10 Hidden Gem Destinations You Need To Visit

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New York City. Paris. Bangkok, Thailand. Rome. These are some of the world’s top travel destinations that welcome millions of tourists annually. You know their famous sites and sounds – Times Square, the Eiffel Tower, the golden Buddha, the Pantheon and Colosseum. But there are plenty of other exciting locales that are off-the-beaten-path as destinations. If you’re ready for an excursion, consider visiting one of these cities or countries that many of us sleep on. They all offer a lot to see, a lot to do, and the opportunity to return home with an interesting story to tell.

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Marseille, France

Paris may get over 32 million visitors a year, but nearly 400 miles southeast of the City of Lights rests Marseille, France’s second largest city. Known for its Mediterranean climate, there’s plenty to do here – bike, snorkel or scuba dive in Calanques National Park, visit must-see museums at the Palais Longchamp, check out the hip-hop scene at a local club, or take a Provence wine tour.

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Kenya

National parks abound in Kenya, so take your pick. If you’re a coffee drinker, experience the flavors of the Nairobi Java House; board a dhow (a traditional sailboat); shop for an authentic kikoy and kanga clothing at Biashara Street and take in a host of wildlife on a safari.

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Senegal

Bask in the beauty of the Iles des Madeleines, check out the massive African Renaissance monument, learn from the IFAN Museum of African Arts and enjoy a safari courtesy of the Niokolo-Koba National Park.

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Alberta, Canada

Don’t let Drake fool you. There is more to see and love about Canada than just Toronto. If you visit Alberta, you can see the Canadian Rockies, the Banff National Park, enjoy the Bow Falls waterfall, stop at the Calgary Zoo, and shop ’til you drop at the West Edmonton Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in the North America.

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Zanzibar

Off the coast of Tanzania lies Zanzibar. Part of the spice islands (along with Pemba Island and Mafia Island), visit a spice farm, swim at popular beaches in Kendwa and Nungwi, walk through mangrove forests at the Jozani Chwaka Bay Conservation Area, or peruse the fragrant, colorful aisles at the Darajani Market and sample local specialties.

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Morocco

Morocco is one of the most visited countries in Africa. With vibrant cities like Marrakech, Casablanca and Fez, it’s easy to see why. While indulging in all Morocco has to offer, take time to relax in a hammam, take a camel trek through the Sahara, visit a mosque and take in rich, colorful architecture, or shop in the square at Jemaa el-Fnaa.

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Sedona, Arizona

Known for its healing red rock and vortexes or energy ley lines, Sedona is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. Hike in Oak Creek Canyon, Broken Arrow or one of many trails, star gaze free of light pollution, relax at a calming spa, or get your yoga on at a wellness retreat.

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Tulum

Located in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, Tulum is a hub of cultural activity. Explore Mayan temple ruins along the Riviera Maya, swim through sacred waters at the underground cavern, El Gran Cenote, or purify your body, mind and spirit in a temazcal, a group centered steam treatment.

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Cologne

There’s so much to see and do in this German city. Visit a host of Gothic cathedrals, ensure everlasting love by adding a padlock to the Hohenzollern Bridge, and take a boat trip on the famous Rhine River.