Wonderful places to get off the beaten track in 2018
If you're looking for something different for your 2018 holiday, you'll want to take the road less travelled to an unusual place without the crowds. Whether you'd like to travel to a remote location no-one's ever heard of, or hit the lesser-known beaches of the Med, we've brought you the top locations for an off-the-beaten path holiday. Here are the alternative trips to take in 2018...
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Hoh Xil, China
For a truly off-grid experience in 2018, look no further than Hoh Xil in China (pictured above). Located in the western province of Qinghai, Hoh Xil remains one of the last untouched natural landscapes on Earth and was added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 2017 as the largest and highest plateau in the world. The area is home to over 230 rare species of animals, wide open plains and crystal-clear lakes. Book it:Black Tomato offers trips to China, including exclusive permits for Hoh Xil, from £5,250 per person for ten nights.
Primosten, Croatia
Over-tourism was a major topic of discussion in 2017 with anti-tourism protests and legislation for reducing tourist numbers hitting the headlines. One country that has been particularly affected is Croatia, particularly Dubrovnik thanks to the popularity of Game of Thrones. 2018 is the year to venture farther afield and summer sun-seekers will adore Primosten. The small town is located on the Dalmatia Coast and offers blissful beaches, pretty streets and lively nightlife. While there isn't an abundance of things to do, Primosten boasts a slow pace for a relaxing break and is a terrific base for exploring Split, Sibenik and Trogir. Book it: Time and Place offers stays at the stylish beachfront Villa Sirocco for up to eight people from £5,815 per week.
Northern Argentina
February 2018 sees the launch of the longest ever non-stop route between Gatwick and Buenos Aires from low-cost airline Norwegian, making Argentina easier to reach than ever, with return flights for under £600. Travellers looking to go off the beaten track can leave the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires behind and use the new route to explore Argentina's lesser-known regions, including the beautiful north-west Salta province with its salt flats, turquoise lagoons and volcanic landscapes. Some of the incredible sites to take in are Los Cardones National Park, the Red Labyrinth and Purmamarca. Book it:Pura Aventura takes travellers to remote and undiscovered Northern Argentina from £5,625 per person, including 16 nights' accommodation, internal flights, transport, guides and activities.
Saint Helena, South Atlantic Ocean
For a self-drive holiday like no other, head to the remote island of St Helena where you can explore remote villages and historic sites, climb the 699 steps of Jacobs Ladder, hike in Diana's Peak National Park and enjoy wildlife watching. The new SA Airlink flights to the South Atlantic Ocean operate weekly between Johannesburg and Saint Helena, meaning travellers can get there in six hours instead of five days by sea. Book it:Discover the World's new fly-drive holiday allows you to experience the coastline and lush interior, starting with a guided 4WD tour of the less accessible areas before you spend the rest of the week exploring. Prices start from £2,450 per person per week, including flights from the UK, car hire, accommodation and a wildlife cruise.
Slovenia
Families who want to enjoy quality time together in picturesque surroundings should consider overlooked Slovenia for a fabulous camping trip in 2018. The kids can try paddle boarding on Lake Bled or explore the caves of Postojna, while the adults enjoy the thermal spas and world class cuisine in the capital Ljubljana. Slovenia is like Europe all rolled into one compact holiday and offers the perfect, crowd-free alternative with many activities to keep the whole family entertained. Book it:Pitchup.com offers stays at the luxury safari-style Herbal Glamping Resort in the mountains near Ljubno ob Savinji from £250 per night for four people. The stunning resort has an outdoor natural pool, a communal fire pit and each tent has its own private sauna.
Dominica, Caribbean
The wind of change blows on the so-called 'Nature Island' of the Caribbean and visiting 'alternative' Dominica sooner rather than later will offer a more authentic beach experience. The first large-scale chain hotels, Cabrits Resort Kempinski and Tranquility Beach Resort Dominica (part of the Curio Collection by Hilton), are scheduled to debut in 2018, with construction starting on a third luxury development, the Silver Beach Resort & Spa. 2018 will also see the arrival of the first phase of the 'new' Jungle Bay Resort, destroyed by tropical storm Erika. It will relocate to a new site that will allow it to more than quadruple in size and go more upmarket. Book it: World Expeditions offers a 12-day Trek the Waitukubuli National Trail holiday from £2,490 per person.
Discover more top holiday destinations for 2018 below.
