Why Hidden Gems Are the Ultimate Travel Upgrade
There’s something special about discovering a place that hasn’t been Instagrammed to death—where you’re not stuck dodging selfie sticks or waiting in line just to enjoy the view. Hidden gems give you the freedom to explore without the script—no “must-see” checklists, no overhyped attractions, just you and a place that actually feels like a discovery. The best travel moments aren’t the ones everyone else has already had—they’re the ones you stumble into, completely unplanned. A chat with a local that turns into a dinner invite, a tiny café that serves the best meal of your life, or a quiet street that feels like it belongs to you alone.
And here’s the thing—you don’t need a crowd to confirm a place is worth visiting. In fact, the real magic happens when you go where they aren’t. Hidden gems have all the history, beauty, and culture of their overexposed counterparts, just with more charm, fewer tourists, and zero overpriced cappuccinos. They remind us why we travel in the first place—not just to say we’ve been, but to actually experience something that feels personal.
Hope you’re ready to level up your travel game, because I’m serving up five hidden gems that’ll make you wonder why everyone’s still flocking to the same old spots. No crowds, no tourist traps—just underrated places that actually live up to the hype. Enjoy, and don’t say I never put you on to something good.
1. Kotor, Montenegro
Top 5 Things to Do:
Hike up to San Giovanni Fortress – Enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor.
Explore Kotor Old Town – Wander medieval alleyways, squares, and stone buildings.
Visit St. Tryphon’s Cathedral – A stunning 12th-century Romanesque church.
Take a Boat Trip to Our Lady of the Rocks – A man-made island with a historic church.
Walk the Kotor City Walls – Get panoramic views of the town and bay.
Local Flavors:
Main Food: Ćevapi – Grilled minced meat sausages, often served with flatbread.
Main Drink: Rakija – A strong fruit brandy, popular across the Balkans.
Main Pastry: Priganice – Montenegrin fried dough, often drizzled with honey.
Top Sights:
The medieval walls, Maritime Museum, and Clock Tower in Old Town.
Historical Snapshot:
A Venetian stronghold in the Middle Ages, Kotor has influences from Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rulers. The town thrived as a key port and trade center on the Adriatic.
2. Annecy, France
Top 5 Things to Do:
Walk along Lake Annecy – One of Europe’s cleanest lakes, perfect for boating or cycling.
Explore the Old Town (Vieille Ville) – Wander colorful canals and charming medieval streets.
Visit Château d’Annecy – A medieval castle with panoramic views and a history museum.
Take a boat cruise – Experience the lake from the water with stunning alpine scenery.
Visit Palais de l’Isle – A historic riverside prison and Annecy’s most famous landmark.
Local Flavors:
Main Food: Tartiflette – A rich dish made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, onions, and bacon.
Main Drink: Vin de Savoie – A crisp white wine from the surrounding Alps.
Main Pastry: Gâteau de Savoie – A fluffy sponge cake, sometimes flavored with citrus or rum.
Top Sights:
Annecy Cathedral, Jardins de l’Europe, Pont des Amours.
Historical Snapshot:
Known as the "Venice of the Alps," Annecy was a keytrade hub and religious center in medieval France. The House of Savoyruled here, and it later became part of France in the 19th century.
3. Cornwall, UK
Top 5 Things to Do:
Visit St. Michael’s Mount– A stunning tidal island with a medieval castle
Explore Tintagel Castle – The legendary birthplace of King Arthur.
Hike the South West Coast Path– Dramatic coastal scenery and hidden coves.
Relax at Porthcurno Beach– One of the most beautiful beaches in the UK.
See a show at Minack Theatre– A spectacular open-air theatre built into the cliffs.
Local Flavors:
Main Food: Cornish Pasty – A hearty pastry filled with beef, potatoes, and vegetables.
Main Drink: Cornish Cider – Refreshing, locally brewed apple cider.
Main Pastry: Saffron Bun – A sweet, spiced bun made with saffron and dried fruits
Top Sights:
St. Ives, Land’s End, The Eden Project.
Historical Snapshot:
Cornwall has a deep Celtic heritage and was a major center for tinmining. Its legends of King Arthur and its rugged coastline haveinspired artists and writers for centuries.
4. Azores, Portugal
Top 5 Things to Do:
Explore Sete Cidades – A stunning twin-lake crater surrounded by greenery.
Visit Furnas Valley – Experience geothermal hot springs and volcanic landscapes.
Hike in Lagoa do Fogo – A breathtaking natural lake in an extinct volcano.
Go whale watching – One of the best places in the world for spotting whales and dolphins.
Swim in Ponta da Ferraria– A natural thermal ocean pool.
Local Flavors:
Main Food: Cozido das Furnas – A meat and vegetable stew cooked underground using volcanic heat.
Main Drink: Vinho Verde – A slightly fizzy, fresh Portuguese white wine.
Main Pastry: Massa Sovada – A sweet bread often eaten during festivals.
Top Sights:
Tea plantations, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes.
Historical Snapshot:
Discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, the Azoresbecame an important stop for transatlantic navigation. Its volcanic originsshape its dramatic scenery.
5. Andalusia, Spain (Ronda, Setenil delas Bodegas, Córdoba)
Top 5 Things to Do:
Walk across Ronda’s Puente Nuevo – A jaw-dropping bridge over a deep gorge.
Explore Setenil’s Cave Houses– Homes built directly under massive rock formations.
Visit the Mezquita-Catedral of Córdoba – A stunning mosque-cathedral with a rich Moorish history.
Tour the Alhambra in Granada– A masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
Relax at an Arabic Bathhouse (Hammam Al Ándalus) – A tranquil spa experience.
Local Flavors:
Main Food: Salmorejo – A cold tomato soup topped with ham and egg.
Main Drink: Sherry (Jerez) – A fortified wine from the region of Jerez.
Main Pastry: Pestiños – Sweet, deep-fried dough flavored with honey and sesame.
Top Sights:
Alcázar of Seville, Plaza de España, Caminito del Rey trail.
Historical Snapshot:
Andalusia was the heart of Moorish Spain (Al-Andalus) for centuries, leaving behind stunning Islamic architecture. It later became a key center of the Spanish Empire.
Destinations Worth a Day Trip
1. Mont Saint-Michel, France
Why It’s Worth a Day Trip:
A fairy-tale island abbey that rises dramatically from the sea, connected to the mainland by a causeway. Wander the narrow medieval streets, climb up to the abbey, and enjoy panoramic views of the bay.
Best Way to Visit: Take a train from Paris to Rennes (1.5 hrs), then a bus to MontSaint-Michel (1.5 hrs).
2. Carcassonne, France
Why It’s Worth a Day Trip:
One of the best-preserved medieval fortress towns in Europe, complete with double walls, turrets, and cobblestone streets. A perfect blend of history, architecture, and charming small-town vibes.
Best Way to Visit: Take a train from Toulouse (1 hr) or Montpellier (1.5 hrs).
3. Hallstatt, Austria
Why It’s Worth a Day Trip:
A breathtaking lakeside village, with alpine houses perched against the mountains. Small enough to explore in a few hours but stunning enough to leave a lasting impression.
Best Way to Visit: Take a train from Salzburg to Hallstatt station (2.5 hrs), then aferry across the lake.
4. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Why It’s Worth a Day Trip:
Famous for the Stari Most (Old Bridge), a stunning Ottoman-era stone bridge over the Neretva River. A fascinating blend of Eastern and Western influences, offering a glimpse into Bosnia’s rich history.
Best Way to Visit: Take a 2.5-hour drive from Dubrovnik, Croatia, or a train fromSarajevo (2 hrs).
5. Koyasan, Japan
Why It’s Worth a Day Trip:
One of Japan’s most spiritual destinations, home to Okunoin, a mystical cemetery with 200,000 lantern-lit tombstones. A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience that feels like stepping into another world.
Best Way to Visit: Take a train from Osaka (2 hrs), then a scenic cable car ride upthe mountain.
Hidden Gems: Travel That Feeds the Soul
🔹 Step Off the Beaten Path – The best trips aren’t the ones that come with a guidebook checklist; they’re the ones that surprise you. Big-name destinations are great, but the real magic happens in places that haven’t been overrun by tour buses. Standing atop San Giovanni Fortress in Kotor, gazing over a peaceful fjord, or wandering through Carcassonne’s medieval streets, where history whispers through the walls—that’s where the magic happens.
🔹 Find the Unexpected – Some places defy expectations, blending history and nature in surreal ways. In Setenil de las Bodegas, homes are built straight into rock formations. In the Azores, volcanic craters hold emerald-green lakes. These are the kinds of places that make you stop, stare, and think, How does this even exist?
🔹 Slow Down & Soak It In – Hidden gems force you to travel differently—at a pace that actually lets you enjoy it. Breathe in the crisp Alpine air of Annecy, sip a quiet espresso in a tucked-away café in Córdoba, or watch the sunset over Cornwall’s rugged cliffs. No rushing, no crowds—just real, unfiltered experiences.
🔹 Let Curiosity Lead the Way – The best part of travel? The moments you don’t plan. The tiny villages you stumble upon, the secret beach with no name, the off-menu meal a local insists you try. The next great adventure isn’t always the one you expected—it’s the one you never saw coming.
💡 Takeaway: Hidden gems aren’t just about where you go—they’re about how they make you feel. Let’s be honest—wading through tourist crowds, overpaying for mediocre coffee, and waiting hours for an “iconic” photo op isn’t exactly good for the soul. But stepping into a medieval town where history whispers through the walls? Finding a hidden beach where the only footprints are yours? Sipping coffee in a tucked-away café that isn’t plastered all over Instagram? That’s the kind of travel that actually resets you.
Less stress, more wonder. Less noise, more clarity. Hidden gems aren’t just a travel flex—they’re a mental health boost wrapped in an adventure. They give you space to breathe, disconnect, and feel present—all while feeding your curiosity and reminding you that the world is still full of surprises. Because the best kind of trip isn’t just about where you’ve been—it’s about coming back feeling lighter, freer, and, let’s be real, a little smug that you found it first.
Quick Plug:
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Looking for the perfect spot to stay in Lisbon? My good friends Sam & Ana have an incredible apartment available for rent in the São Bento neighborhood—one of the city’s most charming and centrally located areas!
This apartment is a hidden gem - a perfect Lisbon stay for travelers, remote workers, or anyone craving a stylish home base and cozy stay. See photos below
Why São Bento?
✔ Prime Location – Walk to Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Principe Real in minutes.
✔ Tram 28 Stop Nearby – Hop on the iconic yellow tram right outside.
✔ Authentic Lisbon – Cafés, antique shops, and classic Portuguese charm.
✔ Near the Waterfront – Stroll to Cais do Sodré and the Tagus River for sunsets.
✔ Easy Access – Quick trips to Belém, Alfama, and LX Factory.
This apartment is a hidden gem - a perfect Lisbon stay for travelers, remote workers, or anyone craving a stylish home base and cozy stay. See photos below.
📩 Interested Short Term or Long Term? Reach out to me or contact them directly at:
City Spotlight: Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is a captivating blend of history, magic, and indulgence. The medieval Old Town and elegant New Town contrast beautifully, with Edinburgh Castle towering over cobbled streets. The Royal Mile connects the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with historic sites, whisky bars, and hidden closes.Literature lovers can visit The Elephant House, where J.K.Rowling wrote Harry Potter, and stroll Victoria Street, said to inspire Diagon Alley. A hike up Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, offers breathtaking views. Edinburgh’s mystical side lives on at The Witches’ Well and eerie underground vaults, while whisky lovers can explore the Johnnie Walker Experience and top whisky shops. The city’s food scene shines with haggis, neeps, and tatties, fresh seafood, and modern Scottish flavors. Whether uncovering legends, sipping world-class whisky, or indulging in local cuisine,Edinburgh casts an unforgettable spell.
Set in 18th-century Georgian townhouses, the hotel offers timeless architecture, stylish interiors, and an ideal location just steps from Princes Street and the Royal Mile. Guests enjoy beautifully designed rooms that merge period details with contemporary comforts. The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen serves refined Scottish cuisine, while Burr & Co. is perfect for artisanal coffee and light bites. With impeccable service, rich heritage, and an unbeatable location, it’s a refined retreat in Scotland’s capital. Book through me as your FORA Travel Advisor for VIP perks like room upgrades, daily breakfast, early check-in, and late check-out.
Top 10 Things to See in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle – Iconic fortress with panoramic city views and historic treasures.
The Royal Mile – Historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace.
Holyrood Palace – The King’s official Scottish residence with stunning architecture.
Arthur’s Seat – Extinct volcano offering breathtaking views over Edinburgh.
Calton Hill – Scenic hilltop with monuments and a fantastic city skyline view.
Victoria Street – Colorful, curved street said to have inspired Diagon Alley.
The Scott Monument – Gothic tower honoring Sir Walter Scott with stunning views.
The National Museum of Scotland – Fascinating exhibits on Scotland’s history, culture, and science.
Dean Village – Picturesque riverside area with historic charm and tranquility.
The Johnnie Walker Experience – Immersive whisky journey celebrating Scotland’s iconic spirit.
Some Top Dining Options:
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar – A cozy spot specializing in gourmet mashed potatoes and hearty Scottish comfort food.
The Scran & Scallie – A gastropub by Michelin-starred chefs offering elevated Scottish classics in a relaxed setting.
Howies – A beloved local chain serving fresh, seasonal Scottish dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Number One at The Balmoral – A Michelin-starred restaurant inside The Balmoral Hotel, offering refined Scottish cuisine with a luxurious touch.
The Kitchin – Michelin-starred restaurant blending Scottish produce with French techniques, led by renowned chef Tom Kitchin.
Each of these restaurants offers a distinct taste of Scotland, whether you're after a laid-back meal or a fine dining experience! 🍽️🥃
Top 3 Day Trips from Edinburgh
St Andrews – A historic coastal town, home to Scotland’s oldest university, world-famous golf courses, and beautiful beaches.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs – A stunning national park with scenic lochs, hiking trails, and breathtaking Highland landscapes.
North Berwick & The Scottish Seabird Centre – A charming seaside town with sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and wildlife spotting at Bass Rock.
Top Distillery Day Trips fromEdinburgh
Glenkinchie Distillery – The closest distillery to Edinburgh, known for its smooth Lowland single malts and scenic countryside setting.
Deanston Distillery – A Highland distillery near Stirling, offering whisky made with pure River Teith water and a fascinating tour inside a former cotton mill.
Glenturret Distillery – Scotland’s oldest working distillery, home to handcrafted whisky and the prestigious Lalique bar.
Each of these distilleries provides an authentic taste of Scotland’swhisky heritage, perfect for a day trip from Edinburgh! 🥃
Big thanks for reading and being part of this ride—it truly means the world. Travel is about living big, and I want this newsletter to be just as inspiring. So, what’s on your radar? A five-star retreat? A private island where “crowds” are just seagulls? Insider access to exclusive experiences? Or maybe you just want to indulge in luxury without maxing out your Amex (trust me, it’s doable). Whatever it is, hit me up—I’ll make sure future editions serve up exactly what you’re craving.
Until then, keep chasing epic moments, and I’ll see you out there. Safe and stylish travels!
