“Best Underrated Destinations for 2025 That Aren’t Overrun by Tourists”
The top undervalued places that are chock-full of their own special charm but not yet swamped by tourists:
Europe:
Albania: Nicknamed the "new Croatia," Albania has breathtaking coastlines, ancient cities such as Gjirokastër and Berat (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), lovely beaches, and mouth-watering Mediterranean food, all at a tiny fraction of the price of its trendier neighbors.
Georgia: This gem of the Caucasus has a distinctive combination of ancient heritage, stunning mountain vistas, lively wine tradition, and gracious hospitality. Cities such as Tbilisi are getting more popular, but there are still many off-the-beaten-path areas to discover.
Slovenia: This country is a surprise gem in the middle of Europe, still blissfully uncrowded relative to Italy or Austria. It's a land of fairy-tale castles (such as Lake Bled), emerald-green rivers, picturesque cities such as Ljubljana, and breathtaking Julian Alps for outdoor enthusiasts.
Montenegro: Situated on the Adriatic coast, Montenegro boasts fjord-like dramatic bays, medieval towns such as Kotor (a further UNESCO location), and untouched national parks. It gets overshadowed by Croatia but offers the same level of beauty at a lesser crowd.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Historic and scenically rich, Bosnia and Herzegovina provides cityscapes, quaint old town centers (such as Mostar and its famous Stari Most bridge), and a moving history that is a deeply emotional travel experience.
Estonia: This Baltic country is a fascinating mix of medieval quaintness and high-tech innovation. Tallinn's Old Town is a UNESCO listing, but outside the capital city, you'll discover beautiful national parks, lovely islands, and a strange, off-beat culture.
Wales, UK: Too often side-stepped for England or Scotland, Wales has dramatic castles, dramatic coastlines, three of Britain's most beautiful national parks (Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire Coast), and a strong Celtic culture.
Puglia, Italy: While the other parts of Italy are flooded, Puglia, in the "heel" of Italy's boot, provides whitewashed villages, ancient trulli houses, stunning beaches, and phenomenal cuisine, an authentic Italian experience minus the crowds.
Tinos, Greece: If you are a fan of Greece but don't want to deal with the crowds of Santorini or Mykonos, Tinos is an excellent choice. It has stunning beaches, charming villages, and a lively art scene, providing you with a true Greek island life.
Asia:
Kyrgyzstan: This Central Asian country is an adventure traveler's paradise, with its expansive mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and nomadic people. It's ideal for trekking, horse riding, and taking a really off-the-grid trip.
Laos: Too often skipped in Southeast Asia, Laos has calm Buddhist temples, bustling night markets, and breathtaking natural scenery, especially around Luang Prabang and the Mekong River. It's a less hectic, more authentic experience than some of its more crowded neighbors.
Uzbekistan: A country with a wealth of Silk Road heritage, Uzbekistan is home to stunning Islamic architecture in cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. A culturally fulfilling destination that is gradually becoming popular.
Sri Lanka: Although it does get tourists, Sri Lanka remains fairly uncrowded in relation to some other Asian places. It has varied scenery from unspoiled beaches to tea plantations, ancient ruins, and wildlife.
Fukuoka, Japan: While Tokyo and Kyoto are big draws, Fukuoka is the place to experience more relaxed and traditional Japan. It features stunning torii gates, a giant reclining Buddha, and great local food.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam: For a less crowded alternative to well-known Vietnamese beach resorts, Phu Quoc features unspoiled beaches, rainforests, and a peaceful island atmosphere ideal for a peaceful break.
Americas:
Nicaragua: With beautiful volcanoes, immaculate Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, and picturesque colonial towns such as Granada and León, Nicaragua boasts breathtaking natural beauty and rich heritage, which tends to be ignored in favor of its neighbors.
Bolivia: This gem in South America is awash with diversity, ranging from the otherworldly Uyuni salt flats to Amazon rainforest and high Andean mountains. It's one of Latin America's least-toured and cheapest nations.
Ecuador: Jam-packed with varied attractions within its compact limits, Ecuador is home to Amazon rainforests, Andean mountains, and the unusual Galapagos Islands (although the latter can be pricey).
Antigua, Guatemala: Surrounded by volcanoes, this historic city boasts cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and lively local markets. A stunning place to visit for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.
Westfjords, Iceland: While Iceland's Golden Circle is busy, the isolated and dramatic Westfjords area has inspiring landscapes, monumental cliffs, and a really off-the-path experience with significantly fewer travelers.
Africa/Oceania
São Tomé and Príncipe: These off-the-beaten-path islands on the coast of West Africa provide tropical rainforests, volcanic summits, and pristine beaches, ideal for nature-loving luxury travelers searching for an isolated retreat.
Tasmania, Australia: Although mainland Australia receives the most tourists, Tasmania features raw wilderness, unusual wildlife (such as the Tasmanian Devil), untouched national parks, and a rich food and wine culture, all with fewer tourists.
Komodo Island, Indonesia: Famous for its Komodo dragons and a distinctive pink sand beach, this island is gaining popularity, so 2025 could be the ideal time to travel there before it gets crowded.