Top 10 Unique Travel Destinations (That Travellers Tend To Keep Secret)

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Unique Travel Destinations– Are you tired of the same old tourist destinations that everyone else visits? Do you crave something different, something unique? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the most underrated and gorgeous travel destinations on earth. From Taranaki in New Zealand to other hidden gems, we’ve got you covered.

Discovering Underrated Destinations

If you’re someone who loves to travel and seeks new experiences, then exploring these underrated travel destinations is for you. While popular destinations like Paris, Rome, and New York have their allure, it’s often the hidden gems that offer more authentic experiences. They’re perfect for people like us who prefer extended vacations and budget-friendly travel without sacrificing on the experience.

Underrated Travel Destinations

Unique Travel Destinations

1. Taranaki – New Zealand

Taranaki, situated on the West coast of the North Island of New Zealand, is a beautiful and often overlooked region. It’s renowned for its active stratovolcano, Mt Taranaki, which towers over the entire province. The region boasts stunning black sand beaches, providing great surfing opportunities. Moreover, in the winter season, you can ski and surf on the same day! Contrary to popular belief, New Zealand is fabulous in all seasons.

Travel Tips

If you’re visiting Taranaki in the spring or autumn, pack a light jacket or a good-quality rain poncho. New Zealand experiences four seasons in one day, which is one of the locals’ secrets. Taranaki has a range of free activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and volcano climbing. Take a walk along the coastal walkway and enjoy a glass of wine in one of the many unpretentious bars. It’s cheaper than Auckland or Wellington!

10 Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Taranaki – New Zealand

Taranaki is a beautiful region located on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s home to stunning beaches, mountains, and a vibrant arts scene. However, getting there can be expensive, especially if you’re traveling from overseas or other parts of New Zealand. In this article, we’ll discuss some strategies for finding cheap flights to Taranaki.

Tip 1: Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

One of the easiest ways to save money on flights is to be flexible with your travel dates. If you have a fixed travel schedule, you may end up paying more for your flights. On the other hand, if you can be flexible with your travel dates, you can take advantage of lower fares. Try to search for flights on different days of the week and at different times of the day to find the cheapest options.

Tip 2: Book Early

Another way to save money on flights is to book early. Airlines usually offer lower fares for flights booked well in advance. Try to book your flights at least three months before your travel date to get the best deals. If you’re traveling during peak season, make sure to book your flights even earlier.

Tip 3: Use Price Comparison Websites

Price comparison websites can help you find the best deals on flights to Taranaki. These websites allow you to compare prices from different airlines and travel agencies. Some popular price comparison websites include Skyscanner, Kayak, and Expedia. Make sure to check multiple websites to find the best deals.

Tip 4: Sign up for Airline Newsletters

Many airlines offer discounts and special deals to their subscribers. By signing up for airline newsletters, you can stay updated on the latest deals and promotions. Some airlines also offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights or other rewards.

Tip 5: Consider Connecting Flights

Direct flights to Taranaki can be expensive. Consider booking connecting flights instead. Although this may take longer, it can save you a significant amount of money. You can also use connecting flights as an opportunity to explore other parts of New Zealand.

Tip 6: Travel During Off-Peak Season

Taranaki can be crowded during peak season, which is from December to February. If you can, try to travel during the off-peak season, which is from May to September. You’ll find fewer crowds and lower prices on flights and accommodation.

Tip 7: Use Credit Card Rewards

Some credit cards offer rewards that can be redeemed for flights. If you have a credit card that offers these rewards, consider using them to book your flights to Taranaki. Make sure to read the terms and conditions of your credit card rewards program to ensure you get the best value for your points.

Tip 8: Book Flights and Accommodation Together

Booking flights and accommodation together can save you money. Many airlines and travel agencies offer packages that include flights and accommodation at a discounted rate. Make sure to compare the prices of these packages with the prices of booking flights and accommodation separately.

Tip 9: Check for Promo Codes

Before booking your flights, make sure to check for promo codes. Many airlines and travel agencies offer promo codes that can be used to get discounts on flights. You can find these promo codes on the airlines’ and travel agencies’ websites or by subscribing to their newsletters.

Tip 10: Use Social Media

Social media can also be a useful tool for finding cheap flights to Taranaki. Follow airlines and travel agencies on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on their latest deals and promotions. You can also join travel groups and forums to get tips from other travelers on finding cheap flights to Taranaki.

Unique Travel Destinations

2. Mirissa – Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka may still be an underrated destination, but it won’t be for long. This beautiful island nation is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and offers visitors golden sand beaches, fabulous food, stunning wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and friendly people. And now, it’s even easier to visit, as Sri Lanka recently announced that it is offering free visas to over 30 countries, including the US.

If you’re looking for a quiet beach town that embodies the slow pace of Sri Lankan life, don’t miss Mirissa. This charming town is home to a stunning beach and wonderful restaurants that serve up fresh seafood and other local delicacies. And for budget travelers, there’s even better news: taking the bus from Mirissa to the nearby town of Galle costs no more than a dollar and provides a unique opportunity to sit next to locals and take in the colorful scenery.

Before leaving Mirissa, make sure to stop by the pizza restaurant next to the bus stop. Not only is it the best pizza joint in Sri Lanka, but it’s also very affordable.

Unique Travel Destinations

3. Udaipur – India

India often gets a bad reputation when it comes to vacation destinations, but give it a chance, and you’ll find that it’s one of the most unique and fascinating countries in the world. And nowhere is this more evident than in the city of Udaipur, also known as the city of lakes.

Nestled beside the serene Lake Pichola, Udaipur is a romantic and charming city that’s perfect for travelers looking for a unique experience. Its winding streets are lined with intriguing shops and cafes, and the local art scene is bustling.

One of the best ways to experience Udaipur’s beauty is by taking a romantic boat ride on the lake at sunset. As the sun sets over the city, you’ll be amazed by its stunning architecture and natural beauty. And throughout your visit, you’ll find that the people of Udaipur are friendly and hospitable, proud to share their beautiful city with visitors.

Things to do in Udaipur

  • Catch the best of Udaipur’s sites in a single day
  • Experience the best of Rajasthani heritage, architecture, and culture
  • Travel comfortably in a private, air-conditioned car
  • Enjoy an intensely cultural experience without any stops for shopping
  • Relax on an optional sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola
  • This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to see all of Udaipur’s highlights in a single day.

Explore the City Palace, the views of Monsoon Palace, the serenity of Fatehsagar Lake, Jagdish Temple, and Lake Pichola.

BUDGET TIP

Take a tuk-tuk up into the hills and find the reservoir. It is beautiful, quiet, and shady. Best of all? It’s free!

Unique Travel Destinations

4: Alleppey – India

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha is a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala which is famed for its backwaters; an intricate network of canals and lagoons that weave inside and around the beautiful surroundings of the region.

Allepey is quite possibly the greenest, cleanest and friendliest city that we visited in India; offering the visitor fabulous beaches and superb restaurants, I promise; if you are looking for a unique destination in India, you will love Allepey.

BUDGET TIP

Eat at Hassan’s family restaurant. This is not an affiliate link, just me telling you that you won’t find more delicious and cheap Indian food than at this place.

Unique Travel Destinations

5: Phong Nah-Ke National Park – Vietnam

Most people who go to Vietnam tend to head to the major cities that offer beaches and shopping, which is a shame because by doing so they miss the chance to experience beautiful destinations like Phong Nah.

Steeped in history, Phong Nah offers the adventurous traveler a breathtaking chance to experience the oldest karst mountains in Asia; these stunning mountains were formed over 400 million years ago and are riddled with hundreds of spectacular rivers and caves all waiting to be explored.

If you are a budget traveler who thrives on adventure, then Phong Nah in Vietnam is a must-do unique destination for you.

BUDGET TIP

Hire a motorbike (very cheap – just be aware of a popular scam with motorbikes in Vietnam!) and drive up to the beautiful hills. The food in Vietnam is so cheap so you can stop at any roadside cafe and have a delicious lunch!

Unique Travel Destinations

6: Chiang Mai – Thailand

There is so much more to Thailand than beach resorts.

Take the train from Bangkok and head to the misty mountainous region in the North of Thailand.

Here you will find Chiang Mai, a beautiful city, backed majestically by the Doi Pui–Doi Suthep National Park offering bird watching, hiking, and waterfall climbing.

Chiang Mai has it all; first-class dining, hundreds of temples, and beautiful weather.

BUDGET TIP

Love to exercise when you travel? The park in the middle of Chiang Mai is a fabulous place to go and work out for FREE! Why pay for an expensive gym when you can exercise in the early morning or evening in such beautiful surroundings?

Unique Travel Destinations

7: Verona – Italy

I am naming Verona as one of the underrated destinations in Europe because it always seems to take second place to the likes of Rome and Florence!

Make sure you check out common mistakes travelers tend to overlook when planning a trip to Italy before you leave!

While many European cities offer much more to do as a family, Verona will capture your heart if you long for romance and understated exclusivity.

Used as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this medieval town, built between the meandering Adige River, is the quintessential romantic Italian city.

Offering world-class restaurants, shopping to rival glitzy Rome, and huge performances staged in the ancient Roman amphitheatre, you will fall head over heels in love with Verona and with each other!

BUDGET TIP

If you want to save money on accommodation out in Verona, then HOUSESIT!!

We are big fans of housesitting. We estimated that while housesitting throughout Europe, we saved ourselves approximately ten grand.

Honestly, I can’t understand why more people don’t do this!

Unique Travel Destinations

8: Paros – Greece

I have spent many summers in this tiny slice of Paradise and adore every inch of it. In fact, this summer (2022) my family and I spent a month together on this glorious little island.

Travelers in the know regard Paros as the quintessential Greek Island. This idyllic island that sits in the middle of the sparkling blue Aegean Sea greets new arrivals with sugar cube white houses, pristine white sand beaches, and quaint fishing villages.

Naousa is the village to head for if you love to shop, indulge in fresh fish, and spend the evenings drinking cocktails in one of the many harbor-front bars.

BUDGET TIP

Hire a scooter and head to the tiny village of Lefkes.

Here you will find traditional tavernas that serve meals for half the cost of the more popular places. Remember! In Greece, when you order a ‘tuna salad’ it is literally a plate of tuna mayonnaise with an olive on top.

If you are wanting a sandwich then order the tuna salad, take bread that is served as standard at any restaurant, and make your delicious lunch!

Unique Travel Destinations

9: Naples – Italy

Naples often takes a back seat to the more glitzy Italian destinations such as Rome and Milan, but if you have always longed to experience the real Italy, to spend your vacation amongst Italians who elude showy tourism and instead opt for raw, unadulterated elegance, then you will love Naples.

Wander the maze of streets lined with colorful and noisy stalls, eat the finest pizza in Italy, and don’t miss the chance the spend a few days exploring Pompeii. Don’t miss the National Archaeological Museum. It is a stunning museum and is where most of the relics that they dug up from Pompeii and Herculaneum are on display. It is not free, but it is very cheap compared to other attractions in Italy. Don’t miss it!

Budget Tip:

Hiring A Car And See Much More of Italy!

Please. Promise me that you won’t just pick ONE of these destinations and then stay there for two weeks. Please. Italy is SUCH an easy country to travel around and if taking a tour isn’t your thing then do what we do (every time) and hire a car to explore.

We are traveling the world with our teenagers for a year and so are always looking for ways to save money. To do things as cheaply as possible.

If there are two or more of you on your Italy trip, it will certainly be cheaper to hire a car to get around. The best car hire in Italy (without a doubt) that we found was Europcar. They were (and always have been) fabulous to deal with.

Why do we always use Europcar?

Free Cancellation Up to 48 Hours Before Pickup. We all know how quickly plans can change (especially with the current travel climate). We love that we can cancel at such short notice and pay nothing.

Best Rate Guarantee. Seriously, we are skinflints, and we do our research thoroughly. You won’t find a cheaper deal (the hours that my husband has scrolled through listings proves it!).

Best range of vehicles. For business travel or holiday travel, Europecar cars include economy, intermediate and full-size classes, plus people movers and minivans for those traveling with a group. For a touring holiday or something special, Europcar offers 4WDs, SUVs, and prestige/luxury cars. You get to pick what’s best for you!

Customer care. Of course, my husband will never admit this but driving for the first time in Italy was daunting! No need to worry. As soon as we turned up to collect our rental car, the staff was super helpful. Their English was near perfect, and they were extremely patient and thorough. They gave us lots of tips and reassured us (or at least me!) that driving in Italy was going to be a pleasure. And it was!

Cost. We paid $22 a day for our little car in Italy and drove it all over Europe – it was perfect! For that price, the kids even get to have an Italian gelato!

Unique Travel Destinations

10: Kilkenny – Ireland

If you are looking to experience a real slice of Ireland then the medieval city of Kilkenny is one of the best destinations for you.

The ‘Medieval Mile,’ which runs between the castle and the cathedral along the banks of the River Nore is intriguing.

Narrow crooked lanes filled with more pubs and shops than you imagine, all inviting the visitor inside to experience some true Irish hospitality.

Be sure not to make the same mistakes that we made when planning your Ireland vacation – the Irish ways are very unique and take some getting used to!

BUDGET TIP

Go into any of the local pubs in Kilkenny at lunchtime and you can guarantee that there will be a couple of musicians having a jam. Order your Guinness and your steak and ale pie and spend the afternoon listening to free music. (maybe buy them a beer if your budget will stretch?!)

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About the Author: Jenny Kristy

Spice Seeker, Recipe Weaver, Nomad Chef |With a passport bursting with stamps and a pantry overflowing with global spices, Jenny Kristy isn't just a cook, she's a culinary nomad. Her travels fuel her passion, transforming exotic flavors into recipes that tantalize and transport. She weaves magic in her kitchen, sharing her adventures through meals that whisper of Marrakesh markets and Tuscan trattorias. From teaching sushi to whipping up Moroccan masterpieces, Jenny ignites wanderlust and connects cultures, one delicious bite at a time.

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