Latest news with #hiddenGems
South China Morning Post
10 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Meet the Hong Kong tour guide offering visitors an Anthony Bourdain-style trip
For most visitors to Hong Kong, no trip would be complete without a stop at The Peak to take in the city's sweeping vistas or a walk along the Avenue of Stars to witness the skyline lit up at night. With such glitzy attractions having become synonymous with the city, few people would ever consider visiting a wet market in one of the city's poorest neighbourhoods or a public housing estate slated for demolition. But for Hong Kong tour guide Angel Lau Tsz-tung, these lesser-known locations reveal the true essence of the city. The 35-year-old Hongkonger, who goes by Dearesthongkong, has built a reputation for showcasing many of the city's hidden and vanishing gems to foreign visitors. 'I am a big Anthony Bourdain fan,' Lau said, referring to the late chef and television personality known for taking viewers off the beaten path as he explored countries around the world. 'I want my guests to feel like they are Anthony Bourdain when they book a tour with me. I can show them not the fanciest place, but the most authentic place.'
The Independent
17 hours ago
- The Independent
Eleven of North America's best under-the-radar islands, from paradise beaches to a wilderness at the end of the earth
For a truly great escape, look no further than a visit to one of North America's hidden-gem islands, as revealed below. They are only a few miles from mainland shorelines, but you'll feel like you've entered another world. Our list includes a spot in Texas with views of SpaceX launches, an island where wild horses roam, a retreat once frequented by America's wealthiest families and a car-free haven in Mississippi with zero light pollution. This compelling compendium also includes one of the world's best diving spots and an island that flat-earthers think is located in one of the flat earth's four corners. Scroll down and prepare for your wanderlust to be ignited. Assateague Island, Virginia/Maryland Assateague Island is split between Virginia and Maryland, but is singularly beautiful to behold. On the 37-mile-long island, just a 20-minute drive from Ocean City, wild horses gallop along beaches and vacationers explore salt marshes in kayaks and wander through maritime forests. If you want to stay the night, you'll need to camp on one of the 300 sites. If that's not your style, nearby Ocean City offers a variety of lodging. Jekyll Island, Georgia One of Georgia's dreamy Golden Isles, Jekyll Island offers an inviting blend of beautiful landscapes, fascinating history and some of the nation's best beaches. What's more, pay it a visit and you'll be following in the footsteps of some of America's wealthiest families. In 1886, the island was purchased by a group of elites who used it as an exclusive paradisical retreat. They built magnificent homes on the island that still stand today and established the Jekyll Island Clubhouse, which served as luxury accommodation. The island gained a reputation as "the richest, most inaccessible club in the world", according to with regular visitors including the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. The Jekyll Island Clubhouse closed in 1947, but reopened as the Jekyll Island Club Resort in 1985. Today, visitors can book a stay there and step back in time to the Gilded Age. The hotel is in the island's beautifully preserved historic district, which is home to 34 structures, incredible examples of turn-of-the-century grandeur that vacationers can tour on foot, bike and even trolley. The island's seven beaches are also hugely inviting, with Driftwood Beach potentially the pick of the bunch, though west-facing St Andrews Beach Park is also a contender thanks to its spellbinding sunsets. Block Island, off the coast of Rhode Island Just a short ferry ride from mainland Rhode Island, Block Island is a beach-lover's haven, with 17 miles of pristine sand spread over 15 beaches. Which to choose? says that Mansion Beach is one of the island's grandest; Baby Beach is best for children; Surf Beach is the go-to spot for snorkeling; and that if you're after dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean, head to Mohegan Bluffs beach and ascend to the clifftop. Visitors can also hop on a bike and take the Block Island Bicycle Tour to uncover hidden coves, scenic roads and beautiful lighthouses. Accommodation options include rustic cottages and B&Bs, and some impressive hotels, including the Atlantic Inn, which sits amid manicured lawns in the Old Harbor Historic District of New Shoreham and offers eye-opening ocean views. Horn Island, Mississippi Along the quiet edge of the American South, just 10 miles off the Mississippi coastline in the Gulf of Mexico, lies one of North America's most unspoiled barrier islands: Horn Island. If you like your islands car and crowd-free, and accessible only by private boat or charter, this is the place to head to. There are no developments on Horn Island, which is around 13 miles long, and no roads. Instead, you'll find dunes, native grasses, pine trees, vibrant birdlife and a complete absence of light pollution. Entranced by its beauty, this island was the spiritual refuge of American artist Walter Inglis Anderson, who spent years rowing out to the island alone, creating thousands of sketches, watercolors, and writings that now serve as a visual and emotional record of the island's wild essence, notes. The organization adds that while guided primitive camping trips are offered seasonally by organizations like the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and Ethotera Art Studio's Wild Horizon Expeditions, solo and self-guided trips are entirely permitted, with visitors expected to follow "leave no trace" principles by packing out all waste. Sanibel Island, Florida You'll have a shell of a time on Sanibel Island, which is known as the "Seashell Capital of the World" thanks to beaches festooned with hundreds of shell varieties. As well as premium shell-collecting opportunities, the island offers 25 miles of bike trails and superb bird-watching at the renowned J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Accommodation options range from boutique hotels and cosy beachfront rentals to well-equipped campsites. Access is via a scenic three-mile causeway from Fort Myers, making a trip there a breeze for day-trippers and vacationers. Anna Maria Island, Florida "Anna Maria Island is one of those rare places that actually lives up to the hype." So says James Mannings, CEO and Co-founder of Top Villas, which is one of several companies that offers accommodation there. He continues: "This barrier island off Florida's coast feels completely different from the theme parks of Orlando or the buzz of Miami - it's somewhere to go when you need to properly switch off but still want the Florida sunshine. "My favourite thing is that it has seven miles of beautiful, white-sand beach that runs unbroken from end to end, which is pretty spectacular when you see it." Catalina Island, California Southwest of Los Angeles lies California's only island resort – Catalina Island. It's just 22 miles long and eight miles wide and is made up of two settlements, the city of Avalon and the village of Two Harbors, and a "rugged wilderness of majestic beauty", reveals It's a tranquil escape, with most visitors and residents getting around the island by foot, bike or golf cart. It's also a world-class diving destination. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (Padi) says: "Kelp forests draw in many divers to Catalina every year, with Garibaldi sightings – California's state fish – and the chance to encounter the endangered giant black sea bass, leopard sharks, and sea lions. There are also wrecks, including a plane and sunken ship. "Many consider Catalina Island to be the best spot in Southern California for diving, with dives for beginner or advanced divers." Not a diver? Not a problem, says Padi, which adds: "Snorkeling is also a great way to see Catalina under the surface." Haida Gwaii, British Columbia The Haida Gwaii archipelago, home to the ancestral territory of the Haida Nation, is billed as the Canadian Galapagos, and no wonder. Grey, minke, and humpback whales, along with orca, dolphins, porpoises, harbour seals and Steller sea lions patrol the coast; black bears forage for food along the shoreline; puffins, auklets and murrelets inhabit the cliffs; and eagles soar overhead. There are also dramatic landscapes and over 500 archaeological sites. A visit here is like stepping back to a land before time. And to add to the sense of adventure, you'll need to arrive by boat or seaplane. Where to stay? The 20-room Ocean House on Graham Island offers luxury in the midst of the wilds. Visit South Padre Island, Texas Yes. Texas. It turns out that the state best known for barbecues, oil and rodeos, also has a paradise island up its sleeve. South Padre Island on the Gulf Coast has miles of white sandy beaches, 300-plus days of sunshine a year, the largest sea turtle hospital in the world, Sea Turtle Inc, and RV parking for road-trippers. There is also the chance to witness a spacecraft taking off, because the SpaceX Boca Chica launch site is just across the bay. Dark Island, Thousand Islands region, New York State The Thousand Islands archipelago is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque regions in North America, with 1,864 islets dotted along the Saint Lawrence River on the US-Canada border. Many of these islets are little more than rocky outcrops, but some can be visited, with our pick of the bunch being Dark Island in New York State, home to one of the very few genuinely historical castles in the United States – Singer Castle. It was commissioned at the turn of the 20th century by Commodore Frederick G. Bourne, former director of the Singer Sewing Machine Co, with guests able to book a stay there in a wing that sleeps six people in four-poster beds. For more on how to be a king or queen for the night, visit Fogo Island, Newfoundland Flat-earthers say that Fogo Island occupies one of the four corners of the flat earth. And while that's a controversial view, to say the least, Fogo Island is certainly in a location most vacationers would regard as extreme. Tucked off the coast of Newfoundland in "Iceberg Alley", the island offers a glimpse into life in one of the world's most remote inhabited places. From here, visitors can watch migrating icebergs, some up to 10,000 years old, hike rugged trails amid ancient rocky outcrops and go whale-watching and ice fishing. Somewhat incongruously, premium accommodation is available, in the form of the Fogo Island Inn, an architectural gem where guests can view the surrounding wilds in almost surreal luxury. Visit The Luxury Travel Agency to book.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I've visited EVERY country in the world… here are the ones I would NEVER go back to
A man who has visited every country in the world has shared the ones he'd never go back to... and the hidden gems that he believes are overlooked. Luca Pferdmenges, 23, who is originally from Germany, started traveling when he was just 14 years old. An avid juggler, he would jet off to various cities in Europe to perform at juggling conventions, and along the way, he developed a fierce passion for exploring the globe. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and his juggling career came to a halt, he decided that once the world opened back up, he was going to start traveling full-time. He then made it his goal to visit every country on the planet, and just five years later, he's now spent time in all 195 of them. Now, he has broken down which countries are 'overrated' and which are hidden gems exclusively with the Daily Mail. He admitted that he wouldn't recommend 'small island destinations' that don't offer much except nice beaches and resorts because they are 'boring' to him. He also said he was not a fan of Egypt because he felt like he was 'constantly getting hassled' when he was there. 'Often, I find small island destinations quite overrated, places that have nothing besides pretty beaches,' he explained. 'I would argue that the lesser Antilles islands in the Caribbean are probably the most overrated places in the world. 'They do have good parties and nice beaches, but not much more than that. 'I would make an exception for [the Caribbean island] Dominica, which is one of the most fascinating countries for me. 'Other overrated places would be the Maldives (again not much besides beaches), or Egypt (because as a visitor one constantly gets hassled).' As for places he loved that aren't that well known, he said he was impressed with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. 'They are very affordable, super hospitable, and have amazing nature,' he gushed. 'In Europe, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Estonia are underrated destinations,' added the travel pro. 'Most people don't know anything about those countries, yet they are some of the most beautiful places I have been to.' Over the course of his travels, Luca admitted that he was put into some very dangerous and even life-threatening situations. He recalled a time that he was teaching in Afghanistan in 2020 when a 'shooting' occurred on the street he was staying on. 'Luckily I was inside and nothing happened,' he added. 'Another morning, we wanted to visit a park [but] I was told that the park had been subject to a bomb attack by the Taliban.' Another 'scary' incident occurred in Papua New Guinea. 'I was walking through the streets of Port Moresby when a police jeep stopped me. He said, "Don't walk past here,"' Luca shared. 'I decided to trust him and enter his police jeep. Two minutes later, we witnessed a car robbery right where I was about to walk through. 'Being a police officer, he opened his door, took his shotgun and fired warning shots. I was very afraid in that situation. The avid traveler, who says he lives off his social media income, estimated that he's spent around $116,000 on travel expenses over the last five years 'What if the attackers opened fire at us? What if there were other people in the bush behind us? 'I was in the back of the police jeep - an obvious target - but luckily nothing happened.' In the end, he admitted that he wouldn't recommend living full-time on the road like him to others. He said, 'You're almost never home, don't see friends and family a lot and it's also a very expensive endeavor' Luca said despite the terrifying incidents he has tried to give every country a chance throughout his quest to visit all of them. 'I could not say, "I don't like the country," "I don't like the politics," or, "I'm too afraid to go,"' he explained. 'I had had to visit every single country in the world, and that's what made the mission so special.' Luca has documented his journey on Instagram and TikTok, where he's racked up more than 256,000 and 3.1 million followers respectfully. The avid traveler, who says he lives off his social media income, estimated that he's spent around $116,000 on travel expenses over the last five years. In the end, he admitted that he wouldn't recommend living full-time on the road like him to others. 'I wouldn't recommend it because one does give up a lot for [this lifestyle],' Luca said. 'You're almost never home, don't see friends and family a lot and it's also a very expensive endeavor. 'That said, I'm very grateful that I could afford the travels with social media and it does give me an insane amount of freedom.'
The Guardian
5 days ago
- The Guardian
Tell us about Turkey off the tourist trail – you could win a holiday voucher
Turkey's beautiful coast, ancient sites and diverse landscapes attract millions of visitors each year. But beyond the much-loved tourist haunts like Istanbul's Hagia Sophia mosque and picture perfect Ölüdeniz beach, there's so much more to explore. We want to hear your favourite under-the-radar discoveries, from coastal villages or special restaurants to mountain hideaways or hiking trails. The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website. Keep your tip to about 100 words If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it's your words we will be judging for the competition. We're sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition. The competition closes on Monday 30 June at 10am BST Have a look at our past winners and other tips Read the terms and conditions here You can send in your best tip by filling in the form below. Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. First name only if you prefer This competition is only open to UK-based readers If you're having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Daily Mail
The UK's best hidden gem tourist attraction revealed
Looking to escape tourist traps in the UK this summer? A new study has unearthed the country's best hidden gems for Brits and created a hotlist of underrated landmarks. The research looked at the number of reviews, the tourist traffic per landmark and the cost of public transport to create the list. So, where are the UK's best hidden gems? According to the study, the Wasdale Emerald Pool in Cumbria is the country's best hidden gem. Sometimes known as the 'Fairy Pool', the picturesque spot is formed by several small waterfalls and has a bright green colour. Next on the list are the Birmingham Back to Backs. A museum operated by The National Trust, the Back to Backs are the city's last surviving back-to-back houses. Built around a communal courtyard, the houses were occupied from around 1840 right through until the 1970s. As they explore the historic houses, tourists will get a glimpse into what it was like to live there through the decades. The Back to Backs are only accessible via a guided tour so tourists will need to book their tickets in advance. The third best hidden gem in the UK is Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire in Wales. Although the beach is quite popular with surfers, it's not nearly as well-known as other beaches in the area with just 234 reviews on Tripadvisor. Tulleys Farm in Crawley just misses out on a spot on the podium, ranking as the UK's fourth-best hidden gem. The family farm in West Sussex has a pumpkin picking patch, an annual Christmas Lights festival and escape rooms for visitors. Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire rounds out the top five. A National Trust property, the Tudor Manor is known for its 'quirky character'. The National Trust reveals: 'Seeing the tumbling architecture of Little Moreton Hall for the first time, engineers in 1990 could not believe their eyes. 'This timber-framed building, curled around with a scenic moat, has defied logic for over 500 years.' Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes, the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh and Samlesbury Hall in Lancashire are also among the country's top 10 hidden gems. Corin Camenisch, marketing and growth leader at SumUp, which commissioned the research, says: 'We created this ranking to spotlight some of the UK's hidden gems, places that are often overlooked in favour of the usual tourist spots like the London Eye or Buckingham Palace. 'By highlighting these underrated hotspots, we're hoping to show people spots they might not know about and spread the benefits of local tourism. 'These hidden gems often rely on tourism to sustain their operations, and by shining a light on them, we're hoping to ensure that local businesses can benefit from a steady flow of visitors, which is crucial for their growth and long-term success.'
