Getting away from the tourists takes a bit more effort lately. It seems every ‘hidden gem’ is quickly tagged, captioned and overrun within a season. Yet some places still fly entirely under the radar – the ones you hear about from an adventurous friend or a back-packing cousin returning from a gap year.

This month’s travel mood is about going slightly off-route, stepping away from the usual spots and choosing less obvious destinations. So, get exploring before the cat’s out of the bag!

FAROE ISLANDS

Floating somewhere between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands (a territory of Denmark) look like something out of a fantasy world. Its 18 volcanic islands rise sharply out of the North Atlantic – steep basalt cliffs and rolling green hills stitched together by undersea tunnels, ferries and winding roads that seem to disappear into the mist.

The weather here dictates absolutely everything – one moment it’s pouring, the next it’s clear sunshine with views for miles. It sounds inconvenient and plans may need to change without warning, but it gives the place its charm, so go with the flow.

Tórshavn, one of the smallest capitals in the world with around 14,000 residents, is easy to get a feel for in under an hour. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to cosy cottages and boutique hotels overlooking the sea. Wander the old quarter of Tinganes, its colourful wooden buildings with grass roofs jutting into the harbour, then stop to sample traditional Faroese fermented lamb (skerpikjøt) and aged fish.

The real draw, though, is the fairytale landscape, with its wide-open, end-of-the-world feel. Hike the bird cliffs at Vestmanna, visit the iconic Múlafossur Waterfall and the famous ‘lake above the ocean’ at Sørvágsvatn or take a boat to witness one of the biggest bird colonies on Mykines, where puffins outnumber people by a considerable margin. There’s not much in the way of attractions and getting here takes a little effort (a connection through Copenhagen or Reykjavik, usually), but to witness one of the most breathtaking edges of the world, it’s worth it for those willing to make the journey.

ALBANIA

The Balkans’ overlooked corner, Albania is one of the most stunning yet underrated destinations in Southeast Europe. The coastline rivals parts of Greece or Croatia and its mountains are a trekker’s dream – yet outside a few summer hotspots, it hasn’t been fully claimed by mass tourism yet.

Tirana, the capital, is the obvious starting point. Busy, quirky and full of colour in unexpected places, you’ll find street art murals brightening communist-era buildings, Cold War relics like the refurbished Bunk’Art museums and formerly off-limits zones like Blloku now buzzing with trendy cafés, restaurants and galleries.

To the north, the Accursed Mountains (or Albanian Alps) are considered one of Europe’s last unspoilt wildernesses. The traverse between Valbona and Theth – a full day’s hike through rugged valleys, remote villages and pine forests – has become the stuff of serious trekkers’ bucket lists. In the southwest, the stunning Albanian Riviera stretches along the Ionian Sea, with Dhërmi, Himarë and Ksamil offering clear, turquoise water and postcard-worthy beaches without the typical Mediterranean crowds.

Further inland, Albania’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical cities are both worth the detour – Berat with its hillside maze of white Ottoman houses, and Gjirokastër’s limestone streets and brooding 12th-century fortress. Don’t leave without exploring the Old Bazaar’s traditional artisan shops, carpets and local eateries. The food is influenced by Italy and Greece, so expect grilled meat, fresh vegetables, plenty of olive oil and outstanding gelato!

It’s rare to find a country that delivers this much and still feels like a hidden gem. Visit before everyone else catches on.

KAZAKHSTAN

Kazakhstan rarely shows up on travel lists, which is surprising once you see it. The ninth largest country on earth is vast with landscapes that shift dramatically from steppe to canyon to mountain.

In the north, the ultramodern capital Astana dazzles with its futuristic architecture contrasting with the barren plains, but the soul of the country lies further south in Almaty – City of Apples. The country’s cultural hub, it’s a cosmopolitan city with leafy avenues, a vibrant art scene and a backdrop of Tian Shan’s snow-capped peaks that never leave your line of sight. Coffee culture is big here, with excellent cafés pouring flat whites on almost every corner. The streets around the all-wood Ascension Cathedral offer excellent people-watching, and the Green Bazaar is a sensory experience of dried fruit, kumis (fermented mare’s milk) and kazy (smoked horse meat sausage).

For a taste of the stunning landscape, take a cable car from the city centre to Kok Tobe Hill for its panoramic views and the Big Almaty Lake – a high-altitude alpine reservoir so picture-perfect it looks like a desktop wallpaper come to life. With so much to see, don’t miss the Charyn Canyon’s rust red rock formations (often seen as a smaller Grand Canyon) and the breathtaking views at Kolsai Lakes National Park – impossibly still water reflecting the surrounding forests. Further west, the Mangystau region’s surreal white limestone cliffs and dry seabeds feel otherworldly.

Driving across the steppe is almost hypnotic, with little to interrupt the horizon except the occasional herd of horses or a traditional yurt camp – where you can stay for a glimpse into nomadic life, enjoying simple meals of beshbarmak (boiled meat over noodles) and plenty of tea.

Kazakhstan isn’t designed for quick visits. You have to cover some ground to understand it, so take your time – it’ll be worth the while.

SUMBA, INDONESIA

Indonesia has no shortage of islands, but where Bali gets all the attention for its high-end resorts and party scene, Sumba stands out for what it doesn’t have. No crowds, no beach clubs, just untouched, raw beauty.

The landscape has a dramatic untamed quality: sweeping savannahs, rolling hills, breathtaking waterfalls and deserted white–sand beaches facing the wild Indian Ocean. Surfing has started to bring more attention to Sumba, especially along the western coast around spots like Nihiwatu, but it’s still relatively low-key. You can spend hours moving from one beach to another and pass only a handful of people.

Weekuri Lagoon is worth a visit – a calm saltwater pool separated from the sea by coral rocks that shifts between shades of blue and green as the light changes. Not far from there you’ll find Mandorak Beach, a pretty little cove with clear turquoise water hidden between striking cliffs. Then there’s Walakiri Beach, known for its mangrove trees that create unusual shapes against the sunset – definitely one for the Insta reels!

Sumba is closely tied to its traditions and villages still follow customs that go back generations. The Uma Mbatangu houses are built with tall, pointed thatch and bamboo roofs, and megalithic stone tombs sit in the centre of communities. Getting around takes a bit of patience. Roads are narrow and winding and most travellers hire a driver and local guide. Accommodation ranges from bare-bones guesthouses to a few higher-end eco lodges, though even those keep things understated.

Sumba isn’t trying to compete with anywhere else – it’s honest, unspoilt and totally magical! ✤