By The Frommer's Staff

It's OK to love Paris, Rome, and Tokyo, but when was the last time you fell for someplace new? If you're after a less-traveled take on adventure, tranquilty, history and cultural immersion, you're going to have to step out of your comfort zone. So without slighting your favorites, consider one of these nine unfamiliar yet incredible cities, regions and islands.

Cape Coast, Ghana

History and nature meet in the central region of Ghana, where Cape Coast's notorious slave-trading past is one-upped by its stunning coastline.

What to Know

The city of Cape Coast located in the central region of Ghana, is a living legacy of the era of slave trading and colonialism -- a stunning coastline with a notorious past. Originally the capital of Gold Coast (Ghana's former name) under Portuguese and then British rule, over a three hundred year period several million shackled slaves left the imposing Cape Coast Castle bound by ship for the New World. Today, visitors gaze out at the Ghanaian fisherman unloading their day's catch in the shallow waters beneath the imposing fortified walls of this UNESCO World Heritage listed castle.

The entire stretch of coastline is dotted with some of the oldest examples of European-style architecture outside the continent; close to 60 forts, trading stations and castles lie along Ghana's 300-mile stretch of coast, although several have not survived the ravages of time. Travelers will be captivated by Cape Coast Castle and the 15th-century Elmina Castle and Fort St Jago in the neighboring town of Elmina. Just inland from the coast is Kakum National Park, a visually impressive and easily accessible rainforest with canopy walkways providing panoramic vistas and viewing platforms from which to watch the abundant wildlife including crocodiles, monkeys and exotic birds. Apart from stepping back in time, the area offers exceptional opportunities for safaris, trekking, fishing, canoeing and sailing, plus a chance to experience a more traditional Ghanaian lifestyle, away from the bustle of the capital city Accra.

Where to Stay

Bridge House (tel. +233/42-91261; http://www.coconutgrovehotels.com.gh/Bri..._index.htm) located directly across from Elmina Castle. Price: Moderate; includes breakfast

Biriwa Beach Hotel (tel. +233/244-446277; http://www.hotelbiriwabeach.com) is located in the tiny fishing village of Biriwa. Price: Inexpensive; includes breakfast.

Gaziantep, Turkey

What to Know

Millions of tourists flood through Turkey's major attractions and cities each year, but only a small number ever make it to the far southeast of the country and even fewer can boast that they have visited one of Turkey's most historic regions -- the Gaziantep province. At first glance, Gaziantep appears to be a large, industrial and modern city but its heritage dates back over 4,000 years. Ayintap, as it was originally known, was a significant settlement during the Babylonian, Hittite, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

The city stands at the crossroads between Southeastern Anatolia and the Mediterranean, Europe and Asia, close to Turkey's border with Syria. Because of its location, Gaziantep bears the influence of many civilizations and its old city center is known for its traditional stone houses with distinctive architectural features peculiar to Southeastern Anatolia and Syria. In the center of the city stands the mighty sixth-century Gaziantep Fortress and Ravanda citadel with watchtowers, mosques, small palaces, the Mehmet Gazali Tomb and a bath house. The city's Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection from the area's Neolithic and Hittite periods as well as Roman relics, is one of Turkey's finest. Gaziantep also makes a good stepping off point for day trips to Mount Nemrut with its monolithic sculptural remains.


Getting There

By Air: The Gaziantep-Oguzeli International Airport is accessible via regular Turkish Airlines (http://www.turkishairlines.com) flights from Ankara and Istanbul daily. In summer there are non-stop flights to Gaziantep from Munich, Berlin and Hamburg, Germany.

By Land: Buses also connect the city with major centers like Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.

Where to Stay

Anadolu Evleri -- The Anatolian Houses (tel. +90/342-220-9525; http://www.anadoluevleri.com/default_eng.php) is a boutique hotel housed in four traditional stone houses, located in the old city center.

Antique Belkis Han Hotel (tel. +90/342-231-1084; http://www.belkishan.com) is a boutique property located in the ancient heart of the city. Price: Moderate; includes breakfast.

Jericoacoara, Brazil


What to Know

Known affectionately as Jeri, Jericoacoara in the northern Brazilian state of Ceará is remote and difficult to access, but after hours in a bus followed by the final 12-mile journey in a dune buggy, you'll be overjoyed that you made the effort. Not only is Jeri known as the home of Brazil's most incredible beaches, but it is an undeveloped, eco-protected haven for lovers of the pure outdoors. There are no paved roads, no cars (apart from dune buggies), no banks, no street lights and restricted use of electricity. What it lacks in modern conveniences, it certainly makes up for in sheer beauty. Undulating sand dunes dominate the landscape and you can choose to swim in the warm sea waters or in one of the crystal clear lagoons, surrounded by a national park.

Kitesurfing, sandboarding and windsurfing attracts enthusiasts from around the world, but days can also be spent horse-riding, exploring the dunes, rock formations and natural pools and visiting small villages like Mangue Seco and the fishing community of Guriu. Sunsets are spectacular with visitors making pilgrimage to a massive coastal dune to watch the festivities each evening. After the sun goes down, be mesmerized by the capoeristas practicing their rhythmic martial-arts-meets-dance at the base of the dune or learn to dance forró at an outdoor bar or club. The government has restricted construction here, so unlike other pristine areas at risk of development, it is unlikely the Jeri will change in the foreseeable future.

Getting There

By Air: From Sao Paulo, TAM Meridional Airlines (http://www.tamairlines.com) flies several times per day to Fortaleza's Pinto Martins International Airport. For the final leg, North Star Air Taxi (http://www.fortalezabeaches.com/flights-...coara.html) makes the trip from Fortaleza by helicopter or private plane in an hour (plus the final 12 miles by 4WD).

By Land: Redenção Bus Company (tel. +55/85-3256-2728) operates buses from Fortaleza's Central Bus Station to Jijoca and then on to Jeri by converted 4WD vehicle, a distance of a little under 200 miles that can take approximately six hours.

Where to Stay

Simple and colorful rooms at Pousada Ibiscus (tel. +55/88-3669-2208; http://www.pousadaibiscus.com.br/1024/us/info.htm). Price: Inexpensive.

The beachfront Mosquito Blue (tel. +55/88-3669-203; http://www.mosquitoblue.com.br) is Jeri's largest and most stylish accommodation option. Price: Expensive.

Kangaroo Island, Australia


What to Know

Located off the rugged southern coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is surprisingly accessible for an isolated, eco-tourism destination that is generally off the tourist radar. It is home to pristine landscapes, magnificent limestone caves, stunning rock formations and an abundance of indigenous wildlife, with deserted beaches and none of the distractions of city life.

For an up-close and personal encounter with Australian fauna, Kangaroo Island has no equal. Walk among huge colonies of Australia sea lions and fairy penguins, watch the island's namesake kangaroos bound over hills and fields, and even catch sight of koalas as they munch on Eucalyptus leaves in a semi-euphoric state. You are also likely to spot bandicoots, wallabies, possums, frogs, bats, goannas and dozens of species of native birds. Apart from a few modern conveniences and low key accommodation properties, a trip to Kangaroo Island is like stepping back in time to Australia of yester year.



Getting There
By Ferry: Accessible by 45-minute trip on a SeaLink ferry (http://www.sealink.com.au) four times a day from Cape Jervis, the southern-most tip of the Australian mainland, 60 miles from Adelaide.

By Air: Fly to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide (30 minutes) on Regional Express (tel. +61/8-8553-2938; http://www.regionalexpress.com.au) or Air South (tel. +61/8-8234-4988; http://www.airsouth.com.au).


Where to Stay
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat (tel. +61/8-8559-7275; http://www.kiwr.com) is located at the entrance to the Flinders Chase National Park. Price: Moderate to Expensive.

Southern Ocean Lodge (tel. +61/2-9918-4355; http://www.southernoceanlodge.com.au) in Hanson Bay is Kangaroo Island's first and only exclusive luxury lodge. Price: Very Expensive.

Meknes, Morocco



What to Know

Unlike the more tourist-oriented cities of Marrakech and Fez, Meknes is far enough off the track to avoid the annoyances that western tourists may experience in Morocco's larger cities. The city is centered around the ancient medina with its labyrinth of souks and narrow alleyways leading to El-Hdim Square. The Medina itself is a harmonious design combining elements of Islamic and European town planning and is UNESCO World Heritage listed. El-Hdim Square is home to an array of interesting local culture and characters from snake charmers to traditional musicians, story-tellers to medical practitioners.

Meknes served as the capital for the 17th century Muslim ruler Moulay Ismail, affectionately nicknamed "The Bloodthirsty" and his exquisitely decorated mausoleum is one of the city's architectural highlights, along with the monumental Bab Mansour, a gate with stunning colored tiles, marble pillars and a lacy web of carved stucco; the Royal stables; the 10th century Nejjarin Mosque; and the Medersa Bou Inania, a 14th-century Koran school with a bird's-eye view of the Grand Mosque from its roof terrace. The impressive Roman ruins of the city of Volubilis, with its rich mosaics and complete lack of tourists, are located just outside the city.


Getting There

By Air: Royal Air Maroc (http://www.royalairmaroc.com) flies to Fez from New York five times per week via Marrakech. Alternatively, Royal Air Maroc flies non-stop to Fez from European cities including Paris and London.

By Land: Meknes is 36 miles from Fez and the distance can be covered by Grande taxi (pre-arranged tariff), rental car, train or public bus.


Where to Stay

Palais Riad Didi (tel. +212/55-558-590; http://www.palaisdidi.com/en) is an 18th century former palatial home with views overlooking the medina. Price: Moderate to Expensive.

Riad Safir (tel. +212/35-534-785; http://www.riadsafir.com) is a boutique property located in the oldest part of the city near Hammam Jdid. Price: Moderate.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam



What to Know



Located closer to neighboring Cambodia that Vietnam itself, Phu Quoc has long been somewhat of a contentious territorial issue between these two countries. Only a decade or two ago, Phu Quoc was best known as a fishing island and producer of exceptional fish sauce. Today, it is considered Vietnam's most treasured paradise, an island featuring immaculate deserted beaches, spectacular scuba diving, jungle habitats, fishing villages and traditional Vietnamese culture -- all wrapped up in a small and inviting package. There are 99 mountains covered in green primitive forests with awe-inspiring waterfalls and over 20% of the island is a designated National Park. What makes it unique is that it hasn't fallen prey to the developers' bulldozers and retains the ambience and charm of an intimate unadulterated island destination without a chain restaurant or high rise in sight.



Getting There

By Air: Vietnam Airlines (http://www.vietnamairlines.com.vn) flies from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City daily (via Taipei). From New York or Dallas, Vietnam Airlines flies six times a week via Tokyo, Frankfurt or Paris. From Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Airlines flies three times daily to Phu Quoc.

By Ferry: Twice daily boats run between Rach Gia on the mainland and Ann Thoi on the island's south coast (two hours 30 minutes) and between Ha Tien and Ham Ninh on the island's central east coast (70 minutes).


Where to Stay

The Saigon Phu Quoc Resort and Spa (http://www.sgphuquocresort.com.vn/resort.htm) is the only large-scale, four-star hotel on the island. Price: Moderate; includes airport transfers and breakfast.

Mango Bay Resort (http://www.mangobayphuquoc.com) is located at Ong Lang Beach, about 15 minutes north of the airport. Traditional and tastefully decorated fishermen and rammed earth bungalows. Price: Inexpensive.

Piran, Slovenia


What to Know

A mere one-and-a-half hours from Venice lies the captivating town of Piran, a tiny jewel in Slovenia's crown. Sometimes compared to Dubrovnik, Piran has all the charm of its Croatian and Italian neighbors, but thankfully without the lofty prices and huge tourist crowds.Its picture-perfect medieval harbor graces the Adriatic coastline alongside the neighboring spa resort and marina town of Portoroz.

Piran's history dates back to the 7th century and includes 500 years of rule from Venice. The city's historic walls encircle narrow cobblestone streets, most of which are too narrow to accommodate anything wider than a Vespa. This is a walking city, where distances are small and locals are friendly, congregating in the outdoor cafes and town squares. The Venetian-style campanile that sits atop a hill offers views towards Italy and Croatia and you can even get cell phone signal for networks from all three countries. Within easy driving distance of Triglav National Park, Trieste, Pula and Opatija, you can also catch a quick ferry to Venice, or visit the surrounding Slovenian wineries and vineyards. >>more



Getting There

By Land: Piran is located three miles from the city of Koper (ten minutes by public bus), the nearest train station and the connection point to the rest of Central Europe by road.

By Ferry: Piran is also accessible by ferry from Venice (http://www.viamare.com/venezia-lines-venice-piran.html) and other coastal cities in the northern Adriatic.

By Air: There is a small regional airport at Portoroz for charter flights and the international airports of Trieste and Ljubljana are less than an hour's drive away. Alitalia (http://www.alitalia.com) flies twice daily to Trieste via Rome from New York and once daily from Chicago. Lufthansa (http://www.lufthansa.com) flies twice daily to Ljubljana via Frankfurt from Boston and New York.

Where to Stay

Hotel Tartini (tel. +386/5-671-1000; http://www.hotel-tartini-piran.com), named after the violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini is a three-star hotel located in the main square (Tartinijev Trg). Price: Moderate to Expensive; includes breakfast.
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Rodez, France


What to Know

Rodez is a beautiful and rather ignored medieval town located in the Midi-Pyrénées' Aveyron region in southwestern France. Despite being a regional capital, Rodez is largely quiet and lacking in large tourist numbers. It hasn't always been ignored: the surrounding countryside is dotted with stone monuments and rich architecture including dolmen tombs, menhirs, fortresses, abbeys, fortified castles and churches. The Romans settled in Aveyron as early as the 1st century BC and the road which linked Rodez to the city of Millau was originally a grand causeway of villas and Roman estates. In the early Middle Ages the Knights Templar took up residence here but the town was actually sold off to partially finance the first crusade. Rodez is built high above the river Aveyron and is dominated by the 13th to 16th century red sandstone Cathedrale Notre Dame, one of the first Gothic buildings in Southern France and a French architectural icon.

The two main town squares, Place de la Cite and Place du Bourg are linked by a network of medieval streets lined with stone buildings, historical alleyways and masterpieces of Gothic wall art dating from the 12th to 16th centuries. Other interesting sites are the 17th century Episcopal Palace flanked by a massive tower and relics of an older palace; the Romanesque church of St Amans; and the Renaissance hotel built on the site of a former count's palace. The ruins of a Roman amphitheatre and a Roman aqueduct are still visible.



Getting There

By Air: There is a small regional airport in Rodez, but the larger airports of Avignon or Toulouse attract more flights. Air France (http://www.airfrance.com) flies from Paris to Rodez three times daily or twice daily from Lyon. From London, RyanAir (http://www.ryanair.com) flies once daily to Rodez and twice daily from Dublin. Air France flies five times daily to Paris from New York, twice from Los Angeles and once daily from Chicago.

By Land: Alternatively, fly to Paris and catch the TGV Train (http://www.sncf.fr) down to Rodez via Toulouse (approximately eight hours).



Where to Stay

The historic Hostellerie Fontages (tel. +33/5-6577-7600; http://www.hostellerie-fontanges.com/eng/index-eng.php3) is a 16th century chateau located in the village of Onet-le-Chateau, just outside Rodez. Price: Inexpensive.

The three-star Hotel Tour Maje (tel. +33/5- 6568-3468; http://www.hotel-tour-maje.fr) is housed in a medieval building in the city center. Price: Inexpensive.

San Blas, Mexico


What to Know

The town was an important gateway port for the Spanish colonies of California in the 17th century but was actually settled long before that, with archaeological remains dating back to 2000BC. Although not well known among the majority of Mexico's visitors, San Blas has long been a favorite destination for bird watching enthusiasts. The surrounding forests, beach lagoons, mangroves and islets are breeding grounds for dozens of exotic and native Mexican species.



Ruins of the imposing colonial Fort San Basilio sit atop a steep hill (La Contaduria) surrounded by dense forest, providing dramatic views of the town and harbor. The remains of the 18th century Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral and the old Customs House are equally impressive. San Blas is known for its camarones and beaches are lined with ramadas -- open air restaurants -- serving a variety of freshly caught seafood. But perhaps the town's greatest draw is its casual lifestyle, its quiet beaches and the ability to take boat trips to estuaries and small islands like Huichol (which Indians use for religious ceremonies) and Isla Isabel (a national preserve that is a major nesting area in the Pacific Ocean).



Getting There

By Air: The closest airports are at Tepic, located about 28 miles east of San Blas, and Puerto Vallarta's Diaz Ordaz International Airport, 57 miles south. Flights from New York, Miami or Los Angeles, plus several other U.S. gateways, fly to Tepic on AeroMexico (http://www.aeromexico.com) via Mexico City. AeroMexico, Mexicana, Delta and Alaska Airlines all fly non-stop daily to Puerto Vallarta from Los Angeles.


Where to Stay

Aticama Bed and Breakfast (http://www.aticamabedbreakfast.com) is located five miles outside San Blas. Price: Inexpensive; includes breakfast.

Hotel Flamingos San Blas (http://www.sanblas.com.mx/homepage.htm) is an 18th century hacienda located two blocks from the town square. Price: Inexpensive.