The world’s busiest holiday destinations deserve their popularity. Often they boast unique attractions, centuries old, or landscapes of unrivalled diversity and beauty. And while they can be enjoyed with the crowds, nothing matches the feeling of being alone in these extraordinary places, like they exist only for you. Here’s how to find the lesser-visited natural spaces in tourist hotspots.
- Researching before you go
You’re unlikely to stumble on the hidden gems when wandering the destination, so converse to what you may want to do, living spontaneously is a bad idea. Careful, considered research before you go is key to identifying opportunities off the beaten trail, perhaps on reputable holiday websites or in recent reviews, or in destination-specific blogs that explore countries and regions in detail.
Even simple research can help you find quieter spaces, perhaps directing you to islands and areas within your wider destination that are less crowded. For example, choosing a Lanzarote holiday over a Tenerife or Gran Canaria trip when visiting the Canary Islands ensures quieter beaches without you losing out on the facilities and opportunities for water sports that make the experience.
- Timing your visit
The same destination can feel completely different depending on when you arrive. Visiting outside school holidays or during the shoulder seasons often brings a calmer atmosphere, usually only with the compromise of occasional rain or milder temperatures which can be beneficial for exploring without spoiling beach days.
Even if you’re travelling during peak season – because you haven’t got a choice, or you’re set on sunshine – you can find quieter moments by adjusting your standard routines. Head out early in the morning to enjoy popular walking routes before others are awake or visit gardens and nature reserves later in the afternoon once coaches have departed and when most travellers will have returned to their hotel. Timing outings for sunrise or sunset also means you gain softer light for photography and more opportunities to spot the wildlife that is more elusive or hibernates in the busiest parts of the day. You could even go on a nature walk at night in search of nocturnal creatures.
- Exploring protected landscapes
National parks and biosphere reserves often allow limited access to visitors, which not every tourist realises. Exploring these protected areas where quiet, considerate navigation isn’t just expected but demanded truly makes you feel a world away from civilisation. You’re also guaranteed a close-up view of some of the most beautiful natural areas in the world.
Spend time studying trail maps before setting off so you can choose circular routes or lesser-used paths that match your fitness level. You could even consider using a guide, so you can focus on soaking up your surroundings. Be adventurous within the limits of the park: a short detour from a popular walking route might lead to a secluded valley, quiet woodland or lake or a cliff-top viewpoint where you can pause without interruption. These locations often encourage you to notice details such as birdsong, wildflowers or changing rock formations that become easy to overlook in crowded settings.
- Celebrating slow travel
Slowing your pace often transforms the way you experience a destination. Instead of trying to visit every famous attraction within one country or region, allow yourself time to enjoy a smaller area properly. This means more time travelling on foot or two wheels along paths off the beaten track, increasing your chance of stumbling across an unbelievable view.
Choose accommodation at the heart of nature, so you can spend maximum time in the great outdoors and minimum time in transport every day. Travelling more slowly also gives you the freedom to adapt your plans when you receive recommendations from local residents – our best top tip – helping you uncover peaceful corners that the guidebooks rarely place on the front page, or advertise at all.
