Routes Less Traveled

Whether an avid traveler looking for a new experience or a family seeking a less-touristy locale for your summer vacation, there are plenty of destinations slipping through the tourism cracks.

While everyone may jet off to the top spots like Disney theme parks in California and Orlando, Florida; heading to European cities like Paris, London and Rome; or vacationing in the Caribbean with the sand between their toes, there are alternate destinations with all the perks and none of the spiked prices and crowds.

Choose the unique culture, history and beaches of less-traveled destinations and enjoy a unique vacation away with the kids of any age. If an uncrowded, underrated and local experience is for your family, this list is for you.

Šolta, Croatia

Croatia’s ancient villages, incredible natural beauty and unending charm put it at the top of most travelers’ lists. With more than 1,200 islands, Croatia has been a top spot of the Adriatic Sea for some time, drawing private boats and chartered yachts to the crystal-clear waters. For a seemingly untouched by tourism destination in Croatia, opt for Šolta. Located in the central Dalmatian archipelago, west of the island of Brač, south of Split, Šolta is often passed over by tourists for the more popular islands, but what the island lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty and peacefulness and can be traveled by any budget.

Šolta, Croatia © Luisa Vallon Fumi | Dreamstime.com

With UberBOAT, Uber launched on-demand boat transfers and private tours along the Dalmatian Coast. Check out the neighboring islands in affordable style and hit the high seas in the direction of Šolta. The incredible views of the hilly isle are just nine miles from Croatia’s second-largest city, Split — so you can easily have it all, but without the crowds of tourists.

Prepare for pristine beaches, wild natural beauty and ancient charm, including pebbled beaches, tranquil waters and medieval villages complete with 18^th-century architecture and winemaking. The older kids can taste homemade wine of the Dobričić variety, indigenous to the area and a completely unique experience for Croatian visitors. Try local olive oils, purveyed by family-run producers such as Olynthia. Taste, see and enjoy all Croatia has to offer, from the comforts and quiet of Šolta.

Laya, Bhutan

In the small village of Laya, located in the South Asian country of Bhutan, is a unique and travel-worthy festival. Plan for a trip this fall, preferably in October during the town’s third-annual Royal Highlander Festival. The kids may be on fall break, and you can extend it for this unbeatable display and lesson in nomadic culture.

Laya, one of the highest settlements in the world, celebrates Himalayan nomad culture during the festival with traditional highlander sports, including horseback riding, archery and yak beauty contests — all while decked out in vibrant nomad attire. Even the King of Bhutan has been known to attend the Royal Highlander Festival, so you’ll be in good company.

Bled, Slovenia

You may already be familiar with the picturesque beauty of Lake Bled in Bled, Slovenia, from countless photos without knowing where or what you were looking at. The tiny town of Bled offers incredible beauty both natural and man-made.

Slovenia should be on your family-travel bucket list for many reasons, but, while there, take some time to spend a day or two in Bled. Hike up the hillside and check out the sweeping beauty below or get out on the lake via kayak and get an up-close look at Bled Castle.

See all the quaint town has to offer and spend the night at Vila Bled. The 4-star hotel sits alongside the shore offering lovely accommodations, alfresco dining with an unbeatable view of the lake and castle, boat rides and incredible service. There are so few cars and busy travelers hitting the streets that this town may remind you of the good old days when you could just run outside and play, or, at least, enjoy uncrowded photo-ops with the family.