I Took the One Less Traveled By

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Russian Proverb

There’s something inherently romantic about travel. Maybe it’s the idea of discovering something new. Perhaps it’s the idea of going where no one knows you. For our annual travel issue, we asked the members of Tanglewood Moms where they go to leave a trail.

Luang Prabang, Laos

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang lies in the north of the country. It is a beautiful city, where traditional Lao architecture, Buddhist temples, and European colonial buildings create a truly unique setting. Mountain bike to the Tat Sae Waterfalls or the Pak Ou Caves. In town, visit the Wat Xieng Thong temple and the Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum before exploring the night market. You can fly to Luang Prabang from Bangkok or Hanoi.

Billund, Denmark

Billund, the home of Legos and the first Legoland resort, is not a typical destination for American visitors. As befitting the home of one of the world’s most beloved toys, Billund is extremely family-oriented. There’s the Playline Trail, which connects many of the town’s attractions in a safe, child-friendly path. You can fly directly to Billund from the US, or you can fly into Copenhagen and enjoy the delights of this beautiful city before taking a quick flight or a train to Billund.

Pavullo nel Frignano, Emilia-Romagna

This charming town lies about 30 miles from Modena, home of Ferrari, Maserati, and tortellini. While it was damaged by Allied bombing in World War II, you can still visit the medieval Castle of Motecuccolo and the Sassoguidano Nature Reserve. Pavullo nel Frignano is an easy train ride from Modena that would make for a great day trip.

Vanuatu

With fewer than 50,000 tourists a year, you need to put the island nation of Vanuatu on your bucket list. Largely untouched by the tourism industry, you can scuba dive in the morning and stand on the rim of a volcano in the afternoon. Fun fact: The inventor of bungee jumping was inspired by the ritual of “land diving” practiced on one of Vanuatu’s islands. The best way to get to Vanuatu is to fly Fiji Airways to Nadi before continuing into Vanuatu’s capital city of Port Vila.

Sitka, Alaska

Located on the Alaska Panhandle, Sitka lies on the south half of Chichagof Island and the western side of Baranof Island. The city was part of Russian Alaska and was the site of the transfer ceremony for the Alaska Purchase in 1867. Surrounded by temperate rainforests, Sitka is a delight for fishers and hikers. If you prefer to view the great outdoors through a window with a drink in your hand, there are great restaurants, boutiques, and galleries highlighting the unique blend of Russian, Tlingit, and contemporary American culture that is Sitka. Alaska Airlines flies from DFW to Sitka with a stop in Seattle.

Málaga, Spain

Málaga is an ancient city located on Spain’s Costa del Sol. While it is becoming more popular with tourists, Málaga is still relatively unknown to US travelers. Visit the Museo Picasso Málaga, dedicated to the city’s most famous native, or explore Roman ruins and the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress that overlooks the Mediterranean. Málaga is a two-and-a-half-hour train ride from Madrid.

Tunisia

Whether you want to explore the ruins of ancient Carthage or soak up the sun on Mediterranean beaches, Tunisia is a destination for everyone. Explore the seventh-century medina in the capital city of Tunis, or if you have a Star Wars fan in the family, head to Nefta to tour “Tatooine.” There are connecting flights into Tunis from most European capitals, or consider taking the ferry from Palermo.

Tofino, British Columbia

Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino, also known as Načiks in the local First Nation dialect, is a small town where you can slow down. Hike the temperate rainforests surrounding the town, whale watch or watch storms over the Pacific from one of Tofino’s windswept beaches, or explore the hot springs in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park. Tofino is a short flight from Vancouver, or you could spend time in Victoria, a beautiful city on Vancouver Island, before driving to Tofino.

Antarctica

Yes, Antarctica. One of the last truly wild places on the planet, Antarctica is beginning to draw tourists who are attracted to the wildlife and the unrivaled wildness of the continent. Watch icebergs calving or say hi to an Emperor penguin. Most travelers choose to visit via a cruise, as the accommodations on the continent are, well, almost nonexistent. But trust me, you will experience wild beauty the likes of which you’ve never seen. Get there before there are McDonald’s all over it!

Le Marche, Italy

Sure, you can go to Tuscany, Milan, or Rome, but if you want to get off the tourist trail, try a visit to Le Marche. This region on the Adriatic Sea is full of medieval hilltop towns, rolling vineyards and olive orchards, and beautiful beaches. Make the region’s capital city of Ancona your base as you explore the region. Because it’s not nearly as popular as some of the other regions in Italy, a vacation in Le Marche is very affordable. The train from Rome to Ancona will take less than four hours.

Hay-on-Wye, Wales

Often described as “the town of books,” Hay-on-Wye (or simply “Hay” to those in the know) is a delightful town near the western border of Wales and England. If you’re a reader, you NEED to go to Hay. There are more than 30 bookshops in this town of less than 1700 people. AND it hosts the annual Hay Festival of Literature & Arts, which brings together luminaries from the worlds of art, science, music, comedy, and, of course, literature. Rent a car and explore the Welsh countryside between trips to another bookshop.

Ilsa Holbox, Mexico

Located off the north coast of the Yucatán peninsula, Isla Holbox is only 90 miles from Cancun, but it feels like it’s a million miles away. The island is one long, sandy beach with beautiful shallow waters, perfect for exploring via a golf cart or bike. There are beach clubs that cater to every taste, from the quiet and cozy to the party places with the best music, but this is a great way to spend a day on the beach with access to good food and drinks. To get to Ilsa Holbox, take the ferry from Chiquilá or opt for an air taxi from Cancun.

Queenstown, New Zealand

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll find it in Queenstown. Whether you’re into bungee jumping, skiing, fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking, or simply enjoying a delicious bottle of  New Zealand wine, Queenstown is a great base of operations. Explore the town’s art galleries or pan for gold while on a heritage walk in the Lake District. There are daily flights to Queenstown from Auckland and Wellington, as well as Sydney and Melbourne.

Corn Islands, Nicaragua

Nestled off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, Great Corn Island and Little Corn Island are enchanting. Surrounded by coral reefs, the islands are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. (There are sunken Spanish galleons to explore, courtesy of the British and Dutch pirates who made Great Corn Island their base.) If you really want to get away from it all, Little Corn Island is the place for you. No motorized vehicles are allowed on Little Corn Island, and there is limited electricity. There are daily flights from Managua to Great Corn Island; to get to Little Corn Island, you will have to take a boat from Great Corn Island.

Siloam Springs, Arkansas

Located about 30 miles from Fayetteville, Siloam Springs is a charming town that will appeal to nature lovers and those who appreciate a more municipal experience. Sager Creek runs through the town, fed by numerous springs. Explore the many state and national areas nearby before exploring the boutiques downtown. Siloam Springs is a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Fort Worth.

Sumba Island, Indonesia

With ancient villages and sparkling beaches, glorious waterfalls and rolling hills, Sumba Island is an undiscovered paradise that doesn’t see the crowds of tourists who swarm through Bali. Because it’s not developed, you will not have as many options for luxury accommodations and Western-style dining, but if you want to explore, listen, and learn, Sumba is perfect for you. There are daily flights from Bali to both of Sumba’s airports.

Hokkaido, Japan

The northernmost region of Japan, Hokkaido, is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure. You can trek through the southern region, immersing yourself in the local culture, or explore the Otaru Triangle Market. Skiers and snowboarders can spend the day in the backcountry of Mount Rishiri and then unwind in an onsen (hot spring) afterward. Hokkaido offers fantastic travel opportunities no matter the season. Definitely take the bullet train from Tokyo.

Aran Islands, Ireland

Located in the North Atlantic off the west coast of Ireland, the Aran Islands (Inis Mór, Inis Oírr, and Inis Meáin) offer stunning scenery and a fascinating history. Inis Mór is the largest island and makes a good base for exploring all three islands. You can explore Bronze Age stone forts and medieval monasteries, take a pony and cart tour of Inis Oírr, go scuba diving or deep water fishing, or relax and do a pub crawl in Cill Rónáin, the largest settlement in the islands. There is a year-round ferry from Rossaveal in County Galway and seasonal ferries from Galway City and Doolin in County Clare.