If your perfect holiday is about authentic connection, incredible scenery, and discovering somewhere that still feels like a hidden gem, these destinations might just inspire your next adventure.

And the best part? Off-the-beaten-track doesn’t have to mean roughing it. As your personal Travel Counsellor, I can tailor each trip to suit your travel style — whether that’s boutique luxury, private guides, seamless transfers, or unique local experiences.

Here are ten destinations worth stepping off the usual path for.

1. The Azores, Portugal

If you love nature, adventure and dramatic scenery, the Azores are hard to beat.

Set in the middle of the Atlantic, this volcanic archipelago feels a world away from mainland Europe. Think emerald-green crater lakes, steaming thermal springs, rugged coastlines and charming harbour villages.

Spend your days hiking spectacular trails, spotting whales in the wild, or soaking in natural hot pools beneath the stars.

Perfect for couples, families and anyone wanting adventure with comfort.

2. Puglia, Italy

For travellers who love Italy but want something more relaxed and authentic, Puglia is a dream.

This sun-drenched region offers whitewashed towns, turquoise coastlines, endless olive groves and some of the best food in the country.

Stay in a beautiful masseria (traditional farmhouse), explore hidden beaches, and enjoy long dinners under the stars.

It’s Italy at its most charming — without the crowds.

3. The Faroe Islands

Wild, remote and wonderfully dramatic.

The Faroe Islands are perfect for travellers who want jaw-dropping scenery and a sense of true escape. Picture grass-roofed cottages, waterfalls tumbling into the sea, steep cliffs and tiny villages perched on fjords.

This is slow travel at its best — scenic drives, peaceful hikes, boat trips and cosy guesthouses.

A real hidden gem for adventurous souls.

4. Colombia’s Coffee Region

Beyond Colombia’s vibrant cities lies one of South America’s most beautiful regions.

Rolling green hills, colourful colonial towns and endless coffee plantations make this area ideal for slower, immersive travel.

Stay in traditional haciendas, learn from local coffee growers, explore cloud forests and discover the towering wax palms of the Cocora Valley.

Warm hospitality and incredible scenery come as standard.

5. Slovenia’s Lakes and Alps

Slovenia offers all the beauty of the Alps, but with far fewer crowds.

From crystal-clear lakes and fairytale castles to wine regions and mountain villages, it packs so much into one small country.

It’s perfect for those wanting a mix of outdoor adventure and relaxed luxury.

Think hiking by day, lakeside dining by night, and wine tasting in between.

6. Namibia

For travellers craving space, silence and spectacular landscapes, Namibia is unforgettable.

Towering red dunes, vast desert plains, incredible wildlife and some of the clearest night skies in the world make this one of Africa’s most extraordinary destinations.

Stay in luxury desert lodges, enjoy expert-led safaris, and take scenic flights over the dramatic Skeleton Coast.

A truly unique African experience.

7. The Peloponnese, Greece

Love Greece, but want to avoid the busiest islands?

The Peloponnese is one of the country’s best-kept secrets.

It offers everything people love about Greece — crystal-clear waters, ancient ruins, charming harbour towns and incredible food — but with a much slower pace.

Ideal for families in summer or couples looking for shoulder-season sunshine.

8. Salta & Northwest Argentina

Argentina’s northwest feels like a different world.

Far removed from Buenos Aires and Patagonia, this region offers colourful mountains, high-altitude vineyards, desert landscapes and traditional adobe villages.

Base yourself in beautiful colonial Salta and explore with private guides for a truly immersive experience.

It’s a fantastic choice for wine lovers and culture seekers.

9. Rural Japan

There’s a quieter side to Japan that many travellers miss.

Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto lies a world of peaceful fishing villages, forest temples, hot spring inns and art-filled islands.

Stay in a traditional ryokan, travel by ferry between islands, and experience the slower rhythm of rural life.

Perfect for those wanting a more authentic side of Japan.

10. The Scottish Highlands & Islands

Sometimes you don’t have to travel far to feel completely away from it all.

The Scottish Highlands and islands offer rugged coastlines, wild beaches, dramatic mountains and cosy lodges filled with warmth and character.

Explore by car or rail, discover remote castles, enjoy wildlife boat trips and unwind with local whisky by a roaring fire.

A perfect reminder that adventure can be closer than you think.

Why book an off-the-beaten-track trip with me?

Travelling somewhere less explored often needs more thoughtful planning — and that’s where I can make all the difference.

When you book with me, you’re not just getting a holiday — you’re getting a tailor-made experience built around you.

I can help with:

✔ Finding the right destination to match your travel style
✔ Hand-picking boutique and luxury stays
✔ Creating seamless itineraries with private transfers and guides
✔ Suggesting authentic experiences you won’t find on a standard package
✔ Offering expert support before, during and after your trip
✔ Making sure every detail is protected and stress-free

Off-the-beaten-track doesn’t have to mean complicated.

It can mean extraordinary.

About Me

I’m passionate about creating tailor-made holidays that go beyond the ordinary. For me, travel is about discovering places that feel authentic, unique and unforgettable — whether that’s a hidden island in Greece, a remote desert lodge in Namibia, or a boutique stay tucked away in rural Japan.

As your personal Travel Counsellor, I specialise in designing bespoke trips built around your style of travel, your budget and the experiences that matter most to you. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, luxury or complete escape, I’ll help you uncover destinations and experiences you might never have found on your own.

From hand-picked boutique stays and seamless itineraries to insider recommendations and full support before, during and after your trip, I’m here to make planning your next adventure simple, exciting and completely stress-free.

If you’re ready to step away from the usual tourist trail and explore somewhere extraordinary, I’d love to help.

Get in touch today to start planning your next adventure.

Email: tom.sterling@travelcounsellors.com
Phone / WhatsApp: 01923 640066