Secret’s out! Your biggest (and best) travel secrets of 2019 revealed
Your 2019 secrets are in – and we’re ready to spill them! From road-trip romps to stranger sittings and finding hidden roadside beaches, here are your top discoveries from your travels…
Secret destinations
Life’s a beach on the Akamas Peninsula in Cyprus (Shutterstock)
– Richard Lewis
Main Street, Solvang, California (Shutterstock)
“On a road trip from San Francisco to Hollywood, we unexpectedly came across this lovely area called Solvang – we could have easily been in Denmark.
With its picturesque windmills and fancy Danish-style restaurants serving smorgasbord, one could be forgiven for forgetting that this was still California.
Try to investigate all the areas you travel through and always keep your eyes peeled!”
– Sharon Emery
Discovering Ikaria (Catherine Thorp)
“Ikaria is totally unlike other Greek islands and is full of character and quirks. You can go on some amazing gorge walks, trek untrodden hillsides and explore the bay of Nas.
It has a magical other-worldly feel, and there are the remains of a temple at the back of the beach. Legend has it that Icarus fell into the sea here!”
– Catherine Thorp
New approaches to age-old favourites
Sledding at sunset (Shutterstock)
– Madison Heath
Kayaking on Lake Garda (Nicole Woods)
– Nicole Woods
A guide who will make all the difference
A headhunter in Nagaland (Marie-Laure Stone)
– Marie-Laure Stone
New ways to rest your weary head at night
Watching the suns set from a tent (Shutterstock)
”Camp outside of designated areas – we’ve asked landowners if we can pitch a tent if we leave no footprint, offering a small stipend for the time.
I’ve met some wonderful people doing this, and sometimes I helped out with a bit of farming.”
– BA Turpin
Housesitting with friends (Shutterstock)
”Try house-sitting. You can stay in large houses in exotic destinations entirely for free.
Most homeowners simply ask you to walk their dog or feed their fish. There are many pet-free properties too.
It’s the perfect way to save on costs in expensive destinations, or to stay closer to locals in quiet villages. There’s something for everyone!”
– Claire Jarratt
Fabulous places to eat
Fish tacos. Delicious. (Shutterstock)
”It’s easy to miss Victoria’s on the north shore of Nicaragua’s Big Corn Island.
It displays no signs that it serves food, but sit out front and the owner will tell you what he has that day.
Order the fish tacos and eat them with a view over the ocean.”
– Nick Moss
Inside AidChild Cafe (AidChild Cafe and Gallery)
“After visiting Kampala, travel south to the equator and visit the AidChild Cafe and Gallery.
We’ve bought many beautiful artworks from there over the years and the money aids others. The paintings and sculptures can even be shipped for a fee.
Sit outside with a cake, and watch as the birds build their nests.”
– Heidi Pendergrast
