End of the Known Itinerary
Some vacations feel like everyone got the same memo. They have glossy beaches and the same influencers pretending they're the first to discover turquoise water. But what if you could go somewhere your group chat hasn’t heard of? Sound like your kind of escape? Then start packing for these 20 spots the world forgot to overcrowd.
Lindsey C. Straub on Wikimedia
1. Tristan Da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean
This volcanic island group sits in the middle of the South Atlantic, over 1,500 miles from the nearest mainland. The only way to get there is by boat from Cape Town, a journey that takes nearly a week. Tourists are few, and visits must be arranged far in advance.
2. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
One of Greenland’s most isolated towns, Ittoqqortoormiit, sits near the world’s largest national park and is locked in by ice for most of the year. Even during summer, access is limited to short flights and boat rides when sea ice allows.
3. Dry Tortugas National Park, USA
This park is located almost 70 miles west of Key West and is reachable only by ferry or seaplane. Snorkeling is a top activity, with shipwrecks and clear water drawing nature enthusiasts. However, due to its remote location, visitor numbers are strictly limited.
4. Al Sogara, Oman
Hidden in Oman’s Al Hajar mountain range, Al Sogara is a centuries-old village built directly into steep rock cliffs. It was inaccessible by road until recently, with travel traditionally done on foot or by donkey. Though modernization has reached parts of Oman, Al Sogara remains far removed from urban life.
Robert Haandrikman on Wikimedia
5. Príncipe Island, São Tomé And Príncipe
Príncipe is a small island in the Gulf of Guinea, situated off the western coast of Africa. Once known for its cocoa plantations, it’s now focused on conservation and sustainable tourism. Access is by a short flight from São Tomé, but few travelers make the trip.
6. Kerlingarfjöll, Iceland
In Iceland’s central highlands, Kerlingarfjöll is a remote geothermal mountain range that feels otherworldly. The area is known for its steaming vents and brightly colored rhyolite hills, but it’s not accessible in winter due to the snow. It also requires a long drive on gravel roads in summer.
7. Namoroka National Park, Madagascar
Namoroka is one of Madagascar’s lesser-known parks, located away in the northwest and dominated by sharp limestone formations known as “tsingy.” The terrain makes travel within the park challenging—even experienced guides have to cross carefully.
8. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Iceland
Iceland’s northernmost peninsula, Hornstrandir, is a nature reserve with no permanent residents. The area was abandoned in the mid-20th century and has since reverted entirely to wilderness. Hikers must bring all supplies with them and follow strict guidelines for waste and camping.
Mickaël Delcey (Silverkey) on Wikimedia
9. Ennedi Plateau, Chad
Getting here involves days of driving overland, often through unmarked terrain. The area is sparsely populated, with nomadic groups like the Toubou still relying on traditional ways of life. Water is scarce, and accommodations are typically arranged through local guides.
Valerian Guillot from Cambridge, United Kingdom on Wikimedia
10. Fly Geyser, USA
Fly Geyser is an unusual geothermal feature on private land in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. It was created accidentally during well drilling in the 1960s when geothermal pressure forced minerals upward. The site isn't open to the general public for unsupervised visits, and access is limited to guided tours.
11. Kugti Pass, Himachal Pradesh, India
At over 16,000 feet, the pass requires multiple days of trekking through forested slopes, river crossings, and snowfields. There are no lodges—only makeshift shelters and sparse villages. This route is rarely traveled by tourists and is best suited for those prepared for challenging conditions.
Kugti Pass Trek - The unfinished Path by TrekNgo
12. Svaneti, Georgia
Svaneti is a mountain region in northwestern Georgia that remains culturally distinct and geographically secluded. Modern life here is slow, with much of the population relying on subsistence farming and animal herding. This kind of isolation helps protect the region’s identity in a rapidly modernizing world.
T.Dept Original uploader was Polscience at en.wikipedia on Wikimedia
13. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Four islands and 1,500 smaller ones sprawl across the Coral Triangle. While it’s known among diving communities for its marine biodiversity, its remoteness keeps it off the radar for most travelers. Local villages operate at a subsistence level, and tourism is tightly controlled to reduce environmental damage.
Ratha Grimes from Seattle, WA, United States on Wikimedia
14. Ksamil, Albania
South of Sarandë lies Ksamil, with beaches so nice you'd swear they were photoshopped. It was largely unknown during the country’s decades of political isolation, and even with Albania becoming more accessible, Ksamil sees fewer international tourists than neighboring beach destinations.
IllyricumSacrum at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
15. Koh Lipe, Thailand
Koh Lipe is a small island near the Thai-Malaysian maritime border, accessible only by boat. It’s part of the Tarutao National Marine Park and has no airport, so travelers arrive via long ferry rides. Despite its beauty, Koh Lipe is often bypassed in favor of more developed Thai islands.
Vyacheslav Argenberg on Wikimedia
16. Andaman Islands, India
The Andaman Islands are a tropical archipelago located in the Bay of Bengal, which is closer to Southeast Asia than mainland India. The combination of dense rainforests, quiet beaches, and logistical challenges makes the Andamans a destination for those willing to leave behind the most modern conveniences.
17. Ciudad Perdida, Colombia
Older than Machu Picchu by 650 years, this “Lost City” lies hidden in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada jungle. It’s buried deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and supplies are carried in by mules. The trail passes through areas still inhabited by indigenous communities who maintain their customs.
18. Kangaroo Island, Australia
Kangaroo Island sits away from the coast of South Australia and is one of the country’s most ecologically diverse regions. It takes a ferry or short flight to get there, and much of the island is covered in conservation land and national parks.
19. St. Simons Island, USA
Part of Georgia’s Golden Isles, St. Simons offers a less commercialized alternative to better-known East Coast beach destinations. The island has deep historical roots, with colonial fort and African American heritage sites scattered throughout.
20. Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island sits over 2,000 miles off the Chilean coast, isolated in the South Pacific and known for its stone statues called moai. The island's population is small, and once outside the main village of Hanga Roa, the backdrop turns into wide plains.
