Are there any hidden gems left?

By Gosia Wasikowska on 22nd July, 2025

Are there any hidden gems left?

‘Undiscovered spots!’ ‘Brand new travel destinations!’ ‘Never before seen!’

Let’s be frank – humans are pretty good at exploring, so there are fewer and fewer ‘undiscovered’ places left on this lovely little planet.

But let’s not fall into the trap of thinking popular places are ruined, because they’re not! Highlights of a country are amazing. Granted, perhaps they don’t get a shiny ‘undiscovered’ badge anymore, but they’re absolutely still worth your time, if done correctly.

Don’t get stuck in endless crowds, or feel like you’ve stumbled into a tourist trap (here’s how to dodge those…) – instead, connect with a destination expert who will make sure you visit a country at the perfect time to get the most from your fully personalised holiday.

Here are some of our favourite holidays, including when to travel.

1 – Istria

Immerse yourself in irresistible Istria, which borders Croatia and Slovenia, for wine and truffle harvests, delicious seasonal dishes, charming coastal towns, Roman ruins, and fantastic boutique properties. Perfect for Autumn.

More details available here – or email Ash to chat about whether Istria is the place for you this September/October.

2 – Glorious Greece

There’s a reason 4-ish million Brits visit Greece annually. Its bloody lovely – up to the eyeballs in history, sunny islands, pristine water, incredible food, a culture of hospitality – you name it.

Quite a lot of people know about it though, so if you want to enjoy all of the above without Everyone Else, then Fleewinter’s resident Grecophile Charlie would recommend heading off the track to Kastellorizo (pair with Kas for a Greece/Turkey combo) – an island where the luminous blue water is seriously inviting from April to November. Bring a rash vest in the shoulder seasons, and dive into a Greek island without the overtourism.

3 – Chehchaouen without the crowds

You could visit Chefchaouen on a rushed day trip, joining the throngs hunting for that perfect photo in Morocco’s famously “Instagrammable” Blue City.

But you’ll be sharing the narrow streets with every other tour bus.

Our advice? Stay the night. When the day-trippers leave, the town’s true magic appears. You can wander the peaceful, blue-washed alleys in the golden light of evening and wake up to its quiet mountain charm.

All of the atmosphere, none of the crowds. Our Grand Tour includes an overnight stay – contact Barbara & the Morocco team for a bespoke itinerary

4 – Vibrant Vietnam

There’s a well-beaten path exploring Vietnam’s highlights, accessible almost year round, and finding wonderful hotels just off the beaten track is our speciality. They’ll offer pockets of tranquility and luxury on your adventure.

No Vietnam trip is complete without time in atmospheric Hoi An, but choose Namia Rover Retreat for a more exclusive experience you’ll remember forever. It’s hidden on a serene islet just outside with private pools villas and a luxury wellness focus.

5 – Superb Zambia – Daphne’s secret sensation…

Zambia might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Safari in Africa, but that’s exactly why I love it.

It’s wild, eco-conscious and properly off the beaten track – to me, this is one of the best places you could choose to travel and have an authentic experience.

Travel during the drier months, and we can even get you into Devil’s Pool — yes, that pool on the very edge of Victoria Falls.

No crowds, no queues, just the raw beauty of nature at its best.

6 – Japan

Like so many others, you could chase Mount Fuji from ever-popular Hakone—but she’s famously shy, often slipping behind a cloud just as you pull out your camera.

Want to actually see her? Head to our favourite spot, where you’ll have the best chance she’ll show up and show off—so you can enjoy that majestic view right from your hotel room window.

The catch? You’ve got to ask Alba where this incredible spot is!

For more Japan holiday ideas – click this magic button.

7 – Exquisite Egypt from the water

While most travellers head to Egypt and find themselves swept up in the crowds — crowded cruises, crowded temples, crowded pyramids—we offer a different kind of experience.

A slower, more intimate journey.

Picture this: gliding along the Nile on a beautiful sailboat shared with just a dozen guests, and stepping into ancient temples once the crowds have gone—when the silence lets the past speak.

Lynn will help you see Egypt in an entirely new way.

8 – Tucked-away Turkish mountain hideout

Tucked away in the mountains on the rugged Bozburun Peninsula, are two gorgeous stone cottages, Wolf’s Trail and Chalet Vista.

Here, total peace and tranquillity are the order of the day.

Let our expert guide Ayhan share his passion and knowledge of this incredible, unspoilt region with our Discover Datca and Bozburun itinerary – Charlotte would love to share this incredible spot with you.

Written by Gosia Wasikowska

Top Travel Tip

“Take the running shoes with you and go off the beaten track, there is no other way to discover the country than on foot”. Operations Manager & Seychelles Specialist Gosia Wasikowska

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