Top Seven Hidden Travel Jewels

Here's my Top 7 Off the Beaten Tracks list for travel, just in time for summer vacation.

Some places just don't get enough love. I do quite a bit of traveling and have come to really enjoy finding unique places to visit.

The spots on my list are filled with places that are the shy cousins of major tourism destinations. Like the shy cousin, once you get to know them, they turn out to be awesome!

Of course, a lot of this is personal preference. For me, I loathe crowded places and things made exclusively to attract tourists. I like true cultural experiences, local flavors and things you won't see on most tour itineraries.

Having said that, you'll notice some of my picks are “tourist” destinations, though, not in the classic sense. I've included a few places that are real draws for domestic tourism (by folks who live in that country) because these places are truly part of the local culture.

Let's dive into the list:

Number 7: Bournemouth, UK

Bournemouth is a coastal town with deep English roots, and lots of seaside fun.

What to See and Do: This seaside town is a throwback to English weekend holidays. Everything from the pier and carnival rides, to the local pups and restaurants have a lineage of British tourism. It's an easy town to walk around and sight see. Visit the pier, the boardwalk, have a go at shell collecting on the beach and take in a few of the local museums. If you're looking for nature and wildlife, New Forest National Park is not far away and offers a real look at England's flora and fauna. Stonehenge, in case you wish to see it, is also about an hour north of Bournemouth, traveling through Salisbury (worth a stop of its own!).

I highly recommend staying at one of the many B&B's in the area. It'll make for a more authentic taste of the local flare. One bit of advice, expect Bournemouth to be packed with holiday tourists from the UK during the summer months. Don't let it deter you, though. It's a festive place, and the crowd adds to the atmosphere.

Number 6: El Jem, Tunisia

Tunisia in general is an underrated destination. Situated in North Africa, just below the “boot” of Italy, Tunisia is vastly rich in history and culture. El Jem is an amazing town with several Roman archaeological sites and ruins that rival those in Rome.

What to See and Do: The amphitheater is second (and in my opinion, not even second) to the Colosseum in Rome. You can choose to go into the ruin with or without a guide, and there's typically no crowds to fight against. In fact, during my visit we were the only tourists at the site for most of the time there.

Tucked into the nooks and crannies of the amphitheater are modern mosaic tile artists, creating the small mosaics sold to tourists in the local shops. An older Roman arena, one with seating for a mere 10,000 spectators, still exists (in ruins) in a neighborhood about 1,000 feet due south of the train station. The only named street I remember near it is Rue Avicenne, which borders the eastern side of the neighborhood. There are no signs for this ruin, nor do you need admission ticket for the older amphitheater. If you find it, please respect the fact that it part of a neighborhood and not a designated tourist site.

The El Jem Museum, and the Roman ruins within it's grounds, contain some wonderful mosaic floors, statues and buildings. The museum is mostly outdoors, and signage is multilingual (Pro Tip: Make sure to remember to pay the extra few dinars for permission to take pictures!).

The former French colonial influence remains and cafes abound. Shops are less stressful and less pressured than the ones in the tourist areas. Haggling is expected, but none of the hard sell seen in other cities. The train (Pro Tip: Always go Comfort Class!) is the BEST way to travel to and from El Jem from cities like Sousse or Tunis. Trains there are cheap, easy to navigate, clean and fun.

Number 5: Fort Langley, BC, Canada

Fort Langley is just a short drive from Metro Vancouver, but worlds apart in its ambiance and general feel.

What to See and Do: The fort itself is a great starting point for some hands-on history and a wonderful family experience. Pan for gold, watch woodworkers use pre-industrial tools, listen to docents and volunteers (in period costume) talk about life on the frontier.

The surrounding town is filled with quaint antique shops, cafes, upscale restaurants, a small railroad exhibit, and probably the coolest hat shop within 100 miles (think: bowlers and top hats, along with English styled hunting caps and German volksmarching hats). Many parks and trails are easily found around Fort Langley, too.

One thing to mention is that this is a popular spot for Canadian tourists. It gets busy, especially on the weekends. Still, very much worth a stop and a day in the town.

Number 4: Bitche, France

Come to France for the cheese, stay for the giant citadels.

What to See and Do: It's Bitchin'! OK, that was the easy joke. Bitche is a small town that is overlooked by a 600 year old citadel. The massive fortress is an imposing sight, even from miles away.

You may choose to join a group tour or take a self-guided stroll through the ramparts, underground passages, buildings and an interpretive museum. The exhibits, including bakery, latrines, and living quarters, are given new life through mannequins in authentic uniforms and the inclusion of “piped in” smells (I'm not joking). The fort will take a few hours to tour, and the on site cafe contains local pastries (Pro Tip: A croissant with cheese or meat, some fruit, and a cup of coffee males for a frugal lunch).

The town itself has more than a citadel to offer. The old churches and provincial architecture offer great photo opportunities. Away from the touristy spots, Bitche conveys the true essence of French life. Also, the Maginot Line fortifications near Bitche (like Ouvrage Schoenenbourg) are also worth a stop.

Number 3: Moshi, Tanzania

I can sum Tanzania up in one word: friendly

Everything you want from an adventure to East Africa awaits in (or originating from) Moshi. At the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi is a wonderful mix of agriculture, markets, wild spaces, and wonderful people.

What to See and Do: Tour the Rau Forest and rice fields, then meet a coffee makers in the foothills of Kilimanjaro, and hike to Materuni Waterfalls.

Also, take in the markets (Pro Tip: Go with a local and don't make yourself a target for thieves) and sit some iced chai at one the many awesome coffee shops in town. A visit to an authentic Maasai village adjacent to the Kilimanjaro Airport (Pro Tip: Fly directly into Kilimanjaro Airport – JRO) and learn about their amazing culture. Many safaris kick off from Moshi and there are ways to join shorter safari trips on a shoestring budget. All you have to do is contact the backpacker hostels in Moshi and see if they arrange 2 or 3 budget safaris.

Number 2: Manitou Springs, CO

Red rocks and snowy mountains await at the eastern edge of the Rockies!

What to See and Do: Located near Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs is one of the most photogenic places I've ever seen. From the stark red rocks to the quaint downtown, this place is worthy of a day's visit.

The Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings are a relocated Anasazi collapsed ruin, brought to the area in 1904. While the removal and resurrection of an actual cliff dwelling is not something condoned these days (for very good reasons, both archaeologically and culturally), when it was done more than 100 years ago the intent was to preserve the ruins. Even with its beginnings, the site is a fairly accurate representation of the original dwellings.

Nearby, the Cave of the Winds provides family fun and adventure with caves, zip lines and other outdoor amusements. Heading towards Colorado Springs, hikers will find Red Rock Canyon Open Space filled with scenic trails and beautiful vistas.

Of course, Manitou Springs downtown area is not to be missed. My personal favorite is the vintage arcade with its nickel and dime machines. Everything from penny arcade shows to current video games give you ample opportunity to geek out for awhile.

Number 1: Saarbrucken, Germany

Saarbrucken gets my vote for most unique city in Germany. Hands down.

Founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago, the city has seen countless kings, queens, empires and dictators try to rule over the city of the Saar (a river).

What to See and Do: A great start to exploring Saarbrucken is to walk around the altstadt, or old town. The cobblestone pedestrian-only streets link modern buildings with Baroque architecture dating back 500 years or more. Along the way you can stop to admire the fountains and rathaus (town hall). Cross a bridge originally built by Romans and you come to the Saarland government area.

The schloss (meaning: castle, but not in that Cinderella sense of the word) is home to the state government offices. Facing the building, you will see a small museum entrance. Art and historical exhibits rotate through this interesting museum, which includes the original foundation of the castle and its “dungeons.” Of note, the courtyard in front of the schloss is an invisible memorial to 2,146 Jewish cemeteries – either suppressed or destroyed during World War II. A plaque inscribed: "Platz des Unsichtbaren Mahnmals" lets visitors know they are standing on cobblestones that have the names of these missing cemeteries, facing downward, beneath their feet.

Visitors cannot go wrong with nightlife in Saarbrucken. Thanks to the proximity of the French border, the city is a mix of influences and cultures. From Irish pubs to French brassieres to the standard German kneipe, it has a place to match your style.

Want to visit France on the fly? Hop on the Saarbahn and head over the border for a visit.

Saarbrucken tops my list simply because I've spent months there and have yet to run out of new things to see and do!