It’s hard to resist the allure of famous locations like the Eiffel Tower or Times Square, but some of the best travel experiences involve straying from the beaten road and finding your own way.
It’s time to deviate from the path and stroll the less-travelled routes if packed hot spots and well-known photos are boring you.
This blog post highlights fascinating, off-the-beaten-path locations for visitors seeking authenticity and adventure, whether you’re ready to summit Pakistan’s snow-capped peaks, get lost in Nigeria’s verdant highlands, or drive the stunning Pacific Coast Highway.
We reveal beautiful scenery and scintillating local experiences perfect for individuals who dare to veer off the beaten path, from steep mountain routes to secret waterfalls.
Join us as we travel to unexplored regions of the globe and appreciate the magic of the open path.
The Karakoram Highway, China/Pakistan
Winding through the mighty Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush ranges, this road snakes up to 15,000 feet high among some of the tallest mountains on Earth.
Watch wispy clouds swirl around snow-capped summits that pierce the sky while glaciers glisten below you. Stop to photograph crystalline alpine lakes reflecting the jagged peaks surrounding them.
Listen to the distant roar of avalanches tumbling down mountainsides. As you pass red-robed Buddhist monks and farmers leading yak caravans, this route provides thrilling access to the heart of High Asia.
Milliken Hill, Enugu, Nigeria
The Milliken Hill road, which winds through the centre of Enugu, provides a view of the city’s natural beauty. The path winds up into the hillside, lined with tall umbrella trees that offer protection from the intense African sun.
Along the roadway, vibrant tropical flowers grow, creating splashes of colour. Every turn in the twisting trail offers a fresh perspective, from neighbourhoods tucked into the mountainside to panoramic views of Enugu once at the summit.
The cool breeze rustles the trees as you drive or walk along Milliken Hill Road, a pleasant reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city below.
From its greenery and gardens to the small stream bubbling alongside it, Milliken Hill path showcases the incredible natural beauty that fills Enugu.
The Ruta 40, Argentina
From the tropical humidity of Salta to the icy chill of Patagonia, Argentina’s famous Ruta 40 highway traverses over 3,000 miles from top to bottom of the country.
Gaze in wonder at the vibrant pink salt flats, where flamingos feast in shallow waters tinted pink by algae. Further south, watch guanacos roam over rolling grasslands once trod by dinosaurs.
Pause to sample Malbec wines from vineyards tucked between craggy Andean foothills. With endless detours through remote national parks and off-the-grid villages, Ruta 40 embodies the romance of the open road.
Iceland’s Ring Road
Circumnavigating Iceland reveals one jaw-dropping vista after another. Gape at enormous blue glaciers calving icebergs that crash into the sea.
Feel the pounding power of thunderous waterfalls sending up the wispy mist. Driving past geothermal hot springs and bubbling mud pools, you can almost smell the sulphur in the air.
Admire quaint fishing villages dotted around the edges of deep green fjords carved long ago by glaciers. With diverse landscapes around every curve, the Ring Road captures Iceland’s stirring beauty.
Gembu Road, Taraba, Nigeria
The Gembu Road offers travellers a chance to experience the region’s great natural beauty as it winds through the verdant hills of Sardauna.
It’s common to see playful monkeys swinging through the trees and darting across the path as you drive along the road to wave to onlookers. Huge palm trees line the path, swaying in the breeze and casting dappled shadows on the ground below.
Colourful birds sing charming sounds that fill the air as they flutter through the branches. With the calls of exotic animals echoing through the hills and the scent of wildflowers wafting by, the Gembu path fully immerses you in the natural wonders of Sardauna.
The friendly monkeys eagerly await visitors to their homeland, making the Gembu Road a one-of-a-kind journey through Sardauna’s incredible wilderness.
The Pacific Coast Highway, USA
On this sunny California trip, point your car towards the unfurling ocean as you cruise alongside sheer cliffs and dunes.
In Big Sur, stop to admire McWay Falls, a delicate stream plunging 80 feet into a secluded cove. Further north in Mendocino, watch for whales spouting mist into blue waters.
Meander through stands of towering redwoods shrouded in ethereal fog. Fuel up on just-caught seafood, juicy berries, and excellent wines in the local surf towns and vineyards.
The Pacific Coast Highway serves up exhilarating landscapes, pleasant weather, and cool coastal culture.
Africa’s Great North Road
From the crystal waters of Cape Town to the chaos of Cairo, this route traverses Africa’s diverse beauty. In South Africa, drive steep hairpin turns up Chapman’s Peak to be rewarded with stunning panoramas.
Feel the spray from mighty Victoria Falls, where rainbows shimmer against the mist. Safaris through Kenya’s Maasai Mara allow close encounters with feelings of pride of lions and herds of elephants roaming grassy plains.
The trip culminates at the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the mythical Pyramids of Giza. Africa’s Great North Road checks off bucket-list attractions with jaw-dropping scenery.
Silk Road Routes
Traversing the legendary Silk Road routes through Central Asia conjures up romantic imagery of merchant caravans laden with spices and silk.
Explore ancient caravanserais dotting the arid landscape, where traders would rest and water their camels. Wander through bustling bazaars redolent with exotic spices and resounding with a cacophony of languages.
Hike along sections of the Great Wall snaking over the mountains. From the mediaeval architecture of Uzbekistan to the yurts of nomads in Kyrgyzstan, the Silk Road still captivates.
Conclusion
Going off the beaten track may pay off with pleasant surprises, whether you are awed by the magnificent Himalayas in Pakistan, fascinated by a mystic waterfall in Iceland, or waved at by monkeys in Nigeria.
On these little-travelled backroads, follow your curiosity and let the path open out in front of you. Learn about vibrant cultures, indulge in regional cuisine, and create lifelong memories.
While well-known tourist destinations have their appeal, some of the most wonderful and memorable experiences occur when you veer off the beaten path.
Put your seatbelt on, choose a course, and enjoy the joys, surprises, and personal development that come from seeking out adventure along less-travelled paths.
