Are you looking to travel somewhere off the beaten path this year? Check out these amazing, underrated destinations around the world!
While popular destinations like Paris, London, Italy, and Greece may be at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists, these destinations come with sky-high prices and unbearable crowds.
These are some of the top underrated destinations around the world to consider instead if you’re looking to go off the beaten path and explore somewhere new.
1. Ecuador
Tourists flock to Ecuador to visit the popular Galapagos Islands, but many of them skip the rest of the country or spend very little time in it.
But Ecuador is not to be missed. This small South American country offers stunning natural beauty, from mountains to beaches to jungles.
It’s also an incredibly affordable destination, with prices cheaper than neighboring countries like Peru and Colombia.
2. Albania
Many travelers overlook Albania when planning a trip to Europe and have no idea that they’re missing out on one of the biggest hidden gems on the continent.
Albania is growing in popularity but still remains incredibly underrated. This Balkan nation boasts a stunning coastline with beaches that rival those of Greece, Italy, or Croatia. It’s also home to scenic small towns, a funky and cool capital city Tirana, and some of the cheapest prices in Europe.
3. Laos
Laos is one of the most underrated destinations in Southeast Asia. Neighboring Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia all receive more visitors than Laos, yet this country is one that should not be overlooked.
With some of the most affordable prices in the already budget-friendly region of Southeast Asia, Laos is a great destination for budget travelers.
Some of the most popular things to do in Laos are visiting the Kuang Si waterfalls and caves and touring the 4,000 Islands by boat.
4. Guatemala
While many American travelers have been to Mexico, fewer have explored Mexico’s neighbor to the south, Guatemala. This remarkable Central American country is extremely underrated.
On a trip to Guatemala, you can explore the gorgeous colonial town of Antigua, climb the Acatenango volcano, relax on the shores of Lake Atitlan, and explore the mysterious ruins of Tikal.
This is also a great destination for budget travelers due to its very affordable prices.
5. Mozambique
When the top destinations in Africa come to mind, Mozambique might not be the first place that pops into your head.
But this East African nation is very underrated and worth a visit due to its remarkable natural beauty. If you think that Africa is all about safaris, you’ll want to think again.
Mozambique is famous for its beaches which are among some of the most beautiful in the world, with crystal-clear water and white sandy shores. It’s the perfect place to go island-hopping, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
6. Slovenia
Slovenia is a small Central European country that is often overshadowed by neighboring Croatia and Italy. But this pristine gem of a country offers lower crowds and lower prices compared to its more popular counterparts.
Some can’t-miss destinations in Slovenia include the charming capital Ljubljana, picture-perfect Lake Bled, and scenic Triglav National Park.
7. Uzbekistan
Central Asia is a region of the world that remains off the radar of many travelers, but it shouldn’t be. This underrated region is full of breathtaking nature, incredible history, and fascinating culture.
Uzbekistan is the perfect introduction to Central Asia. This country was a stop on the ancient Silk Road, and that history can still be seen in the beautiful, colorful architecture of cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.
