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10 Under-the-Radar Travel Destinations for 2019

Find a view you haven't already seen on Instagram.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

Machu Picchu, Iceland, Havasupai...there are so many classic adventure destinations that have been posted again and again on social media. These places are definitely worthy of your bucket list and there’s nothing wrong with exploring popular destinations; they’re popular for good reason. But there’s something especially exciting about planning a trip somewhere that you haven’t already seen on Instagram almost daily.

MT Sobek leads hundreds of trips around the world, from the crowd favorites that are probably already on your list to exotic locations you may have never heard of. Check out 10 of their under-the-radar travel destinations below and start making your plans for an epic year of adventure and travel in 2019. 

1. Lebanon Mountain Trail Adventure 


The Lebanon Mountain Trail is a relatively new hiking trail established in 2007 that spans 290 miles through beautiful, cedar forests and ancient ruins and cities. 

2. Bumthang Owl Trek


This trek earned its name from the soothing sound of the hooting owls that will lull you to sleep as you camp under the stars in Bhutan’s gorgeous backcountry.

3. Iraqi Kurdistan Adventure


Because of the turbulent legacy of this region, it sees very minimal tourism and this trip is a brand-new exploratory adventure with MT Sobek. With expert guides by your side every step of the way, it’s an amazing and unique opportunity to visit a mesmerizing and less-explored region of the world.

4. Rafting the Sayan Oka River in Siberia 

This is a unique opportunity to not only explore the Sayan Oka River and take on the epic whitewater rapids, but you’ll also get to know the co-founders of MT Sobek, Richard Bangs and John Yost, as they’ll join you on a special commemorative 50th anniversary departure in August 2019.

5. Yosemite’s Sister Parks in China


Did you know that Yosemite has two sister national parks in China? Spend 12 days exploring these beautiful parks and even meet some giant pandas in Chengdu while you’re at it.

6. Hiking Iran’s Alborz Mountains


This adventure comes with everything you might expect from this region like rich culture, rolling highlands, ancient ruins and sacred mosques, but the most exciting aspects may be the hot springs and sleeping a night in rock caves!

7. Hiking the Via Dinarica

Summit some of the highest peaks in one of Europe’s least-explored mountain ranges, the Dinaric Alps. Not only will you reach great heights, but you’ll also raft down the deepest canyon in Europe and visit isolated highland villages across the Balkans. 

8. Barefoot Trekking in Brazil 


If you thought feeling the sand between your toes was reserved for beach vacations, think again. On this unique trek through Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, you can hike barefoot through gorgeous white sand dunes and take a dip in the refreshing lagoons that form during the rainy season.

9. Rafting the Sezar River in Iran 


If you join on this trip, you’ll be part of a pioneering first commercial raft descent of the Sezar River! Tackle challenging rapids all day and sleep under an unfathomably starry sky at night. 

10. Trek to the Lost City of Choquequirao


You’ve definitely heard of Machu Picchu, and it’s probably already on your bucket list. This trip is an opportunity to knock it off while also visiting its lesser-known and equally stunning counterpart, the Lost City of Choquequirao. Not to mention the llamas!

  

Visit MT Sobek for more adventures around the world!

Photos courtesy of MT Sobek

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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