If you’re looking for under-the-radar travel destinations that maybe haven’t hit everyone’s list just yet, these five are sure to fit the bill. While the more popular places like Paris and Hawaii are beloved for a reason, it can be more difficult to avoid the crowds visiting such well-known spots. The five under-the-radar travel destinations on our list are definitely worth trekking to now before they soar in popularity. If you get there soon enough, you just might find some peaceful moments to yourself while you’re there.

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ALBUQUERQUE | new mexico

SEE Filled to the brim with adobe architecture and southwestern charm, Albuquerque makes a great stop on a New Mexico roadtrip or even as your final destination. The city is most known for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta which takes places early October. Nearly 700 balloons drift into the area’s turquoise skies during the event, which runs over the course of a week. Even if you’re not in the area for the festival, Albuquerque offers so much to do as an under-the-radar destination. The quaint old town takes you right back to when the city was settled in 1700s, and is surrounded by art galleries, local restaurants, and frequent music festivals.

STAY Hotel Chaco is situated right in the heart of Old Town and is right across the street from the city’s new shopping and dining district, Sawmill Market. This sleek new property was designed by world-famous architecture firm, Gensler, and features an interior design inspired by contemporary Native American New Mexican artists. We think the best spot on property is their rooftop terrace, which gives nearly 360 views of downtown and the mountains in the distance.

COLES BAY | tasmania

SEE This seaside village sits beneath a stunning array of pink granite mountains that frame the shimmering, calm waters of Oyster Bay. This uncrowded area is ideal for swimming, boating, sea kayaking, fishing or just long walks on the beach. It’s also a popular four-wheel drive spot. Nearby is Freycinet National Park which houses the serene Wineglass Bay. Both can be explored over several hours, or several days depending on how much you really want to escape.

STAY Saffire Freycinet An architecturally impressive stunner, Saffire Freycinet takes eco-luxury travel to a new level. Reservations here are all inclusive, with the option to have you meals cooked by. a private chef in the privacy of your room. Each suite is positioned to make the absolute most of the soaring views across Oyster Bay and the mountain range behind it. Our favorite suites are the Private Pavilions, that come with a plunge pool off the extended secluded courtyard.

GAGLIANO DEL CAPO | italy

SEE Identified as the “heel” of Italy’s boot, the Puglia region is dotted with picturesque small towns adorned in shades of white and gold. Since the area is fairly large, and some of the more widely known cities like Lecce and Ostuni are lovely, if you’re looking for something more authentic with local vacationers stick to the smaller towns. Gagliano del Capo is a coastal commune on the southern tip and is known for its rocky coastline which provides plenty of coves and nooks for swimming in some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. You’ll also find plenty of locally made specialities like orrichette pasta and olive oil in town.

STAY Palazzo Daniele This restored 19th-century chapel nails the whole modern-meets-ancient vibe. With just the right amount of modern conveniences added for comfort, Palazzo Daniele has preserved the grandeur of the original building structure. Sprinkled with a pool, sauna, courtyard, library and orangerie, it feels quentisentially Italian, with some Greek influences common of the area. The property has just nine rooms, each with their own personality. We love the Royal Junior Suite, where the bathroom’s rainfall shower tumbles from a 6-meter high ceiling basin!

SUMBA ISLAND | indonesia

SEE This remote island is often compared to how Bali felt to visit about 25 years ago. Nicknamed the “lost isle” this island is full of lush jungle, towering waterfalls, wild horses, turquoise ocean and idyllic beaches. Located on Indonesia’s eastern coast, the pristine stretch of land is twice the size of Bali but with only a sixth of the population. With a dry season from May through October, summer months offer the best weather, and a better chance for activities like diving and volcano hiking. Permission to explore each part of the territory is still negotiated with native owners, and we highly recommend staying in a well-known resort and exploring the area through guided excursions. We also urge visitors to exercise heightened respect for the land and its people when visiting, to help preserve this precious area.

STAY NIHI Sumba With the motto “not an escape from everyday life…a return to a life well lived” NIHI Sumba is a place for those who are vacationing with purpose. Signature canopy meds, sweeping panoramic views, and private plunge pools adorn every suite on property, and feel so very private. For those who really want to get away, we love the property’s “secret villa” that feels even more secluded from the rest of the resort. NIHI offers truly bespoke experiences for its guests, from guided hikes visiting local villages to private surf lessons in the resort’s private cove, your stay will be catered specifically for you.

TANGALLE | sri lanka

SEE Located on the southern portion of the country’s coast, Tangalle offering just a handful of oceanfront guesthouses and hotels, and still feels very low-key. Sri Lanka’s south coast beaches are known for their golden, powdery sand are ideal places to snorkel, surf and fish. A bit further inland, you’ll find ancient temples and holy caves, tea plantations and lush jungles housing bird sanctuaries. Just an a short drive away, the country’s national parks showcase wildlife sightings celebrating the wild elephants and water buffalo that call the area home.

STAY Amanwella Seemingly woven within the landscape, Amanwella offers a “contemporary beach retreat and claims a vast swathe of golden sand fringed with coconut palms and lies close to revered temples, rolling tea plantations and Sri Lanka’s finest National Parks”. Each of its contemporary suites feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors not to block the views of the beach, and offer their own private plunge pools. We’re in owe of the Ocean Hill Pool Suite, which sits perched up above the rest of the resort and offers lofty views of the sea below. The property also takes advantage of its secluded location by offering individual yoga, personal training and guided meditation on various parts of the resort for guests looking to find their center away from it all.

Note: all photos of property have been provided courtesy of the corresponding hotels and are copyright protected.

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