Taking the road less traveled truly does make all the difference. When you venture outside the major vacation spots, you can truly immerse yourself in local culture, giving you a whole new way of looking at the world. You can also avoid the crowds that are so common at tourist attractions, allowing you to truly unwind and enjoy your vacation.
If you're feeling a growing sense of wanderlust, we've got you covered. Here are some of our favorite unknown travel destinations from all over the world.
North America
You don't have to go far to have a great time. If you're looking for underrated places to travel within the continent, look no further than these destinations.
1. Great Basin National Park, Nevada, United States
With only about 90,000 visitors per year, Great Basin National Park is one of the most underrated vacation spots in the continental United States.
The park features hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, all of which are open year-round. You can also take a guided tour of the Lehman Caves or join a park ranger for an evening astronomy program.
There are plenty of camping options for those who want to spend the night in the park. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance to guarantee your spot.
2. Leavenworth, Washington, United States
Back in the day, Leavenworth was a bustling logging town. But after the decline of its logging industry in the mid-20th century, the town decided to rebrand itself to attract more visitors.
The result? A Bavarian village right here in the U.S. Come for the authentic beer halls and stay for the quirky attractions and idyllic scenery.
Some of the most interesting attractions in the town include:
- Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum: See more than 9,000 nutcrackers from all over the world and learn all about the benefits of eating nuts at this unique museum.
- Leavenworth Reindeer Farm: You can interact with real reindeer and enjoy tasty treats at this family-owned and operated farm.
- Waterfront Park: Cool off in the Wenatchee River or take a leisurely stroll on one of the park's walking trails. The park also occasionally hosts live music and other events, so you might run into a festival on your trip.
3. Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve, Québec, Canada
As the first certified International Dark Sky Reserve, Mont-Mégantic is truly an underrated destination. A dark sky reserve is an area that commits to reducing light pollution, which is why they're perfect spots for stargazing.
Spend your day hiking through the park, or visit one of the park's astronomy centers for educational presentations and activities. At night, lay out under the stars or attend an evening event at one of the astronomy centers.
Rustic cabins and campsites are available in the park, but if you'd prefer something a little more modern, nearby hotels participate with the park to provide accommodation discounts for park guests.
South and Central America
Check out these unknown travel destinations below the equator.
4. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to lush forests, diverse wildlife and excellent coffee, so it's no surprise it's an incredibly popular getaway destination. While the country draws big crowds, there's plenty to explore for those who prefer to travel off the beaten path.
Nicoya's secluded beaches are perfect for surfing, snorkeling or just enjoying the sun. The peninsula is also home to several national parks and wildlife refuges for those who love exploring natural landscapes. More daring travelers might go spelunking in Terciopelo Cave, located in Barra Honda National Park.
5. Zona Cafetera, Colombia
Coffee enthusiasts, we've got a trip for you. Also known as the Eje Cafetero ("The Coffee Axis"), the Zona Cafetera is Colombia's UNESCO-listed coffee-growing region. The zone is spread between three cities — Cali, Bogota and Medellin.
Some of the best things to do in the Zona Cafetera include:
- Valle del Cocora: Hike through this picturesque valley early in the morning to see lively hummingbirds and the tallest wax palm trees in the world.
- Los Nevados National Park: Hike through the incredibly biodiverse trails to the snow-topped mountains of Ruiz, Tolima and Santa Isabel.
- Coffee haciendas: Many of the region's coffee farms, or haciendas, allow visitors to stay overnight. This is a great opportunity to learn about Colombian culture and coffee farming.
- Parque del Café: Enjoy both thrill rides and coffee tours at this coffee-themed amusement park in Montenegro, Quindío.
6. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Perched on the banks of Lake Nahuel Huapi, this Patagonian city — often called Bariloche — is a great vacation spot all year round. With beautiful national parks, lakeside beaches and historical sites, Bariloche offers something for everyone.
Take the scenic chairlift up the Cerro Campanario mountainside to see the city from 1,050 meters above sea level. You can also visit the Colonia Suiza to visit a little Swiss village in South America.
It's also the Chocolate Capital of Argentina, making it a must-visit destination for chocoholics and foodies. Experience it for yourself by visiting Mitre Avenue — better known as the Avenue of Chocolate Dreams. The street is lined with artisanal chocolate shops, many of which offer free samples to shoppers.
Europe
From medieval castles to fascinating cultural festivals, Europe offers an enormous variety of places to visit and things to do. For a unique experience, consider adding one of these spots to your list.
7. Perast, Montenegro
As a former strategic port for the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire, Perast is rich in history as well as beauty. Located just north of Kotor, this small coastal village is perfect for a romantic day trip.
Perast has some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the region, with many old buildings and churches to explore. You'll also find some of the best seafood in the region due to the local fishing industry.
One of the most beautiful historical sites in Perast is Our Lady of the Rocks, a human-made islet with legendary roots. It's only a short ride from the shore by water taxi, so definitely make sure to add it to your itinerary!
8. Tallinn, Estonia
Perhaps one of the most underrated countries to visit, Estonia is a small country with a deep history. As a coastal city in the northernmost Baltic state, Tallinn makes an excellent “base camp” for those touring northeast Europe — you can easily visit Finland, Scandinavia and the other Baltic states by ferry.
Travel back in time by exploring the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture of Tallinn's Old Town, and climb Toompea Hill to visit some of the oldest sites in the country. You can also visit Telliskivi Creative City, Tallinn's former industrial area, to experience the city's thriving arts and entertainment culture.
9. Wiesbaden, Germany
Once known as Aquae Mattiacae, Wiesbaden has long served as a wellness getaway for anyone who needs to unwind, including historical figures like Goethe, Dostoyevsky and Brahms. It's home to 26 hot springs and plenty of day spas, each offering unique experiences for solo travelers, couples, families and groups.
The city is also full of stunning architecture, providing a wealth of photo opportunities. Some standout spots include the Marktkirche, St. Elizabeth Russian Orthodox Church, the Hessian State Theatre and Wiesbaden City Palace.
Germany is one of the world's top consumers of sparkling wine, and Wiesbaden is home to some of its major producers. While you're there, make sure to sample some German sekt, a sparkling wine similar to champagne.
Africa
As the largest continent in the world, Africa is full of destinations that are still relatively unknown. Consider adding these hidden gems to your travel list.
10. Nyerere National Park, Tanzania
Although Nyerere is the continent's largest national park — and one of the largest national parks in the world — it's still fairly new, which is why it attracts less tourists than other African wildlife reservations.
The great thing about visiting a less-known national park means there's a greater chance you'll get a glimpse of the native wildlife. Book a safari to see stunning animals like elephants, zebras, rhinos and lions in their natural habitat. If you're looking for something a little more unconventional, take a boat or hot air balloon safari for a thrilling experience.
11. Félicité Island, Seychelles
How can you choose between all 115 of the Seychelles archipelago? While the three main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue draw most of the crowds, the small island of Félicité is perfect for those interested in a more secluded spot.
This tropical island paradise is mostly uninhabited, providing a real getaway from the hectic pace of everyday life. Its temperate climate, white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters make it the perfect setting for a gorgeous trip.
Accommodations are available at the Six Senses Zil Pasyon, a luxurious private resort. You could also stay on the nearby islands of La Digue or Praslin and take a ferry over to Félicité for the day.
12. Santo Antão, Cape Verde
This natural wonderland is perfect for outdoorsy people who love to hike. The island is full of great hiking routes, from the mountainous trails to the small villages below. Whether you prefer hiking or biking, there's an activity for you.
Other things to do include:
- Canyoning: The island features about 50 canyoning routes that will take you through beautiful waterfalls and rivers.
- Diving: Although Santo Antão's beaches aren't the best for swimming, there are plenty of scuba diving opportunities off the north and south coasts.
- Horse riding: Santo Antão is a great place for a leisurely ride on horseback. Spend an afternoon on a guided ride through the rich natural landscape.
Because the island doesn't have a functioning airport, the only way to get there is by taking a ferry from São Vicente. If you're looking to take a longer trip, consider staying on Santo Antão for a few days before moving to another of the islands.
Asia
The Pacific has some amazing places that many travelers tend to overlook. If you're looking for something different, try visiting one of these underrated Asian destinations.
13. Hue, Vietnam
As the former capital of Vietnam, Hue is full of history, culture and beautiful scenery. From beaches to monuments, there's plenty to see — enough for at least three or four days.
One of the most interesting historical sites is the Imperial City, a walled citadel modeled on China's Forbidden City. Built in the early 19th century, the Imperial City houses the Royal Tombs of Hue, the final resting place of Vietnam's last royal family. Although the city experienced severe destruction in the Vietnam War, the remains are still worth a visit for anyone interested in local history.
Hue is also a great destination for foodies due to its unique food culture. Known for its sweet and spicy flavor profile, Hue's cuisine was once reserved for royalty. Now, though, many of these dishes are easy to find in restaurants or from street vendors.
4. Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei, the glittering capital city of the Republic of China (Taiwan), is an unforgettable vacation spot. You can explore most of Taipei's biggest sites in one or two days, but to really get a feel for the city, we recommend spending at least three days there.
Some of the best things to do in Taipei include:
- Explore Liberty Square: Learn more about Taiwan's complex history by exploring the historical sites in Liberty Square. Be sure to check out the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall to explore its small museum, and catch the changing of the guards at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.
- Visit temples: Explore Taiwanese culture by visiting one of the local religious sites. While Longshan Temple is the most well-known, other notable places include Qingshan Temple, Bao An Temple and Xingtian Temple.
- Ride the Maokong Gondola: Looking for a thrill? Take a glass-bottomed gondola ride over the oolong tea fields and up the mountain to Maokong, where you'll find traditional tea houses and a breathtaking view of the city.
Don't forget to check out the local night markets, too! Whether you want to taste Taiwanese street food or shop for souvenirs, you'll find a little of everything in these bustling marketplaces.
15. Kamakura, Japan
Home to many historical temples and shrines, Kamakura is a coastal town located just an hour south of Tokyo. From 1185 to 1333, the city served as Japan's military capital and became the birthplace of Japanese feudalism and warrior culture.
If you choose to visit Kamakura, visiting the city's many historical and cultural sites is a must. Some examples include:
- Engaku-ji Temple
- The Great Buddha
- Hokokuji Temple
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
- Hase-dera Temple
Although its waves are too rough for swimming, visitors can lounge on the dark sands of Shichirigahama Beach and enjoy the beautiful view.
If you need to look for souvenirs, you can take a walk through lively Komachi-dori Street, the city's main shopping street. With more than 200 shops and restaurants to explore, Komachi-dori Street is a great place to spend a cloudy day.
