Skip Iceland and Head for the Faroe Islands

A few years ago, everyone was headed to Iceland. Everyone still is, really. However, off the coast of Iceland, situated about halfway between the hot destination and the United Kingdom, lie the Faroe Islands.

More and more travel companies and publications are drawing attention to the Danish Faroe Islands and for good reason. Here are just a few of them.

They haven’t been discovered … yet. You’ll be the first of your friends to visit the isles, which still aren’t receiving too many tourists. Plus, the remoteness means there aren’t even many locals — just around 50,000. The primary residents are of a different species. You’ll find sheep are just about everywhere (plus, look out for another animal favorite — the puffins!).

The food is perfect for those who like to experience the local flavors, particularly if you’re into seafood. Almost 100 percent of the Faroe Islands’ economy is sourced from the stuff. Locals serve up salmon, shellfish and more in hearty abundance, and even the nice restaurants are relatively cheap (less than $100).

Travel is easy once you’re there, and you can comfortably drive between the main islands (connected via bridges and tunnels). However, even getting there initially isn’t too much trouble. Connecting flights are available via Reykjavik.

There’s so many Instagram-worthy views you might find yourself actually putting down the phone and not Instagramming at all. The islands are hike-able, with gorgeous green scenery at every turn, quaint and cute cottages, waterfalls, shorelines … it’s an undiscovered paradise.