100 Underrated Destinations Around the World You’ll Wish You Visited Sooner
We asked 5,000+ world travelers what the most underrated travel destination that surprised them the most was. And the number of small, quaint, and downright mind-blowing places that were listed were too good to keep secret.
From stone village above the French Riviera to salt flats in Bolivia to beat-up American cities that reinvented itself to unknown islands in the middle of the Atlantic.. there’s something for everyone on this list.
Personally, I wanted to write this post and conduct this poll so that I could save this list for places I’d like to visit around the world. It’s how we determine almost every trip we go on. Find a place that looks awesome and just go!
So I hope you can take the same inspiration from this list that we have!
Here are the 100 most underrated travel destinations around the world according to expert travelers.
Central and Eastern Europe
Everyone gawks at the beauty and variety you’ll find in European travel destinations, but the most overlooked corner of Europe is by far the best.
And when you realize that, here are the destinations to add to your bucket list:
Lake Bled and Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia is a runaway favorite of well-traveled people everywhere. On top of that, add the Soca and Tolmin valleys and the tiny coastal town of Piran, and you have an entire country that overdelivers on every aspect.
They speak English everywhere, and the food and wine are incredible as well.
Krakow, Poland
Shockingly, this was the single most-named city on this entire list.
But after digging a little, you’ll quickly realize why. Krakow has a gorgeous old town, it’s deep with history (sometimes not always positive, but important), the people are warm and kind, and the prices are LOW.
A few other places to consider while you’re in Poland include:
- Wroclaw
- Gdansk
- Warsaw
- Pszczyna (the folk-museum town)
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is a perfect medieval old town, and an easy ferry ride from Helsinki. Honestly, we weren’t surprised to see this at the top of most traveler’s lists of underrated destinations.
Riga, Latvia
When it comes to Riga, we’re talking about 800 art nouveau buildings, delicious food, and an old town with a fraction of the crowds you’d find in Western Europeans popular cities.
The city is so photogenic, and it’s crazy how few people know how amazing this place really is.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is a baroque old town with a relaxed pace. People love it for its quiet beauty and low prices.
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
I’m sure you’ve heard of Prague. It certainly gets all the love from travelers, but the real hidden gem is in Cesky Krumlov, a little riverbend town a couple hours south of the capital.
It will easily deliver the same fairytale scenery but with far fewer tour groups.
The High Tatras and Bratislava, Slovakia
We all know Germany for its many castles, but if you want a unique experience, hop over to Slovakia for endless castles, dramatic mountains, and a charming capital.
Not to mention the prices are wayyy cheaper than anything you will find in Western Europe. And this country as a whole is almost entirely ignored by American travelers.
Brasov and Transylvania, Romania
I’m not sure why Romania isn’t higher on more people’s bucket lists, but it certainly should be. There you’ll discover castles, gorgeous rolling hills, charming towns, and a lively capital city, Bucharest.
The Balkans
The first time we set foot in the Balkans, we asked ourselves why it took us so long to visit. It’s affordable, stunning, and very quickly changing, so I highly suggest prioritizing this region.
Here are some spots to add to your Google Map:
The Albanian Riviera
If you’re a sucker for turquoise beaches and friendly locals, add the Albanian Riviera to your list of destinations.
And while the coast is immaculate, Albania as a whole is one of the most overlooked and incredible countries there is. From the energy of Tirana (the capital), to the stone streets of Gjirokaster, to the quiet but epic Albanian Alps, Albania literally has everything you could possibly want, and all for a fraction of what most European countries cost.
NOTE: If you want to spend a significant amount of time in Europe, Albania has one of the best options. Americans can stay visa-free in the country for up to 12 months.
Kotor, Montenegro
We’ve traveled to over 45 countries at this point, and Montenegro is easily in my top 5. We stayed in Kotor for a month and a half, and felt so sad to leave.
You’ll be delighted with a fjord-like bay and walled medieval towns. Most travelers head to Croatia, which we also loved, but we thought Montenegro outshined Croatia many times over, and the crowds were much smaller.
Sarajevo and Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
I remember when I told my mom we were going to Bosnia. She (ignorantly) said, “isn’t there a war going on there?”
*Face palm*
Yes, there was a war in Bosnia in the 90s, but it has since stopped, and the country is very peaceful and absolutely gorgeous.
Sarajevo is a charming, resilient city where East meets West, and Mostar’s arched stone bridge is one of the top tourist destinations in the Balkans.
Plovdiv and Sofia, Bulgaria
Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth, and Sofia is a quaint city that’s cheap and off-the-radar.
Bulgaria as a whole is such a unique country with so much to offer. We hope more people give it a chance as time goes on.
Istria, Zadar, and the Dalmatian islands, Croatia
As I mentione above, Croatia can get busy, especially in places like Dubrovnik. So instead, check out the Istrian peninsula, Zadar for epic sunsets, Pula for its Roman arena, Cavtat, and the islands.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is energetic, friendly, and cheap, with many free attractions. Many who answered our poll mentioned Belgrade as an underdog in the Baltics.
Ohrid, North Macedonia
This one has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, and after running this poll, I’m kicking myself even more for not visiting sooner.
Ohrid is a lake town with tons of old churches, clear water, and very little tourism in comparison to the rest of Europe. North Macedonia in general is such a hidden gem, so plan a trip to the area, and hop around to different towns when you arrive.
The Caucasus and Central Asia
If you’re okay with stepping out of your comfort zone a bit, we highly recommend these regions, and we’re sharing the top recommendations below:
Tbilisi, Kazbegi, and Svaneti, Republic of Georgia
I have to be completely honest. We spent 3 weeks in the country of Georgia and it was not our favorite. After hearing from so many people how outstanding it was from the food to the people to the prices, we had to visit.
But alas, our trip wasn’t what we expected and we ended up leaving early. That said, just because our trip wasn’t what we hoped does NOT mean you can’t or shouldn’t enjoy it because overall, it really is gorgeous.
Travelers rave about Georgia. And I mean RAVE. Check out the following destinations:
- Tbilisi – the capital city with the coolest old town
- Kazbegi
- Mestia
- Ushguli
- Kakheti – the wine region
Yerevan, Armenia
I recently watched a YouTube video about Yerevan and it really surprised me and sparked my interest. So when I saw so many people commen that this was an underrated destination, I was excited to add it to this list. Armenia is full of ancient monasteries, a cosmopolitan capital, and views of Mount Ararat (see below).
There’s also so many layers of history that almost no one thinks to visit.
Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, Uzbekistan
After visiting Kyrgyzstan, we immediately added all of the Central Asian countries to our list. We have yet to visit Uzbekistan, but we’ve heard amazing things.
Silk Road cities in general feel so surreal with all tiled domes and desert walls that seem to be straight out of a storybook.
Kyrgyzstan and Almaty, Kazakhstan
If I could wave a magic wand and be back in Kyrgyzstan right this second, I would do it in a heartbeat.
We spent 7 days trekking through the Alay Mountains in Southern Kyrgyzstan and had the time of our lives. Our guide told us that more people summit Mount Everest each year than hike these trails, which is so mind-blowing considering the scenery.
We loved Kyrgyzstan so much that we went back just a year later to visit the northern part of the country near the Kazakhstan border. This time, we went in winter and did some skiing, and it was unbelievable. Words cannot describe our experiences in Central Asia.
Southern Europe, Off the Beaten Path
Most people love Europe, but few venture outside of the tourist hot spots. I urge you to look deeper at some of these lesser-known destinations:
Valletta, Malta
Malta is an English-speaking, sun soaked, ancient city that’s surrounded by gorgeous water. Europeans know this destination well, but most Americans somehow miss it.
And if you’re into seafood, behold one of the best places in Europe for fresh cuisine.
Funchal – Madeira, Portugal
It’s not just the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo, Madeira is a green volcanic island full of sea cliffs, eucalyptus, and Michelin-level food.
You can take a boat around the gorgeous coast and explore well beyond the fun capital city, Funchal.
Sao Miguel, Sao Jorge, and Terceira, the Azores
Mike and I spent a month exploring Sao Miguel, one of many green islands of the Azores, located in the middle of the Atlantic.
It’s full of crater lakes, hot springs, and dramatic coastline.
Puglia and Bari, Italy
While tourists flock to Rome, Florence, and Venice, the heel of the boot of Italy is usually overlooked. This is a mistake because the whitewashed towns, olive groves, and seafood all give the major hot spots a run for their money.
Puglia and Bari have all the charm of Italy at half the tourist density.
Matera and Basilicata, Italy
A few months ago I was scrolling through social media and found an epic image of a town that I expected to be just a fake AI depiction.
It turned out to be Matera, one of the most incredible ancient cities in Italy carved into the rock and surrounded by a very off-the-beaten path region that almost no foreign traveler bothers to visit.
Bolzano and the Dolomites, Italy
If you’re a mountain man/woman, let the Dolomites sweep you off your feet.
We’re talking alpine drama that feels more Austrian than Italian. The mountains here belong on any short list of the most beautiful places on earth.
Genoa and Ravenna, Italy
Genoa is overlooked thanks to its nearby neighbor, Cinque Terre and the coveted Amalfi Coast. But in Genoa, you’ll find incredible art and food with no lines, plus easy access to Cinque Terre as a day trip if you want the best of both worlds.
On the other hand, Ravenna’s golden mosaics are unlike anything else in the country. Definitely worth a visit!
Sicily, Italy
Sicily is a fairytale island with so much to explore. From Agrigento’s temples, hilltop Erice, the food of Palermo, and pretty Taormina, you can’t go wrong spending time here.
Orvieto, San Gimignano, and Umbria, Italy
Moving away from the coast, you’ll find clifftop towns and walled hill villages with all the Tuscan magic and a fraction of the crowds.
Orvieto, San Gimignano, and Umbria all belong at the top of your bucket list, and once you visit, you’ll understand why immediately.
Lake Garda and Lago Maggiore, Italy
Sure, you may have heard of Lake Como, which is beautiful in its own right. But you can find incredible adventure and similar scenery at two more affordable lakes.
Lake Garda and Lago Maggiore deliver everything people drive to Como for, including the elegant town of Stresa.
Pescara and Abruzzo, Italy
These are two Adriatic beach towns that are backed by national parks. To get here, fly into Rome, rent a car, and drive across to a side of Italy few people go to.
San Sebastian and the Basque Country, Spain
Foodies listen up.. if San Sebastian isn’t on your list of places to visit already, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Here, eating is a sport, so you’ll fit right in. Add in the beach views framed by green hills and you’ve got yourself a place that people consider heaven.
Valencia and Alicante, Spain
This is the birthplace of paella, and you’ll find beaches, stunning architecture, and wayyy fewer crowds than you’d fight in Barcelona.
Granada and Malaga, Spain
Enjoy the Andalusian sun in Granada and Malaga with the breathtaking Alhambra, and a beautiful coast that’s actually affordable in the off-season.
Naxos and Milos, Greece
Milos is one of our favorite places on Earth. We spent two months on this island in 2020 and fell in love with everything from the hiking to the food to the people and everything in between. It’s less chaotic than Santorini and Mykonos and arguably just as beautiful.
We haven’t had the chance to visit Naxos yet, but we’ve heard from others that it gives the same vibe as Milos.
Western and Northern Europe
The overlooked corners of the most-visited continent on earth.
The Faroe Islands
I have to be honest with this one, too. While others voted for this one to be on the list, Mike and I didn’t really enjoy our time on the Faroe Islands. Sure, the scenery was dramatic and otherworldly, that wasn’t the problem.
What threw off our trip was being unprepared for extreme weather, unfriendly locals, and navigation complications.
Let’s just say, it wasn’t our favorite, but we don’t want that to stop you from visiting the Faroe Islands if your heart is set on it!
Bruges and Ghent, Belgium
It’s hard to imagine storybook cities like the ones in Belgium as being real. But in Bruges and Ghent, you’ll find canals, medieval squares, and chocolate everywhere.
It’s absolutely magical, walkable, and certainly overlooked with Brussels close by.
Odense and Bornholm, Denmark
There’s so much to love about Denmark as a whole. It’s a model country and Mike and I wish we could make the leap and live there permanently. But for now, we just have to enjoy the charm of places like Odense as visitors.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, Odense and the island of Bornholm get lost behind the more popular Nordic capitals.
All in all, Denmark deserves the top of the list.
Tromso, Bergen, and Flam, Norway
If you want northern lights above the Arctic Circle, and fjord towns that look unreal, Tromso is your answer.
Sure, it’s expensive, but worth every krone.
Visby and Gotland, Sweden
Visby is a perfect walled town on the Baltic island of Gotland. Here you’ll find Stockholm’s clean, design-forward beauty but much, much quieter.
Salzburg, the Wachau Valley, and Tyrol, Austria
To most, Salzburg isn’t much of a hidden gem, but it still deserves a spot on this list. If you’re a fan of the Sound of Music or you’re looking for lakeside towns with epic views, consider any one of these destinations.
Lauterbrunnen, Murren, and Thun, Switzerland
I’ve spent a decent amount of time in Interlaken, and it’s one of the few destinations I’ve gone back to a second time; it’s just that beautiful. But when I got outside of Interlaken and explored Lauterbrunnen, Murren, and Thun, I couldn’t believe how the beauty of Switzerland just kept going.
Eze and Aix-en-Provence, France
Eze is a clifftop village above the Riviera and a town where the scent of lavender is everywhere. Aix-En-Provence is the south of France at its most romantic.
Annecy, Colmar, and Strasbourg, France
All of these stunning canal towns that look like fairytales you’d read in a book. You’ll find flower-lined waterways and timbered houses.
And if you’re in the area in winter, you’ll find some of the most amazing Christmas markets!
Lyon and the Dordogne, France
Lyon is France’s food capital, so if you’re a foodie, head’s up!
The Dordogne, with Sarlat and Saint-Emilion, is where you’ll find castles, wine, and dreamy rolling hills.
Normandy and Saint-Malo, France
When I took my first trip to Europe in 2014, I visited Normany for the history behind it. What I didn’t expect were the beaches, cider, and a port city that completely wowed me.
Visit nearby Mont-Saint-Michel while you’re at it, too!
Sete, Montpellier, and Carcassonne, France
These French destinations include a canal town (Sete), a university city (Montellier), and a fairytale walled fortress (Carcassonne), and all of them are fairly overlooked.
The UK and Ireland
London has its perks, but there’s so much more to the UK than its capital city. And of course, Ireland. Everyone loves Ireland. Here are some of the most underrated destinations:
The North Coast 500, Scotland
The North Coast 500 is a road trip around the far Highlands that ranks among the greatest roadtrips on earth. Just Google it and let the pictures do the convincing.
The Outer Hebrides and Shetland, Scotland
Shetland and the Outer Hebrides are remote islands with white-sand beaches and a very slow pace of life.
Glasgow and St Andrews, Scotland
Listen.. I know a lot of people who would warn you away from Glasgow. It’s grittier than Edinburgh, but it’s friendlier, cheaper, and you’ll get the golf-and-coast charm of the east.
In our opinion, Glasgow’s creative energy wins people over fast.
Cornwall and Devon, England
Cornwall and Devon are the English coast’s finest. It’s hardly on the radar of most Americans, but if you’re into surfing, fishing, and eating, consider adding it to your list.
The Cotswolds and Chester, England
Another storybook town worth mentioning. In the Cotswolds, you’ll find stone villages, rolling hills, and a walled Roman city.
The Causeway Coast and Ireland’s west, Northern Ireland and Ireland
Most people skip Northern Ireland for Dublin, Galway, and the southern coast. But the dramatic coastline up north, plus the cliffs, music, and pubs are worth visiting, too.
Portmeirion and Snowdonia, Wales
I (naively) didn’t know these places existed until I polled our audience. It turns out, Wales has some pretty epic mountains and castles.
The United States
Not ready to leave the USA right now? There’s so much to explore in your own backyard, so let’s jump into those destinations below:
The Black Hills and Badlands, South Dakota
South Dakota might be the biggest underdog on this entire list. I grew up in Minnesota, and even though we are touching South Dakota, I never once thought of it as a vacation destination.
As I got older, we started to drive through South Dakota to get to Colorado, and let’s just say it has so much charm that it’s a shame more people don’t know.
You’ve got Custer State Park’s bison, the Badlands that feel like you’re walking on the moon, and historic Deadwood. All of these locations are genuinely breathtaking.
And if you want, throw North Dakota in, too. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Medora are just over the North Dakota line.
Southern Utah
Luckily for me, Utah is very accessible from Colorado, so we’ve made ALL the trips to places like Zion, Bryce, Moab, and Kanab, all of which deliver red-rock landscapes that look like another planet.
The drive on Highway 95 from Hanksville to Mexican Hat is one of the most beautiful stretches in the country.
The Oregon Coast
Most people look for dramatic coastline in California, but you can find sea stacks, towering cliffs, and forest tumbling in Oregon, too. They are arguably more gorgeous, and more affordable.
Make the trip from Portland all the way down through Samuel Boardman. You’ll quickly see why the Oregon coast is so loved by locals.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Island
The more I learn about Lake Superior, the more I’m enthralled by its beauty. And if you want to experience some of the best parts of Lake Superior, head to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where you’ll find waterfalls, sea arches, and lots of kayaking opportunites.
And while you’re in Michigan, be sure to jump over to Mackinac Island. It’s a car-free island that will take you back in time. My parents went on their honeymoon to Mackinac Island, which says a lot about the destination as a whole.
Door County, Wisconsin
I visited Door County in my teens with my parents, and at first, I was not excited to be going on vacation to Wisconsin of all places. But this peninsula of cherry orchards, lighthouses, and harbors was an easy charmer.
It felt like we were in New England but without the New England prices.
Pittsburgh and Cleveland
As you’re reading this list, you might take pause at the idea of Pittsburgh and Cleveland being here. But give us a chance to explain..
These are two reinvented Rust Belt cities that are now clean, lively, and packed with great restaurants and friendly people. Give it a chance if you get the chance.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville has everything: Blue Ridge Mountains, craft everything, and a whole lot of creativity. It’s easy to love and hard to leave.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
New Mexico is one of those states that people forget is a state. But in Santa Fe, you’ll find unforgettable adobe architecture, a really awesome art scene, and green chile on everything.
Sedona, Cottonwood, and Bisbee, Arizona
I realize that Sedona isn’t really THAT underrated, but our audience insisted that it was. And how can you blame them? Sedona, Cottonwood, and Bisbee all have that red-rock charm.
The gorgeous Oak Creek Canyon drive toward Flagstaff, the cluster of wineries in Cottonwood, and the quirky old mining town of Bisbee are all worth visiting if you’re in the Southwest.
The Texas Hill Country and Big Bend
Another one I didn’t know existed until just a few years ago when my cousin told me he lives in “Hill Country”. After visiting him, we were impressed by all the wineries, wildflowers, rolling hills.
Not far is one of the wildest national parks in the lower 48, Big Bend.
Bend, Oregon
We moved to Bend, Oregon in 2017 and it changed our lives. The adventures you can find in this high-desert town are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. People would question our move all the time, but we kept assuring them, “Bend has it ALL.”
Whitefish and Bozeman, Montana
In Whitefish, you’ll find ski runs as epic as the American west gets. Bozeman also offers a gateway into some of the most beautiful mountains in the country.
The San Juan Islands and Port Townsend, Washington
The San Juan Islands offer some of the most incredible experiences in the USA; orcas, calm, and a Victorian seaport that’s certainly worth the detour. This is the Pacific Northwest and it shines through at every turn.
Homer and Seward, Alaska
My uncle owned a home in Homer, Alaska for years. It’s an end-of-the-road town with wild beauty where the mountains meet the sea and the fishing is legendary.
The Finger Lakes and Adirondacks, New York
Who knew there was more to New York than one of the largest cities in the world? The Finger Lakes region offers wine, lakes (obviously), and mountains. Most people have no idea upstate New York is this beautiful, me included.
The Boundary Waters and the Brainerd Lakes, Minnesota
I was happily surprised to see the Boundary Waters and the Brainerd Lakes Area on this list. Why? Because this is my home!
We spend about 3-6 months per year traveling around the world, but nothing beats coming home to our lake house in Northern Minnesota. We have millions of acres of lake and forest and it’s best seen from a canoe.
Carmel-by-the-Sea and Morro Bay, California
Carmel-By-The-Sea is a storybook coastal village, and Morro Bay is a laid-back harbor town. These are up-and-coming destinations, so you won’t be alone when you visit, but you will find far fewer crowds than most other California hot spots.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of Colorado’s five national parks, and I’m so glad it earned this status. It flies under the radar compared to the other national parks in the state, and that’s okay!
Coeur d’Alene and Stanley, Idaho
Coeur D’alene is a cute lake town, and Stanley is nestled in the jagged Sawtooths. Idaho hides some of the best scenery in the West.
Canada
It took me most of my life to visit Canada, even though we live just 2 hours from the border. Most people want to visit far away destinations or beaches, but what they are missing out on is some of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Newfoundland
Newfoundland is rugged with wildy beautiful coastline and some of the friendliest people anywhere.
Nova Scotia and PEI
Nova Scotia and PEI feature lighthouses, lobster, and shoreline. The Maritimes are overlooked. Use Halifax as a home base and give yourself time to explore this underrated region of Canada.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
I have yet to meet a traveler who has visited Vancouver Island and DIDN’T fall in love. I even know multiple people who have moved here after visiting because it is just that amazing. Check out Tofino, Victoria, and Nanaimo while you’re in the area.
Haida Gwaii and Kananaskis
The remote islands of Haida Gwaii off the BC coast, and Alberta’s Kananaskis both deliver. You’ll find Banff-level adventures and grizzlies (maybe yikes??) with a fraction of the crowds.
Quebec City and the Saguenay
Here’s another one I didn’t discover until recently. If you’re looking for a European excursion without the long-haul flight, this old-world French-inspired city is one of the best in North America.
Mexico and Central America
Skip Cancun and Cabo, and check out these Mexico and Central American underdogs instead:
Mexico’s colonial cities
A few to add to your list include Oaxaca, Puebla, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Merida, and Queretaro. They all deliver gorgeous architecture, world-class food, and nice people. Don’t sleep on the Mexican cities for the beaches.
Mexico City
Mexico City isn’t what everyone thinks it is. While we are typically warned about the dangers of such a large city, those who have been know that you’ll find some of the best food in the world, and art art and more art.
Bacalar, Holbox, and Chiapas, Mexico
If you are keen to visit a Mexican beach, check out Bacalar, Holbox or Chiapas.
Antigua and Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Volcano-ringed Lake Atitlan and the colorful colonial streets of Antigua are two places you shouldn’t miss.
The history, the food, and the people make this a place a traveler’s dream.
Granada, Ometepe, and San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Colonial Granada, a volcano island rising from a vast lake, and a surf town on the Pacific. Beautiful, affordable, and still off the radar.
Belize
A world-class reef, lush jungle, and the easy bonus of English everywhere. Adventure travel without the language barrier.
The Osa Peninsula and Monteverde, Costa Rica
Skip the crowded spots for the wild rainforest of the Osa and the misty cloud forest of Monteverde. Costa Rica at its most untamed.
The Caribbean, Off the Beaten Path
Skip the cruise-port crowds for these.
Havana, Cuba
Crumbling, romantic, and utterly its own. The architecture, the music, and the gracious, easygoing people leave nearly everyone changed. The beaches around Varadero are a bonus.
Roatan, Honduras
Some of the best, most affordable diving in the world, plus beautiful beaches and friendly people. A scuba lover’s dream.
Bonaire and Curacao
The quiet Dutch Caribbean, with world-class shore diving and a calm, lived-in feel the bigger islands lost long ago.
Grenada and Dominica
Lush, mountainous, and gloriously untouristed. Real islands where nature still runs the show, with Vieques in Puerto Rico and the Exumas in the Bahamas in the same spirit.
South America
The continent that overdelivers at every turn.
The Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
Four thousand surreal square miles of mirror-flat white that reflects the entire sky. Remote, wild, and one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Montevideo and Punta del Este, Uruguay
A laid-back capital and an elegant beach town make for a calm, sophisticated, and very overlooked corner of South America.
Quito and the cloud forest, Ecuador
A historic Andean capital with the Galapagos offshore and a misty cloud forest within a few hours. Enormous variety in a small, friendly country.
Cartagena and Medellin, Colombia
Colorful, walled Cartagena and a transformed, energetic Medellin, with Bogota in the mountains. Music, food, and a country that reinvented itself.
Cusco and Aguas Calientes, Peru
There’s far more to Peru than the ruins. Cusco is a beautiful city in its own right, and the little town at the base of Machu Picchu is worth lingering in for a night or two.
Mendoza, Argentina, and the Atacama, Chile
Wine country under the Andes in Mendoza, and the otherworldly high desert and stargazing across the border in Chile.
Africa and the Middle East
Some of the most rewarding travel on the planet, and some of the most overlooked.
Sossusvlei and Etosha, Namibia
Towering red dunes and a wildlife-packed salt pan, all easy to explore on a self-drive safari. Insanely beautiful, and remarkably simple to tour on your own.
Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, Uganda and Rwanda
Mountain gorilla trekking is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience, set against some of the most beautiful scenery in Africa.
Cape Town and the Garden Route, South Africa
Table Mountain, the wine country, a stunning coastal drive, and big-game parks. Stunning, varied, and far friendlier than first-timers expect.
Fez, Marrakech, and Asilah, Morocco
The markets of Fez and Marrakech, the calm of the coastal town of Asilah, and the color of Tangier. A feast for every sense.
Tunisia and Petra, Jordan
Tunisia blends ancient ruins, Mediterranean beaches, and endless hospitality. Across the region, Petra and the desert of Wadi Rum in Jordan are among the most rewarding sights anywhere, with Oman and Lebanon close behind.
The Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar, Tanzania
A wildlife-packed crater that feels like a lost world, and a spice island of white sand and turquoise water. East Africa’s coast, from Watamu in Kenya to the islands, is wildly underappreciated.
The Wrap-Up
This list could have filled a book. The fact that we left off so many other amazing destinations is a testament to just how many incredible places there are in this world to explore.
We hope you leave this post now knowing that the best trips are usually the ones a little harder to reach.
