If you're anything like me, you don't want to travel around the world just to land in a place where there are a million tourists clogging the streets, museums, and restaurants. It's super annoying to find yourself in that scenario.

So, is it possible to find ways to avoid tourists traps? Yes, there most certainly is. Read on for my top strategies to find off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Use Online Resources

The first, and maybe most obvious, way to research is to use online resources when you do your initial research. There are a number of websites and travel blogs that specialize in off-the-beaten-path destinations. These resources can provide you with a wealth of information, including travel tips, itineraries, and reviews.

When I conduct my search, I follow these techniques:

• hone in on specific keywords like "off-the-beaten-path" and "lesser-known travel destinations in [destination name]" 
• read travel blogs and articles by people who have actually traveled to these destinations and have gotten off the beaten path themselves
• watch YouTube travel videos. At the present moment, some of my favorite channels are Kara and Nate, Backpacking Bananas, Eamon and Bec. However, I'm always on the hunt for fun new travel channels to follow. 
• follow travelers or photographers on Instagram 
• Read up on well-known travel groups and forums and pose questions for other travelers. Rick Steves has a terrific forum, and his company emphasizes traveling like a local

Talk to Locals 

When you're traveling, don't be afraid to talk to locals. They're often the best source of information about lesser-known places. Ask them about their favorite hidden gems and they might be happy to share their recommendations.

The word might was italicized in the above sentence to emphasize the point that the locals may not be too keen on sharing their beloved spots with strangers just passing through. In the past, that probably wasn't a big deal because that one person couldn't do much damage by knowing about spots that are special to the local community, especially since they were only there temporarily. However, in today's day and age (with the explosion of social media and influencers), these great spots--if they're uncovered by the wrong person--can be spread far and wide around the world wide web by influencers on social media. I can't even tell you how many amazing local spots I know of personally that have become trashed and overcrowded due to people sharing these "gems" on social platforms. It's really a shame, actually.

So, if you are lucky enough to have a local share their best loved locales with you, be kind and just keep the precise location to yourself! 

Top Tip: Ask the staff at your hotel/hostel or your Airbnb host for recommendations on off-the-beaten-path things to see in your location. They'll probably have some great tips. 

Travel to Popular Destinations in the Shoulder Season or Off-Season

Many popular tourist destinations are much less crowded during the shoulder season or off-season. This can be a great way to experience a place without the crowds. So, how do you determine the shoulder season or off season for particular destinations? The best way to do so is conduct internet searches on your destination. For instance, if I type in "when is the shoulder season for Croatia," the results will let me know that the shoulder season is the month of May and late September and October. I follow the same strategy for the "off season" and find out that for Croatia, the off season, which is also referred to as the low season, extends from November to April. 

Now, keep in mind that in some destinations, off or low season means that there could be very few hotels, restaurants, shops, and other things geared towards tourists open. I found this to be true when I landed in Cortina D'Ampezzo on the day after the last day of ski season. Hotels were much cheaper in price than they would have been during high season; however, there was only restaurant in the town open. And, the busses, which usually run on a more regular basis, only ran twice in the morning (6am and 9:30am). That really put a damper on my plans since I had to cut my time there short.

In addition, when I visited Zadar, Croatia in mid-October one year, I stayed in a hotel that was literally closing up the next day due to it being the end of their summer season. And, above that, surprisingly enough, the airport was closing the next day, too! I took one of the last flights out for the season! Funny thing is that I didn't know any of that until the hotel staff and car rental attendant just casually mentioned it.

So, if you decide to travel in the shoulder or off-season (which I actually do highly recommend) just make sure you do your research so you don't end up showing up to a town that's literally all boarded up!  

Consider Traveling to Less-Visited Locations

Some of the most interesting and off-the-beaten-path destinations are located in less-visited locations. Honestly, that makes the places truly "off the beaten path" since no one really comes here! These places often have a rich culture and history that make them totally worth exploring. And since no other tourists really give these places the time of day, you'll quite literally have these places all to yourself!  

An added bonus: when you visit these places, you will be the novelty in town. There still are places around the world where the residents have literally never seen a tourist! Interacting with people who are not bogged down with the trappings of tourism can be refreshing and can help you learn about peoples and cultures that you would never have encountered otherwise. 

In December 2022, I visited a friend who lived outside of Gdansk, Poland in a tiny village surrounded by old growth forests and farmland. It was a truly beautiful place to visit and see what "real" life in Poland is actually like. I got to relax by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate after exploring in the snow before the sun went down at 3pm! I highly doubt many tourists come to the small town of Egiertowo, Poland, so I truly was experiencing Polish life as a local. 

I have personally thought about the town I live in and the fact that it's not much of a tourist destination. It would absolutely feel very odd to have a tour bus cruise down my street. However, there are interesting and beautiful things in my town that anyone would probably be interested in seeing. So, if that is the case for my town, then it certainly would be the case for many other places around the world! 

So, how do you find these places? Well, think outside the typical touristy box. Instead of choosing the best known Italian cities, opt for lesser known ones. For instance, if you want to escape the crowds, skip Rome and go instead to a tiny Italian town in the heel of Italy. In Thailand, pass by Phuket and go to Koh Kood instead. (For even more great suggestions on off the beaten path destinations in Thailand, check out this great article I found). 

Be Open to Serendipity

Sometimes the best way to find off-the-beaten-path destinations is to simply be open to serendipity. Let your travels take you where they may and you might just stumble upon something amazing.

Let me give you an example. On my trips, I like to leave a portion of them totally open so that I can take advantage of spontaneous adventures. On my first trip to Poland, I left five days open at the end. I wanted to just go wherever I could find a cheap flight out of the Krakow airport. I had lots of options since it was January and not many people were traveling, but ultimately decided on making a spur of the moment trip to Israel. It was the best decision I could have made! I literally booked my accommodations a day before I arrived, and same with my flight! I loved just being that easy going and letting the winds of fate take me wherever they pleased.  

Now, just to clarify, I'm certainly not suggesting that Israel is an off-the-beaten-path destination, because it absolutely is not. My purpose in sharing this is to show that it's a great idea to leave things open in your itinerary because if something serendipitous becomes available, you want to take advantage of it. You never know when a little town might call your name when all the accommodations in a big ticket city are already booked. So, always be willing to look outside the box and be creative in your travel plans. 

Wrap Up

Finding off-the-beaten-path destinations can be a lot of fun and a great way to experience something truly unique. By following the strategies in this post, you'll be well on your way to finding your next amazing travel destination.

Finding Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations FAQ

You can definitely avoid crowded tourist areas and discover off-the-beaten-path destinations by using online resources, talking to locals, considering travel seasons, exploring less-visited locations, and embracing serendipity.

Utilize websites, travel blogs, and YouTube channels that focus on off-the-beaten-path destinations. Search for specific keywords like "off-the-beaten-path" and "lesser-known travel destinations in [destination name]." You can also follow travelers and photographers on Instagram for inspiration.

Talking to locals is a valuable way to uncover hidden gems. Politely inquire about their favorite lesser-known spots, but be respectful of their privacy and the impact of social media exposure on local treasures.

Research the shoulder season or off-season for your desired destination. Conduct internet searches with keywords like "shoulder season" or "off-season" for that location to find information on the best times to visit.

While traveling during less crowded seasons is recommended, be aware that some amenities and services might be limited or closed. Do thorough research to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Exploring less-visited destinations can lead to rich cultural experiences. Consider visiting places that are not heavily frequented by tourists, allowing you to interact with locals and experience the novelty of being a traveler in such areas.

Leaving some aspects of your itinerary open to spontaneity can lead to unexpected and exciting adventures. Serendipity can guide you to hidden treasures and unique destinations you might not have planned for.

Certainly, leaving a portion of your trip open to unplanned exploration can yield remarkable results. For instance, a spontaneous decision to visit a destination like Israel led to an amazing adventure, showcasing the value of being flexible and open to unique opportunities.

By combining online research, interactions with locals, strategic travel seasons, and a willingness to embrace spontaneity, you can create a memorable and fulfilling travel experience in lesser-known locations.