5 Hidden Gem Vacations

Choosing a vacation spot can be tough. It all depends on a number of factors: what time of year is it? What are you looking for in your vacations? Who are you going with? How long will you be gone for?

For your upcoming vacations, consider looking somewhere off the beaten path. When you mention a unique place, people may say, “Excuse me, but W-H-E-R-E?”

If you like to change things up a bit, have a look at these five vacation spots.

St. Kitts and Nevis

These two islands sit in the Caribbean and are home to some of the area’s most beautiful landscapes and scenery. The island country is home to a number of pristine beaches, botanical gardens, and national parks.

Many people opt to rent catamarans or jet skis to tour around the beaches and visit smaller islands and inlets that dot the coastline. The country has something for every type of traveler. There are many different tour options for history buffs. Visitors can find resorts whether they’re looking to just relax or to party. For natural lovers, there are plenty of hiking and outdoor activities available.

Travel to St. Kitts and Nevis is slowly on the rise, but it is still not the most popular destination in the Caribbean.

Natives speak English, and the US dollar is widely accepted in the majority of restaurants, attractions, and stores.

Bonaire

Bonaire is located off the northern coast of Venezuela and just east of Curacao. It is quite a unique island. Instead of having the lush green and perfect beaches that many other Caribbean islands are accustomed to, it has more of a desert landscape and climate. You’ll definitely be able to get some great, unique pictures!

Bonaire is especially popular among divers and snorkelers as the island is home to an immense coral reef. Part of the Dutch ABC islands (along with Aruba and aforementioned Curacao), Bonaire sits below the hurricane line and boasts year-round sunshine.

You don’t have to be an expert diver or snorkeler to enjoy Bonaire. The island’s diving agencies offer many packages for families and beginners alike.

Borneo

Heading to the opposite side of the world, Borneo is an island controlled by three countries: Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Home to an expansive rainforest and mountain range, Borneo is a favorite among those who love the outdoors.

Borneo’s tallest mountain, Sabah, sits just over 13,000 feet and is a favorite among travelers and locals alike. You will have to book well in advance to climb the mountain as most travelers make that one of the top items on their agenda.

If you want to escape the forest, you can rent a boat and tour around to the smaller islands in the area to relax on a smaller beach with crystal clear water and white sand. If you’re looking to be wowed by natural beauty, Borneo is your place.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Returning back to the Caribbean, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) sits among a string of islands north of Trinidad and Tobago. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is largely undiscovered by tourists but offers the same beautiful white beaches and blue waters you’re accustomed to in the Caribbean.

The island of Bequia receives the most attention as it’s the ideal place for just about any activity. It’s the second biggest island and is only seven square miles! Despite being a smaller country, SVG offers many activities for singles, couples, and families alike. You can go snorkeling throughout the day, visit the turtle sanctuary, or participate in one of the many festivals and carnivals that take place on the island.

Sri Lanka

Although you may recognize Sri Lanka for the horrible, recent news, the island is still a hidden gem amongst many travelers. While many opt to stay north in India, Sri Lanka is slowly becoming a more attractive destination for those looking to satisfy their wanderlust.

One of the more exciting places to visit is Jaffna, a city that sits on the northern tip of the island. It has incredible history and plenty of artifacts, places to tour, and museums. Sri Lanka was formerly a British and Dutch colony, meaning the island is filled with a mix of culture and archaeological significance.

You can spend the day walking around the local markets or take an afternoon out to visit the temples. Be sure and try some of the street food while you’re out and about.

Everyone Loves Vacations

Now that you’ve learned about these five hidden gem vacations, which one do you want to go to? Let us know in the comments!

Contributed by Sarah Saker