCO-listed painted monasteries and forests that rival its more famous neighbor, Transylvania. The Asturian cities of Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés in Spain are also mentioned for their medieval heritage and their beautiful beaches.
The Old Continent, from Carry-le-Rouet to Turku
In Portugal, you shouldn’t miss Zambujeira do Mar, with its impressive cliffs and tranquil coves. The French Blue Coast, notably Carry-le-Rouet, is also highly recommended by Time Out, to enjoy Mediterranean landscapes away from the bustle of the Côte d’Azur.
The Azores, for their volcanoes and cetaceans, Cartagena (Spain), for its Roman heritage, the Georgian Military Road and its views over the Caucasus, Skopje (North Macedonia), with its old bazaar, as well as The Hague (Netherlands), Malmö (Sweden), Gibraltar, Karpathos (Greece), Srebrenik (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Turku (Finland) are also part of the recommendations. The southern part of Wales, around Bwlch Mountain, completes this European selection with its green valleys and the assurance of beautiful starry nights there.
From North to South America, wonders to behold
For nature and wide-open spaces enthusiasts, America also opens its arms. In the United States, in South Dakota, one can admire the bison roaming the rocky Badlands landscapes and the hills of Custer State Park. Tioga Pass in California promises, in turn, another facet of Yosemite National Park, with its lakes and alpine panoramas. Bisbee, the former mining town in Arizona turned artist refuge, likewise has a place in this selection.
Further south on the continent, the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica concentrates remarkable biodiversity, where you can see monkeys and sloths, tropical birds as well as crocodiles.
Also worth visiting are the San Martín region in Peru, Filandia in Colombia, São Sebastião in Brazil, Prince Edward Island in Canada, the Cochamó Valley in Chile or Cuenca in Ecuador. As well as Mexico’s Bacalar Lake, whose waters boast seven shades of blue, and Cabo Rojo in Puerto Rico, famed for its white-sand beaches. Time Out’s favorite, Bentonville in Arkansas, closes the American list.
Unique experiences in Asia and Africa
In China, two cities are highlighted: Shenzhen for its futuristic architecture, its art galleries, and its traditional baths, and Macau for its cobbled lanes and its hidden Portuguese and Cantonese heritage behind its casinos. Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan, the Vietnamese archipelago of Con Dao, Gorkhi Terelj National Park (Mongolia), Morne Seychellois National Park (Seychelles), the southern part of Tunisia, the Sahara dunes and all the way to the oasis of Ksar Ghilane, the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea and the Eastern Highlands (Zimbabwe) are among the other ideas.
In Australia, Gippsland is recommended for its wild beaches and charming villages, and Tasmania for its heritage and hiking, and especially the chance to see the island’s famous marsupials or ‘devils’ and Bruny Island’s penguins. To surf the Australian coast and enjoy its cultural life, you’d rather aim for Newcastle. Finally, in Antarctica, Brown Station literally offers a white paradise that no one will forget anytime soon.
