The best travel stories start where the tour buses stop. Here are ten places our guides love — still authentic, still crowd-free.
Europe's Quiet Corners
Albarracín, Spain — a pink-hued medieval village in the hills of Aragón that most Spaniards haven't even visited. The Lofoten Islands, Norway — Arctic beaches and fishing cabins, best in September's golden light. Matera, Italy — ancient cave dwellings turned boutique hotels, far calmer than the Amalfi crowds.
Asia Beyond the Icons
Nusa Penida, Indonesia — Kelingking Beach without the Bali traffic, if you go on a weekday. Hsipaw, Myanmar — a slow-train ride over the Gokteik Viaduct into trekking country. Tottori, Japan — sweeping sand dunes and hot-spring fishing ports, two hours from Kyoto by express train.
The Americas & Beyond
Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil — desert lagoons that exist only half the year. Great Bear Rainforest, Canada — grizzlies and spirit bears with Indigenous guides. Socotra, Yemen — dragon-blood trees on the most alien island on Earth (go with specialists only). The Wakhan Corridor, Tajikistan — the roof of the world, for the truly intrepid.
Travel gently
Hidden gems stay gems when visitors tread lightly: stay family-run, eat local, carry out waste, and ask before photographing people. Our small-group format (12–25 guests) is designed for exactly these places. Ask about custom gem-hunting itineraries.
Two of these destinations pair beautifully with our signature tours — Matera with Rome, Tottori with Tokyo. Add a day, find a story.
