The moment people start talking about somewhere they’ve found that’s “off the beaten path,” it’s only a matter of time before said path is, well, beaten.
But can you keep a secret? Because we’ve discovered some must-see places worthy of adding to your travel bucket list. And they’re so incredible it’d be criminal to keep them to ourselves.
Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
Plenty of travelers jet off to Iceland, but who forgot about Greenland? And specifically, who forgot about Ittoqqortoormiit?
Ittoqqortoormiit (pronounced it-doc-cut-door-meat) is a remote settlement in easternmost Greenland, where visitors – few and far between, though they may be – have the opportunity to experience Greenlandic hunting culture, ride dog sleds, and bathe in hot springs. The sea here is frozen for nine months per year, and the glacier-ridden landscape is spectacular to behold, comprising the largest fjord complex in the world at nearby Scoresby Sound.
Egadi Islands, Sicily
Time hardly exists on this magical archipelago, so ditch the watch before you arrive.
Closer to Tunisia than mainland Italy, not many people have heard about this place – and those who have would like to keep it that way. The small but perfectly formed archipelago comprises three main islands: Marettimo, Levanzo and Favignana, with Marettimo being the most remote and unspoiled.
Great Himalaya Trail, Nepal
Not so much off the path as literally on it, the 1,050-mile hike along the Great Himalaya Trail will lead you through some of the most remote mountain territories in the world.
It’s a challenging trek and you’ll need a good level of fitness and experience to begin with, but that’s probably why the route hasn’t been overrun. From the far eastern province of Kanchenjunga, the trail winds its way cross-country through mountain passes and ancient villages to the high Tibetan borders in the west.
Bottom of the Grand Canyon, Arizona
Everyone has seen the Grand Canyon from above, and peered tiptoed over the edge into the great chasm below. But have you ever wondered what it would be like to stand at the bottom, looking up?
Intrepid pioneers should venture down during the winter season, when the cavernous landscape is beautiful and desolate, and they may not see more than a dozen other hikers for days.
Featured image: © Artfully79/iStock/Thinkstock
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
