Any travel junkie will tell you that there is nothing quite like the buzz of being first to discover a brilliant part of the world. That could be an entire country, a hard-to-reach region or a best-kept-secret city neighbourhood. Sometimes it´s just a matter of timing it right, when there´s enough going on to make a place exciting but before it hits the mainstream and the developers move in.

Indeed the rise of online holiday bookings has allowed people to discover more unusual and untouched locations than ever before with latest research from British Airways revealing that 76% per cent of European travellers currently organise and pay for their international trips via digital means.

However despite globalisation making the world feel a smaller and smaller place, there are still some amazing destinations in which to vacation that have not yet developed into tourist meccas and some closer to home than you might imagine!

If you´re looking for a peaceful beachfront holiday home away from the usual Spanish bound crowds then Taylor Wimpey Espana´s brand new development in Port Vell, Mallorca may be the answer.

Costa Beach is a new residential development with direct beach access and amazing sea views. This front line residential complex affords a unique location surrounded by stunning natural beauty with numerous coves, white sandy beaches and the crystal clear Mediterranean Sea. It consists of 2 and 3 bedroom properties from €220.000 with very spacious terraces, communal gardens and a swimming pool.

The beautiful parkland encompassing the resort is as breath-taking as the sea. Vivid green pine-clad hills tumble into the blue and there are many sites to see in the area too!  The famous Caves of Drach are close by, as is pretty Porto Cristo. Venture inland further and you´ll turn your back on touristy ´Majorca´ and discover the real Mallorca. Whatever you get up to, you won´t regret spending your holidays in Port Vell.

For the adventurer amongst us willing to explore pastures new, away from the UK´s usual holiday destinations such as France and Spain, why not invest in a holiday home on the sublime Adriatic coast of Albania, in Lalzit Bay, unspoilt by stampedes of tourists and boasting 5* properties from as little €30,000.

There are plenty of things to do and see from pristine beaches and majestic mountains to vibrant cities and untouched rural villages. A variety of leisure activities such as fishing, hiking and cycling are available in the nearby town of Durrës, as well as white water rafting, skiing and off-road adventures. Albania is also home to interesting archaeological and historical sites, such as the ancient city of Klos and the castles of Rozafa, Lezha, and Gjirokastra.

Hop to the other side of the Adriatic Sea and another hidden holiday home hotspot is just waiting to be discovered. Those looking for a share of la dolce vita without the price tag, look no further than Appassionata´s Estate Giacomo Leopardi, located just 10 minutes away from the medieval hilltop village of Montefiore dell´Aso in Le Marche, one of Italy´s best kept secrets.

Arriving at the estate you drive through beautiful wrought iron gates along the cypress tree lined driveway that leads to Casa Leopardi, a luxurious and exclusive private property available for fractional ownership, at just £185,000 for a one tenth fractional share. On the left is the Estate´s newly planted vineyard and to the right is one of the beautiful olive groves. To the south and west you can see the Sibillini Mountains, but looking straight down the valley to the east, your view is filled with the Adriatic Sea.