Ditch the Crowds: Luxe & Wild Getaways for the Ultimate Escape
Bored of the same old destinations clogging up your Instagram feed? Tired of battling selfie sticks just to catch a glimpse of an overhyped landmark? We hear you. 2025 is all about veering off the well-trodden tourist trail and discovering the world's best-kept secrets—before everyone else does.
From a backcountry biking adventure in Utah that will leave your calves (and your camera roll) burning, to a culinary cycling escape in Sicily where pasta-making is practically a sport, these trips are made for travelers who crave adventure, authenticity, and maybe just a little luxury along the way. So pack your bags, embrace your inner explorer, and prepare for experiences that will make your past vacations look positively basic.
Here are the best under-the-radar destinations for 2025 that will have you saying, "Wait, why haven’t I been here before?"
Backcountry Biking in Utah
If the call of the wild has been going straight to voicemail, it’s time to pick up with Utah’s Aquarius Trail Hut System. Picture this: 190 miles of jaw-dropping backcountry trails, punctuated by cozy huts furnished with beds, bathrooms, and fully stocked kitchens. Think of it as glamping meets hardcore mountain biking. These aren’t just any trails; they weave through red rock canyons, alpine meadows, and rugged terrain that will have your legs screaming and your heart soaring. Perfect for thrill-seekers who like a side of comfort with their adventure. For the ultimate experience, visit Aquarius Trail.
Culinary Cycling in Western Sicily
Sicily’s rolling vineyards, aquamarine coastlines, and vibrant culture are a feast for the senses, and now, thanks to Tourissimo, it’s also a literal feast. Their 8-day culinary cycling tour takes you through the island’s most picturesque landscapes with plenty of pit stops for wine tastings, cooking demos, and decadent meals. Expect farm-to-table dining, hands-on pasta-making with local nonnas, and enough Mediterranean charm to make you consider moving here permanently. It’s not just a tour; it’s an immersion into the flavors and traditions of Sicily. Learn more at Tourissimo.
Cowboy Retreat in Remote Wyoming
Saddle up for a taste of the Wild West—minus the dust and hardship. At Paintrock Canyon Ranch, you’ll swap honking traffic for hoofbeats in the Wyoming wilderness. Whether you’re fine-tuning your horsemanship skills with a world champ, joining a writing workshop with a bestselling author, or simply soaking in the vast, unspoiled landscapes, this is frontier living done right. Think luxurious cabins, hearty ranch-style meals, and nights spent under an endless canopy of stars. Cowboy boots optional (but highly recommended). Saddle up at Paintrock Canyon Ranch.
Costa Rica Wildlife Adventure
For those who like their vacations with a side of exotic wildlife, Gondwana Ecotours’ 8-day Costa Rica trip is a full sensory overload—in the best way possible. Expect to trek through Corcovado National Park, glide through canals on boat safaris, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters alongside sea turtles and colorful fish. You’ll also be supporting conservation efforts and engaging with local communities, so you can feel good while having the adventure of a lifetime. Pack your binoculars and head to Gondwana Ecotours.
Teton Glamping
Camping, but make it fashion. Fireside Resort in Wyoming offers luxe tiny house rentals just a snowball’s throw from Grand Teton National Park. Imagine waking up to mountain views, sipping artisanal coffee by a crackling fire, and then heading out for a day of snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or bison-spotting. The sleek Wheelhaus-designed cabins come decked out with plush bedding, chic kitchens, and cozy fireplaces—so yes, you can be one with nature while keeping your creature comforts intact. This is the getaway that proves you can be rugged and refined at the same time. Check it out at Fireside Resort.
Islands, Andes + Amazon Adventure
This isn’t just a trip—it’s an expedition through Ecuador’s greatest hits. Over 13 action-packed days, you’ll move from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the lush jungles of the Amazon before making your way to the otherworldly Galapagos Islands. Stay in treehouse-style jungle lodges, kayak alongside sea turtles, and hike through misty cloud forests. It’s a National Geographic-worthy journey, but with better accommodations and far fewer camera crews. Intrigued? Head to Sacha Lodge.
Montana Whitewater Rafting
For those who think a little splash makes everything better, an overnight rafting trip with Flying Pig Adventures offers the perfect mix of adrenaline and tranquility. Spend your days paddling through Yellowstone’s wild waters and your nights camping under a star-studded sky—complete with gourmet campfire meals and stories that get better with each retelling. This is nature’s spa day, with a side of thrill. Get your paddle on at Flying Pig Adventures.
Montenegro by Boat
Montenegro may be Europe’s best-kept secret, and the best way to experience it? By boat, of course. Peter Sommer Travels’ first itinerary in this Balkan gem takes you along the shimmering Adriatic coastline, exploring Venetian harbors, ancient ruins, and charming fishing villages. With a history shaped by the Illyrians, Romans, and Ottomans, this tiny country packs a serious cultural punch. All aboard at Peter Sommer Travels.
Greenland Icebergs and Islands
If you’re ready to swap beaches for glaciers, Greenland is calling. Adventure Life’s new land-based tour takes you from Ilulissat to Disko Island, where you’ll hike among otherworldly basalt formations, boat past towering icebergs, and even take a polar plunge (if you dare). For a truly bucket-list moment, dine at the world’s most remote Michelin-starred restaurant—because bragging rights are forever. Start your Arctic odyssey at Adventure Life.
