7 Unconventional Destinations To Add To Your Bucket List, According To Avid Travellers
Yoyo Cao, Tracy Phillips, Amelyn Beverly and more recommend their favourite offbeat destinations you'll want to visit in the year ahead.
With 2023 coming to a close, it’s time to start planning ahead for another year’s worth of new adventures. From unrivalled wilderness to charming historical sites, our glorious planet's untapped destinations never fail to inspire even the most intrepid explorer. We ask avid travellers Yoyo Cao, Tracy Phillips, Amelyn Beverly and more to recommend their favourite offbeat destinations you'll want to visit in 2024 and beyond.
Bino Chua: Azerbaijan
Bino Chua started his blog, I Wander, over a decade ago out of a genuine desire to share his travel experiences with friends and family. Today, Chua's informed posts not only provide handy travel tips, interesting things to do and food recommendations for off-the-beaten path locales, but also delve into the city's architecture, landscape and culture.
What is an unusual destination you've been to?
Azerbaijan. I explored Baku, as well as the towns of Sheki and Shamakhi.
When were you there and why did you decide to visit?
I went in May 2023. I've always been fascinated with the Caucasus region as it’s a mix of east and west, spanning over three main countries including Azerbaijan.
What is your recommended trip duration?
Five to seven days.
What would you recommend visitors to see and do there?
If you are an architecture buff, check out the futuristic Heydar Aliyev Center—one of renowned architect Zaha Hadid’s works. The cityscape of the capital, Baku, presents a great contrast between modern structures like the iconic Flame Towers, and a host of Soviet-style and art nouveau buildings.
What do you love about the place?
Friendly people, gorgeous cityscape, and hearty cuisine.
What was the most memorable moment from your trip?
Baku is known as one of the windiest cities in the world and I experienced one of the most harrowing landings there. The plane just could not balance and the pilot attempted to land three times before it successfully did.
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Tracy Phillips: Bhutan
Tracy Phillips has built a career around an intense preoccupation with culture, creativity, causes, and cultivating communities. Her programming and advocacy agency, aptly named Ppurpose, has produced passion projects like Deeply Curious Co—a page and community dedicated to helping people on their self-discovery and wellbeing journey—and Group Therapy—purposeful, spirited community events that encourage people to learn, be, celebrate, and grow. Tracy’s deep interest in well-being and being in the service of growth and compassion have led her to train clients as a developmental coach since 2021, focusing on "inner unfoldment for outer transformation".
What's an unusual destination you've been to?
Bhutan.
When were you there and why did you decide to visit?
I've visited twice, the first time in 2007 and again in 2019 because of how untouched it is—72 percent of it still covered by forest—and its long and deep history with dharma.
What is your recommended trip duration?
A week at least if you'd like to travel more central and visit more towns as the country is spread out. The first time I had four days and only stayed in Paro, the city closest to the airport. I knew I had to go back to see more.
What would you recommend visitors to see and do there?
This is a place that's more about being than doing. It’s like stepping into another time, full of raw, natural beauty and a distinct culture and way of life that's more focused on inner than outer development. It’s being in nature and visiting the many sacred sites, where great teachers within the dharma traditions have been and practised. Connect and feel the energy and the peace; this is not the place to go for modern trappings of any kind.
What do you love about the place?
Its peace, its respect of nature, and dharma that's totally integrated into its culture.
What was the most memorable experience from your trip?
The last time I was there, I did a neykor meditation trip organised by Druk Asia, a spiritual pilgrimage. It was amazing to be brought around by a Rinpoche and given teachings in distinctive nature spots and temples—some high in the clouds in view of the Himalayas, some we had to hike to, like Tiger's Nest—all while making friends with street dogs and drinking tea in guest houses along the way. Because of the lack of modernisation, the traditional dress that is commonplace, and sports like archery (a favourite pastime)—there is a a dream-like quality that makes Bhutan so memorable to me.
Shu Qin: Cuba
A UX writer by day and social media content creator by night, Shu Qin loves travelling—especially when it involves chasing sunsets on summits and street cats in the cities. A scroll through her colourful Instagram feed brings up posts on her explorations as well as travel recommendations and city guides that evoke wanderlust.
What is an unusual destination you've been to?
Cuba.
When were you there and why did you decide to visit?
April 2019. I was looking for somewhere different to visit and chanced upon an article on Cuba.
What is your recommended trip duration?
Three to four days.
What would you recommend visitors to see and do there?
Walk around vibrant old Havana, tour a cigar factory and order a Havana-style daiquiri at an al fresco restaurant. Havana’s also great if you love the arts—there are many public art exhibitions (we caught the Havana Biennial when we were there) such as the famous Cuban National Ballet performance at the National Theatre and Ernest Hemingway’s former home. There are also dozens of museums in the city covering everything from history to art.
What do you love about the place?
The people are incredibly friendly and genuine. And I will dream of the watermelon daiquiris forever.
What was the most memorable experience from your trip?
We stayed in a Casa Particular (a homestay) operated by a university lecturer. We shared a couple of Cuban cigars and chatted with him through the night on the rooftop—it was a beautifully eye-opening experience. There’s really nothing like learning about a place from a local’s perspective.
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Tessa Burton: Puglia, Italy
Tessa Burton is an English-Singaporean model and content creator. She grew up in the United Kingdom but was based in Singapore for 5 years, where she met her other half, Mack. Together, they create travel-based content over at @alifeofattraction.
What is an unusual destination you've been to?
Puglia in Italy.
When were you there and why did you decide to visit?
We were there this past September for a short break. Mack and I have been talking about visiting Puglia for a long time, and since we relocated back to the UK last year, we decided we should make the most of being in Europe and squeeze in one last trip to round off our summer. I'd say September was actually the perfect time to visit as the weather was still amazing, though it was a bit quieter.
What would you recommend visitors to see and do there?
I feel like we barely scratched the surface, but our five-day Itinerary included Bari, Matera, Martina Franca, Cisternino, Locorontondo, and our last stop was a masseria (farmhouse).
What is your recommended trip duration?
Five days to two weeks. But honestly, I think we could've happily have spent a month there.
What do you love about the place?
There's so much to love about Puglia, from the pasta nonnas on the streets of Bari to exploring the Old Towns and getting lost amongst the beautiful streets of Martina Franca, Locorontondo, Cisternino (plus all the little towns in-between). Oh, and it goes without saying… the food!
What was the most memorable experience from your trip?
We hired a vintage convertible and drove around for three days of our trip—I'd say you definitely need a car to get around the region, and driving through Matera with the roof down made us feel like we were in a Bond movie (it’s actually where part of No Time to Die was filmed). For the last night of our trip, we stayed in a beautiful masseria called Masseria Montenapoleone, and during a beautiful sunset picnic amongst the olive groves, Mack got down on one knee and obviously, I said yes! Puglia will forever hold extra special memories for us and we can’t wait to go back.
Yoyo Cao: Saint Moritz
Yoyo Cao (better known as @yoyokulala on Instagram) needs little introduction. When she is not gracing the pages of international glossies, collaborating with the likes of Chanel and Gucci or attending fashion week, Cao keeps busy developing products for Romi Beauty, which she co-founded with fellow entrepreneurs Lin Ting and Arissa Cheo.
What is an unusual destination you've been to?
Saint Moritz.
When were you there and why did you decide to visit?
I was there for a work trip last winter and managed to have some time for myself to explore the beautiful place.
What is your recommended trip duration?
Five days.
What would you recommend visitors to see and do there?
During winter, it’s amazing to go skiing and snowboarding. It’s absolutely beautiful there.
What do you love about the place?
The view! It’s the perfect place to unwind and to give yourself a break after a year of hard work.
What was the most memorable experience from your trip?
I tried skiing for the first time and loved it!
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Bei Xin: Taiga
Bei Xin is a full-time travel photographer, videographer, and creative director who seeks to tell stories of our world's incredible beauty, inspire a love for nature and a desire to protect the environment. Driven by a deep love for nature and adventure, the co-founder of production studio Eurthe traverses the globe in pursuit of the most breathtaking experiences it has to offer.
What is an unusual destination you've been to?
Taiga in North Mongolia.
When were you there and why did you decide to visit?
In April 2023, I embarked on a journey to see Mongolia's elusive Tsaatan nomads, known as the 'Reindeer People'. I was intrigued by their nomadic lifestyle and also the pristine landscapes of the Mongolian Taiga—a secluded, hidden wonder in the northernmost part of Mongolia.
What is your recommended travel duration?
For a truly immersive experience, I'd recommend at least eight days.
What would you recommend visitors to see and do there?
Dive into the enchanting world of the Tsaatan reindeer nomads, live alongside them in their teepees, witness the ethereal beauty of the Siberian forest, spend time interacting with the reindeers, and absorb the mystical nomadic culture that defines this unique corner of North Mongolia.
What do you love about the place?
There's something quite magical about the Mongolian Taiga: its vast boreal forests, the soft spring snow covering the landscape, and the feeling of being embraced by untouched nature. Even as someone who travels widely, this vast, tranquil landscape was something I had never seen.
What was the most memorable experience from your trip?
Witnessing reindeers for the first time was a magical experience; it felt like I was stepping into a fairy tale. The Tsaatan people's deep connection with the reindeers and their harmonious existence with the raw beauty of Taiga left an indelible mark. The horse ride into Taiga and the sole route to the Tsaatan reindeer nomads' camp were also captivating journeys. Over many hours, I traversed on horseback, through breathtaking forests and over melting snowy hills, which added a thrilling dimension to the whole adventure.
Amelyn Beverly: Uzbekistan
Amelyn Beverly is a passionate full-time traveller with an insatiable wanderlust and a keen eye for capturing the beauty of the world through her lens. She strives to bring the world closer to those who may not have the opportunity to experience it firsthand, with the hope that her photography will ignite a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the world we live in.
What is an unusual destination you've been to?
Uzbekistan.
When were you there and why did you decide to visit?
I was there in August 2018. I wanted to explore somewhere I'd never been before.
What is your recommended trip duration?
Seven to eight days.
What would you recommend visitors to see and do there?
Take in the many historical sights like the madrasahs, minarets and mausoleums.
What do you love about the place?
Peaceful, friendly locals, the architecture.
What was the most memorable experience from your trip?
Every madrasah seems the same but they're ever so different; it doesn't get old exploring them. Uzbekistan is also extremely safe and the locals are the friendliest and kindest human beings ever. Even though they speak very little English (they speak in Uzbek and Russian), they will still try and have a conversation with you to find out where you're from and tell you more about themselves. And while you're there, please take the time to get some plates! They're too pretty to resist. I ended up bringing home 15 plates, which I kept for four years till I got my own home. Every plate should have a signature behind it, signed by the master who made them.