12 perfectly remote destinations where you can travel like a local

1. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Torres del Paine in Chile’s Patagonia region is unlike any other natural landscape in the world. From the majestic mountains that so beautifully encompass the region, to iridescent lakes, piercing blue icebergs and monstrous glaciers; this is where you can travel to disconnect from reality, and reconnect with nature.

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2. Faroe Islands, Denmark
Click Here: Pandora JewelryTo truly get a picture of small-town life on the Faroe Islands, understand this: the Prime Minister’s home phone number is freely accessible in the public phone book, and there are more sheep than people living across the 18 small volcanic islands. The archipelago is an autonomous country within Denmark, and it’s arguably Europe’s best kept secret.

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3. Glenorchy, New Zealand
About 45 kilometres north of Queenstown on the tip of Lake Wakatipu sits the town of Glenorchy. From here you can take in the dynamic landscape of New Zealand, with lakes and mountains located nearby, which are perfect for hiking. And when you need a rest? Hit up the town; it’s stocked with enough charming pubs and restaurants to occupy your downtime.

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4. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Yes, Maui may be a tourist hotspot for honeymooning couples and tropical family getaways, however there are some spots on the Hawaiian island that see less tourists, and allow travellers to experience the island through the eyes of a local. Hamoa Beach, located on the eastern side of Maui has no lifeguards (meaning less families) and is consecutively listed as one of the best beaches in the US.

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5. Harads Forest, Sweden
While Harads Forest will not necessarily give you a local look at Sweden, it will give you the opportunity to truly experience and appreciate the country’s natural landscape as it inches towards the Arctic Circle. The forest is home to the iconic Treehotel complex, housing rooms built quite literally into the canopy of the forest. Throughout winter, travellers can embark on forest skiing or dog sledding, as well as wildlife watching, think: moose, bears and reindeer.

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6. Kaga, Japan
Beyond Tokyo and luxe ski resorts, Japan has a rich and storied culture that is fascinating to witness, and even more thrilling to experience. About two hours north of Kyoto, hidden in a magical mountainous landscape, you will find Kaga; a remote village surrounded by onsen towns and ancient cedar trees. Kaga offers an authentic look at old-world Japan that is a must-visit for travellers seeking to truly immerse themselves in Japanese culture.

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7. Lamezia, Italy
Rich in historical and architectural heritage, Lamezia gives the perfect snapshot of traditional Italy. Surrounded by white beaches on one side, and rocky mountains on the other, travellers can drive the coastal road to some of Italy’s best-kept-secret beaches.

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8. Mary River Wetlands, Northern Territory, Australia
About two hours inland from Darwin you will find the kind of Australia that Crocodile Dundee so accurately (ahem) portrayed to the rest of the world. Mary River Wetlands runs alongside picturesque Kakadu National Park and is known for its large population of saltwater crocodiles. The area is buzzing with natural flora and fauna, and eager locals will gladly show you around. You definitely won’t feel like you’re in Bondi anymore.

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9. San Juan, Colorado, USA
One of the least populated of Colorado’s counties, San Juan gives travellers a local taste of Colorado that is virtually devoid of tourists. Stay in cozy log cabins located deep in the woods by night, and embark on hiking trails to tumbling waterfalls by day.

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10. Stowe, Vermont, USA
Ski towns at major resorts are too often filled with tourists wanting to make the most of the season. Visiting the town of Stowe in Vermont will give you a taste of small-town snow villages, without the flocks of eager skiers. The town has a quaint arts hub hosting a live dance, music and theatre program, and it’s also a blooming foodie district.

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11. Sylt, Germany
If you look past the beer-drinking, football-loving German stereotypes, you’ll find that Germany has a strong and vibrant beach culture. Case point: Sylt. The tiny northern island sits just south of the coast of Denmark, and boasts a 40 kilometre white sand coastline and picturesque beaches. Here, in what feels like a small seaside town, the best mode of transportation is on two wheels.

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12. Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada
For something virtually untouched by civilisation, try a trip to Yoho National Park, just north of Banff. Cabin-style accommodation such as Emerald Lake Lodge allows you to stay within the park beneath the mountains, surrounded by the serenity of Emerald Lake. It is the perfect escape for those seeking to disconnect; think open fireplaces and intimate hikes, where it is literally just you and the vast surrounds of nature.

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