From a serene Colombian village to a secluded Vietnamese archipelago, these forgotten travel destinations are worth the trip.
“Overtourism.” It’s more than a buzzword—it’s a significant issue in many popular destinations, impacting local life, from the environment to the cost of living. Overcrowded places affect the quality of life for residents and the quality of your vacation.
Fortunately, changes are on the horizon. Countries like Italy and Japan are redistributing tourism from densely populated hotspots to lesser-known regions. This shift has sparked a trend among travelers towards “destination cheating,” where overcrowded holiday spots are swapped for quieter, less expensive alternatives.
Our list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations doesn’t include the usual suspects like Bangkok, Bali, Amalfi, or Amsterdam. Instead, you’ll find hidden gems like a Yosemite-like retreat, Morocco’s overlooked neighbor, and places with more penguins than people.
These forgotten spots offer a peaceful alternative to the classics and often welcome visitors. Traveling to any of these 24 destinations is a win-win situation. See you there?
Filandia, Colombia
This charming town with multicolored balconies and rolling green hills is often overlooked in favor of nearby Salento, known for the Cocora Valley and its towering palm trees. Filandia offers similar colorful architecture, better countryside views (don’t miss the 27-meter Colina Iluminada lookout), and innovative dining at Helena Adentro. Recently named one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages by the UN World Tourism Organization.
Southern Tunisia
While Morocco is a popular North African destination, consider Tunisia, specifically the surreal southern desert. The town of Douz, known as the “gateway to the Sahara,” offers endless dunes to explore by camel or quad bike. Visit Ksar Ghilane, a peaceful settlement with a crystal-clear oasis. Keywords: Southern Tunisia, Sahara desert, Douz, Ksar Ghilane.
São Sebastião, Brazil
Just a three-hour drive from São Paulo, this tranquil region boasts 62 miles of sandy beaches, perfect for beach lovers, kite surfers, and scuba divers. Visit Maresias, Juquehy, Barra Do Sahy, and Boicucanga beaches, explore the colonial old town, and ferry to Ilhabela for its 400 waterfalls. After the 2023 landslides, São Sebastião needs tourism support.
Côn Đảo, Vietnam
A 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, this archipelago is a national park with pristine nature. Snorkel vibrant reefs, explore deserted beaches like Hon Bay Canh, and hike jungle trails in Ong Dung Primeval Forest and Mount Thanh Gia. Learn about its history at Côn Đảo Museum and old prison sites. Keywords: Côn Đảo Vietnam, Vietnam national parks, Hon Bay Canh, Côn Đảo Museum.
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Canada is known for its vast lakes and towering mountains, but Prince Edward Island (PEI) proves that great things come in small packages. This smallest Canadian province offers parabolic dunes and endless sandy shorelines. An island-wide walking trail takes you through lush wetlands, picturesque farmland, and along red sandstone cliffs. Don’t miss the fresh seafood—lobster, clams, mussels, and oysters abound, and the chowder poutine from the Blue Mussel Café is a must-try. Accommodation options are varied: spend the night under the stars in a geodesic dome or in a charming summer home built in 1895.
Sibiu, Romania
Anchoring the southern fringes of Transylvania, Sibiu is a former Saxon stronghold that defies Dracula clichés. It hosts impressive cultural festivals like ARTmania and Sibfest, and the Brukenthal National Museum features works by Grand Masters. The town cherishes its medieval façades and cobblestoned squares, which come alive during the Christmas market. Despite its size, Sibiu offers plenty of space for tourists and locals to mingle comfortably. Don’t miss the fantastic restaurants, including the gastro-brewery Kombinat.
Tasmania, Australia
Australia’s smallest state, Tasmania, offers a diverse array of experiences. It’s one of the world’s only carbon-negative places, with much of the island protected under the Tasmania Wilderness World Heritage Area, home to over 800 hiking trails. Visit for cold-water swimming, the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), and winter festivals like Dark Mofo. Cultural highlights include the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart and the UNESCO-listed Port Arthur. Farm-to-table restaurants like Stillwater and Havilah in Launceston are a must, as are the island’s cider, wine, and whisky trails around Devonport, Hobart, and the Huon Valley. Don’t forget to visit Bruny Island to see the local penguins.
Cochamó Valley, Chile
Often compared to Yosemite, Chile’s Cochamó Valley features granite mountains, snowy peaks, and numerous waterfalls. Hike and climb through pristine forests filled with fascinating wildlife. Unlike Yosemite, visitor numbers are capped at 90 people per day. Walk the historic trails once used by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Stay at Refugio Cochamó, a basic but cozy lodge in the valley’s core, a day’s hike from the nearest road.
Newcastle, Australia
This New South Wales city, two hours north of Sydney, sits right on a beautiful surf beach. Initially a coal-mining and port town, Newcastle has evolved into a haven for surfers and city-goers alike. It’s packed with hip cafés, world-class restaurants, live music venues, and coastal walks. Spend summer days at Nobbys Beach or swimming in the Merewether Ocean Baths. Walk up to Nobbys Lighthouse and explore the Honeysuckle harbor precinct. At sunset, enjoy a cocktail at the QT Hotel’s rooftop bar before dining at Flotilla, which features local produce and wine.
Bentonville, Arkansas, USA
Of all the “-villes,” Bentonville is a standout. This charming Arkansas city offers numerous biking, walking, and hiking trails, including those in the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, where you’ll find Airship Coffee, a unique open-air café in the woods. The cultural scene is anchored by the awe-inspiring Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which houses works by Yayoi Kusama, James Turrell, and currently, singer-writer Jewel’s immersive art experience, ‘The Portal’.
Brown Station, Antarctica
Many Antarctic cruises visit the historic Port Lockroy, but ensure your itinerary includes Argentina’s Brown Station. Unlike Port Lockroy, Brown Station is located on the actual Antarctic continent. Stepping ashore, you’ll share 5.5 million square miles of land with just a few thousand other humans and millions of penguins. From the station, you may spot seals or orcas and enjoy frosty views of Paradise Bay, one of the White Continent’s most stunning scenes.
Mongolia
Mongolia is renowned for its traditional gers (yurts), friendly nomadic people, and herds of wild horses roaming across untouched steppes. With a new international airport and affordable local-led tours, this seemingly far-flung country is more accessible than ever. Start with a couple of days in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, then explore the picture-perfect ranges and fresh mountain air of Gorkhi Terelj National Park. Stay the night in a ger and don’t be surprised if nomadic herders stop by to welcome you.
Cuenca, Ecuador
Cuenca, Ecuador’s third-largest city, is an architectural gem whose historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It’s home to many artisans and artists, showcased at the Bienal de Cuenca arts festival. The city is known for traditional crafts, including the renowned Panama hat (Montecristi), and visitors can tour workshops to see the hat-making process. Often overlooked in favor of cities like Quito or the Galápagos, Cuenca is a picturesque showstopper worth traveling to.
Karpathos, Greece
While tourists flock to Santorini or Mykonos, Greeks in the know head to the Dodecanese island of Karpathos. Take the four-hour ferry from Rhodes to find near-deserted beaches lapped by pristine waters, frequented by Mediterranean monk seals. Enjoy local food in the tavernas of Olympos, a mountain village where women still wear colorful traditional outfits, and donkeys are the only traffic.
Lake Bacalar, Mexico
The tourist hotspots of Tulum and Cancún often overshadow Lake Bacalar, also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors due to its stunning blue waters. Enjoy kayaking to white-sand beaches, relaxing on docks while spotting migratory birds, swimming in cenotes, and staying in eco-hotels like Boca de Agua, located in its own nature reserve.
Srebrenik, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Srebrenik, located 87 miles north of Sarajevo, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most charming towns. Known as the ‘King’s Town’, it boasts Bosnia’s best-preserved medieval fortress, a twelfth-century structure overlooking the valley. The peak of Majevica offers incredible views, while Lake Ingram oozes romance. With delicious food, vibrant cafés, and graceful mosques, Srebrenik is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
São Tomé and Príncipe
In the Gulf of Guinea off West Africa, the volcanic islands of São Tomé and Príncipe form the second-smallest country in Africa and remain an unsung beauty of African travel. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, lush rainforests tumble into clear tropical waters, offering a wealth of nature-based adventures. Discover the islands’ rich cultural landscape, from their history as the world’s largest cacao producer to charming stays in traditional plantation rocas. In 2024, look for the reopening of Bom Bom Resort on Príncipe.
Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
A colorful beach town on Puerto Rico’s southwest coast, Cabo Rojo offers the white sands and turquoise seas typical of a Caribbean getaway. Located three hours by car from San Juan, its laidback vibe is a refreshing escape from the bustling capital. Cabo Rojo boasts several beaches, including Combate Beach with its natural reserve, Buyé Beach, where you might share the sand with local horses, and Boquerón Beach, a lively village with restaurants and bars. Small family-owned inns and vacation rentals like Combate Beach Resort or the luxury Cuatro Casitas provide cozy accommodations. End your day sipping a passion fruit mojito while enjoying the stunning west coast sunset.
Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe
While travelers often head to Victoria Falls or Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands are a hidden gem of equally stunning beauty. Comprising the Bvumba, Nyanga, and Chimanimani ranges, this region is home to Mutarazi Falls, Zimbabwe’s highest waterfall, offering ziplining and a skywalk. Mount Nyangani, the region’s highest peak, is a hiker’s dream, and the mist-laden Bvumba Mountains offer serene beauty. With steep hills, cool winds, and scenic drives, the Eastern Highlands are Zimbabwe’s answer to Scotland’s moors.
Gippsland, Australia
Located in Victoria’s eastern corner, Gippsland is a wonderland of alpine roads, snaking waterways, fertile farmland, and deserted stretches of white-sand beaches. After the devastation of the 2019-20 bushfires and the global pandemic, Gippsland’s recovery has been slow but steady. The region is rich in natural attractions, unique villages, and a burgeoning food and drink scene focused on local produce like seafood, cheeses, free-range meats, cool-climate wines, and organic fruit. Now is the perfect time to visit this Victorian gem.
Plymouth, England
Plymouth, a city in Devon, is often overlooked due to its middling size, but it’s a treasure trove of attractions. The Box, a new gallery, celebrates local artists, while the renovated Market Hall features an ‘immersive art dome.’ For swimming, the Tinside Lido is spectacular, and gin enthusiasts can visit England’s oldest distillery in the historic city center. Book a stay at Bistrot Pierre B&B in the revamped Royal William Yard for the perfect weekend getaway.
Turku, Finland
Turku, Finland’s second city and historic capital, rivals Helsinki with its waterside charms along the Aura River and thriving café culture. Known as the ‘Paris of Finland,’ Turku is also Finland’s oldest city, rich in medieval attractions like its castle and cathedral, and a hub for green innovation. Enjoy a local produce-tasting tour on an electric boat and experience the city in style.
Lombok, Indonesia
Unlike the crowded beaches of Bali, Lombok offers serene beauty and fewer tourists. The south’s white-sand beaches see more buffalo than traffic, while the east’s terraced rice fields are relatively Instagram-free. In the north, Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second tallest active volcano, offers challenging climbs and epic views. For non-hikers, lush rainforests and waterfalls beckon. With Lombok recovering from an earthquake and the pandemic, your visit will be greatly appreciated.
Bray, Ireland
Known as the Brighton of Ireland after the railway’s arrival in 1854, Bray, located twelve miles south of Dublin, has revitalized its mile-long Victorian seafront with cafés and restaurants. Walk from the harbor along the esplanade to the 800-foot Bray Head for panoramic views. Refuel at Butler & Barry on the beach and enjoy a Guinness at the Harbour Bar.
These destinations offer unique experiences and breathtaking beauty, making them perfect alternatives to more crowded spots. Been there, done that? Think again, my friend. Start planning your unforgettable vacation with us!
