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 for your next vacation.
- 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!
How to See and Explore Leslie Gulch on a Boise, ID day trip
Are you looking for a day trip from Boise that will take you into the remote area of Eastern Oregon that’s just across the Snake River from Idaho? I recommend a day trip to Leslie Gulch. Alan and I were wowed by our visit to Leslie Gulch and can’t wait to return for more active […]
Best Things to Do in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on your travel radar? It’s a lovely region of the United States filled with active travel adventures. And we’re fortunate to publish this first-person report on things to do in the Upper Peninsula. James Richardson is an enthusiastic fan of the area. He shares his best things to do […]
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! And James Richardson has driven it so that we can share first-person experiences with you. If you enjoy getting off-the-beaten-path, exploring history and enjoying beautiful natural landscapes, follow James Richardson’s tips for the best things […]
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! […]
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 […]
Explore the Florida Forgotten Coast in Gulf County
Are off-the-beaten-path destinations your preference? I certainly prefer them. If you are looking for a less crowded beach for putting your toes in the sand, perhaps the Florida Forgotten Coast in Gulf County is the answer. My Itchy Travel Feet featured writer, Debi Lander of ByLanderSea, recently traveled to Gulf County. Keep reading for plenty of […]
The 8 Best Places to Go on a Kansas Vacation
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), traveled on a trip to the Sunflower State. She’s here to share her tips for the 8 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Explore Dead Horse Point State Park on a Scenic Drive
Alan and I count Dead Horse Point State Park’s scenic drive as one of our favorite travel experiences when visiting the Moab, Utah area. Read about our visit (and tips) before planning your trip to this gorgeous Utah state park that’s close to Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands National Park. As beautiful drives […]
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, Bristol & 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’ […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
18 Off-the-Beaten-Path National Parks for an Uncrowded Experience
Are you looking for the best off-the-beaten path national parks to visit that aren’t crowded? Uncrowded national parks are getting harder and harder to find, especially in the summer. That’s why I’m sharing some of my favorite off-the-beaten-path choices. Unfortunately, one of this country’s greatest national treasures, the National Park Service, is experiencing a boom […]
5 Adventures on the Navajo Rez that Boomers Can Do
Exploring the Navajo Reservation in northern Arizona is one of my favorite baby boomer travel memories. However, with just two visits under my belt, I’m far from an expert. Not to worry. Vera Marie Badertscher became extremely familiar with the area during the ten years that she researched her book, which she co-authored with Charnell […]
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: Off-the-Beaten-Path in Italy
Want to go off-the-beaten-path in Italy? Visit the Tremiti Islands off Italy’s Gargano Peninsula. While most Italians and Western Europeans know about these tiny islands near the Adriatic coast, they aren’t very well known to U.S. travelers. Alan and I took a day trip to the Tremiti Islands during our road trip to Southern Italy. […]
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
On a visit to Germany, I was charmed by Schwerin. And I was delighted to discover that the picturesque town, complete with a beautiful castle, is easy to explore on your own. Do you enjoy city walking tours? My tips for a Schwerin walking tour are for you! Exploring Schwerin on foot A walkable European […]
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 day trip. Slow travel allows for unplanned adventures […]
Off the beaten path in Otranto, Italy
There are few things that make our 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 off-the-beaten-path […]
Discover Germany’s Top Small Town Christmas Markets
Are you a Christmas markets fan who also enjoys off-the-beaten-path travel? In this article, you’ll read about small town Germany’s top Christmas markets. Boomer travelers will learn about the small German Christmas Markets of Bremen, Eisenach, Osnabruc, Hamelin, Lubeck, and Celle. I’ve already told you about my amazing experience on a Rhine River Christmas Market […]
Going off-the-beaten-path on a Luxury Cruise in Scotland
Hebridean Island Cruises originally sponsored this look at luxury cruising in Scotland. I continue to share it because this is valuable information on what to expect on a small ship luxury cruise 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 […]
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 a 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 strolls around charming villages. Guest contributor, David Johnston from Travelsewhere, is taking us to beautiful Braga, Portugal, in the northern […]
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.
Best Things to Do in Central Newfoundland for Boomers
Are you looking for an off-the-beaten-path trip in Canada? Central Newfoundland is the place to be! Known for natural beauty, rich history, and a location along iceberg alley, The Rock, or Newfoundland, offers plenty of options for active boomer travelers. Debi Lander of ByLanderSea, reports on her trip to the central region of Newfoundland. She shares […]
How to Travel to See Monarch Butterflies in Mexico
Have you always wanted to see the Monarch Butterflies in Mexico? Planning a winter trip to watch the migrating butterflies is a bucket list experience for boomer nature lovers. And it’s important to appreciate them while you can as their winter habit is threatened by illegal logging and climate change. Debi Lander of ByLanderSea, recently traveled […]
2 Week 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. And, with some luck, you’re South Pacific […]
Exploring the French Islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon
Did you know that there are two French islands off the Newfoundland coast? And, according to Kirsten Gallagher’s first-hand experience, it is definitely worth exploring this off-the-beaten-path slice of Canada. Guest contributor and Toronto resident, Kirsten Gallagher, recently had the opportunity to explore St. Pierre and Miquelon. Come along as she introduces you to these […]
Guatemala Hot Springs and Hiking for Active Boomers
Are you looking for a fun boomer travel adventure in Central America? Soaking in hot springs after hiking in Guatemala sounds like just the ticket! 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 […]
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 Central Newfoundland to find some boomer adventure and did they ever! If […]
Unique Things to Do in Bali for Art and Culture
Are you an art and culture lover looking for unique things to do in Bali? I remember my long-ago visit to Bali on a private cruise excursion. What an overload to my senses! The natural beauty combined with elaborate architecture and a thriving arts and crafts scene was an intoxicating mix of sights, sounds, and […]
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