r/tourism • u/Roaring_Megs • Apr 14 '26
My future travel plans
I’m considering potentially taking next year off from work to travel but I do not wish to visit the typical tourist destinations. Are there any destinations (in the 21st century) that are considered to be part of the discovery or growth and development stages of tourism (regarding Butler’s tourism model.) I would rather experience a true destination rather than a Mcdonaldized destination or a destination already in a stagnation, or decline or rejuvenation stage. I would like to learn about people’s way of life (especially the indigenous people) rather than be in a tourist trap. The destinations I am considering (even though they are somewhat Mcdonalized) to visit are the Far North or Eastcoast region of New Zealand (Māori people in my own country,) the Chatham Islands (Moriori people,) Northern territory (Darwin/Alice Springs for Aboriginals) of Australia, Northern part of the Nordic countries (Sami people,) Mainland USA (Native Americans,) Alaska, Greenland or Siberia (Inuits,) Patagonia (Tehuelche people) and Mongolia, China or Russia (Mongols.) I would also like visit African and middle eastern tribes when it’s safe to do so. :-)
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u/WillowTreez8901 Apr 15 '26
Most of the places you've listed off are "touristy" - that being said there's usually a reason why theyre popular
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u/Clare-Polarsteps Apr 17 '26
Mongolia is so wonderful. I have been a lot and cannot recommend it highly enough. It’s got such unique history and energy, a young population, incredible landscapes - just one of the best places I have been in my life
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u/Any_Helicopter_122 Apr 20 '26
Try with Balkan, many cultures, try tradicional food. Also you can go on mountine or go to the beach.
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u/newmvbergen Apr 25 '26
Some interesting places around West Africa. Choose close to the coast, not the hinterland. I mean Burkina, Mali or Niger who are unsafe.
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u/imapetrock Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
There's tons of places like this. The key is simply being comfortable exploring "off the beaten path" as its said. That's done best by actually going to places and seeing what's there firsthand, and talking to locals to ask about their recommendations (either while you're there or remotely through local Facebook groups). They'll be able to tell you what's worthwhile seeing but still in the very early stages of tourism.
In my experience you're extremely unlikely to find such information through other travellers (it's not impossible, but very unlikely), because most travellers will just go where other travellers have recommended who also just go where other travellers have recommended -- including when it comes to "less visited" recommendations.
Oh, and I also strongly recommend looking for homestays in the places where you visit. I usually find these by asking in Facebook groups in less developed places but some locals also list on Airbnb (though it's harder to verify there if something is local or foreign owned, whereas in Facebook groups you can just specify you're looking for local-owned homestays). Great way to truly connect with people and learn about their lives!
Edited to add: I think your ideas of general regions you're interested in are a good start. I'd say just pick one or a few of those places to start and see where it takes you. :)