Off the Beaten Track: Exploring the Unsung Wonders of the World

A male Gelada monkey sits on a hillside near Kombolcha, Ethiopia, on Jan. 25, 2017. Carl Court/Getty Images

As locals groan and towns strain under the weight of overtourism, there’s a growing trend toward destinations that haven’t yet been trampled by legions of selfie sticks.

These under-visited gems are quietly waiting to share their beauty, culture, and secrets with curious travellers and maybe even a Gelada monkey or a narwhal if you’re lucky.

In 2025, it’s not just about ticking boxes on a bucket list; it’s about spreading the joy (and economic benefits) of tourism far and wide.

The Epoch Times brings you some of the best spots to escape the crowds—and maybe even yourself.

Dance with Geladas in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains

The Simien Mountains: a place where the air is thin, the views are thicker than your average family Christmas tension, and the wildlife is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Chief among them is the Gelada monkey, a baboon-esque creature with a red hourglass on its chest, like a Valentine’s Day card from Mother Nature.

These sociable primates will let you get close enough for a decent Instagram shot, but don’t mistake their friendliness for an invitation to cuddle. A Gelada might look like it’s grinning, but it’s really thinking, “Why is this biped in Lycra on my mountain?”

Pro tip: Respect their space, take your photos, and resist the urge to channel your inner David Attenborough by narrating their every move.

Ksamil Islands, Albania: Paradise Without the Price Tag

Think of the Ksamil Islands as the lovechild of a Mediterranean postcard and a dream you once had about disappearing off the grid. With turquoise waters, sugar-white sand, and islands so small you could kayak around one before your sunscreen even sets, this is Albania’s best-kept secret, well, until now.

For the adventurous, swimming to the nearest island offers both a workout and the smug satisfaction of having “stranded” yourself on an uninhabited landmass.

For the less inclined, kayaks are available, so you can arrive dry and dignified. Stay for the sunset, which is so cinematic you’ll half-expect a drone shot to sweep across the horizon.

Narva, Estonia: Where Worlds Collide (Politely)

Straddling the border between Estonia and Russia, Narva is what happens when geopolitics meets riverside charm. A watery divide between two vastly different worlds, this unassuming town is bisected by the Narva River.

On the Estonian side, you’ll find a castle housing a museum, a promenade perfect for existential strolls, and a vibe that says, “We’ve been through a lot, but we’ve got great coffee now.”

In this view from the tower of Hermann Castle, which is on the Estonian side of the Narva River, Ivangorod Fortress, which is on the Russian side, lies below on March 23, 2017. Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Across the river in Ivangorod, there’s a fortress so mighty it makes Game of Thrones look like amateur hour.

Visit Narva if you enjoy history, architecture, or simply the idea of standing in one country and waving at another. Bonus points if you can do it while holding a pastry.

Lord Howe Island, Australia: Paradise with a Visitor Cap

Lord Howe Island is the Beyoncé of islands: stunning, exclusive, and limited to just 400 admirers at a time. With world-class hiking trails, a coral reef so vibrant it makes rainbows jealous, and fish at Ned’s Beach that practically queue up for selfies, this UNESCO-listed haven is nature’s way of showing off.

Aerial view of Lord Howe Island's coral reef.
Zorro/Adobe Stock

Two hours from Australia’s east coast, it’s close enough for convenience but remote enough to feel like you’ve stepped into a different dimension, one where nobody talks about quarterly targets.

Pack your snorkel, your hiking boots, and your best “I swear I’m an outdoorsy person” attitude.

Kpalimé, Togo: Where Nature and Culture Collide

Nestled in the verdant hills of southwestern Togo, Kpalimé is like stepping into a National Geographic spread come to life. Picture lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and Mount Agou, Togo’s highest peak, looming like a benevolent guardian.

But Kpalimé isn’t just for the outdoorsy types. The town is a hub for arts and crafts, with local artisans producing intricate wood carvings and textiles that practically beg to be packed in your carry-on.

Stroll through bustling markets, chat with locals, and don’t leave without sampling fresh cocoa straight from the plantations.

Canadian Arctic: Narwhals and Icy Dreams

Do you remember the time you gave up on unicorns? Well, the Canadian Arctic is here to soothe your inner child with narwhals, the unicorns of the sea. These elusive creatures, with their spiral tusks and enigmatic smirks, are a rare but magical sight.

Spotting a narwhal is like winning nature’s lottery. You’ll need patience, luck, and several layers of thermal underwear.

A polar bear sits on the Hudson Bay fresh ice next to a hole in the ice and close to the shore waiting for a seal meal. Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images

But even if they remain out of sight, the Arctic offers plenty of otherworldly landscapes and wildlife, polar bears, shimmering icebergs, and the kind of silence that makes you feel like you’re the last person on Earth.

Whether it’s sharing a moment with a Gelada in Ethiopia or pondering the mysteries of narwhals in the Arctic, the world’s less-visited destinations are calling and they promise fewer crowds, more charm, and stories you’ll tell for a lifetime.

Pack your sense of adventure and a decent pair of walking shoes. The world is bigger, wilder, and far more magical than your Instagram feed could ever hope to capture.

(Note: Always check the travel advisories before you plan your trip.)