Seven off-the-beaten-track destinations for National Day holiday

4. Uruguay in South America

Embedded between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is a somewhat hidden gem that awaits your exploration. Its capital, Montevideo, is the heart and soul of tango. You can stroll along the streets, absorbing the omnipresent Latin passion or sampling the South American delicacies. To disconnect from city life's chaos for a while, you can head to Cabo Polonio, a coastal hamlet detached from the country's urban fabric. Stay there for a night or two to savor the area's pristine beauty, and appreciate numerous stars punctuating the night sky at the best stargazing spot in the Southern Hemisphere.