According to CNBC, 63% of travelers said they are likely to visit an off-the-beaten-track destination on their next trip. Expedia and Booking.com trend reports show that vacationers are forgoing trips to splashy hot spots in favor of trips to lesser-known destinations that are quieter – and far less crowded.
As we enter 2025, there is no better time to explore truly unique destinations by way of these luxurious properties across the globe. From brand-new properties in Indonesia for those seeking alternatives to Bali, to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan, Vietnam, Italy, and Bermuda, travelers are bound to uncover immersive adventures and hidden-gems in these off-the-beaten-path locations.
ASIA
Lombok, Indonesia
Nestled in the heart of West Nusa Tenggara province in Indonesia, Lombok offers explorers unique and authentic experiences, as well as direct access to the sprawling sands of Sire Beach. Travelers can embrace the treasures of Lombok with easy access to the famed Gili Islands (within half an hour by boat) for aquatic adventures and barefoot beach dining, hikes leading to waterfalls, and Sukarara Weaving Village to be immersed in the island’s culture. The island was named a priority tourism zone by the Indonesian government, resulting in recent hotel openings, infrastructure development, new flight paths, and easier transportation. Lombok offers a fresh take on more populated spots such as Bali and Thailand but is still accessible via connections in Singapore and other major hubs.
Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
Set between verdant forests and the azure Flores sea, Labuan Bajo is an idyllic fishing town on Flores Island. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination and one-of-a-kind excursions for their travels, Labuan Bajo acts as the main gateway to Komodo National Park – one of the few places in the world to see majestic Komodo dragons in their natural environment. Beyond the astonishing Pink Beach and Komodo National Park, the island’s hidden gems showcase the unparalleled beauty of the Indonesian paradise including Rangko Cave and Cunca Wulang Waterfall
Nikko, Japan
Located 2.5 hours north of Tokyo by car or rail, travelers will find the mountainous region of Nikko National Park on scenic Lake Chuzenji, within close distance to the UNESCO World Heritage site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko” and Kegon Falls. Nikko is a bucket list destination worth visiting all year round, with spring Sakura season, summer festivals, mesmerizing fall foliage, and a winter wonderland to begin 2025. From hiking and skiing, to exploring sights including natural hot springs and the Senjo-Gahara marshland, Nikko is a sanctuary of peace and relaxation amidst the bustling beauty of Japan.
Bhutan
Rich in history and culture, Bhutan is just waiting to be explored. Boasting rolling hills, dramatic landscapes and deep valleys and known for its historic monasteries and hiking opportunities, the destination is ideal for both travelers seeking cultural experiences and outdoor adventure. Visitors are bound to leave feeling connected to the region due to its peaceful nature, kind-hearted people and authentic, untouched feel.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a dream destination for travelers intrigued by dramatic emerald waters, expansive limestone cliffs, and hidden caves for exploration. Patrons can take a boat tour to explore the breathtaking scenery, followed by an evening of vibrant sunset views. For an authentic cultural experience, cruise past several fishing communities that have lived on the coast for centuries for a glimpse into the destination’s history. For a getaway complete with natural beauty and timeless Vietnamese culture, Halong Bay serves as the optimal respite.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Located alongside a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve on the pristine island of Phu Quoc just off the southwest coast of Vietnam, Regent Phu Quoc is a place of spellbinding discovery and unmatched luxury. A less crowded alternative to other popular Southeast Asian destinations, Phu Quoc offers guests an unparalleled experience with the island’s powdery white sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, and lush emerald jungles on a landscape set ablaze by the island’s famed sunsets.
Koh Chang, Thailand
Koh Chang, Thailand’s hidden gem, invites travelers to immerse themselves in lush jungles, tranquil beaches, and vibrant marine life. Known as ‘Elephant Island’ due to its elephant shaped headland, Koh Chang is Thailand’s third largest island after Phuket and Samui. Explore the pristine beauty of Koh Chang Marine National Park, hike to cascading waterfalls, or savor fresh seafood in the island’s charming fishing villages. This unspoiled paradise, complete with flourishing coral reefs, offers an authentic escape for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
EUROPE
Ostuni, Puglia, Italy
Ostuni, known as the "White City" due to its whitewashed buildings, is a jewel of Puglia, a region in southern Italy known for its charming landscapes and rich history. Nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the city offers picturesque vistas, with narrow cobblestone streets and ancient churches. The town’s historic center invites travelers to explore its timeless beauty at a leisurely pace. Puglia, overall, is a captivating destination, offering an incredible mix of warm beaches, rolling countrysides, and many UNESCO-listed sites including Alberobello’s trulli houses. From its delicious cuisine – fresh seafood, orecchiette pasta, and locally grown olive oil – to its historic towns and stunning coastal landscapes, Puglia offers an authentic and leisurely Italian experience, making it an ideal place for travelers seeking culture, natural beauty, and relaxation.
Graubünden, Switzerland
Switzerland’s largest canton, Graubünden, remains an under-the-radar destination for many travelers to the country. Typically overshadowed by larger cities like Geneva and Zurich, Graubünden is nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, boasting breathtaking mountain landscapes, charming villages, and world-class winter sports. While well known for skiing in St. Moritz, Graubünden offers a wealth of lesser-known gems that promise unforgettable experiences. Travelers can visit the charming villages of Laax, Arosa, and Bad Ragaz, each with its unique character and stunning mountain vistas. In the winter months, travelers can enjoy activities from skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In the warmer months, travelers can hike through lush alpine meadows, bike along scenic trails, or simply relax by crystal-clear lakes.
NORAM
Delaware County, NY
Upstate New York has become a go-to weekend destination for city-dwellers from New York, Pennsylvania and other northeastern hubs looking to trade in the hustle and bustle for quiet. So much so that popular towns in the Hudson Valley have become crowded, expensive and touristy. While travelers once sought out the region for its peaceful setting and charming establishments, they are now met with busy streets and inflated prices. Located just an hour west from the Hudson Valley lies the Great Western Catskills, also known as Delaware County. Still an easy 2.5 hour drive from NYC, the county is everything city-escapers are seeking: quaint, locally-owned shops and restaurants, panoramic mountainous landscapes,
and community-forward events that make the region feel authentic and untouched.
One of the region’s best qualities is its local produce and farm-fresh food. Farmers Markets are a Delaware County staple and are where local farmers show off their pure food. Travelers come to upstate New York to experience the great outdoors every season, whether it be boating or lake swimming in the summer, hiking, Biking and Fly Fishing in the spring, horseback riding or leaf-peeping in the fall, and skiing on Plattekill Mountain in the winter.
St. George’s, Bermuda
Often overshadowed by Hamilton, which is Bermuda's capital and business hub — St. George’s provides travelers with a small town feel and true snapshot into the island’s culture. The parish is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest English settlement in the New World, with the cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, historic landmarks, such as St. Peter’s Church (the oldest Anglican church in the western hemisphere), and Fort St. Catherine. St. George’s is also home to a number of local artisans that continue to champion the local culture, including owner of bookstore Long Story Short Kristin White and owner of Lili Bermuda Perfumery, Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone.
BLUE PARALLEL's New Destinations for 2025
The Pantanal journey typically begins in Rio and continues on to the Pantanal region, a sprawling, biodiverse wetland paradise renowned for its rich wildlife – including more than 400 fish, 1,700 plants, 80 mammals, more than 1,100 butterfly and 656 bird species – and extensive array of ecosystems. Guests can enjoy private photo safaris, guided walking tours, nature canoe rides, as well as after-hours access to various sites in Rio, private air and the best guides and biologists specializing in jaguars and macaws.
The Essence of Uruguay journey includes Montevideo, Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio with stunning beaches, picturesque hiking and biking, kayaking, swimming with sea lions, and kite surfing, just to name a few possibilities. One-on-one meetings with interesting locals include Uruguayan artist Pablo Atchugarry, an exclusive demonstration of Candombe music in a local musician’s studio, exclusive private access to a 59-acre olive oil plantation including private tour and tasting with its owner, dining in vineyards, private boating among islands, a horseback ride to a private barbecue in a moonlit forest prepared by a personal chef and much more. Complete draft itinerary available on request.
Reservations can be made by calling 301-263-6670 or by emailing info@blueparallel.com.