Love traveling? Love nature? Why not combine the two with these ideal destinations for nature lovers…
Let’s be honest – we’re all a bit fed up with shuffling through crowds at the Eiffel Tower or queueing for hours to see the Sistine Chapel. Those spots are brilliant, of course, but there’s something so special about discovering places where nature still reigns supreme and you can go hours without bumping into another soul.
This article is for those of us who crave proper adventure – the kind where you might not have perfect mobile signal (gasp!), but you’ll have stories that you’ll enjoy sharing and thinking about for years. I’ve collected 10 destinations in my travels that blend those incredible vistas with the kind of solitude that’s becoming so rare these days. From rugged gorges to serene islands, these spots are the real deal – places where you can actually hear yourself think.
Oh and by the way, I didn’t include a UK destination on this page but if you want a true treehouse holiday in nature checkout out our review of the Quist Treehouse here.
The best adventures begin where the crowds end.
1. Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India
The air in Garampani is different – it’s heavy with moisture and smells like earth and plants and life. Walking through those lush forests last year, I kept having to remind myself this wasn’t some fantasy film set.
This sanctuary in Assam is criminally overlooked by tourists heading to India. While everyone else is queuing up at the Taj Mahal, you could be spotting rare wildlife and soaking in natural hot springs that’ll sort out any aches from your jungle trek.
The biodiversity here is mind-blowing – from the greater one-horned rhinoceros to the most colourful birds you’ve ever seen. And after a day of trekking, there’s nothing better than lowering yourself into one of the hot springs as the forest darkens around you.
If you’re heading there, pack light for those jungle hikes (I learned this lesson the hard way after lugging far too much gear), and please respect the conservation efforts. The sanctuary staff are doing incredible work protecting these species.
The place has this untouched, serene atmosphere that’s perfect for properly disconnecting. My phone stayed off for three days straight, and I didn’t miss it one bit.
2. Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia, USA
Tallulah Gorge isn’t exactly tiny – it’s nearly 1,000 feet deep – but somehow it’s managed to stay under the radar for most tourists heading to the States. When I visited this compact yet stunning park in the Appalachians, I couldn’t believe more people weren’t raving about it.
The gorge itself is dramatic, with six waterfalls that thunder through it. And if you’re a film buff, parts of “Deliverance” were filmed here – a bit of trivia to share when you’re catching your breath on one of the trails.
For beginners, I’d recommend the Cascade Pass trail. It’s challenging enough to feel accomplished but won’t have you questioning your life choices halfway through. And if you can time your visit for autumn, the foliage is absolutely spectacular – all reds and golds reflecting in the water below.
What makes Tallulah special is that it gives you that epic national park feeling without the crowds. I spent a whole Saturday there one Autumn and passed maybe 10 other hikers all day.
3. Alentejo, Portugal
Alentejo’s rolling golden hills, scattered with cork trees and vineyards, offer the perfect combination of nature and culture. One moment you’re hiking through pristine countryside, the next you’re exploring Roman ruins that most tourists never even hear about.
One spring, I rented a tiny Fiat and spent a week meandering through the region. The flexibility of having a car is essential here – public transport exists but won’t get you to the most gorgeous spots. And spring is so beautiful, with wildflowers carpeting the hills in yellows and purples.
The whole region has this peaceful, unhurried vibe that’s becoming increasingly rare in our frantic world. I spent an evening watching the sunset from a hilltop vineyard, glass of local wine in hand, and genuinely considered never going home.
4. Kravice Waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina
If you’ve seen photos of Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes but been put off by the crowds (and prices), then Kravice Waterfalls (in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina) needs to be on your radar.
These cascading falls spread out like a horseshoe, with crystal-clear water that’s perfect for swimming during the warmer months. I went for a dip there last August and the water was so clear I could see fish darting between my feet.
You’ll definitely want a car to get there, as public transport options are limited. The drive itself is gorgeous, winding through little villages and countryside that feels untouched by time.
The atmosphere is completely relaxed – families spread out picnics, couples find secluded spots for swimming, and there’s none of that rushed tourism you get at more popular spots. I spent a whole day there, moving between swimming, sunbathing on the rocks, and wandering through the surrounding forest.
5. Taroko Gorge, Taiwan
Taiwan often gets overlooked in travel discussions, which is a shame because Taroko Gorge is easily one of the most stunning places I’ve ever visited.
This marble canyon with its turquoise rivers and lush trails feels almost mystical, especially when the morning mist hangs over the water. I hiked the Shakadang Trail early one morning and didn’t see another soul for the first hour – just the rushing river and birds calling from the forest.
The combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes this place special. Ancient temples nestle among cliffs, and suspension bridges cross rushing waters. It’s the kind of place where you need to put your camera down occasionally and just absorb the experience.
Base yourself in nearby Hualien for amazing food markets and local vibes. And while it’s gorgeous year-round, spring brings mild weather and fewer tourists.
6. Culebra, Puerto Rico
Culebra might be the Caribbean’s best-kept secret. While tourists flock to the main island of Puerto Rico, this tiny paradise sits quietly offshore, offering the kind of beaches that make you question every other beach you’ve ever visited.
Flamenco Beach is the headline act – a curved bay of impossibly white sand and clear water that regularly makes “World’s best beaches” lists but somehow remains uncrowded. I spent three days there one winter and had stretches of beach entirely to myself at times.
The snorkelling here is brilliant, with healthy coral and fish swimming right up to shore. Pack your own gear if possible – rental options are limited, and the underwater world is too good to miss.
The whole island has this laid-back, no-rush atmosphere that’s increasingly hard to find in the Caribbean. There are no big resorts, no cruise ships docking, just small guesthouses and local restaurants serving fresh seafood.
Book your ferry from the main island early, though – they fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
7. Garajonay National Park, La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain
While most tourists head to Tenerife or Gran Canaria, the smaller Canary Island of La Gomera sits quietly, home to one of Europe’s most magical forests.
Garajonay National Park is a UNESCO-listed laurel forest that feels like you’re in another world. The ancient trees are draped with moss and often shrouded in mist – it feels like a fairytale.
One winter I hiked through Garajonay, and the silence was almost eerie – just the sound of dripping water and occasional birdsong. The La Gomera lizard darted across the path occasionally, but otherwise, I felt completely alone among the ancient trees.
Proper walking shoes are essential here – the trails can get slippery with that constant moisture. And while the Canaries are known as a summer destination, winter actually offers the best hiking conditions, with cooler temperatures and that atmospheric mist.
8. Parque das Emas, Brazil
Brazil’s wildlife-watching opportunities extend far beyond the Amazon, and Parque das Emas in the central Cerrado savanna offers some of the country’s best animal encounters without the crowds.
Walking through these vast grasslands feels like being on another continent entirely. The open landscapes stretch to the horizon, dotted with the occasional tree or termite mound taller than a person.
I got incredibly lucky during my visit and spotted a jaguar at dawn – a moment that still gives me goosebumps when I think about it. More common are the capybaras (giant guinea pig-like creatures) that gather around the water sources, completely unfazed by human presence.
A guided tour is essential for spotting the more elusive animals. My guide could identify birds from tiny movements in the grass that I would have completely missed. And try to visit during the dry season (May–September) when animals gather around the remaining water sources.
9. North Cascades National Park, Washington, USA
North Cascades is the least visited of Washington’s national parks, which is utterly baffling given its dramatic alpine landscapes. This place has been called “America’s Alps,” and that’s not hyperbole.
Hiking the Cascade Pass trail, I kept having to stop to catch my breath – not from exertion, but from the sheer beauty of those jagged peaks and glacial lakes. The colour of the water here is something else – a milky turquoise from the glacial silt that no photo does justice.
I spotted a black bear with cubs from a safe distance, which was both terrifying and exhilarating. The wildlife here feels wild in a way that’s increasingly rare, even in protected areas.
This is not a park for those seeking luxury. It’s remote, facilities are basic, and mobile reception is patchy at best. But if you’re after true wilderness, this is as good as it gets in the continental US. Camping is the way to go – falling asleep under those stars is something I’ll never forget.
10. Kangding, Sichuan, China
For those seeking both cultural immersion and natural splendour, Kangding in China’s Sichuan province offers a glimpse of Tibetan culture without the restrictions and crowds of Tibet itself.
The snow-capped peaks surrounding this mountain town create one of the most dramatic backdrops I’ve ever seen for a settlement. Hiking through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, with yaks grazing nearby and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, is the kind of experience that stays with you.
I rented a motorcycle (terrifying but worth it) and spent days exploring the surrounding mountains. The freedom to stop whenever something caught my eye – a particularly beautiful vista or a nomad camp – was priceless.
Do check travel restrictions before planning a trip, as rules can change. And summer is definitely the time to visit, when mountain passes are clear and the meadows are in full bloom.
The Road Less Travelled
There’s something deeply satisfying about discovering a place that hasn’t been Instagrammed to death. These 10 destinations offer that increasingly rare combination of natural beauty and solitude that true nature lovers crave.
Whether it’s the misty forests of La Gomera, the wildlife-rich savannas of Brazil, or the turquoise waters of Culebra, these spots remind us what travel should be about – connection, discovery, and moments of wonder.