5 Hidden Gem Places to Visit in 2024
As a person who loves to travel I like to find what I call hidden gems. These are places that people may not think about or consider traveling to. The places mentioned in this article will be good for hot girl summer trips or baecations. One beauty of hidden gems is that they won’t be overcrowded. So without further ado here are a few hidden gems I discovered and added to my bucket list: Uraguay, Panama, Guadeloupe, Nicaragua, and Faroe Islands.
Uruguay
Uruguay is a country in South America that shares it borders with Brazil and Argentina. The weather is ideal with warm temperatures throughout the year. The summer is actually from December to March making these months the ideal time to vacation.
Hotel Recommendation: Grand Hotel Punta del Este
Price: $300 per night
Flights from DMV and NYC: starting at $800
Grand Hotel Punta del Este is located in the exclusive neighborhood of La Barra and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel features elegantly designed rooms, a spa, outdoor swimming pools, and a private beach area. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining options, a casino, and various recreational facilities. The Grand Hotel Punta del Este is known for its world-class service and luxurious amenities, making it an ideal choice for a luxurious stay in Uruguay.
Things to do in Uruguay:
1. Explore Montevideo. Start your adventure by exploring the vibrant capital city of Montevideo. Visit the historic Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), stroll along the Rambla promenade, and discover local markets like Mercado Agrícola.
2. Relax on the Beaches. Uruguay is known for its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches. Head to Punta del Este, a popular beach resort town, where you can sunbathe, swim, or indulge in water sports like surfing or jet skiing.
3. Visit Colonia del Sacramento. Take a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the charming cobblestone streets, admire the colonial architecture, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Río de la Plata.
4. Taste Uruguay's Wine. Uruguay is renowned for its wine production, especially Tannat wine. Visit the wine regions of Carmelo and Canelones to tour vineyards, participate in wine tastings, and learn about the winemaking process.
5. Experience Gaucho Culture. Immerse yourself in Uruguay's rich gaucho culture by visiting an estancia (ranch). Enjoy horseback riding, watch traditional folk performances, and savor a delicious asado (barbecue) meal.
2. Panama
Panama is a vibrant country located in Central America, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty.
Hotel Recommendation: Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Price: $320 per night
Flights from DMV or NYC: starting at $400
The Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo is located in Panama City, this five-star hotel offers luxurious accommodations and amenities such as waterfront infinity pool and spa program. Most of the rooms include oceanfront and balconies. This hotel is situated in the prime location of the nightlife in Panama. Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo has a restaurant with a mix of French and Panamanian food.
Things to do in Panama:
1. Explore Panama City. Discover the historic Casco Viejo district with its charming colonial architecture, visit the Panama Canal and learn about its fascinating history, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the modern part of the city.
2. Visit the Panama Canal. Take a tour of the world-famous Panama Canal and witness the impressive engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. You can also visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to observe the canal in action.
3. Relax on the Beaches. Panama is blessed with beautiful beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Some popular beach destinations include Bocas del Toro, San Blas Islands, Santa Catalina, and Coronado.
4. Explore the Rainforests. Discover the lush rainforests of Panama by visiting national parks such as Soberania National Park, Darien National Park, and Chagres National Park. Take guided hikes, spot diverse wildlife, and learn about the indigenous cultures.
5. Go Island Hopping. Explore the stunning islands and archipelagos of Panama, such as the San Blas Islands and Pearl Islands. Enjoy white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and indulge in water activities like snorkeling, diving, and fishing.
3. Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is a caribbean country that is south of Antigua and north of Dominica. The dry season of Guadeloupe is January to June, making this the ideal time to visit the country. It is known for its rum.
Hotel Recommendation: La Toubana Hotel and Spa
Price: $450 per night
Flights from DMV or NYC: starting at $450
La Toubana Hotel and Spa is a boutique hotel with its own beach, bungalows, and infinity pools. Breakfast is also included in the stay. This exclusive Hotel and Spa is perfect for a quiet baecation or solo trip.
Things to do in Guadeloupe:
1. Explore Les Saintes. Visit the picturesque archipelago of Les Saintes, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming French Creole villages.
2. Hike La Soufrière. Embark on a hike to the active volcano, La Soufrière, and enjoy panoramic views of the island from its summit.
3. Visit the Jardin Botanique de Deshaies. Explore the lush botanical gardens in Deshaies, featuring a wide variety of tropical plants, waterfalls, and exotic bird species.
4. Relax on Grande-Anse Beach. Unwind on the pristine shores of Grande-Anse Beach, known for its golden sands and turquoise waters.
5. Discover Pointe-à-Pitre. Explore the vibrant capital city of Guadeloupe, known for its colorful markets, colonial architecture, and lively atmosphere.
4. Nicaragua
Nicaragua is a beautiful country in Central America with a rich culture and stunning natural landscapes. The temperature and dry season is from December to April, ideal vacation time.
Hotel Recommendation: Mukul Beach, Golf, and Spa
Price: $600 per night
Flights from DMV or NYC: starting at $400
Mukul Beach, Golf, and Spa located Guacilito, Guadeloupe includes 12 villas and 23 bohios with its own private pools and private staff. The resort amenities include private spa treatments, golf course, dining areas and swimming pool. Guest can also enjoy the white sand beach and wildlife.
Things to do:
1. Explore Granada. Visit the colonial city of Granada, known for its colorful architecture, cobblestone streets, and stunning views of Lake Nicaragua. Don't miss the chance to take a boat tour of the nearby Las Isletas, a group of small islands.
2. Discover Ometepe Island. Explore the unique island of Ometepe, located in Lake Nicaragua. It offers beautiful hiking trails, volcanic landscapes, and opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.
3. Visit Masaya Volcano National Park. Explore the active Masaya Volcano and its surrounding national park. Take a night tour to witness the glowing lava lake inside the volcano crater.
4. Relax on the Beaches of San Juan del Sur. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of San Juan del Sur, a popular beach town on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. Relax on the pristine beaches, go surfing, or take a boat trip to nearby secluded beaches.
5. Experience the Coffee Plantations. Nicaragua is known for its coffee production. Visit a coffee plantation and learn about the coffee-making process while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
5. Faroe Islands
Faroe Islands comprise of 18 small islands in Northeast Atlantic. The weather is mostly mild temperatures during the summer months for vacations. It can be said to have a similar culture to Iceland.
Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Foroyar
Price: $150 per night
Flights from DMV and NYC: starting at $600
Hotel Foroyar located on a hillside overlooking the capital city of Torshavan, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Hotel Foroyar is known for its modern and elegant design, combining Scandinavian minimalism with Faroese aesthetics. The hotel features spacious and comfortable rooms, each with its own unique decor and panoramic windows to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Things to do:
1. Explore the Stunning Landscapes. The Faroe Islands are famous for their breathtaking natural beauty. You can go hiking and explore the dramatic cliffs, green valleys, and cascading waterfalls. The landscapes are perfect for nature photography and simply taking in the peaceful surroundings.
2. Visit Traditional Villages. The Faroe Islands are dotted with charming traditional villages. Tórshavn, the capital city, is known for its colorful houses and historical sites. You can also visit villages like Saksun, Gjógv, and Kirkjubøur to experience the traditional Faroese way of life.
3. Go on a Boat Trip. The islands are surrounded by deep fjords and the vast Atlantic Ocean, making boat trips a popular activity. You can take a boat tour to see the impressive sea cliffs, spot seabirds and seals, or even go fishing.
4. Taste the Local Cuisine. The Faroe Islands have a unique culinary scene. You can try traditional Faroese dishes like fermented lamb, dried fish, and skerpikjøt (dried mutton). Seafood lovers can indulge in fresh salmon, cod, and langoustines. Don't forget to try the local specialty, ræst, which is fermented fish.
5. Attend Cultural Events. The Faroe Islands have a rich cultural heritage, and there are various events and festivals throughout the year. You can attend traditional music concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural celebrations to immerse yourself in the local culture.
These 5 exclusive destinations should be on your travel list for 2024. Which destination do you want to visit?
