Most people take trips to popular tourist destinations, and rightfully so. There are reasons that places like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and cities like these have mass-tourism. However, here at World by Eye, we do believe that there are many hidden gems across the world that can truly help you explore off the map. Visiting these destinations give you more authentic experiences where you can make your own stories!
1. Matera, Italy
This city is in the Basilicata region. Matera has an astounding amount of beauty all around, especially from their ancient caves. “Sassi”, an ancient cave dwelling, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place gives you a taste of how life used to be, and how it has spanned over thousands of years. Visiting this site, you are allowed to walk the streets and discover rock churches that reflect the uniqueness of the Byzantine and Baroque influences. The local cuisine in Matera will also pull you in! We recommend trying the cicoria and the peperoni cruschi. Matera’s rich history is why we recommend visiting this place! 
2. Luang Prabang, Laos
A lesser-known destination located in Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang is also another UNESCO World Heritage site! This place has a rich history which you can see from the beautiful temples! One of the temples, the Wat Xieng Thong, shows its beauty and history through the intricate mosaics and gold embellishments. They have daily ceremonies, where monks will collect offerings of food from locals, which gives each traveler a unique and authentic cultural experience when visiting. The town’s history includes architecture from the French colonial period, while their Buddhist temples offers a unique aesthetic as well. Their local night market is also a great place to get immersed in the culture of Laos, and try their local dishes and shop their locally-made crafts!:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-luang-prabang-LUANGPRABANG0623-2b600daa313446588891f6eaab1d9569.jpg)
3. Chefchaouen, Morocco
This Moroccan city, also known as the Blue City, is hidden in the Rif Mountains and is celebrated for it’s blue-painted streets and buildings. Their is deep history here, from the Berber, Spanish, and Arabic cultures all combined together! Visiting this city, you can walk through the alleys that are filled with local shops. These shops sell everything from handwoven textiles to leather goods to traditional pottery. It is a beautiful site to shop at as you are surrounded by all the blueness! They have great local cuisine, as Morocco is famous for many dishes like tagine and couscous. When visiting the Blue City, you are also super close to the Rif mountains where you can go hiking, which gives you a great variety of things to do when visiting!
4. Tbilisi, Georgia
The capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi, is a city with extremely diverse architecture. You can truly explore off the map by seeing the influence of different cultures and history in this capital’s architecture. The Narikala Fortress and the modern Bridge of Peace show the diversity. Visitors are invited to try traditional relaxation forms that are special to Georgia. The sulfur baths have helped people relax since the 5th century! Georgia also has a deep history of winemaking. You can explore the Kakheti region which is known for its ancient qvevri wine-making method, which is a great way to connect with locals through local traditions. Their cuisine is also a must-try. We recommend to try khinkali (dumpings) as well as khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) in the local restaurants around the city.
5. Salento, Colombia
In Columbia there is a beautiful, picturesque town called Salento. This city, located in Columbia’s Coffee Triangle, is known for its stunning landscapes and deep, rich coffee culture. Salento is definitely a hidden gem, so you have a great opportunity to explore off the map. This is a destination where visitors are allowed to fully immerse themselves in a culture. We recommend to tour local farms where you can try some of the world’s best coffee, but also fully experience the coffee-making process! Salento is filled with colorful streets that are joined by beautiful traditional palm trees that give a great backdrop for exploration and photos. There is also a nearby place, the Cocora Valley. This valley is a great opportunity to go on hikes. Lastly, this town also offers various festivals that highlight local traditions such as the Festival of the Yams, which showcases the region’s agricultural heritage.
6. Piran, Slovenia
On the Adriatic coast lies a beautiful town known as Piran. This Slovenian city is a medieval town that has a rich history, mostly influenced by Venetian architecture. The narrow streets of Piran leads to their beautiful town squares. The Tartini Square is a great place for visitors to enjoy local cuisine like seafood delicacies. This town is also celebrated for the salt production. Salt production in this town has been around since the Middle Ages. You can learn more about this by visiting the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park where the park gives you insights to this ancient craft. There is also an annual music festival known as the Piran Music Festival where artists from all over the region are able to perform for the locals and visitors.
7. Tunis, Tunisia
We thought that we would save our favorite for last. On the northern coast of Tunisia, lies the capital city Tunis. Tunis, widely known for its beauty, is not as popular of a destination for travelers from the Americas. It is often overlooked, despite also being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is filled with narrow streets, beautiful mosques, and breathtaking architecture. The Bardo National Museum shows one of the world’s most impressive collections of Roman mosaics. These mosaics show Tunisia’s rich history of Roman influence. There are also nearby ruins located in Carthage, and a beautiful coastal town nearby known as Sidi Bou Said. Sidi Bou Said is filled with blue and white buildings, giving the traveler a wide variety of things to do. 
Conclusion
Visiting lesser-known destinations allow travelers to have unique stories about the places they travel to. Engaging with diverse and different cultures exposes you to new historical stories that can capture your hearts and minds. As we encourage you to explore off the map, visiting the ancient cave dwellings of Matera to the streets of Tbilisi will help you do so. Broadening your travels from the mass-tourist destinations help you have authentic experiences that will not only be enjoyable, but help you go as a traveler and a person as well. So, the next time you plan a trip, consider venturing off the beaten path to discover the cultural depth that awaits in these remarkable places. Each destination has its own story to tell, and the memories you create will be truly unforgettable. Finally, remember to explore off the map, and to always stay safe!