10 Underrated Locations to Explore and 6 Overcrowded Places You Should Avoid

Exploring less popular destinations can often lead to some of the most memorable experiences. While some countries are always talked about for their famous attractions and busy tourist spots, others offer amazing experiences and rich cultures without crowds. If you’re craving something new and different, here are some lesser-known destinations to add to your travel list, along with some popular places that might not be as great as you expect.

Slovenia (Underrated)

Located in the heart of Europe, Slovenia is a hidden gem not many people know about. You can visit Lake Bled for a romantic boat ride to its tiny island church. The Julian Alps are great for hiking, and Ljubljana’s old town is full of charm. Don’t forget to explore the Postojna Cave – it’s like stepping into another world.

Bulgaria (Underrated)

Bulgaria is another beautiful part of Europe that is often missed by tourists who are lured to other crowded sites. You can walk through Plovdiv’s ancient ruins, relax on the Black Sea beaches, and visit the beautiful Rila Monastery. Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, has a vibrant art scene and quaint cafes that are worth exploring.

Oman (Underrated)

Oman is a place of contrasts with deserts, beaches, and rich history. The country is often overlooked by tourists. You can enjoy amazing adventures here, such as dune bashing in Wahiba Sands, admire the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and unwind on Salalah’s beaches. A Dhow cruise around the Musandam Peninsula offers unforgettable views of the country.

Romania (Underrated)

Romania feels straight out of a fairy tale. You can visit the iconic Bran Castle, hike in the Carpathian Mountains, and explore Bucharest’s mix of old and new buildings. The painted Monasteries of Bucovina offer a colorful and unique experience and are a must-do when you’re in the country.

Estonia (Underrated)

Estonia is a charming country in Europe with its medieval towns and hundreds of islands. Tallinn, the capital, feels like a storybook with its unique structure. Saaremaa and Hiiumaa islands offer peaceful escapes, and Lahemaa National Park offers hiking opportunities in its beautiful landscape.

Taiwan (Underrated)

Taiwan is seriously underrated and doesn’t get enough attention from tourists. In Taipei, you can enjoy night markets, which are a food lover’s dream. Sun Moon Lake offers a peaceful escape, while Taroko Gorge is perfect for hiking. You can also relax in the hot springs and explore the tea plantations.

Georgia (Underrated)

Georgia is a country rich in culture and landscapes. Tbilisi’s historic streets are worth exploring, the cave cities of Uplistsikhe are intriguing, with a history dating back to the 2nd millennium BC, and Kakheti’s wine region is perfect for tasting and enjoying. You can also hike in the Svaneti region, which offers stunning mountain views.

Belize (Underrated)

Belize is great for adventure and relaxation, but unfortunately, it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. You can dive into the famous Great Blue Hole, explore the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, and relax on the beaches of Ambergris Caye. The jungles of Belize are ideal for zip-lining and cave tubing.

Laos (Underrated)

Laos is a breathtaking yet underrated Southeast Asian country that offers serene landscapes and a rich culture. You can cruise along the Mekong River, visit the temples of Luang Prabang, and hike to Kuang Si Falls. You should also visit the Vang Vieng, which offers numerous adventures, such as river tubing.

Kazakhstan (Underrated)

Kazakhstan has failed to make its name in the tourist market, though it has a lot to offer. You can admire the beautiful architecture of Nur-Sultan, hike in the Altai Mountains, and explore the Silk Road city of Turkestan. Another breathtaking site is the Charyn Canyon, which offers impressive views but is way less crowded than the Grand Canyon.

United States (Overrated)

While the United States has hundreds of famous spots, some, such as Times Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, and monuments, can feel too commercial and crowded. Traveling between states is also expensive due to the huge distances between them. There are better alternatives to explore than the United States, such as Mexico or the Caribbean.

United Arab Emirates (Overrated)

The UAE is known for luxury and futuristic buildings, but it can feel overly commercial. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi have many attractions, the country often lacks the deep cultural experiences and natural beauty found in other Middle Eastern countries. UAE may be a huge turn-off for tourists looking for authentic experiences.

Maldives (Overrated)

The Maldives is famous for its beautiful resorts and clear waters, but it’s not always worth the price. Most of what you can do is limited to the resorts, so you don’t get much of a chance to experience the local culture. With such high costs, it can feel like you’re paying more for the name than for the actual experience. For the money spent, you might expect a variety of things to do.

Italy (Overrated)

Italy’s iconic spots like Venice and Rome are always swarming with tourists, which means you’re often stuck in long lines and paying through the nose for everything. This can really take the shine off their historic charm. Also, the constant hustle can be pretty exhausting, making it hard to fully enjoy the experience.

Thailand (Overrated)

Thailand is home to some of the most stunning beaches and attractions, but the touristy spots can sometimes feel a bit too commercialized. You might find yourself missing out on the genuine local culture amidst all the resorts and crowded bars. It can be tough to escape the feeling that everything’s catered to visitors rather than locals.

France (Overrated)

France is one of the most popular tourist destinations, but it’s a victim of its success, especially after the Olympics. Most of its famous tourist destinations, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, feel too commercialized and are clearly overpriced for what they offer. Even basic cafe experiences feel disappointing because of the high price. It’s also one of the few countries focusing more on tourists than locals, so you don’t get an authentic ambiance.