Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel Ideas

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Alan and I like nothing better than to travel to a little-known destination. It feels like we’re making a discovery that no one else knows about. Of course, your off-the-beaten-path travel ideas might be totally different from ours.

Yes, I know that using the term “off-the-beaten-path” in travel is considered trite and frowned upon by expert writers. But, according to Google, that term has a search volume of 84,200,000 (0.62 seconds), which means that many of our boomer readers are searching for off-the-beaten-path ideas so I’m going to deliver!

On this page, you'll learn about our favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations

Alan and I have visited many fun, out-of-the-way places (and so have our guest writers). You’re sure to find inspiration for the next boomer adventure with these off the beaten path travel ideas.

  • Travel off the beaten path in the USA
  • Europe off-the-beaten-path
  • Exploring out-of-the-way places in the rest of the world

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Travel off-the-beaten-path in the USA

Country roads, little-known national monuments—there are endless possibilities for traveling off-the-beaten-path in the U.S. Check out some of our favorites.

Hike the short trail to Coolidge Ghost Town in Montana

Montana Off the Beaten Path

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Best Things to Do in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

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Best Things to Do on a Southwest Arkansas Road Trip

A Southwest Arkansas road trip may not be at the top of your U.S. road trip list. That’s a mistake! If you enjoy getting off-the-beaten-path, exploring history and enjoying beautiful natural landscapes, follow James Richardson’s tips for the best things to do on a road trip in Southwest Arkansas. He’ll even take you diamond mining! […]

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Birding South Texas on a Rio Grande Valley Road Trip

Did you know that the birding in South Texas is world class? For avid birdwatchers, stopping to go birding in the Rio Grande Valley is a wonderful addition to your Texas road trip itinerary. James Richardson is here with the best places to go for birding in South Texas. What a unique U.S. road trip! […]

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Best Things to Do in Southern West Virginia for the Boomer Traveler

If you’re looking for the best things to do in southern West Virginia, do we have an article for you! This is perfect for boomer travelers who prefer a more off-the-beaten-path travel experience. Join My Itchy Travel Feet featured contributor, Debi Lander (ByLanderSea) on an action packed southern West Virginia itinerary. She’ll show you fun […]

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Explore the Florida Forgotten Coast in Gulf County

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Will a Kansas vacation be part of your US road trip plans? There’s much more to see and do than most travelers realize, including some unique places to visit. My Itchy Travel Feet featured contributor, Debi Lander (ByLanderSea), takes us on a trip to the Sunflower State. Enjoy her tips for the 8 best places […]

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Visit Ouray, Colorado

Go Off-the-Beaten-Path in Ouray, Colorado

Do you have a favorite off-the-beaten-path mountain town in Colorado? For Alan and me, Ouray takes that honor. Situated at 7,700 ft in the San Juan Mountains, the former mining town is a quaint counterpart to upscale Telluride—a skip and a jump over the mountains to the west. When it comes to charm combined with fun […]

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Driving the Burr Trail is a fun experience in southern Utah.

Driving the Burr Trail on a Boomer Road Trip in Southern Utah

Utah’s Highway 12 Scenic Byway is a must-drive for fans of the red, beige and golden-colored rock formations found in southern Utah. Not only is Highway 12 a scenic destination in itself, but there are all those off-the-beaten-path experiences, like driving Burr Trail, to make your trip extra special. Alan and I are huge fans […]

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Salmon River near Riggins, Idaho

Exploring Idaho’s Wilderness at Mackay Bar Outfitters & Guest Ranch

Are you an active boomer traveler that prefers off-the-beaten-path adventure? If you nodded your head yes, then keep reading to learn more about how to visit Mackay Bar Ranch in the Idaho backcountry. Even getting there is an adventure! Arrive via jet boat ride on the Salmon River The Mackay Bar Ranch jet boat whizzes […]

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Dismals Canyon: Off-the-Beaten-Path in Alabama

Dismals Canyon in Alabama definitely qualifies as off-the-beaten-path. James Richardson shares tips for visiting this little-known destination. This could be a fun addition to your next boomer road trip. The northern region of Alabama has a lot of natural beauty and is just a fun, short road trip from where me and my wife of […]

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Muddy river winding through a canyon surrounded by cliffs at Dead Horse Point Overlook

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As beautiful drives go, a Dead Horse Point State Park scenic drive is on the short side. It’s a little over a mile from the Visitor Center to Dead Horse Point Overlook where visitors look down for a gobsmacking view of a gooseneck in the Colorado River while contemplating how this Utah destination got its […]

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Active Travel on Pine Island

For those looking to find an off the beaten path destination, Pine Island is one of the best places to visit in Florida. And it’s only 30 miles from Ft Myers on the state’s west coast. The Sunshine State has long been known as one of the country’s most popular vacation destinations. Whether it’s a […]

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Go off the beaten path on Star Island

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Southwest Virginia Road Trip: Abingdon & the Crooked Road

Are you a boomer traveler who can’t get enough of U.S. road trips? You’re in luck. My Itchy Travel Feet featured writer, Debi Lander of ByLanderSea, introduces us to a road trip itinerary that’s perfect for touring Southwest Virginia. You’ll be amazed at the many things to do in Southwest Virginia! ‘Virginia is for Lovers’ […]

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Champagne's Swamp Tour

Exploring Cajun Country on a Southern Louisiana Trip

Have you thought about a road trip to Cajun Country in Southern Louisiana? It’s an interesting addition to a New Orleans visit, especially for active boomer travelers who enjoy the outdoors. Guest writer, Suzan L. Jackson from Book by Book, takes us on an off-the-beaten-path trip through Southern Louisiana’s Acadiana region. Prepare to enjoy a […]

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Exploring Canyon de Chelly on a four-wheel-drive adventure

Canyon de Chelly, located on the Navajo Reservation, sits atop the Defiance Plateau along the northeastern edge of Arizona. This off-the-beaten-path national monument combines spectacular scenery, ancient cliff dwellings, and a look at a traditional Navajo way of life. It’s well worth the time and effort to explore. People have lived in Canyon de Chelly […]

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Rafting on the Salmon River in Idaho

Off-the-Beaten-Path Summer Trips You Haven’t Thought About

Are you looking for off-the-beaten-path summer trips? Alan and I usually avoid traveling in the summer, preferring the less-crowded shoulder seasons of spring and fall. But what if you don’t have a choice? Are you a boomer who’s still in the workforce? Or maybe you’d like to travel on a multigenerational trip when the grandkids […]

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Hiking advice for the baby boomer

18 Off-the-Beaten-Path National Parks to Avoid the Crowds

Are you looking for the best off-the-beaten path national parks to visit? One of this country’s greatest national treasures, the National Park Service is experiencing a boom in visitation. I’m not sure if it’s the great press that national parks receive on social media, a bigger interest in exploring the United States, or an increase […]

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Europe off-the-beaten-path

Take me where the crowds don’t go. Show me the hidden lanes. Yes, you can go off-the-beaten-path in Europe.

A boomer traveler shares her tiny house experience in Scotland.

Two Nights Too Many in a Scottish Tiny House

Have you ever wondered about living in a tiny house? Debi Lander, My Itchy Travel Feet featured contributor, shares her tiny house experience on an off-the-beaten-path trip in Scotland. You’re going to love it! Most of my friends say I live large, but I hold a fascination with small things: dollhouses filled with teensy furniture, […]

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A Farm Stay in the Umbrian Countryside

To say that Italy is full of charming sites would be an understatement. From its chaotic capital to its off-the-beaten-path villages such as Orta San Giulio, this country never ceases to amaze travelers. If you’re planning a trip to Italy and looking for an authentic Italian experience, why not try out the country’s agriturismo options? […]

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Boats in the harbor at San Domino in Italy's Tremiti Islands

Tremiti Islands: An Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure in Italy

Want to go off-the-beaten-path in Italy? Visit the Tremiti Islands off Italy’s Gargano Peninsula. Okay, I’m sure that most Italians and Western Europeans know about these tiny islands near the Adriatic coast. But how many Americans visit? Alan and I are raising our hands, here, and giving you reasons to add them to your next […]

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Charming Orta San Giulio, Italy

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Gothic cathedral rises above Schwerin, Germany

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Perouges pancake

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Orkney Island

Day Trip to the Orkney Islands

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walkway along seaside with village in the background

Off the beaten path in Otranto, Italy

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german christmas market

Discover Germany’s Top Small Town Christmas Markets

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Herbridean Princess ship on a luxury cruise in Scotland.

Going off-the-beaten-path on a Luxury Cruise in Scotland

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Meet Scotland’s Wild Reindeer on a Cairngorm Reindeer Adventure

If your snow boots are itching for an adventure, Scotland’s Cairngorm Mountains are a great bet this time of year—especially for animal lovers. If you like the idea of trekking to off-the-beaten-path destinations to see wildlife in their natural habitat, here’s a fabulous idea. Guest contributor, Shaly Pereira from traveltoes85, is here to tell us […]

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Bom Jesus Church and Stairs

Exploring Braga on an off-the-beaten-path trip to Northern Portugal

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Exploring out-of-the-way places in the rest of the world

Truth is, terms like out-of-the-way or off-the-beaten-path are subjective to each traveler. It all depends on how much of the world you’ve experienced. We think these destinations qualify.

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Exploring Fakarava French Polynesia on an independent cruise excursion

Enjoy Fakarava French Polynesia on Your Own

If you’re dreaming of an off-the-beaten-path travel paradise, meet Fakarava French Polynesia. But where is this tropical isle where palm trees outnumber inhabitants and tourists? Fakarava, one of 77 atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago, sits southeast of Rangiroa in the portion of the South Pacific Ocean claimed by French Polynesia. And, with some luck, you’re South Pacific […]

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Exploring the French Islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon

Although traveling the world is well worth it, sometimes we forget that exploring in our own backyard is a great way to find little off-the-beaten-path gems. Guest contributor and Toronto resident, Kirsten Gallagher, recently had the opportunity to explore two little-known French islands, St. Pierre and Miquelon, which sit off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. […]

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Guatemala Hot Springs and Hiking for Active Boomers

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Tabanan travel

Off-the-Beaten-Path in Bali’s Tabanan Regency

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view of water with boat in the distance

Active Travel Tips for Gros Morne National Park

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