Travel doesn’t always have to mean crowded landmarks or long queues. If you value space and peace, you can find destinations that are just as fascinating ... and far away from the crowds.
From Arctic wilderness to lesser-known cultural cities, these places allow you to explore at your own pace.
Bhutan
Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is one of the world’s least crowded countries.
Visitor numbers remain relatively low because the country limits tourism through its unique “High Value, Low Impact” policy. Thanks to this, travellers are not permitted to enter the country independently (Indian citizens are exempt from this). All trips must be booked and paid in advance with licensed guides.
Thislandlocked kingdom is known for its monasteries known as dzong, verdant valleys and villages, where age-old traditions remain an important part of daily life.
A typical itinerary will include a hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest monastery) or Phobjikha Valley, a visit to a local market, checking out the neighbouring towns and trying traditional activities like archery, baths and dancing.
One of the biggest cultural events in Bhutan is the Paro Tshechu, a five-day religious festival held annually at Rinpung Dzong, featuring masked dances and folk music.
Greenland
Despite being the world’s largest island, Greenland remains one of the least densely inhabited places on Earth.
Its remote location, harsh climate and limited flight connections also mean it is far from an easy getaway for many holidaymakers.
One of the eight destinations within the Arctic Circle, Greenland is a vast island of ice‑covered mountains and dramatic fjords.
Picture yourself gliding past towering icebergs, watching the Northern Lights light up the night sky and trekking over vast, icy glaciers.
Dog sledding is another unique way to explore the icy wilderness.
Lapland (Finland)
Chances are you’ve probably heard that New Zealand has more sheep than people, but in the Finnish Lapland, reindeer are a far more common sight than crowds of tourists.
Similar to Greenland, Finland’s northern region attracts few visitors compared to the rest of the country due to its isolated location and long travel time. Winters are cold and dark, while summers bring long hours of daylight – an unusual experience for many travellers.
Also part of the Arctic Circle, Lapland is known for its frozen lakes and snowy forests in winter. Here you can try reindeer rides, explore pristine forests on foot and marvel at the northern lights.
Most people go during the year’s end to experience “Christmas”.
Daegu (South Korea)
When you think of South Korea, cities like Seoul, Jeju and Busan probably come to mind. But beyond these popular spots lies Daegu, about 300km from Seoul, which is also worth checking out.
One of the highlights here is Seomun Market. It’s one of the country’s largest traditional street markets, with thousands of stalls selling textiles, handicrafts and delectable street food.
Step into the 7th-century Donghwasa Temple for a peaceful break, or learn about the region’s past at the Daegu National Museum.
Nature lovers can hike up Palgongsan Mountain or enjoy sweeping views from the cable car at Apsan Park.
Kanazawa (Japan)
If you’re dreaming of Japan but want to skip the crowds in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture lets you experience the country’s history and culture at a more relaxed pace.
The town is famous for its beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, giving visitors a taste of traditional Japanese life.
For a leisurely stroll, head to Kenrokuen. One of the country’s most stunning gardens, it’s celebrated for its spaciousness, seclusion, artistry, antiquity, water features and scenic views, based on the Japan National Tourism Organisation website.
Learn about the samurai legacy at the Ninja Weapon Museum, then stroll through the Nagamachi Samurai district with its narrow, historic streets.
Just a 15-minute stroll brings you to Kanazawa Castle, a nearly 450-year-old fortress steeped in history.
