overlooked gems

Some destinations instantly evoke a picture – say Maldives and we’re at a sandy beach with turquoise water or Italy and we’re thinking vineyards and delicious pasta dishes. But then there are those hidden gems, the places that you can’t get a grasp on… until you go and discover them.

3 BELIZE

When thinking about wildlife destinations in Central America, tiny Belize may not immediately come to mind, but we think it should! Home to the world’s first jaguar reserve, the second largest barrier reef system in the world –the Great Mayan Reef –and over 580 bird species, Belize really is a diverse pocket of overlooked beauty.

4 TOGO

This West African nation still widely uses traditional healing methods and holds animist beliefs. This means you have the opportunity to see authentic voodoo shrines, fire dancing and local ceremonies. Combine all this with the country’s unique traditional dwellings – including the Nok caves used to evade 18th century slave traders and unique mud towerhouses with several floors, called Takientas – and we think you have an absolute winner of an adventure holiday on your hands.

5

KYRGYZSTAN

This relatively unknown Silk Road country is dominated by unspoilt mountain ranges, vast grassy pastures and spectacular alpine lakes. Did you know that it also has a traditional yurt-dwelling culture that’s remained unchanged for centuries?