It's time to renew your passport and pack your bags.
Big cities may offer tons of attractions—but small towns have their own version of charm, culture, and beauty. In fact, you may be surprised by how many of these lesser-known destinations jump to the top of your bucket list. Sure, these towns are small in terms of square footage, but they pack a serious punch.
Besides scenic water and mountain landscapes, they boast history and are often easier to navigate as a tourist—hello, free foot travel! And if getting out in nature is your thing, you'll find pristine skiing conditions, hiking trails, and, yes, lots of beaches for lounging. Some of these destinations are more remote, so make sure you allow time for travel. Bon voyage!
Located in the Alsace region, Colmar is a small town known for its half-timbered houses. The French village has a medieval vibe along its cobblestone streets. Tourists love Little Venice, where different colored homes line the canal.
The unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Shirakawago Village make this a must-see for tourists in Japan. Gassho-zukuri translates to "constructed like hands in prayer." The roof resembles a Buddist monk's pressed-together hands.
Make sure you grab a bike for your visit to Giethoorn, because you're going to need it. The fact that this village is mostly car-free may be a bit unconventional, but taking a ride on a bike (or a canoe!) gives you an exceptional view of the city's canals, gardens, and other charms.
This small town in the Cappadocia region of Turkey is full of mosques and homes in rock formations, which are coined as "fairy chimneys." It's also one of the most popular places in the world to take a hot air balloon ride.
This small town in Austria fees like a remote, lakeside paradise. The village in the mountainous Salzkammergut region features colorful 16th-century Alpine houses, snowy mountains, and enchanting alleyways.
Hội An is described as the City of Lanterns, thanks in part to its famous lantern market. The lights serve as a symbol of good fortune and love. While in Hội An, be sure to take in the architecture and, of course, nosh on some of the country's incredible cuisine.
El Chaltén is the national capital of trekking in Argentina, so you can only imagine how scenic the town is to earn such a robust title. The world-renown treks in El Chaltén will take you through lush forests, up snow-capped mountains, and around glistening glaciers.
Tourism is big on this Caribbean island, filled with colorful, colonial architecture. The Dutch influence is prominent throughout the capital city. Willemstad has been designated a UESCO World Heritage Site.
If you're heading to the Swiss Alps, a visit to Lauterbrunnen is a must—if only for a visit to the village's towering Staubbach Falls. A sight to behold, the 300-meters-high waterfall even inspired poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to pen his famous poem, "Gesang der Geister über den Wassern."
Harry Potter fans, make sure this town makes it onto your bucket list. The German fairytale village is rumored to have been an inspiration for Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. This medieval town boasts a tower gate and the Tauber River.
One of the amazing features of Penglipuran Village is that the residents—of which there are fewer than 1,000—maintain traditional culture in their everyday lives. The bamboo forest that dates all the way back to the 18th century is a must-see.
Considered a prime location for catching the Northern Lights, the island village of Reine is a popular spot in Lofoten. Hundreds of cod are caught on fishing trips every year, which is a major draw on the island.
In the U.S., the term "wine country" is typically attributed to regions in California, but in Charlottesville, you'll find dozens of wineries on acres of rolling, green hills. For a truly top-rate experience, head to this town when the fall colors peak (typically in October) to enjoy your glass of Chambourcin while taking in stunning views of the foliage.
In the south of Jordan, the harbor city of Aqaba captures the warm waters of the Red Sea and a backdrop of desert hills. The Red Sea in western Asia is popular for snorkeling and diving.
A true Alpine town, Wanaka has no shortage of lakes, rivers, and mountains. The scenic destination is even home to glaciers. When you visit, be prepared to hike, bike, kayak, ski, or even snowboard your way to a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This small town in southern Italy is known for its unique trulli buildings, which are traditional Apulian dry stone huts topped with a conical roof. Alberobello is considered the cultural capital of the trulli of the Valle d'Itria.
Surrounded by rolling, green hills and a sparkling harbour, in addition to Portree's natural wonders, it's also gained quite the reputation for its art scene. The city's Aros Centre boasts a consistent schedule of plays, concerts, and film screenings.
What isn't there to love about a lakeside town that's known for its picturesque geography and pastries? Located in northwestern Slovenia, Bled brings in hungry tourists from all over with its vanilla and cream-filled cremeschnitte, and then wows them with views of Lake Bled, which is surrounded by mountains and forests.
A small commune lies in the unprotected expanses at the foot of Cathedral Peak. KwaZulu-Natal, also known as "the garden province," encompasses a long shoreline beside the Indian Ocean. The scenic iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park were declared UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Ribe, a town in southern Denmark, is the oldest town in Scandinavia. It has a medieval vibe that visitors can see more of at the Ribe VikingeCenter and Cathedral.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs Before They Take Over
Experts Say “Grandma Gardens” Are Trending
What Guests Always Notice Is Off in Your Home
Ben and Erin Napier’s Uphill Insurance Battle.
