Looking for the best off-the-beaten-track destinations? From the Shropshire Hills to Scotland's Torridon Hills, Lonely Planet has uncovered the ultimate lesser-known spots to inspire the adventurous traveller.

As part of their newest guidebook, Offbeat, Lonely Planet has uncovered the 100 places where visiting can make a real difference to the local community. Celebrating undiscovered regions, the book is packed with places we don't often hear about.

Kufstein in Austria also made the list, as did Lyon in France and Estonia's Tartu — the European Capital of Culture 2024. Whether you're planning a city break for next year or want to get away from tourist traps, these places will reveal to you unique, authentic and immersive experiences.

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James Osmond//Getty Images
Shropshire Hills, UK

"As the world embraces travel again, we know people are looking for crowd-free, under-the-radar alternatives to popular tourism mainstays," Chris Zeiher, Senior Director Trade Sales & Marketing for Lonely Planet Publications, says.

"Offbeat presents 100 detailed options for travellers to consider whether it's lesser-known National Parks in North America, gorgeous yet surprisingly less frequented cities across Europe, or islands off Australia and New Zealand that remain relatively crowd-free. I've already added a stack of these suggestions to my travel list."

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Walter Geiersperger//Getty Images
Kufstein, Austria

Take a look at the best alternative destinations to add to your bucket list...

Top 10 offbeat destinations to explore away from the crowds

  1. Kufstein, Austria
  2. Tartu, Estonia, the European Capital of Culture 2024
  3. Lyon, France
  4. Andros, Greece
  5. Braga, Portugal
  6. Shropshire Hills, UK
  7. Torridon Hills, Southern Highlands, Scotland, UK
  8. UNESCO Global Geopark Copper Coast, Ireland
  9. Tatra Mountains, Poland
  10. Caceres, Extremadura, Spain

Get off the beaten track with Offbeat by Lonely Planet. Available at Offbeat - Lonely Planet UK or where all good books are sold.

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Lisa Joyner
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.