Travel By Design: Off the Beaten Path

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Whether wandering off the tourist drags, or getting off the superhighways to find a surprising “gem” of a restaurant, attraction or activity not well known to the traveling public, going off the beaten path rewards event the most intrepid traveler. It may take a sense of adventure or courage—or both, but going where few travelers go can provide a fresh source of travel stories and memories, while helping to bring tourism to places often overlooked.

10 underrated destinations to explore in the USA
By Tara TadlockAs large as the USA is, however, a lot of the most interesting places in the country often get overlooked. Read more
United States Off the Beaten Path
Pulperías: Where the gauchos gathered
By Ana Astri-O’ReillyImagine spending days, even weeks, in the vast plains with only your horse and your loyal dog for company. Herding cattle during the day, sipping mate next to the campfire at night. The need for human interaction will be met at the nearest pulpería, although near and far are relative terms in the … Read more Read more
Central and South America Adventure Off the Beaten Path Food & Drink
Responsible and Cultural Travel in Montana
By Tara TadlockWhitewater rafting in crystal clear waters. Horseback riding through the tall prairie grass. Purple mountains as the backdrop for local craft breweries. Sounds like a dream, but it’s actually Montana. Read more
United States Adventure Off the Beaten Path Social Responsibility
Why every visitor to Western Australia needs to visit Rottnest Island
By Audrey LimIf there’s one thing I’ve learned from living abroad over the past two and a half years, it’s that Western Australia is truly unrivaled when it comes to their beaches. While I may be quite biased, just picture fine white sand as far as the eye can see and clear … Read more Read more
Oceania Off the Beaten Path
Have a high time in Albuquerque
By Kathleen WallsA major highlight in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a hot air balloon ride at daybreak. But floating through the sky into the sunrise is not all there is to do in Albuquerque, and this city is full of culture and education to provide a well-rounded and enriching experience. Before you … Read more Read more
United States Off the Beaten Path Food & Drink
One Magical Night on the Great Blasket Island in Ireland
By Derek CullenI was frustrated when the Wi-Fi died. My trip to the Great Blasket Island was hinging on the availability of a small boat, and I was now unable to contact the owner. However, after a ten-minute jog to the harbour in Dunquin, I was welcomed on board – the result … Read more Read more
Ireland Off the Beaten Path
Why You Must Visit Warsaw: 30 Years After the Fall of Communism in Poland
By Patti MorrowCareening through the backstreets of Warsaw in a minibus that bumped and jostled us through a former Communist neighborhood, I immediately regretted that extra pierogi I’d had for lunch that now threatened to expel itself. As if clairvoyant, Tomas, our guide, stopped and shepherded us into an area where partially destroyed, … Read more Read more
Europe Off the Beaten Path Architecture History
How Spending Time Alone on the Pacific Crest Trail Changed My Life
By Derek CullenI recently spent five months hiking from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. It was an incredible backpacking trip through stunning deserts, mountains, and forests but also a journey of self-discovery. At the same time, my trips were now motivated by self-growth rather than deficiency. That is to … Read more Read more
North America Backpacking & Camping Off the Beaten Path
The rise of ‘second city’ travel
By Katherine BertrandI’m going to take a wild guess here: following your latest travel adventure, the story you were most excited to entertain your friends and family with wasn’t one of the long, winding lines at the Louvre. Or the sea of tourists obstructing your view of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. … Read more Read more
The World Off the Beaten Path Sustainability
The magic behind the tourist’s Paris
By Kellie PaxianParis is polarizing. You either love it or you hate it. It’s either cliché or it’s charming. For every romantic who says it’s their favourite city, there is a critic who turns their nose up at its grittier areas, high prices, or crowded tourist attractions. Even Parisians love to complain … Read more Read more
France Off the Beaten Path
4 Reasons Airline Companies Use Blue For Their Cabin
Flying can be stressful even with seats in business or first class. In most cases, you’re trying to find room in the overhead compartment for your stuff without accidentally hitting someone in the head with those items. You’re so concerned with this, you may never have given the plane’s interior … Read more Read more
Off the Beaten Path
Why Rwanda is a great destination for solo female travelers
By Lydia Klemensowicz“You’re going there… alone!?” “Is it safe?” “Won’t you be scared?” Solo female travel tends to generate questions of safety, regardless of the destination. It is often believed that a woman travelling alone is inherently dangerous, prompting solo female travelers to evaluate potential risks and safety measures. However, most places … Read more Read more
Africa Adventure Off the Beaten Path
Stay in an Edible Candy Cane House this Holiday Season
For people looking for something really unique to do this Christmas season, Booking.com suggests its edible London booking – the Candy Cane House. The Candy Cane House is located in the Soho neighborhood and is being offered for two guests for two nights. It’s designed for people who love sweets … Read more Read more
Off the Beaten Path Events & Festivals
Bali, Barcelona, Matterhorn on Fodor’s “No-Go List” For Travelers
Bali, the once-preferred holiday destination in Australia, was recently blacklisted on Fodor’s “No-Go List” for 2020. Instead, the world travel guide suggests travelers visit Brisbane. While it’s not a scarlet letter to be on the No Go list, it’s a way for travelers to know what is and isn’t the … Read more Read more
Off the Beaten Path
Rare Ice Eggs Found Along Finland Beach
Nature keeps people guessing all the time in every part of the world. So, when Risto Mattila went walking along Finland’s Hailuoto Island Marjaniemi Beach, he had to take some pictures of some interesting nature-related ice. Ice, as most people know, come in all kinds of sizes and shapes – … Read more Read more
Europe Off the Beaten Path