Top 9 cultural destinations
According to Booking.com research polling 10,000 respondents across 10 markets, we are all striving to get more diversity in our travel. Two thirds (66%) of global travellers said they wanted to add a completely new travel experience next year to what they’d done last year.*
Given our adventurous appetite, why not start by building a better bucket list? One that’s a notch or two higher on the intrepid scale with destinations that have just as much wow factor as, say, the Inca trail, but far fewer tourists.
To help you tap into your adventurous side, Booking.com used traveller recommendation data to compile this list of places you may never have heard of or are pretty far off the beaten track, that you need to visit. All of these destinations have been highly approved by Booking.com customers, 95% of whom recommended them to other travellers.
Here’s a list for culture vultures, laying out the best but lesser-known gems for those seeking a taste of the arts.
Recanati, Italy
The town of Recanati is home to a surprisingly vast collection of Renaissance art, given its relatively humble bucket-list status. It’s also been called the ‘city of poetry’, on account of it being the birthplace of seminal 19th-century poet Giacomo Leopardi. The Recanati Museum and Municipal Gallery houses a rich collection of paintings by Lorenzo Lotto. Other must-sees include Renanati Cathedral and the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art.
Jaisalmer, India
The sight of the fort of Jaisalmer rising from the sand in the middle of the Rajasthan desert is one of baffling, otherworldly beauty. Sadly, it’s often sacrificed on India itineraries in favour of the better-known Taj Mahal in Agra. But if you’re turned on by culture, Jaisalmer offers a great deal more. Known as the Golden City, its ancient streets and honey-coloured sandstone buildings have an incredible history and are a delight to wander around. Explore the magnificent havelis (mansions and palaces) in the Old City and learn about Jaisalmer’s religious and military history.
Viljandi, Estonia
Viljandi is a peaceful, historical enclave of Estonia that boasts enchanting, crumbling ruins in a leafy green lakeside setting. It’s often called the cultural capital of Estonia on account of its Culture Academy and visitors will find lots to do here, including open-air theatre and a big annual folk music festival.
Aït-Benhaddou, Morocco
Sitting along the old trading route between the Sahara and Marrakech, the ancient fortified settlement of Ait Benhaddou has served as the setting for films such as Gladiator and Babel. With the dramatic appearance of being carved into the desert, the earthen clay architecture glows orange in the African sun. And with only four families still living in the ancient city, treading its dusty, sun-baked streets feels like exploring an open-air museum.
Borobudur, Indonesia
Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument in the world, as well as being 300 years older than the more well-known Angkor Wat in Cambodia. In a region of rice paddies and jungle, this magnificent structure is a three-dimensional mandala (diagram of the universe) that was rediscovered in 1814 and has since become a destination of Buddhist pilgrimage. The intricate carvings covering the blocks of lava rock and hundreds of Buddha statues are endlessly enigmatic and particularly beautiful when seen rising out of the morning mountain mist.
Uluru, Australia
Looming mightily out of the Australian Outback, Uluru is sacred to the Anangu, the Aboriginal people of the area. And standing in its shadow with flat, arid desert all around, it’s easy to understand why. Though tourists are asked not to climb the rock out of respect for its Aboriginal landowners, watching the colour of the rock change from orange to red as the sun sets is breath-taking enough.
Barichara, Colombia
Visit Barichara for beguiling Spanish colonial architecture, history and its mellow mood. It’s a small town and one of Columbia’s most scenic. Hilly, cobbled streets are lined with trees and flowers, while buildings feature clay-tiled roofs and whitewashed walls. Don’t miss the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in all its ochre splendor blending into the warm-coloured landscape.
Vézelay, France
Anyone who appreciates culture will be in for a treat visiting the dainty hilltop town of Vézelay in Burgundy. As well as fine wine, medieval Vézelay boasts the glorious Romanesque basilica of St Mary Madeleine amongst its 15th-, 16th- and 17th-century houses. The town has been inhabited since ancient times and is historically significant as the meeting place between Richard Lionheart and King Philippe of France before they set off on the 3rd Crusade. Pop into a gallery, enjoy a concert in the basilica or wander the charming alleyways and courtyards before stopping off at a typical French café.
Flores, Guatemala
A tiny island village on Lake Petén Itzá, Flores is mostly used as a Launchpad for visiting the nearby Mayan ruins at Tikal. Once you’ve had your dose of ancient Mayan culture, Flores is also a great destination in its own right. The sight of its colourful cubist houses reflected on the water is a delight, as are the views of the area from its rickety buildings.
* This data was taken from a global survey of 34,000 nationally representative respondents across 17 markets. Respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in 2015 and be planning at least one trip for 2016. All respondents had to be at least part of the decision-making process when planning most of their trips. Data was collected in October 2015.
Latest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.