When most travelers think of booking through Expedia, destinations like Paris, New York, Tokyo, or Cancun often come to mind. These iconic places have earned their popularity for good reason, but the world is vast, and beyond the glittering skylines and white-sand beaches lie quieter, often overlooked treasures waiting to be explored. With the rise of experience-driven travel, more adventurers are turning their backs on the beaten path to uncover the world’s best-kept secrets — and Expedia has quietly made these hidden gems more accessible than ever.
In this guide, we’ll spotlight lesser-known destinations you can find on Expedia, share why they’re worth your time, and offer insider tips on how to book your off-the-radar getaway.
Why Travel Off the Beaten Path?
Lesser-known destinations offer an array of benefits that can transform your trip from ordinary to unforgettable:
- Fewer crowds: Say goodbye to long lines and packed tourist attractions.
- Authentic experiences: Engage with local cultures, traditions, and cuisines.
- Budget-friendly: Avoid inflated prices often associated with high-demand locations.
- Sustainable impact: Help distribute tourism more evenly and support smaller communities.
Expedia’s comprehensive booking tools, reviews, and travel guides make it easier than ever to research and plan trips to these emerging hotspots.
How Expedia Helps Uncover Hidden Gems
Expedia’s platform isn’t just for booking flights and hotels — it’s a discovery engine. With the right filters, categories, and insider insights, you can use Expedia to explore lesser-known places based on interest, region, or travel type. Whether you’re searching for an eco-adventure, a wellness retreat, or a cultural immersion, Expedia’s curated experiences, local tours, and lodging options give you access to some of the world’s most underrated destinations.
Pro tip: Use the “Things to Do” section on Expedia for lesser-known tours and activities in smaller cities. That’s where the magic often begins.
Hidden Gems to Discover on Expedia
Let’s dive into a curated list of under-the-radar destinations that you can book right now on Expedia. From mountainous retreats to coastal towns, these places promise adventure, serenity, and surprise.
1. Matera, Italy
Often overshadowed by Rome or Florence, Matera is one of Italy’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with cave dwellings known as Sassi carved into limestone cliffs. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a surreal blend of history, architecture, and gastronomy.
- Unique cave hotels for immersive stays.
- Authentic Southern Italian cuisine.
- Fewer tourists compared to the big cities.
Expedia Tip: Look for boutique hotels and guided walking tours that explore the city’s underground cisterns and rock churches.
2. Kotor, Montenegro
While Croatia’s Dubrovnik gets much of the Adriatic spotlight, Kotor offers equally stunning views at a fraction of the cost. Nestled in a fjord-like bay, this medieval town is a maze of cobblestone streets, Venetian architecture, and breathtaking mountains.
Why Go:
- Dramatic natural scenery and hiking trails.
- Affordable seafood and accommodations.
- Close proximity to other Balkan destinations.
Expedia Tip: Combine your stay in Kotor with boat tours to nearby Perast and the Blue Cave, bookable through Expedia’s activity section.
3. Isla Holbox, Mexico
Just north of the Yucatán Peninsula, Isla Holbox is a car-free island that remains a hidden paradise, even as places like Tulum become increasingly crowded.
Why Go:
- Bioluminescent beaches and whale shark encounters.
- Laid-back island vibes and street art.
- Amazing seafood and eco-conscious lodges.
Expedia Tip: Use the “eco-friendly” filter to find sustainable lodging, and book ferry transfers as add-ons to your flight into Cancún.
4. Hoi An, Vietnam
While Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are bustling urban hubs, Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town that feels like stepping into another era.
Why Go:
- UNESCO World Heritage ancient town with lantern-lit streets.
- World-class tailoring services at bargain prices.
- Delectable Vietnamese cuisine and cooking classes.
Expedia Tip: Bundle your hotel and flight for significant savings, and explore “Things to Do” for day trips to the Marble Mountains and My Son Sanctuary.
5. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
A crossroads of cultures and history, Mostar offers travelers a captivating blend of Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Balkan influences.
Why Go:
- The iconic Stari Most bridge and surrounding old town.
- Delicious fusion cuisine.
- Rich history and resilience in the face of modern conflict.
Expedia Tip: Stay in locally-owned guesthouses for an authentic touch, and book walking tours that highlight the city’s cultural and religious diversity.
6. Batanes, Philippines
A world away from the country’s more famous beaches, Batanes is a cluster of remote islands offering dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and a deep sense of tranquility.
Why Go:
- Majestic landscapes untouched by mass tourism.
- Warm Ivatan hospitality and preserved traditions.
- Uncrowded beaches and scenic bike rides.
Expedia Tip: Check seasonal availability — Batanes is weather-sensitive — and bundle flights with a stay in traditional Ivatan stone houses.
7. Tbilisi, Georgia
At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Tbilisi is an eclectic, affordable city that’s quickly becoming a favorite among adventurous travelers.
Why Go:
- Bohemian charm with ancient sulfur baths and buzzing wine bars.
- Unique architecture blending Soviet, Persian, and Art Nouveau styles.
- Access to mountain villages and vineyards.
Expedia Tip: Add a wine tasting or day trip to Kazbegi in your itinerary via the “Experiences” section, and look for flexible booking options.
8. Colchagua Valley, Chile
If you love Napa or Bordeaux, but want something quieter, head to Colchagua Valley, one of South America’s finest wine regions.
Why Go:
- Award-winning red wines in a scenic, serene setting.
- Boutique vineyard hotels and wine train tours.
- Proximity to Santiago for easy access.
Expedia Tip: Use the “Winery/Vineyard” filter when searching accommodations, and book tastings or horseback vineyard tours through Expedia’s local partners.
Booking Hidden Gems: Tips and Strategies
Finding hidden gems is one thing. Booking them smartly is another. Here are some strategies to make your off-the-beaten-path travels smoother with Expedia:
1. Use Flexible Dates and Locations
Searching with flexible dates helps surface better deals and alternative destinations that are more affordable and less crowded.
2. Read Reviews Closely
While major destinations have thousands of reviews, lesser-known places often rely on fewer travelers to tell the full story. Take the time to read multiple reviews for insight into local conditions, host reliability, and unexpected perks.
3. Explore the “Things to Do” Section
Expedia partners with local tour operators, so even small towns often have curated experiences available for booking.
4. Bundle and Save
Combining your flight, hotel, and car rental can unlock discounts — even for hidden gems. Many smaller destinations may require extra transportation, so bundling saves money and hassle.
5. Watch for Alerts and Deals
Use Expedia’s “Price Alerts” feature to monitor price drops. You can also check the “Last-Minute Deals” section for spontaneous getaways.
The Joy of Serendipity
While planning is important, some of the best travel experiences come from spontaneous decisions and unexpected discoveries. Lesser-known destinations allow space for that kind of magic. You might wander into a quiet café with the best coffee you’ve ever had or stumble upon a centuries-old festival that isn’t in any guidebook.
With Expedia as your launchpad, these lesser-known destinations are no longer inaccessible. Instead, they’re an invitation — to slow down, look deeper, and see the world in a whole new light.
Final Thoughts
In a world where travel is becoming increasingly homogenized, there’s something liberating about taking the road less traveled. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in untouched nature, experience authentic cultural exchanges, or simply escape the tourist rush, Expedia’s hidden gems offer the perfect solution. And with the right tools, tips, and a spirit of adventure, you can discover places that will stay with you long after the trip ends.
So go ahead — step off the map, and let Expedia guide you to places you’ve never dreamed of. The world is full of hidden gems. All you have to do is start looking.
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