Ah, this global village we live in. Seems like so many spots have become overrun with tourists, and either too "Americanized" or just too expensive and stuffy.

I'm looking for places that may not be the easiest to get to from the U.S., but are absolutely worth the trip once you get there. I know, this is the U.S. forum, but I think this is appropriate. I'll post elsewhere as well.

Please, share your secrets -- tell me the best "off the beaten path" location you've ever been to!

I'll start with one --
It takes a lot of time and money to get to Fiji, but once you get there (and go a bit further to the outlying islands), it's another world. I stayed in a "bure" on one island where we had electricity from 10am until 6pm. There were only 6 visitors staying on the island, and there was a Fijian village on one side which we were able to visit one morning. We saw the church service (outdoors), then met the head of the village and drank kava with him. No one spoke english very well but we managed. It was a very cool experience. I had similar experiences on other outlying Fijian islands. It was totally worth the time and effort to get there.

If you like the outdoors and hiking, there are lots of places like this out west. There seem to be less and less, but get off the beaten path in Utah or the Grand Canyon and you have some awesome scenery all to yourself. Not sure if this is what you're looking for.

Your post asks for places that are "absolutely worth the trip".

But it also seems you only want budget suggestions, since you also stated you don't like places that are "too expensive or stuffy".

So are you asking for suggestions which fit your desires, or simply anyplace which other people think is special and untouristy? The Galapagos and Antarctica, for example, are most certainly special and very worth the effort to reach, but are in no way cheap to get to.

Tansy, Costa Rica is not totally isolated, but you can really immerse yourself in the culture there. Food and accomodations are inexpensive, it's not too much money to get there from the States and the flora and fauna are unparalleled. You have to fly into San Jose, but you will want to get out of the city and into the mountains or to the beaches. I fell in love with it. One of the places we stayed is: http://www.vistadelvalle.com/

It is owned by a couple from California who have lived there for years. He used to work in Costa Rica in the Peace Corps and they love the country. We met so many great Costa Ricans who live and work around there.

Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius, Madagascar, Reunion.
Absolutely worth the trip once you get there
In this country Alaska and Lanai, Hawai

Egypt. It is fascinatng.

Tansy, Why do you consider "so many spots" Amercianized?

Maybe because a lot of people confuse "modernized" with "Americanized". Just like many people fail to realize that more people in the US eat out every night in Italian, Mexican, and Chinese restaurants than they do in American restaurants. What does "Americanized" mean??

The "Bush", Zimbabwe, Dingwall Safari Ranch - hunt, photograph or just sun bathe by the pool......the owner Don Bower is a Professional Hunter but an American businessman as well. A bit of an eccentric fellow, he now spends part of the year in Tanzania, hunting and such. Can't wait to go there next,

Lily

Kenya, or any other country where a safari is possible. Simply amazing.

Does "Americanized" mean McDonald's, KFC, Coke, and Walmart?

Or does it mean modernized?

Why is it that no other country is Italianized? Or Francophiled? Or Canadianized?

Patrick, what a great and valid point.

I agree with the validity of Patrick's point. "Only in America"!!!!!

I think "touristy" might be a much better word for it! I understand what Tansy is trying to say - I think. The problem is that many of us want a "real" experience when we travel, not one produced for us.

In my case I try to avoid the tourist areas in my travels and visit small villages etc. I also make it a point to go to a local grocery or market and try some new seasonings or bath products I can't get at home.

I also avoid tours, opting to find my own way.

Lily

Seychelle Islands!

Is it permissible to disagree with Patrick here?

I disagree.

It's not Italian food, it's Italian-American food; it's not Mexican food, it's Tex-Mex food or some other American variety of Mexican food; it's not Chinese food - God know what it is, but it sure ain't Chinese food!

All those sweet and sour ribs - those are only for the round-eyes. The Chinese order a dish called (translated) "Capital Ribs". And I could continue...but I won't, now aren't you glad?

On the other hand, I'm with GoTravel: KFC, MacDonald's, Burger King, and Starbucks are EVERYWHERE! Yuck!

Tansy: try Southeast Asia or South America.

agree! seychelle islands! or mauritius!
what do some of you mean by "what does americanized mean"?
the definition is in the english dictionary...and it definitely does not mean "modernized".
why do americans get defensive/offended when that word is used? it means, yes... fast-food places, malls, american music...those things, which the u.s. has "perfected", have spread to lots of countries. that's a fact. some people like it, some don't. whatever..but there's no reason to get defensive about it.

easytraveler - I don't know where you eat Mexican food, but here in California there are plenty of authentic Mexican restaurants.

Almost impossible to get to:

Mystery Island, Vanuatu, South Pacific.

This idyllic spot offers the ultimate seclusion for adventurous honeymooners. It is the ultimate deserted tropical island, your own private paradise for a few days. The accommodation is a simple coral and thatched guesthouse with two rooms and very basic kitchen facilities. There is a barbecue and outdoor facilities. Though you should note the outdoor facilities amount to only a palm frond cubicle with bush toilet inside.

There are no telephones or power and no restaurant or shops., This is the real Robinson Crusoe.

Food and Supplies:You will need to bring ALL your food and refreshments and a supply of fresh water, though fresh seafood and fruits is usually available. The locals all live on the mainland some miles away, so although they might drop by during the day, from late afternoon on the island is all yours.



Ilulissat, Greenland, opposite of the above, not in seclusion, but in weather, but just as beautiful in it's many different ways.

no one should be offended by it. if they have such a problem with the fast food, malls, suvs, etc...than reduce the demand for it...i look forward to being able to travel to tahiti, fiji, iceland (actually very easy to get to from east coast U.S)someday!!!