Top Off the Beaten Path Destinations

Travel is not restricted to just sightseeing. It can also be about discovery, genuine connection and life changing, bridge building moments between people with both nothing and everything in common. What better way to do this than look beyond tourist trails, and discover off the beaten path destinations? While you enjoy deeply meaningful connections, you can also look forward to thinner crowds, and less competition for the good seats in these six incredible off the beaten path destinations.

From Samoan lagoons to the breathtaking landscapes of Bolivia, our experts have handpicked six incredible destinations that are sure to appeal to the explorer in you!

1Bhutan

This South Asian mountain kingdom is famously home to the happiest people on earth. And it’s easy to see why. With its stunning Himalayan mountains, endless forests, winding rivers, and verdant glacial valleys, Bhutan exudes an air of tranquility. The country considers Mahayana Buddhism to be its spiritual heritage; this prevailing belief system manifests itself in both the kindness of its people and the abundance of spectacular temples and monasteries here.

Bhutan‘s hilly terrain promises plenty of hiking opportunities, ranging from easy to challenging. One such rewarding trek takes you to the cliffside Taktsang Palphug Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, perched high above the Paro Valley. The moderate-level trek has a well laid-out path, and several vantage points to soak up views of the picturesque valley with its rice fields, the meandering Paro river and snow-capped mountains in the distance.

A trip to Bhutan pairs well with Nepal, India or Thailand.

2Laos

Bordered by Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, Laos is a melting pot of culture. A coming together of French and Buddhist influences, the Southeast Asian country draws you in with its distinct cuisine and mountainous landscape. The food in Laos is rich and savory, with flavorful dishes like larb, freshwater fish, and sticky rice dominating traditional menus. And if you love coffee, you’ll be thrilled to hear that Laos produces some of the best brews in the region!

There’s much to see and do in the country. Go on leisurely boat rides along the Mekong River in the UNESCO Heritage city of Luang Prabang, and visit some of its monasteries and caves. Just outside of the city, you can find the magnificent Elephant Village. This elephant sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates elephants—and offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with…