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10 Most Underrated Travel Destinations in the World

Embark on an unforgettable holiday adventure with these hidden gems!

By Preedee Teo | August 2, 2024

Are you tired of the same old tourist traps and overcrowded hotspots? Ready to shake up your travel routine and discover some hidden gems? Buckle up as we take you on a whimsical journey to 10 of the most underrated travel destinations around the globe. These spots might not have made it onto every list, but they’re brimming with quirky charm, stunning views, and unforgettable experiences. Answer the call to your adventurous spirit and get ready to hit the road to explore some of the world’s best-kept secrets!

1. Tasmania, Australia

Step into a world of captivating landscapes and immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences when you visit Tasmania! As a carbon-negative destination, it features the Tasmania Wilderness World Heritage Area with over 800 hiking trails. Year-round attractions include white sand beaches, cold-water swimming, the Aurora Australis, and winter festivals like Dark Mofo. Cultural highlights are the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart and the UNESCO-listed village of Port Arthur. Culinary delights can be found at Stillwater and Havilah in Launceston, while cider, wine, and whisky trails are prominent around Devonport, Hobart, and the Huon Valley. Bruny Island is also a must-visit for seeing local penguins!

2. Prince Edward Island, Canada

Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, offers an abundance of delightful experiences within its modest landscape. It features parabolic dunes, expansive sandy beaches, and an island-wide walking trail that meanders through lush wetlands, picturesque farmland, and red sandstone cliffs. A seafood lover’s dream, the island serves fresh lobster, clams, mussels, and oysters, with the chowder poutine at the Blue Mussel Café being a must-try. Accommodation options are varied, from spending a night under the stars in a geodesic dome to staying in a quaint summer home built in 1895.

3. Filandia, Colombia

Travelers often overlook the charming town of Filandia, with its multicolored balconies and rolling green hills, because they are directed to nearby Salento for its proximity to Cocora Valley and the world’s tallest palm trees. Filandia, however, offers the same vibrant architecture and superior countryside views (notably from the 27-meter Colina Iluminada lookout) and boasts the innovative restaurant Helena Adentro. Recently named one of the world’s best tourism villages by the UN’s World Tourism Organization, Filandia is a hidden gem worth visiting!

4. Brown Station, Antarctica

While many Antarctic cruises are patronages to the historic Port Lockroy, be sure your itinerary includes Argentina’s Brown Station, which is situated on the Antarctic continent itself. Here, you’ll get the exciting opportunity to share the vast 5.5 million square miles with a few thousand people and millions of adorable penguins. From Brown Station, you’re able to spot friendly seals or orcas and enjoy stunning views of Paradise Bay, one of Antarctica’s most breathtaking sights.

5. Newcastle, Australia

Newcastle, Australia, is unique for its city-beach fusion living spaces. Located two hours north of Sydney, this low-rise New South Wales city has evolved from a coal-mining town into a vibrant destination with hip cafés, top restaurants, live music, and scenic coastal walks. Enjoy your summer at Nobbys Beach or the Merewether Ocean Baths. Make your way to Nobbys Lighthouse, and explore the Honeysuckle harbor precinct. At sunset, try a cocktail at the QT Hotel’s rooftop bar and dine at Flotilla, known for its local produce and wine. Newcastle offers both a laid-back beach vibe and a lively city experience.

6. Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

Cabo Rojo, a vibrant beach town on Puerto Rico’s southwest coast, features white sands and brilliant turquoise seas typical of a Caribbean escape. Located three hours by car from San Juan, it provides a relaxed atmosphere far from the city’s hustle. The town features various beaches, including Combate Beach with its natural reserve. Head down to Buyé Beach where you’ll be able to find local horses, and Boquerón, a lively beach village with excellent dining options. Instead of large resorts, you’ll find family-owned inns and vacation rentals like Combate Beach Resort and Cuatro Casitas. End your day with a glass of fresh passion fruit mojito while watching the famous sunset on Puerto Rico’s west coast.

7. Lombok, Indonesia

Lombok, often overshadowed by busy Bali, offers a serene alternative with its white-sand beaches and tranquil atmosphere, away from the bustling crowd. The south features more buffalo than crowds, while the east’s terraced rice fields remain largely untouched by social media influencers. North Lombok is home to Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second tallest active volcano, which provides challenging hikes and stunning views. For those not into hiking, the island also boasts lush rainforests and impressive waterfalls.

8. Karpathos, Greece

Instead of the crowded spots like Santorini and Mykonos, many Greeks prefer the less-visited island of Karpathos, accessible by a four-hour ferry from Rhodes. Here, you can relax on nearly deserted beaches with pristine waters and unique Mediterranean monk seals. Enjoy a feast of traditional local cuisine in Olympos, a mountain village that almost always seems to be stuck in time, where women wear colorful traditional outfits and donkeys are the main mode of transport to take you around on this wonderful adventure!

9. Côn Đảo, Vietnam

Just 45 minutes by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, Côn Đảo offers an untouched escape within a large national park. Visitors can relish the island’s pristine nature, vibrant coral reefs, and secluded beaches, like those on Hon Bay Canh islet, which is a turtle nesting site. The island also features lush trails through jungle-clad mountains, including Ong Dung Primeval Forest and the hike up Mount Thanh Gia. For the history buffs out there, you can explore the Côn Đảo Museum and former prison sites, to give you deeper insight into the island’s past as a penal colony.

10. Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca, Ecuador’s third-largest city, stands out for its rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999. The city hosts the Bienal de Cuenca, an annual arts festival that celebrates local artisans and artists. Cuenca is also known for its traditional crafts, including the renowned Montecristi hat (commonly called a Panama hat), with workshops available to observe the hat-making process. Often overshadowed by more accessible destinations like Quito or the Galápagos, Cuenca is certainly an Instagrammable gem worth visiting in the Andes.

Conclusion

There you have it—ten underrated destinations that are just waiting for you to discover their charm. From Tasmania’s wild beauty to Prince Edward Island’s cozy vibes, each spot offers a unique experience far from the tourist throngs. So pack your bags, and get ready to weave these hidden gems into your travel itinerary to create an unforgettable magical adventure the next time you hit the road!