TMR’s 17 Off-the-Beaten Places to See before You Die: Expert Travel Advisors Offer Their Top Picks

Who better to tell travelers what the best places to visit are than the people who have made their living exploring every corner of our planet?

With that in mind, Travel Market Report reached out to advisors to find out what they think are the top 17 off-the-beaten places travelers should see in their lifetimes. 

AFRICA

1. Kenya (Northern Frontier)
The wildest part of Kenya is defined by the arid desert of the Suguta Valley and Lake Turkana (aka the Jade Sea), and is inhabited only by nomadic pastoralists such as the Samburu, Soyei, Pokot and Turkana. The best way to experience this otherworldly part of Kenya is via helicopter… Seeing the flamingos of Lake Logipi from above is an experience no one will soon forget. And viewing Cathedral Rock, the weird mushroom-shaped formations, sand dunes that give way to salt flats and lush oasis-like areas is an experience like nothing else on the planet. – Robin Cline, owner, Cline & Co. Travel Consulting, a Virtuoso member agency

2. Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda was an amazing experience I will never forget. For those travelers who are in decent shape and have disposable income, it’s one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever done. I would do it again in a heartbeat. – Susan Reder, advisor at Frosch Classic Cruise and Travel, a Signature member agency

3. Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa
It is definitely off the beaten path and absolutely an incredible experience for safari, nature/environment, and conservation.There is also a dining experience, Klein Jan, that is spectacular and included for every guest staying a minimum of 3 nights. I have been to Africa many times and this was truly a magical experience that forced me and my family to slow down and appreciate nature and life… It is also one of the best places to see the stars because there is no light pollution. – Jamie Jones, president, Whirlaway Travel, a Signature member agency

ASIA

4. Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai, Thailand
It’s a whole new world over there and the people are so friendly! I recommend my clients experience the elephants in their natural surroundings and also the elephant rescue sanctuary. — Lauren Doyle, president, Travel Mechanic, a member of ensemble

CARIBBEAN

5. Tortola
One of our favorites is Tortola where we took the ferry to the Baths. It was an exciting adventure climbing through the rocks and water to reach the pool and bar at the finish line, which was a huge surprise! Not many people know about the Virgin Gorda Baths but I think everyone should experience it once. – Laurie Shuss, co-owner of a Dream Vacations franchise

EUROPE

6. Plesivicka, Croatia
The one “must see” region that I cannot wait to return to is Plešivica, which can be accessed from the capital, Zagreb, and lies just about an hour southwest. The area features the best sparkling wines in the country. There are around 40 different wineries in this region and about 60% of the wines produced are sparkling. Located on hilly terrain that gets prime sunlight for winemaking, the area is perfect for curious wine enthusiasts seeking new, off the beaten path experiences, but also for those who love countryside peacefulness. Most of these wineries are small and family run for generations, so meeting directly with the winemakers and the family members is the cherry on top to visiting! – Samantha Schultz, owner, Plan Your Perfect Vacation, LLC

7. Czesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
I love the idea of a visit to Czesky Krumlov. It’s such a hidden gem, most often visited via a river cruise on the Danube. The town is so full of charm and feels like you’ve arrived in the middle of a fairy tale. Great food, great Czech beer, so many fun treats and it’s magical to walk around and look at the history and quaint buildings. – Kimberlee Evans, An Extraordinary Traveler, a Nexion Travel Group member

8. Carcassonne and Avignon, France
These two walled cities are located in Southern France. Carcassonne was built in the 13th century. I think it’s amazing to see how our predecessors lived. Though they now have some modern technologies like electric and running water, the views and architecture remain as when the cities were created. We had the best macaroons in Carcassonne and enjoyed a city tour, amazing boutique hotel and traditional original French cuisine and watching the sun setting was amazing.—Joy Teet, owner of a Dream Vacations franchise

9. Ireland
Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries I have seen. We had an agenda to visit many of the tourist spots but it was the coastal drives, the beautiful countryside and the people in local pubs and restaurants that made my trip amazing. We made sure not to eat in the restaurants along the tourist streets. Instead we took the side streets and visited local coffee shops and pubs. — Lianabelle Pinero, Owner, Nautical Dreams Travel, an independent agent with Cruises & Tours Unlimited

10. Gap of Dunloe, Killarney, Ireland
Many people know about this place, but very few actually make the short hike and see it while in Ireland. Which is a shame because this area is a sight for sore eyes. After a short hike up windy one-way roads (that are shared by drivers, hikers sheep!) you come to this incredible gap in the mountains with a lake on both sides of you. It is truth breathtaking. My husband and I loved that it wasn’t flooded with tourists because it made taking in this insanely beautiful scenery that much more special. It was so quiet and serene. It is just such a special place in Ireland that I’m surprised more don’t make the stop to! — Christine Wolff, advisor at Brentwood Travel, a member of ensemble Travel Group

11. Kinsale, Ireland
My favorite off-the-beaten path place to visit and stay is Kinsale, on the southern coat of Ireland. It is a beautiful and busy tourist spot during the day. Still, when all the tourists leave late afternoon, the streets clear, the pace slows down, and the town comes to life with locals gathering their musical instruments in the pubs for drinks and impromptu music sessions. Its location also lends itself to easy day trips to Cork, Waterford, Cobh, and other historical sites in Southern Ireland. – Dusty Davidson, owner of a Dream Vacations franchise

12. Lesser-Known Italy
Italy, in my opinion, has some of the best ‘hidden gems’ hiding in plain sight. Once you do the “A” list of Rome, Florence, and Venice, there is much more to discover in the way of towns and villages off-the-beaten track. Some of my favorites are the Valnerina region tucked into the southeastern corner of Umbria. Not only is the scenery stunning, but you can visit

14. Israel
I believe that the one place that everyone should see before they die would be Israel. Where else can you get such meaningful rich history that is life-changing? I have traveled the world and visited so many interesting places. Israel left a life-long lasting impression on me and I will be traveling there AGAIN before I leave this earth! – John R. Schmitt, Jr., president, Frankenmuth Travel, a TRAVELSAVERS agency

SOUTH AMERICA

15. The Galapagos
When we cruised to the Galapagos, it was the first time I actually felt, “I’ve been waiting my whole life to see this!” After 18 years in the business, and cruising up to 60 days some years, it was the first time my wife disembarked and instead of saying “Check! Done that!” said, “I want to go again.” Everything you’ve read about since elementary school about Darwin, the Galapagos, the marine iguanas, equatorial penguins, sea turtles, land tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and more… just come to life when you’re inches away. The sea lions really do swim up to your snorkel mask, the sea turtles are as naturally curious as any Disney animation, only REAL. A truly life-changing destination. — David Locke, owner, Seize the Seas, an independent agency in the Avoya Network

I love the connection between the wildlife and the people. It is amazing because the wildlife does not fear humans as they have never known humans to be a threat. Among what you will experience are unique birds, tortoises, penguins, blue footed boobies and, my favorite, the sea lions. I loved swimming with the sea lions and turtles. The local guides are fabulous and are local to the Galapagos. They are dedicated to protecting the pristine environment for the wildlife and tourists. – Lisa Long, Luxury Vacations, LLC, an independent agency in the Avoya Network

16. Antarctica
I think folks should see Antarctica. I have had several clients travel there and have come back to me saying that it was one of the best trips they have ever taken. The highlight for most of them was the interaction with the penguins. They said they would sit on the ground and the penguins would come up to them and sit on them and play with them for quite a while. There are some, but not many other places that you can have that unique experience. In addition to that experience, taking a trip down there with everything else that it has to offer, such as camping on a glacier, is usually a once in a lifetime trip to visit that unique continent. – Penny Rushing, owner, Four Points Travel, LLC, an independent agency in the Avoya Network

SOUTH PACIFIC

17. The Marquesas
Visiting the Marquesas feels like stepping back in time. Not only are you awed by the beauty of this remote archipelago in The Islands of Tahiti, but the cultural connection can be felt everywhere. Breathtaking hikes overlooking expanses of the Pacific and searching for tikis with authentic storytelling are just two highlights that come to mind. Visiting the Marquesas on the Aranui, half freighter, half passenger vessel is a one-of-kind experience. The crew and staff welcome you onboard as family, leaving a lasting impression of gratitude to experience these unique islands. – Christina Turrini, FROSCH, a Signature member agency