As a solo male traveler, I have visited more than 50 countries on practically every continent, and I can state with certainty that while the typical tourist attractions are wonderful, you must seek out the hidden gems to truly claim to have been there. My favorite continent to visit is Europe therefore I’ve spent a lot of time there and am quite knowledgeable about its majestic beauty. I’ve selected 3 of my favorite out-of-the-ordinary locations in Europe that I believe everyone should visit at least once.

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

We’ve all heard about the splendors of medieval Prague, the incredible nightlife, and of course the fantastic beer, but few visitors are aware of the Czech Republic’s many other attractions, particularly the lovely city of Karlovy Vary.  This place is located in the Bohemian Region only 80 miles west of Prague and you can get there by bus or train for less than $15. Apart from its breathtaking architecture and landscapes that you can admire, it is a famous spa resort with lots of spa and wellness centers and more than 300 hot springs. The most well-known spa resort is the Hotel Imperial, where you can receive the same unique treatment as European royalty and celebrities for $150 per night. There are a variety of procedures available, including massage, cryotherapy, aromatherapy, and even beer baths, so you can find something you prefer.

The Aran Islands, Ireland

This group of three tiny islands is located off the west coast of Ireland and you can go there by the ferryboat. When you get there, you’ll wonder how you never heard of this spot before because it looks like something out of a fairytale. You can bike around to look at the gorgeous tiny cottages, spot sheep and seals, enjoy a beer at the local pubs and admire the amazing views from the sea cliffs. If the name rings a bell, it is because of the Aran sweaters, the famous jumper that was originally made for the fishermen of the islands by their wives to protect them while they fished. To this day these garments are produced and sold here, but if you want to buy one and sadly don’t plan on going to the Aran Islands soon, you can select an authentic Irish sweater for men from the wide variety of online stores. This way, you’ll have a great, warm wool sweater that you can wear in any of your future trips.

Malta and Gozo

I wouldn’t necessarily call Malta an unpopular tourist destination, but for an average American this small island of only 122 square miles is definitely less known than countries like Spain or France. This tiny piece of land is in fact a whole state and is perfect for your summer vacation, as it has beaches of all types, including those with sand of all colors, blue lagoons, or rocky beaches. If you’re religious like me, you’ll be happy to know that this archipelago comprises exactly 365 churches as well as one of the oldest temples in the world, Ħaġar Qim, which is around 5000 years old. Gozo, Malta’s second-largest island, is reachable by ferry for a fee of 15 euros. There, you can take a boat cruise to explore the waters, see the Ta Pinu Basilica and the historic Citadella.