Off The Beaten Path: Must See Up and Coming Destinations

When visiting some of the more popular tourist destinations it can sometimes feel as though you are just jumping on the bandwagon. The endless lines for entry to sites alongside thousands of others can occasionally make an attraction lose its appeal and put a damper on the entire trip. So, if you are searching for a destination where you will get to experience the magic of the area without feeling harassed, then one of these up and coming travel destinations might just appeal to you.

Thimphu, Bhutan

If you are searching for a destination that is steeped in history, culture and retains a serene atmosphere, then consider visiting Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. For centuries it continued its struggle against western influence; today it maintains a somewhat serene and ‘pure’ atmosphere. It is the only capital in the entire world where there are no traffic lights – instead white gloved policemen are employed to keep the cars moving. The tree lined streets of Thimphu are full of attractions to visit, including many Buddhist temples and museums. Thimphu lacks a vibrant nightlife, although a few nightclubs have emerged in recent years.

São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe

The second smallest African country, Sao Tome lies in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Once a prosperous cocoa producing country it now has become a leading coffee bean exporter. It’s beaches and the crystal clear waters have enticed visitors to its shores, with the first hotels being erected only 20 years ago. Tourists can relax on the soft sandy beaches working on their tans, indulge in a range of water sports, or enjoy a boat trip around the island. Hiking through the mountainous rainforests is a must as well and shoppers should make sure to stop in one of the quaint boutiques. The local motto means “slowly, slowly”, so relax and enjoy discovering this island paradise in your own time.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Assumption cathedral in Tashkent

Tashkent is the most multicultural city of Uzbekistan as well as being the country’s capital. Since the end of the Soviet period, Tashkent has undergone significant cultural changes, going as so far as to be nominated for the cultural capital of the Islamic world back in 2007. Tashkent has suffered tremendous damage throughout the decades, including the 1917 Revolution and the earthquake in 1966, yet the city still retains a wonderfully cultured atmosphere to enjoy. The Navoi Literary Museum and the Fine Arts Museum are true highlights of any visit to the country. The city’s public transport system makes it simple enough to explore the various hidden delights Tashkent has to offer but, as with many up and coming cities, there are areas where the local’s lives may not be quite as easy as others.

Funafuti, Tuvalu

The far-flung island paradise of Tuvalu is one of those destinations that appears to have been created from a dream. The only airport can be found on Funafuti, the main island in Polynesia, but it is home to a multitude of accommodations and stunning scenery. For nature lovers, there is no better place on earth – the crystal clear waters are inundated with tropical fish, green turtles and coral reefs, all waiting to be explored. Visitors can go diving, enjoy picnics, go hiking and get to know the local culture and people. Out of all of these beautiful up and coming destinations this one may not be around forever due to rising sea levels, so it’s best to get out there before it disappears beneath the waves.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Aleksander Nevski Church

Although it is the 12th largest city in the European Union, the capital of Bulgaria has not made much noise in the European tourist industry until recently. As such, you may think Sofia is a relatively quiet city with not much in the way to offer – this could not be further from the truth. Sofia has a vibrant nightlife, with many clubs and bars, as well as shopping centers and a range of luxury accommodations. History and culture can be seen on every corner, with a variety of museums, monuments and religious buildings dating to various periods in time.

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