The Off-the-Beaten-Path Getaways That Travel Advisors Recommend to Their Clients

As mass tourism continues to rise, many travelers are increasingly motivated to seek out locations where they can avoid the crowds.

This is where a skilled travel advisor truly shines: by providing insights into lesser-known—but equally captivating—destinations that are just as worthy of a visit as renowned spots like Barcelona, Tokyo, or Tuscany.

“Many of the world’s most beautiful and thrilling destinations are also famous, which explains why they frequently rank high on savvy travelers’ lists. Fortunately, there are still gems that remain less ‘discovered’,” says Cari Gray, CEO and founder of Gray & Co., a Toronto-based agency specializing in bespoke luxury travel. Among her recent top picks for clients seeking a quiet escape are Menorca, Spain; northern Greece; and Lapland.

Below, we consulted leading travel advisors (including some, like Gray, who are part of the Dinogo Travel Advisory Council) and other knowledgeable experts to reveal their favorite lesser-known destinations where they’re currently directing clients. From Japan’s most pristine main island to a hidden Italian region rich in French charm, here are their suggestions for your upcoming adventure.

1. Basel, Switzerland

Luxury travel advisor Jonathan Alder, founder of Jonathan’s Travels, notes that this Swiss gem remains largely under the radar for many travelers from the U.S. However, it’s definitely a destination worth exploring, especially for its dynamic arts scene—after all, this is where the famous Art Basel festival began in 1970. With 40 museums to choose from, including the renowned Kunstmuseum Basel, which boasts the world’s oldest public art collection, and the intriguing Feuerwehrmuseum Basel, featuring medieval firefighting artifacts, there's plenty to see. The city’s compact layout makes it easy to navigate on foot. Alder also suggests taking a ferry across the Rhine River, where you can admire stunning architecture: “It’s not a typical ferry; it operates without a motor, relying solely on a cable and the river’s natural current.”

Basel also serves as a fantastic base for exploring neighboring France and Germany, both of which share borders with Switzerland. “The true gem of this destination is its unique accessibility to the incredible regions that surround it, allowing travelers to visit three countries in a single day,” Alder elaborates. “We love sending our clients [here] so they can experience all the enchanting fairy-tale regions of Europe in just one day.”

2. Shikoku, Japan

Since June 2022, when Japan fully reopened its borders after the pandemic, the nation has experienced a surge in tourism, aided by the country’s weak yen in recent months. (Certain popular tourist spots have even imposed restrictions to manage visitor numbers while discouraging poor behavior.) However, while cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are overflowing with tourists, “Some of the most beautiful areas of Japan remain entirely off the tourist map,” notes Don George, a veteran tour guide for the luxury adventure company GeoEx and a Japan expert.

His top pick for travelers? Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four main islands, “where nearly no Westerners, or even Japanese, tourists go.” George, who has visited Shikoku over 30 times (and whose Japanese wife hails from the island), particularly appreciates its untouched nature: “Here, you’ll find cedar-clad mountains, crystal-clear streams, and immaculate rice paddies,” he shares. Must-see spots include the historic Dogo Onsen hot spring in Matsuyama, recognized as the oldest onsen in Japan; the breathtaking coastline at Cape Ashizuri; any of the temples along the island’s 88-temple pilgrimage route, established over 1,200 years ago by the revered monk Kobo Daishi; and the secluded Iya Valley, which maintains a “Shangri-La-like purity,” according to George.

3. Puglia and Valle d’Aosta, Italy

Though Puglia is increasingly popular among tourists, “This vast region still retains a wealth of untouched beauty,” notes Brandon Shaw, cofounder and COO of the Tour Guy, a tour operator focusing on Europe and the U.S. Shaw suggests exploring the quaint towns of Cisternino and Alberobello, which provide a slower pace that allows visitors to indulge in the country’s celebrated la dolce vita. “Imagine locals gathered in the town squares, perched on old wooden stools or chairs outside their homes, engaging in leisurely chats that last well into the night,” Shaw describes. “It’s a genuine slice of Italian life that remains wonderfully unspoiled.”

Another Italian gem where Shaw is directing more clients is Valle d’Aosta, a picturesque mountainous region near the borders of France and Switzerland that is still “delightfully off the beaten path,” he explains. Visitors can revel in its stunning natural scenery—it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its Alpine location—along with its distinctive French/Italian blend (it’s bilingual as well). “Despite its breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage, Valle d’Aosta remains a hidden jewel, far less traveled than Italy’s more renowned areas,” Shaw adds.

4. South Korea

Similar to Japan, South Korea has experienced a surge in tourism lately. However, Steve Harris, an independent travel advisor with Strong Travel Services, a luxury agency based in Dallas, notes that he’s already observing growing interest in the destination around the summer of 2025—which aligns with a tentatively planned concert for the renowned K-pop group BTS, whose members will have completed their mandatory military service by that time.

Whether you’re a K-pop enthusiast or not, Harris mentions that many clients are often astonished to discover the wealth of attractions that South Korea offers beyond major cities like Seoul. The breathtaking natural beauty of Jeju Island—“known as the honeymoon capital of Korea,” he points out—played a pivotal role in earning South Korea its first UNESCO World Heritage status in 2007.