21 Unusual Holiday Destinations for Adventurers in 2026

Trying to plan your next adventure? You fancy something a little bit different, more of a local experience? This list of unusual holiday destinations to visit in 2026 will help to give you some ideas! 

Getting away from crowds of tourists and finding little corners of the world that are less-explored is THE most exciting way to travel. You get to see real life, you get to meet local people, you get to experience the culture first hand. 

Hopefully this list will get your juices flowing, and maybe get you thinking of some destinations that don’t hit the typical tourist radar. Travel experiences are so much more meaningful for yourself and for the locals in these off the beaten track holiday destinations. These places and your experiences are authentic; you leave a piece of yourself there, and take a piece with you. 

This list is to give you an idea of how to incorporate some unusual holiday destinations into your next trip!

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1. Nakhchivan | Azerbaijan

Where?! Yeah, we hadn’t heard of it either until we started planning a trip through Azerbaijan. Nakhchivan is a small Azerbaijani exclave bordering Armenia, Iran and Turkey. Being completely cut off from Azerbaijan means that you’ll have to a get a 55 minute internal flight, but I promise you it is worth the extra hassle.

Nakhchivan feels like a whole different world. It’s Soviet and oddly quiet in the city (kind of like I’d imagine Pyongyang or Ashgabat might feel) and then you venture outside the city, and the landscapes are breath-taking. Hike up to Alinja Castle, known as Azerbaijan’s Machu Picchu; drive through dusty, red canyon roads; wander through lush, green pastures dotted with lakes and colourful flowers. I hate to use the cliché, but this is the epitome of a hidden gem.

Combine your trip with a visit to Baku or other spots in the Caucasus such as Georgia and Armenia.

2. Pankisi Valley | Georgia

Again, completely off the tourist trail, Pankisi Valley is full of natural beauty, fascinating culture, and the friendliest and most welcoming people. Wander around the remote villages, stop for tea with the locals, try the local Kist cuisine (and Kist beer!), head to the valley viewpoints, find the old amphitheatre. A trip to Pankisi Valley is all about experiencing the unique culture.

While the majority of Georgia is Orthodox Christian, you will find mostly Sufi Islam here. The Kist people who live in Pankisi Valley are descendants of Chechens who fled during the Chechen wars. They settled in the valley, and Georgia gave them citizenship which means that there is a beautiful unique culture here. Easily accessible by twice daily marshrutka rides from Tbilisi, you could add a few nights in Pankisi to your Tbilisi trip.

Combine your trip with a visit to Tbilisi, Sighnaghi, and Kazbegi.

3. Alaverdi | Armenia

This small town is the perfect base to explore Armenia’s Debed Canyon. Cute and rural, but still close enough to hike/get a Lada taxi to the most stunning historical UNESCO monasteries. Make sure you explore Sanahin Monastery which is in Alaverdi, then maybe hike to Haghpat Monastery (the hike is beautiful!), and get a Lada taxi to take you to Akhtala Monastery and Kobayr Monastery that are a little further along the canyon. This peaceful and tranquil canyon dotted with ancient treasures is a must-see!

Combine your trip with a visit to Yerevan, Dilijan, or Tbilisi in Georgia.

4. Quilotoa | Ecuador

Hidden in the mountains of central Ecuador, but still only a ninety-minute bus ride from Latacunga, is one of the most magical sights we have ever seen. Laguna Quilotoa is a lake which has formed in a volcanic crater after a volcano imploded. The crater lake is a stunning blue colour surrounded by the beauty of the volcano. You can hike the crater rim or hike down into the crater to get to the water’s edge. Or if you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can do a multi-day hike through rural villages to reach the lake. If you do one thing in Ecuador, make it this!

Combine your trip with a visit to Cuenca, Banos, and Quito.

5. Osh | Kyrgyzstan

Even though Osh is the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan, it has more of a town feel about it. The city is actually home to the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage site – Suleiman Too Sacred Mountain. For a grand total of 70 SOM (70p), you can hike up the steps to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of the city. You’ll also find a mosque at the very top, and further along, is a history museum set in a cave.

The other must-sees in Osh are the many well-preserved Soviet mosaics, the huge bazaar, and maybe try the local fermented fizzy milk off the street (if you are brave enough!).

Combine your trip with a visit to Arslanbob, Fergana Valley, and Tashkent in Uzbekistan.

6. Trujillo | Peru

North Peru doesn’t see the huge tourism that the classic Gringo route does. Trujillo is the perfect
base to explore the surrounding area. The city itself has a charming old town with cobbled streets,
brightly coloured buildings, and unnecessarily large doorways. Once you’ve explored the old town
head to some of the areas historic ruins – Chan Chan and Huaca de la Luna. Both are an easy bus ride
from town, have very low entrance fees, and attract very few tourists. That’s a win win win in my
book. For something a little different, jump on a bus to head to Huanchaco to drink pisco sours by
the beach and see the traditional reed fishing boats.

Combine your trip with a visit to Cajamarca and Huaraz.

7. Mysore | India

Known for its extravagant palace, Mysore is largely untouched by foreign tourism. Make sure you see the palace at night all lit up and sparkly like it’s straight out of Disney, as well as venturing inside to be amazed by all the intricate detailing and decoration. Head out for street food in the evening (6pm onwards).

Try dry gobi (deep-fried spicy cauliflower), egg 65 (spicy fried egg stir fry), sev puri (I honestly don’t know how to describe this, but you need to give it a go!), masala soda (coke with masala spice, salt and lime?), and the world famous Mysore pak (a local fudge sweet made from ghee). We had an absolute ball in Mysore just wandering the streets and trying all the street food we came across.

Combine your trip with a visit to Bangalore, Coorg, and Kochi.

8. Mardin | Turkey

In the very south east of Turkey, sits Mardin; an ancient city built up on a hill overlooking the plains of ancient Mesopotamia. Mardin is the ultimate destination for street photography as the old town consists of a labyrinth of narrow paths that Google Maps isn’t even sure about.

Getting lost down these cobbled alleyways, finding characterful doors, stumbling upon viewpoints dotted with minarets is the best thing to do. And when I say ‘getting lost’, that is exactly what we did, on several occasions! Have a pistachio coffee with a view, or a full Turkish breakfast spread, or even a glass of pomegranate wine.

If you are heading out to Mardin in November, check to see if you can align your visit with the bulgur wheat festival; literally and figuratively a wholesome event!

Combine your trip with a visit to Sanliurfa, Cappadocia, and Ani.

9. Una National Park | Bosnia & Herzegovina

So off-the-beaten-path in the north west of Bosnia and Herzegovina, that the only way to visit Una National Park is by hiring your own car, and even that was a struggle when we turned up without a booking. So, top tip: book your hire car in advance!

The national park is full of the most stunning and powerful waterfalls, tranquil lakes, glacial blue rivers, and historic towns and castle ruins. Spend two days exploring all the beautiful bodies of water, stopping for lunch or a Bosnian coffee just to take in the phenomenal views. 

Combine your trip with a visit to Jajce, Mostar, and Sarajevo.

10. Anuradhapura | Sri Lanka

Sat at the north of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, Anuradhapura is an ancient UNESCO heritage site of grand dagobas and stupas. Hire yourself a bike or a tuktuk for the day and explore the city, stopping to explore all the crumbling ruins amongst the paddy fields. This was Sri Lanka’s ancient capital city and a major religious centre. And it’s very near to Mihintale, which is recognised as the spot where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. If you’re into culture, history, architecture, religion, but not into crowds, this is the place for you!

Combine your trip with a visit to Trincomalee, Jaffna, and Sigiriya.

11. Sanliurfa | Turkey

Sitting in the south east of Turkey, Sanliurfa is a historical city with ancient hans/caravanserais, traditional markets, and seriously strong coffee.

The absolute highlight of any visit to Sanliurfa is the fascinating Archaeology Museum. If you only visit one museum in the whole of Turkey, make it this one! We literally spent three hours wandering round, being wowed by everything.

And then after your museum visit, take the bus out to see Gobekli Tepe: the world’s oldest known megalithic site at over 12,000 years old!

Combine your trip with a visit to Mardin, Cappadocia, and Ani.

12. Kaohsiung | Taiwan

Right in the south of Taiwan, sits Kaohsiung. A lively, vibrant city with delicious food spots, plenty of
day trip opportunities, welcoming locals, an efficient metro system, and is nearby the famous
Kenting national park beaches.

Get up early and get in line with the locals for some radish cake, steamed buns or life-changing shaobing stuffed with omelette all washed down with iced soy milk. Take a short ferry ride to Cijin island, stand in bewilderment surrounded by Buddha statues at the bizarre Buddha Land, see the unique temples and intricate street art, and eat all the stinky tofu that you can get your hands on at Ruifeng Night Market! Trust me, it tastes much better than it smells.

Combine your trip with a visit to Taipei, Kenting National Park, and Tainan.

13. Shkoder | Albania

Shkoder is in the north of Albania and is best known as the gateway to the Albanian Alps, and maybe a stopover before you cross the borders either into Kosovo or Montenegro.

But the small city deserves so much more credit than it gets. It’s great for street photographers due to the part dilapidated buildings, part refreshed buildings. It’s a short cycle ride from Shkoder lake and Rozafa Castle which will both give you breath-taking views. And our tastiest meal we had in the whole of Albania over five weeks was right here.

Combine your trip with a visit to Tirana, Gjirokaster, and Kotor in Montenegro.

14. Encarnacion | Paraguay

Paraguay really doesn’t receive many tourists thanks to its location in between some of South
America’s most popular countries. Encarnacion has a very eastern European/German and laid-back
feel about the place; you’ll find bakeries selling baklava, and restaurants serving German beer.
Encarnacion has a small artificial beach on the shores of River Parana which looks over to Argentina, and is the best location from which to explore Paraguay’s only UNESCO listed site – the ruins of the Jesuit Missionary in Trinidad.

Combine your trip with a visit to Ciudad del Este and Asuncion.

15. Cajamarca | Peru

Further north than Trujillo, Cajamarca is a lovely colonial city in the mountains. Wander the old
cobbled streets, grab a chirimoya ice cream and sit in the park, head up to the Cerro Santa Apolonia
viewpoint for panoramic views over the city, see the ancient funerary windows of the Otuzco, and
take a ride in a colectivo out to see the ruins of Kuntur Wasi.

Combine your trip with a visit to Trujillo, Huaraz, and Lima.

16. Bangalore | India

One of our biggest surprises when exploring South India has to be how much we loved Bangalore! In my head, I just pictured a big, dusty, busy city. And yes, there are parts that are like that, but there is a huge part that is green and modern. There are large parks, a super sleek metro system, and great bars and restaurants.

Unlike a lot of the rest of South India, alcohol is very easy to get hold of. You’ll find fancy shops selling every drink you can imagine, and you’ll find great pubs and bars.

And the restaurants do amazing food! Go classic South Indian with dosas and idlis, maybe classic Karnataka state with bisi bele bath, or even good international options! (We found places serving baked beans so we felt right at home, and the mushroom and burnt garlic pizza from Toit was just outrageous!) The best part about this all, is even though this sounds fancy (and it is!), the prices are so so affordable. Make sure you bring your elasticated trousers!

Combine your trip with a visit to Mysore, Coorg, and Hampi.

17. Yeghegnadzor | Armenia

Ok, so Yeghegnadzor might not be the happening centre of all things going on. But, it is in a great location to explore some nearby wonders in the centre of Armenia. Stay for two nights and hire yourself a driver for the day in the middle.

Close by is UNESCO listed Noravank Monastery set up on a cliff overlooking orange and red stone canyon (the drive through this canyon alone is fascinating!). Once you’ve seen the monastery, the ancient khachkars (cross stones) and taken in the views, head to Areni-1, AKA THE oldest winery in the world. Pay a little bit extra to get a guided tour to help give you all the history and info on this excavation site. This winery is in a cave and dates back to 4100 BC! It’s also where the world’s oldest leather shoe was found (which is now housed in the Yerevan’s History Museum of Armenia).

Then finish off the day trip with a wine-tasting in Areni (Armenia’s centre of wine-making). White, red, rose, cherry, apricot, pomegranate, you name it.

Back in Yeghegnadzor, check out the history museum, the abandoned fairground and old rusted retro signs.

Combine your trip with a visit to Yerevan, Goris, and Debed Canyon.

18. Bishkek | Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s capital is somewhere we have visited three times now! This really laid-back city is full of Soviet mosaics/friezes and Soviet-style buildings. Streets are lined with vendors selling the classic Kyrgyz drinks: kymyz (fermented horse milk) and maksym (thick, sour corn and wheat drink), which are interesting flavours particularly for Westerners!

But the older feel of the city is being brightened up with a modern, hipster feel; you’ll find street art murals, vegetarian/vegan options at restaurants, craft beer and cider spots, and loads of cute cafes. So many people head to Kyrgyzstan and just skip through the capital, but it really deserves more of your time! 

Combine your trip with a visit to Karakol, Jyrgalan and Bokonbayevo.

19. Termez | Uzbekistan

One of the most adventurous and unique destinations we have visited, Termez is fascinating! Yes, the journey is a challenge, but it is absolutely worth it. Explore the ancient Buddhist sites of Fayaztepa and  Karatepa, stop by the oldest Buddhist site in the whole of Uzbekistan, and look out over Amudarya river to Afghanistan. And surprisingly, Termez and the surrounding Surxondaryo region make some great wines! You’ll have the tourist sites all to yourselves and you’ll really feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Combine your trip with a visit to Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent.

20. Santa Cruz de la Sierra | Bolivia

Most people visit Bolivia for the high altitude mountains and the salt flats, which are mind-blowing, but they then don’t venture further to the east. Santa Cruz de la Sierra is at a low altitude and so is surrounded by palm trees and jungle, and it has humidity. After six weeks of being in the dry mountains between 2600m – 5000m of altitude, the sudden drop to a tropical area at only 400m was perfect. Wander the colonial streets, explore the jungle, stop for coffee and cheesy cuñapé at the local cafes. And if you’re really adventurous, maybe plan your 24-hour-bus ride to Asuncion in Paraguay!

Combine your trip with a visit to Sucre, Uyuni Salt Flats, and La Paz.

21. Barichara | Colombia

Colombia has become very popular with tourists over the recent years. And while the big cities such as Medellin and Cartagena see lots of tourism, some of the smaller mountain villages still feel calm and quiet. We visited four mountain villages in our six weeks in Colombia, and our favourite was definitely Barichara. Beautiful characterful buildings, cobbled streets, breath-taking views, friendly locals, good food; we would have spent much more time here if we realised how lovely and relaxing the place was going to be!

Combine your trip with a visit to San Gil, Bogota, and Medellin.

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