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.
Montana Off the Beaten Path
As Montana residents, we’re well acquainted with off-the-beaten-path travel ideas in our state. Let us show you where to go in Montana for spectacular nature and wildlife adventures without the crowds!
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! […]
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 observe the birds is a fun addition to a Rio Grande Valley 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! There is […]
The 8 Best Places to Go on a Kansas Vacation
Will a Kansas vacation be part of your US road trip? 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 to […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Explore Dead Horse Point State Park on a Scenic Drive
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 […]
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 […]
Go off the beaten path on Star Island
It’s always a good idea to have a travel bucket list with a nice mix of popular travel destinations and way off-the-beaten-path locations. Of course, when we say off-the-beaten-path we don’t necessarily mean hiking through a dense jungle on the edge of the world. Guest contributor Erika L. Nelson shows us how to explore an […]
Southwest Virginia Road Trip: Abingdon & the Crooked Road
Are you a boomer traveler who can’t get enough of U.S. road trips? 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’ ranks as one […]
Exploring Cajun Country on a Southern Louisiana Trip
If you’re one of the lucky ones who have traveled outside of Louisiana’s famed New Orleans region, you know how beautiful the state can be. Guest writer, Suzan L. Jackson from Book by Book, takes us on an exotic, off-the-beaten-path trip through Southern Louisiana’s Acadiana region. Exploring Cajun Country on a boomer road trip New […]
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 […]
Four Off-the-Beaten-Path Summer Trips
Do you travel in summer? Alan and I usually avoid it, 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 are out of school. We […]
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 […]
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.
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, […]
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? […]
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 […]
Orta San Giulio: Northern Italy At Its Best
Cobblestone streets, a 1580’s era town hall with a frescoed facade, outdoor cafes on a plaza bordering a mountain lake, a fairy tale looking island in the middle of that lake—atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere. This is exactly what Alan and I hoped to find on our road trip in Northern Italy. When we told Claudio Fontana […]
Do-It-Yourself Tips for a Schwerin Walking Tour
Do you enjoy city walking tours? My tips for a Schwerin walking tour are for you! And it’s easy to do on your own. Exploring Schwerin on foot A walkable European city with cobblestone streets, historic half-timbered buildings and a castle that sits in the middle of a lake—does this sound like a fairytale setting […]
Exploring the French Medieval Village of Perouges
Simply put, France is a stunning country. Exploring its profound history, diverse cuisine and incredible landscape makes for the perfect baby boomer travel adventure. Of course, for anyone planning a trip through France, exploring the picturesque countryside and off-the-beaten-path villages is a must. And we’ve introduced you to plenty of French finds. But we believe […]
Day Trip to the Orkney Islands
Is a day trip to the Orkney Islands on your to do list? I’m attracted to the off-the-beaten-path travel destination, although I’ve yet to visit. My Itchy Travel Feet featured contributor, Debi Lander from ByLanderSea, recently explored Scotland. She’s here to share her experience on an Orkney Islands day trip. Slow travel allows for unplanned […]
Off the beaten path in Otranto, Italy
There are few things that make our itchy travel feet itchy more than the thought of going off the beaten path in Italy. From road trips through Northern and Southern Italy, to bustling Rome, we’ve featured quite a bit about one of our favorite European countries. But today, guest contributor, Sharon Kurtz, is taking us […]
Discover Germany’s Top Christmas Markets that are Off-the-Beaten-Path
Visiting Europe over the holidays is a great way to see how different parts of the world celebrate Christmas. And, although several European countries celebrate the holidays to the hilt, a visit to Germany’s top Christmas markets is sure to bring it up one more notch! I’ve has already told you about my amazing experience […]
Going off-the-beaten-path on a Luxury Cruise in Scotland
Hebridean Island Cruises is sponsoring this look at luxury cruising in Scotland. Are you dreaming of a trip to explore off-the-beaten-path Scotland? If you’ve visited Edinburgh to see the military tattoo or explored Glasgow’s art galleries and museums, it’s time for a more unique way of seeing the Scottish countryside—on a luxury cruise. Exploring Scotland […]
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 […]
Exploring Braga on an off-the-beaten-path trip to Northern Portugal
Many baby boomers visit Portugal on Duoro river cruise. Although it’s a fairly small European country, Portugal packs a big punch when it comes to picturesque travel destinations, especially for those looking to leisurely stroll around charming villages. Guest contributor, David Johnston from Travelsewhere, is taking us to beautiful Braga, Portugal, in the northern part […]
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.
Morocco Itinerary: The Best Places to Visit in Morocco
Located in Northern Africa, Morocco may seem like an off-the-beaten-path trip, yet it’s only 8.6 miles from Spain! In this Morocco itinerary you’ll discover ways to explore a country that offers a wide variety of travel experiences that boomers will enjoy. My Itchy Travel Feet featured writer, Debi Lander of ByLanderSea, recently spent two weeks in […]
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. What is an atoll? It’s an islet, […]
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. […]
Hot Springs and Hiking in Guatemala
Guest contributor Kirsten Gallagher has been sharing tales from her recent Guatemalan adventures over the last few weeks. From practicing yoga in Lago Atitlán to hiking up an active volcano in Antigua, Kirsten is obviously a big fan of active travel. Today, she’s telling us about her most recent adventure, which included hiking in Guatemala […]
Off-the-Beaten-Path in Bali’s Tabanan Regency
Active travel in exotic lands is definitely one of our most favorite travel themes and today, we’re mixing a little foodie fun in as well. Today’s guest writers, Sarah and Laura from Wandercooks, are here to tell us all about their adventures exploring Bali’s Tabanan Regency. Indonesia’s island of Bali is renowned for beautiful beaches, […]
Active Travel Tips for Gros Morne National Park
Active travel is obviously one of our favorite ways to explore new destinations, but when we managed to go off-the-beaten-path in a national park, well, our travel feet get really itchy! Guest contributor, Erika Nelson and her husband, went all the way to Newfoundland to find some boomer adventure and did they ever! Erika shares […]
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