While iconic cities like Paris, Tokyo, and New York dominate travel wishlists, the world is filled with hidden gems waiting to be explored. These underrated destinations offer incredible culture, scenery, and value—often without the crowds or inflated prices. If you’re looking to go off the beaten path, here are ten lesser-known places that should be on every traveler’s radar.
- Guanajuato, Mexico
This colorful colonial city is packed with history, cobblestone alleys, and underground roads. It’s less touristy than San Miguel de Allende but just as beautiful.
- Visit the Museo de las Momias or take the funicular to the Pipila Monument for sweeping city views.
- Easily accessible from León Airport (BJX).
- Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Famous for its dramatic Old Bridge (Stari Most) and Ottoman-era architecture, Mostar is a stunning blend of East and West.
- Explore traditional markets and riverside cafes, and don’t miss a day trip to the Kravice Waterfalls.
- Buses run from Sarajevo or Dubrovnik.
- Kotor, Montenegro
Nestled in a fjord-like bay, Kotor is a medieval town surrounded by fortified walls and dramatic mountains.
- Hike the fortress trail for panoramic views or wander through narrow stone alleys filled with cats and cafes.
- Cruises often stop here, but staying overnight offers a quieter experience.
- Luang Prabang, Laos
A UNESCO-listed city on the Mekong River, Luang Prabang is known for its Buddhist temples, French colonial charm, and tranquil vibe.
- Don’t miss the morning almsgiving ceremony or the Kuang Si Waterfalls.
- Accessible via Lao Airlines or slow boat from northern Thailand.
- Salento, Colombia
Home to the world’s tallest palm trees in the Cocora Valley, Salento offers hiking, coffee farm tours, and colorful Andean architecture.
- Take a Willy Jeep into the valley or explore the nearby coffee triangle.
- Reachable by bus from Armenia or Pereira.
- Gjirokastër, Albania
A preserved Ottoman hill town, Gjirokastër is filled with stone houses, cobbled streets, and a towering fortress.
- Visit the Ethnographic Museum and Gjirokastër Castle for sweeping views of the Drino Valley.
- A great base for exploring Albania’s lesser-known southern region.
- Tbilisi, Georgia
With a vibrant art scene, thermal baths, and hearty cuisine, Tbilisi is one of Eastern Europe’s most exciting capitals.
- Georgia offers visa-free stays up to a year for many nationalities.
- Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Often overshadowed by Taipei, Kaohsiung offers lively night markets, art districts, and harbor-side temples.
- Accessible via Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) or domestic flights.
- Ghent, Belgium
While tourists flock to Bruges, Ghent quietly impresses with its canals, medieval architecture, and youthful energy.
- Easily reached by train from Brussels or Antwerp.
- Aysén Region, Chile
One of Patagonia’s most remote and beautiful areas, Aysén is filled with glaciers, fjords, and hanging bridges.
- Drive the Carretera Austral for breathtaking views or visit the marble caves at Lago General Carrera.
- Best accessed via Balmaceda Airport or road trip from southern Chile.
Travel Smart Tip: Even in lesser-known regions, you can reduce travel costs by using digital tools. Booking accommodations with earn cashback with a Airbnb gift card or covering transport with get rewards with a Uber gift card adds real savings to your journey. Visit Fluz for instant cashback options.
Final Thoughts
These under-the-radar destinations offer just as much charm, history, and adventure as their more famous counterparts—often with fewer tourists and better prices. If you’re ready to explore somewhere new, consider skipping the obvious and making space for these unforgettable spots on your travel list.
