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Off the Beaten Track Holidays

Off the beaten track holidays at Not in the Guidebooks will help you discover those new destinations and more authentic and unique experiences while you travel. Working with local hosts means we utilise that invaluable local knowledge that invites you into the world of another culture, on totally immersive, totally unique experiences that make your holidays unforgettable.

Whether you’re embarking on an epic jungle adventure through Costa Rica or staying in a local homestay and learning to cook with local Sri Lankans, at Not in the Guidebooks we’ve curated our itineraries to give you the most rounded experience of a destination. We believe that the greatest travelling experiences are those that help you truly get to know an authentic culture, and that the best way to do this is to get you away from the diluted tourist hotspots and on an off the beaten track holiday.

Most Popular experiences

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  • The Ultimate Cultural Morocco Tour

    13 Nights Morocco

    From the gateway to Africa to the distant reaches of the Sahara, the soaring Atlas mountains to the sleepy Atlantic coas..

    Price from

    £3091 pp*
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  • Immersive Mayan Riviera

    7 Nights Mexico

    Immerse yourself in the authentic side of the Mayan Riviera, as you visit local Mayan communities and explore the natura..

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    £1381 pp
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  • Highlights of Namibia – Privately Guided

    13 Nights Namibia
    • Privately Guided
    • Visit the Cheetah population at the AfriCAT sanctuary
    • Visit Brandberg Mountain - Namibia's highest peak

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    £4695 pp*
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  • 8 Day Adventure in Northern Vietnam

    7 Nights Vietnam
    • Explore Hanoi - busy markets and delicious street food
    • Discover the magnificent caves of Ha Long Bay
    • Visit Mai Chau and walk the Cham river suspension bridge
    • Stay in boutique eco lodges

    Price from

    £1209 pp*
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  • Costa Rica East to West

    14 Nights Costa Rica
    • Brave ziplining and hanging bridges in Monteverde
    • Enjoy Tenorio Volcanic National Park and hot springs
    • Guided boat wildlife tour in Tortuguero
    • Explore the charming village of Santa Elena

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    £2856 pp*
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  • Ultimate Journey Through Colombia

    14 Nights Colombia
    • Private Tour
    • Immersive visits to Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena
    • Cultural and active stops at Santa Marta, Cannúa & Cocora Valley
    • Relax in the Rosario Islands

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    £4980 pp*
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  • Highlights of Southern Peru

    11 nights Peru
    • Visit Iconic Machu Pichu
    • Private Boat at Lake Titicaca
    • Market Visit & Cook with a Local

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    £2722 pp*
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  • Sri Lanka: Immersive Adventure

    10 Nights Sri Lanka
    • Hike to Manigala Rock & Adam's Peak
    • Safari in Wasgamuwa National Park
    • Ride the famous Blue Train to Ella

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    £1770 pp*
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  • An Authentic Immersion into Mauritius

    13 Nights Mauritius
    • 14 nights in authentic & unique accommodation with 13 breakfasts & 10 dinners
    • 10 day car rental included
    • 6 day experiences included

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    £3437 *pp
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  • The Ultimate Family Thailand Experience

    11 Nights Thailand
    • Unique premium accommodation
    • Great for Families
    • Includes: Bangkok City and Beach stay
    • Includes: River rafting, Trekking, Boat Cruise and Elephant Sanctuary

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    £7590 per family of four*
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  • Top Off the Beaten Track Holidays destinations

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    Where can I get off the beaten track?

    At Not in the Guidebooks we do our best to ensure that all our holidays take you off the beaten track, which means whether you go to Morocco or Mexico, Cyprus or Cuba, you’ll be getting a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is through working with local people and their knowledge that we’re able to curate itineraries that really get under the skin of a destination. So, if you’re looking for an off the beaten track holiday, just browse our destinations and start your adventure!

    Explore our destinations!

    Who are off the beaten track holidays for?

    Seasoned travellers, people who’ve never left their home country, off the beaten track holidays are popular amongst absolutely everyone and anyone looking to broaden their horizons and experience something new through travel!

    You’ll be led by a local guide, who takes absolute pride in their home and in showing you all the best bits that make it so special. You’ll try the local food, hear the local music, meet the local people, and escape the well-worn trails where cultures are diluted by hordes of tourists. All that’s required of you is a thirst for new experiences, a traveller’s curiosity and bags of enthusiasm. Bring this on an off the beaten track holiday, and you’ll be rewarded with memories that will last a lifetime.

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    Sustainability & responsible travel

    Of course there is a lot of personal benefits of off the beaten track holidays, but what about social and environmental benefits? Recent data has shown that up to 78% of the money spent on holidays in developing countries ends up in the pockets of international businesses, which is a huge loss for locals. That is why when you get of the beaten track with Not in the Guidebooks, you’ll be staying in locally owned accommodations, partaking in locally run activities and otherwise supporting local businesses! Then, when it comes to the environment tourism can play a big part in damaging local eco-systems through mass tourism and overcrowding. So, when you get off the beaten track you’re helping by taking pressure off local infrastructure and allowing those tourism hotspots a bit of a breather. If you’d like to learn more about our sustainability efforts then check out our sustainability commitments page.

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