Hidden Gem Destinations Around the United States

Looking for the best places to travel in Europe? So is the rest of the world.

When I visited Madeira, Portugal, I found an island paradise brimming with natural wonders and cultural opportunities.

The Azoreans travel frequently between islands all year, so the archipelago has a reasonable network of inter-island flights and ferry routes, making it easy to navigate all nine islands. Weather is the only thing that might cause a sudden change of plans, but as locals put it, that's just a part of the Azorean experience.

From Paris to Buenos Aires, you’ll want to settle in and raise a glass at these famous literary bars, notebook at the ready.

The small beachside city of Destin, Florida, suddenly finds itself a center of worldwide attention, thanks to its inclusion in the lyrics of one of Taylor Swift’s newest songs, “Florida!!!” on her “Tortured Poets Department” album that dropped on April 19.

WHY IT RATES: Individuals interested in attending the marquee event will have to join the waitlist now.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor

Airports aren’t exactly a place where you’re expecting to have the time of your life, but running into a staff member who clearly loves their job and interacting with the public can turn a hassle-filled travel journey into a far more palatable experience. Conversely, come across an employee who is in a sour mood can make things feel infinitely more frustrating.

Located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast to the south of Valencia, Villajoyosa has been named the “Best Hidden Gem in Europe 2024,” according to European Best Destinations, which has just published one of the most anticipated lists of the year. The best secret destinations in Europe is a ranking that recognizes hidden corners, spots far from the crowds, beautiful villages lost in time, and places where some of Europe’s natural beauty can be experienced by simply taking a short walk.

With its compact size and abundance of architectural landmarks, navigating Florence is hardly a challenge.

One of my favorite hidden-gem theme parks is Silver Dollar City, nestled in the Ozark Mountains in Branson, Missouri.

There are no cars or motorbikes on the Gili Islands, and this is one of the many charms of this trio of tiny isles off Lombok’s northwest coast. In fact, all fossil fuel vehicles are steadfastly banned by local government ordinance. Most of the locals and visitors agree this is a good thing as there is no air pollution or traffic noise. There are few destinations in the world where you can completely escape from motorized traffic, so relish the peace.

Let me just say at the outset that I love tourism, and I love the idea of seeing new destinations.