9 Secret Places You Won’t Find in the Guidebook

Jenni Cairo | March 19, 2015

Everyone who’s ever taken a trip to Italy has seen the Colosseum. Anyone who’s been to Mexico has seen the ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum. These are the tourist mainstays, the darlings of the guidebook.

If you feel like eschewing expectations and traveling off the beaten path, you’ve got to check out these 9 amazing places you won’t see on a guided tour:

Kanazawa,-Japan cowardlion / Shutterstock

Kanazawa, Japan

Also known as Mini Kyoto, this small town is relatively tourist-free, yet it is an excellent example of historical Japanese culture as it is one of the few areas spared from bombing during WWII. Much of the town is limited to buildings no taller than two stories, except for the local Ninja house, which is six.

If that isn’t enough to convince you, perhaps the underground pathways to the local castle and the ability to have the country’s third most beautiful garden almost all to yourself will make your trip to Kanazawa worthwhile.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

SHARE ON

11 Great Hostels to Stay In

For budget-minded travelers in search of a cheap place to stay, hostels can be the perfect option. Generally, hostels offer much better value than hotels and short-term apartment rentals. Because less money is spent on accommodations, it allows globetrotters to designate a larger portion of their budget to good food and sightseeing activities instead.

11 Great Hostels in Europe to Stay In

If you’re a budget-minded backpacker interested in meeting fellow travelers along the way, hostels are an exceptional alternative. Intimate, community-minded, and affordable, hostels have exploded in popularity and really come a long way. From shared open-concept spaces to private ensuites, it’s easy to find a mix of both communal and secluded accommodations.

The 10 Most Historic Prisons

While jail time isn’t a walk in the park for any convicted felon, many tourists flock to historical prisons around the world when traveling. This is due to their mystic, history, and eerie ambiance. While it may seem a little crazy, visiting a local prison can provide a ton of insight on a region’s roots and culture.