13 Hidden Gem Locations to Go to in 2024, In response to Journey Specialists

The place do savvy vacationers go to flee the crowds and expertise true native tradition? We requested our A-list journey advisors to disclose their favourite hidden gem locations for 2023 — place which might be off the overwhelmed path and brimming with attraction.

Sardinia, Italy

“Sardinia stands out as a pearl of the Mediterranean. Due to its strategic location, Sardinia has been conquered by many civilizations over the centuries, abandoning traces of artwork and tradition that also enrich the realm in its archaeological websites, historic landmarks, and vibrant traditions. Sardinia captivates guests with its distinctive delicacies, high-quality wines, and real traditions.” — Matteo Della Grazia & Daniela Mencarelli, Fuoritinerario — Uncover Your Italy

Hong Kong

“Individuals want to speak about Hong Kong (once more). It’s been beneath the radar for numerous years, however the metropolis continues to impress with new essential museums and distinctive motels which might be an inexpensive worth in comparison with most in Europe.” — Rob Clabbers, Q Cruise + Journey

Poland

“Journey to Poland tanked after the invasion in Ukraine, but it surely’s again with a vengeance. There’s a lot historical past to uncover. The attraction right here comes from the native people who find themselves heat and welcoming, permitting for numerous private experiences we will create … like assembly native artists or a home-based cooking expertise. It’s additionally not on the euro, so nonetheless a wonderful worth.” — Gwen Kozlowski, Exeter Worldwide

The Peloponnese, Greece

“This peninsula within the southwestern area of mainland Greece  is commonly neglected by vacationers wanting for the best Greece vacation. Nevertheless, the Peloponnese presents the biggest variety of UNESCO World Heritage Websites in Greece, the last word farm-to-table experiences, and top-notch properties. Luxurious motels embody a Mandarin Oriental, Amanzoe, W, and Romanos.  A Banyan Tree is opening in 2025. The Peloponnese additionally boasts among the greatest seashores in Greece.” — Mina Agnos, Travelive

Madagascar

“Madagascar stays a little bit of a thriller to most individuals. After I first set foot in Madagascar almost 15 years in the past, I couldn’t wait to seek for lemurs, snorkel off the smaller islands of Nosy Be, and spot whales from Ile Sainte Marie. I additionally hugged many towering, historic baobab timber; they’ve a particular place within the island’s tradition. As we speak, normal enhancements in lodging requirements add a level of consolation to any off-the-beaten-track journey, whereas these searching for world-class desert island luxurious won’t be disenchanted.” — Samantha Gordon, Crimson Savannah

Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

“Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe presents all kinds of water actions, together with fishing and sport viewing. It is also close to Matusadona Nationwide Park, the place you possibly can expertise exhilarating bush walks and sport drives. On my final go to, we walked close to a big herd of buffalo and bumped into three elephants. Bumi Hills, a part of African Bush Camps, not too long ago launched a sleepout on Lake Kariba for those who keep a minimal of three nights.” — Candice Heckel, Africa Endeavours

Losinj, Croatia

“Losinj, which is tucked up within the northern Adriatic, is known as ‘Vitality Island’ for a motive. It is protected by Italy on one aspect, and the Croatian coast on the opposite. Retailers would cease right here for a secure haven to relaxation, commerce, and restock. And with its best local weather, greater than 1,000 crops and an array of medicinal herbs can develop right here. It is consultant of how wellness can span a whole island.” — Kristin Chambers, D.A. Luxurious Journey & TravelLustre

Mgahinga Gorilla Nationwide Park, Uganda

“Within the southwest of Uganda, the tiny Mgahinga Gorilla Nationwide Park is residence to a single mountain gorilla group: the Nyakagezi household. A go to to Mgahinga, on the Ugandan aspect of the Virunga volcanoes, will provide you with a novel perception into the world of the endangered mountain gorillas, their habitats, and the communities that reside close by. You can even hike a volcano, see the uncommon golden monkey, and share within the historic tradition of the Batwa, one of many oldest inhabitants of the central African rain forest, on the Gahinga Batwa Village.” — Praveen Moman, Volcanoes Safaris

Khajuraho, India

“Khajuraho, a small city in the midst of India, is well-known all over the world for its exquisitely carved temples, acknowledged by UNESCO amongst its record of World Heritage Websites. It is also close to the Panna Nationwide Park, the place you possibly can go on a tiger safari.” — Marion Miller, Micato Safaris

Ennedi Plateau, Chad

“The Ennedi Plateau, spanning Chad’s Sahelian and Saharan areas, presents vacationers a distant journey right into a desert panorama of historic rock artwork relationship again over 8,000 years, sandstone pinnacles, rock labyrinths, and hidden valleys the place the desert nomads of the Tubu, Zaghawa, and Bedeyat peoples have introduced their camels to water for hundreds of years. In Chad, it’s a  privilege to see a bewitching and exquisite desert, and on such a scale.” — Will Jones, Journeys by Design

Puglia, Italy

“Situated within the heel of Italy, Puglia is surrounded by attractive seashores, sea arches, cliffs, and caves — but it is nonetheless underneath most vacationers’ radar. So many Instagram-worthy photographs of Italy have been taken right here. There are must-see UNESCO World Heritage Websites, together with the trulli of Alberobello and the cave dwellings in Matera, a few of which now home motels. My favourite cities embody Lecce and Monopoli.” — Julie Jones, TopFlight Travels

Bahrain

“Bahrain is an island nation that has an ideal deal to supply any customer. Although not as widespread as its neighbors, it has an ideal meals scene, and English is broadly spoken. Bahrain additionally has world-class motels and exquisite seashores, and is secure and simple to navigate.” — Mo Noubani, The Journey Field Worldwide

Southwest Wilderness, Tasmania

“Tasmania’s southwest wilderness is a pristine, UNESCO World Heritage-listed area that was solely not too long ago made accessible to guests. In 2023, the introduction of Odalisque III, a luxurious, expedition-style cruising expertise, started offering guests [with] a privileged alternative to discover breathtaking surroundings and dramatic landscapes shared by 12 friends on board. Vacationers can additionally take pleasure in customized excursions — together with some superb hikes and wildlife recognizing — snug lodging, and fabulous Tasmanian meals and wines.” — Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossings