7 Unforgettable Destinations to Visit at Least Once, According to a Travel Pro
- Darley Newman, host of Travels With Darley, shares seven unique and transformative travel destinations around the world that are often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
After decades of exploring nearly every corner of the globe, Travels With Darley host Darley Newmanhas learned that the most meaningful trips aren’t always the ones on everyone’s bucket list. “People might say, ‘Let’s go to the Galápagosor Machu Picchu,’ but I like to share something different,” says Newman. “I’m drawn to transformative travel experiences—and to the places that often fly under the radar.” From the salt pans of Botswanato the Civil Rights Trail in Alabama, her favorite destinations are places that make you think—and stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your bags. “It’s the people who make a place unforgettable,” she says. Her advice: pause, look around and imprint the moment. “If you’re really happy somewhere, take 60 seconds to remember it. You’ll carry that feeling with you.” Here, she shares seven places around the world that everyone should visit once in their lifetime—and why each one is so unforgettable.
Related: 7 Best Destinations for Solo Travelers, According to Darley Newman
1. Cappadocia, Turkey
Ancient and ethereal Cappadocia, Turkey, tops Newman's list. “Cappadocia feels like traveling through time,” says Newman. With its surreal fairy chimneys, underground cities and cave hotels carved into volcanic rock, this central Turkey region is pure wonder. “The history there really makes you appreciate our planet,” says Newman. “The landscape, the layers of civilization, the fact that you can stay in a cave hotel and then explore underground cities—it’s almost mind-boggling.” Take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride—“It’s crowded, but absolutely worth it,” she adds. "For people who are looking to learn about themselves and learn about the world, it's an amazing place to visit."
Stay:Exedra Hotel, a luxury cave property that embodies the region’s magic.
2. Botswana
“Botswanais one of my favorite places in the world ,”says Newman. “Exploring the Okavango Deltaon horseback and by safari completely changed the way I see our planet.” She says seeing wildlife roam freely is a life-changing experience: “Once you’ve watched elephants or giraffes in the wild, you’ll never look at a zoo the same way again.” At night, she adds, the stargazing over the vast Makgadikgadi salt pansis “absolutely breathtaking.”
Stay:Jack’s Campfor an ultra-luxe safari camp stay with game drives, bushmen walks and even a mini museum.
3. France (Champagne + Côte d’Azur)
For Newman, no list is complete without a visit to the country known for its joie de vivre . “If you’re at a point in life where you need a little kickstart, head to France,”says Newman. “Have some wine, incredible food and amazing cheese—it’s one of those places that reminds you how to enjoy life again.” She recommends starting in the Champagne region, where historic cellars contain stories of royalty and wartime resilience. Then, head to the Côte d’Azurfor the glamour and coastal elegance of the Grace Kelly–era. “It has all the history and sophistication,” Newman says, “but it’s also completely refreshing.”
4. New York City
The city that never sleeps is also a must for Newman, who lives there now. “There’s nothing like the energy of New York City,” says Newman. “Seeing a Broadway show is such a special experience, and the food scene is unmatched. If you don’t want to leave the U.S., you can still travel the world just by exploring New York—it’s such a great American city for so many reasons.”
Don’t miss:COTE, a Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse in Manhattan.
Related: 7 Fall Foliage Destinations Everyone Should Visit Once, According to Darley Newman
5. South Carolina’s Revolutionary War Sites
As a South Carolinanative, Newman says visiting Charlestonand nearby battlefields like Camdenoffers a powerful perspective. “With the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States coming up next year, it’s such a meaningful time to explore our country’s historic sites,” says Newman. “They give you a new perspective on how the U.S. came to be—and how, even in divided times, people have found ways to come together.”
Newman says Berkeley Countyand Camdenare rich with Revolutionary War history. “Visiting places like the Camden Battlefieldreally makes you appreciate humanity—our struggles and our resilience,” she says. “It’s a powerful, life-changing experience that helps you learn, grow and connect with the past.”
Stay: The Dewberry, a stylish Charleston hotel with a rooftop bar overlooking Marion Square.
6. North Dakota
Often overlooked, North Dakotais one of Newman’s favorite U.S. surprises. “I’ve been to North Dakota five times now, filming four different episodes there, and every visit reminds me how special it is,” says Newman. From Theodore Roosevelt National Parkto Grand Forks, Fargoand Minot, she’s road-tripped across the state and fallen in love with its beauty. “If you want to see the heart of America, you have to go off the beaten path,” she says. “Small towns that aren’t overrun with tourists let you really connect with people—at farmers markets, local art galleries or just chatting with folks along the way.” Newman describes the state as “beautiful and welcoming,” filled with sunflower fields, sweeping badlands and wide-open skies. It may be one of the least-visited states in the U.S., but she says it deserves a top spot on your list. “Move it up—it’s pretty awesome,” she adds with a smile.
Stay: The Jasper Hotel in Fargo, right downtown, puts you in the heart of everything.
7. Alabama Civil Rights Trail
“The Alabama Civil Rights Trailis one of those trips that stays with you,” says Newman. In Selma, she toured with JoAnne Bland, a guide who marched in the historic Selma to Montgomery Marchduring the civil rights movement. “Hearing those stories firsthand is incredibly humbling,” Newman says. “It gives you a deeper understanding of our history and the people who shaped it.”
She adds that there's much more to Alabama’s culture than just its history, though. “The food alone is worth the trip,” she says with a smile. “You’ve got incredible barbecue, fresh Gulf seafood and so much heart in the local cuisine.” For Newman, it’s a destination that’s “less represented but truly life-changing.”
Eat:The Gulf Coast’s seafood and Birmingham’s barbecue scene are reason enough to go.
Bonus Picks
Newman also gives honorable mentions to Florence, Italy, where she once studied abroad (“It’s the ultimate Eat, Pray, Love destination”), and Route 66 through Illinois, which celebrates its 100th anniversary next year.
To find out how to watch Travels With Darley , visit her website .
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
