When it comes to travel, can there be too much of a good thing? In certain destinations, yes. Cities like Barcelona and Venice and natural areas like the Isle of Skye in Scotland have seen the ill effects of mass tourism as of late. In an attempt to lessen the negative impact of travel, there has been an uptick in those seeking out more remote locales, places where it’s possible to have an authentic, immersive experience with cultural communities and in pristine wilderness areas. Let’s take a look at eight amazing destinations for holidays to truly get away from it all. 

Indonesia 


Photo by Susan Tuckey, Penguins2PolarBears, January 2020, Java, Indonesia

With more than 17,000 islands to explore, there’s room to spread out in Indonesia. What speaks to you? Stunning beaches? Lush jungles and rainforest? Steaming volcanoes? Wildlife? Meet orangutans and Komodo dragons on a journey through Sumatra, Bali and Komodo. You’ll venture through Gunung Leuser National Park in search of giant primates and monkeys and tiptoe along Komodo and Rinca islands to track Komodo dragons.You’ll snorkel and swim with rainbow-hued fish and manta rays. And you’ll meet the residents of Ubud, the heart and soul of Bali’s artistic community. 

Nepal 


Photo by Tobias Federle on Unsplash

Go beyond Kathmandu and Everest base camp and set your sights on Nepal's Langtang National Park. Gosainkund Lake is considered sacred and is an important pilgrimage site. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll meet many other trekkers out this way. Instead, you’ll be surrounded by staggering alpine beauty, including the Annapurnas, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Himalchuli.  Spend the night in a shrine at the water’s edge, stop at a traditional teahouse for Nepalese cuisine and rejoice in having found one of the world’s most majestic wilderness locations. 

Scotland (But Not the Isle of Skye) 


Photo by Connor Mollison on Unsplash

Instead of the Isle of Skye, take a walk (a long one) on North Highland Way. Stay in family-run guesthouses and inns as you embark on this lesser-known, lesser-traveled route roundtrip from Edinburgh. Venture to Thurso, the northernmost town in Scotland and visit the Duncansby Stacks, John O’Groats and the Dunnet Head Lighthouse. Peer across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands. Then, hop on a ferry and explore the storied Orkneys, full of Viking heritage and another fantastic spot for a remote walking holiday (next time!). You’ll head onward to Bettyhill and Durnes, Cape Wrath and Sandalwood Bay, before your return to Edinburgh. You’ll feel reinvigorated by expansive cliff-top views, glimpses of giggle-inducing puffin colonies and fresh sea air. 

Northwest Passage/Canadian Arctic 


Photo by Michelle Valberg, https://www.michellevalberg.com/

Commune with polar bears and musk ox on this journey to the Northwest Passage, the fabled sea route between Europe and Asia. Surround yourself with expert historians, naturalists and geographers as you visit ancient sites, Inuit communities and some of the wildest, most remote destinations on Earth. Via ship, helicopter and Zodiac, you’ll have countless opportunities to explore Lancaster Sound, getting up close to glaciers, fjords and icebergs and glimpsing iconic Arctic wildlife. 

Kumano Kodo, Kyoto 


Photo by Susann Schuster on Unsplash

Even if you’ve visited Japan before, walking this ancient pilgrimage route is worth the return trip. Along the Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll access Kyoto’s oldest shrines and pathways and enjoy the peacefulness of the Wakayama Mountains. Stay in traditional ryokans at night and immerse yourself in rural Japanese culture. Visit Toba and learn about the famous Ama divers. Take a walk on the famous Nakasendo Way and stay in charming Kiso Fukushima. 

Bosnia and Herzegovina 


Photo by Lili Popper on Unsplash

Yet another spectacular walking holiday destination (sensing a trend - a walking/trekking vacation is a superb way to get far off the beaten path), Bosnia and Herzegovina easily open themselves up to exploration on foot. You’ll hike through one of Europe’s last primeval forests, in Sutjeska National Park, trek through the Durmitor Mountains and climb Bosnia’s highest peak, Mount Maglic. Along the way, discover the region’s rich and fascinating culture and visit Sarajevo, Mostar and Dubrovnik. Fill your soul with the sights and sounds of hidden waterfalls and glacial lakes in this country of stunning natural beauty. 

Namibia

Photo by Max Murauer on Unsplash

Like a walking holiday, a cycling vacation can quickly sweep you from bustling villages to peacefully remote landscapes. Perhaps nowhere does this ring more true than in the deserts and national parks of Namibia. On the two wheels of a fat bike, made for desert exploration, you can witness the sun rise over the world’s tallest sand dunes. Spin your way to Etosha National Park for safari drives in search of elephants, giraffes and lions. From the Namib Naukluft Desert to Swakopmund to Waterberg National Prak’s red sandstone table mountain, the wonders of Namibia will be revealed. 

Ready to get away from it all? Let’s find your spot.