Okay we get it, you’re atop the Eiffel Tower with your lover in Paris or posing for a super original and not at all overdone piccy of you holding up the Tower of Pisa. They’re lovely places, good views and probably gonna get you a tonne of those sweet, sweet ego-boosting likes on Insta.
But there’s so much more on offer, pals. You’re forking out to have the holiday of a lifetime, so why not go beyond the standard spots that people see on the reg, and have a gander at these off the beaten track places that you’ll be able to visit without fighting with hellish crowds – all because you’re the one that’s in the know.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
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We promise we’re not including this just because we have a (not-so) secret adoration for all things Viking – though look, it helps. The Lofoten Islands are stunning and sit above the Arctic Circle, so you’ll be able to peep the Northern Lights if the weather is right.
And yeah, you might think it’ll be chilly up there. But it’s actually got a milder climate than you’d imagine and if it strikes your fancy you can even go for a surf – it’s one of the most northern places you can.
Meteora, Greece
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Usually if you’re heading to Greece you’d imagine visiting places like Santorini or Athens – and don’t get us wrong, they’re great – but that’s not all there is. Meteora is one of the most serene places in the country, and if you’ve got a fascination for religion and culture, it’s a must-go place.
The countryside is peppered with ancient monasteries and gigantic rock formations known as the vertical cliffs. It’s the perfect place to balance a lil’ bit of history and a frankly 10/10 Insta shot – because both are important, okay.
Quinta Da Regaleira, Portugal
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We want to live like royalty and tbh a visit to Quinta Da Regaleira makes you feel like you’re in a fairytale. It’s a 20th century residence in Sintra, so your trip to Portugal should probs include this place if you harbour secret fantasies of romantic balconies, enchanted gardens and gothic columns.
Plus it has two spooky wells called the Initiation Wells – they were never used for water though. These babies were used for secret initiation rituals and honestly we’re not sure what they were initiation for but sign us up anyway.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
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This lil’ place is home to some seriously incredible waterfalls so if you’re keen for a bit of spray and some stunning vistas, get your cute butts out to Lauterbrunnen ASAP. There are also a buncha teensy quaint mountain villages which are incredibly Swiss, so we love them with the entirety of our beings.
If you wanna get your hike on there’s also a UNESCO world heritage themed trail, or you could rock a fancy James Bond-style tux on the Schilthorn cable car as you careen through the sky with 360 views. Noice.
Pamukkale, Turkey
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If you fancy yourself a bit of a ‘grammer, you’re going to get a massive kick out of visiting the white and blue pool paradise that is Pamukkale. For real, this place looks like it’s been taken out of a magazine, with crisp white walls and aqua pools that don’t even need a filter.
Oh yeah and they’re thermal pools, too. Toasty little circles of warm water right out in the open. You’re welcome for the tip.
Giant’s Causeway, Ireland
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Have you ever looked at a mountain and thought to yourself, “Hmm, needs more steps”? Because same. The Giant’s Causeway in Ireland has been featured in plenty of movies and TV shows so you know its aesthetic is 10/10.
Plus you’ll absolutely get your legs pumping with the workout as you meander around this knobbly little haven, so you can skip the gym when you get back to your hotel. And really, any excuse will do, but this one is worthwhile.
So basically you have no excuse to exclusively go and stand in endlessly long queues all over the main touristy spots (unless that’s your thing). Maybe you’ve seen all the regular spots already and you want something a lil’ bit more – we commend you.
Get a squiz at these 10/10 destinations and check out a Topdeck tour to each one for your next vacay – your grandkids will thank you for the yarns one day. Besides, then all your planning is sorted and all you gotta do is make sure your camera is charged.
They’ve got an earlybird sale going so if you have a gander now you’ll be able to cop a hefty discount. Then use the $$$ you’ve saved to splurge on lil’ day trips, win-win.
