14 Underrated Travel Destinations

14 Underrated Travel Destinations Worldwide

While popular destinations undoubtedly offer their own charm, there exists a world of hidden treasures that provide a chance to escape the crowds, embrace authenticity, and forge unforgettable experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail. Though we love to see the big, popular cities like Paris and Brussels, Shanghai and Beijing, Edinburgh and London, we also love exploring the smaller, not-so-popular cities and towns as well. 

Read on to see our favorite off-the-beaten-path travel destinations.

1. Llandudno, Wales

The Great Orme, Llandudno, Wales

While England and Scotland receive lots of attention from tourists, Wales is a less popular destination. But one of our favorite stops in the UK was Llandudno, Wales. The town and surrounding areas feature stunning views, gorgeous animals, friendly people, and the most interesting collection of Alice in Wonderland statues I have ever seen.

2. Utila, Honduras

Utila, Honduras

With the help of cruise lines stopping in Mahogany Bay, everyone knows about Roatan, but far fewer people have the pleasure of visiting Roatan's "little sister" island of Utila. Known for its dive schools, Utila is an inexpensive and completely underrated Caribbean island. Enjoy natural beauty, fresh fruits and seafood, water sports, peaceful beaches, and the warmest, friendliest people. 

3. Copan Ruinas, Honduras

Copan Ruinas, Honduras

Another hidden gem in Honduras, Copan Ruinas is known for their tours of ancient ruins, but there's much more to do in this adorable town with its cobblestone streets. Go horseback riding, visit a coffee plantation, soak in the hot springs, or learn how to make handmade tortillas.

4. Caye Caulker, Belize

Caye Caulker, Belize

Far less popular than Ambergris Caye to its north, Caye Caulker is quieter and more laid back. Enjoy fantastic lobster and sea bass dishes, water sports like snorkeling, diving, boating, and skiing, sand and waves, and the "go slow" attitude of Caye Caulker.

5. Dalkey, Ireland

Dalkey, Ireland

Southeast of Dublin lies the adorable town of Dalkey. With plenty of shopping, pubs, and restaurants, plus Dalkey Castle, your Ireland adventure won't be complete without at least a day trip to Dalkey.

6. Tralee, Ireland

Tralee, Ireland

One of my favorite stops in Ireland was in the town of Tralee in County Kerry. Spend time amongst the roses at the Rose of Tralee Rose Garden, watch a production of the precursor to Riverdance at Siamsa Tire, and pop over to Blennerville down the road to visit the Blennerville Windmill.

7. Glasgow, Scotland

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow, Scotland

When people talk about where to go in Scotland, Edinburgh and the Highlands are always mentioned. Glasgow, in my opinion, does not get the recognition is deserves. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is by far one of the best museums I have ever visited, and the sprawling Kelvingrove Park is the perfect place to walk off a fabulous lunch, eat a lovely picnic lunch, or let the littles work out their wiggles. Tour the grounds of the 572-year-old Glasgow University and the Glasgow Cathedral, explore the botanic gardens, and visit the fantastic Riverside Museum. Leave the downtown area and explore the stunning Pollok Country Park. Glasgow has so much to do. Don't sleep on this fabulous city!

8. Mallaig, Scotland

Mallaig, Scotland

When people think of the Highlands, popular cities like Inverness, Oban, and Fort William come to mind. But the small port city of Mallaig is full of charm. Take a dolphin-watching tour of the harbor, take the ferry over to Armadale on the southern end of the Isle of Skye, enjoy a pint with the locals at one of the pubs, and take in the idyllic views of the harbor from the shore.

9. Oxford, England

Radcliffe Camera, Oxford, England

Oxford is both an amiable college town and an easy day trip or overnight trip from London. With stunning architecture, quaint shops, excellent eateries and pubs, and plenty of old world charm, Oxford is a must-see on your next visit to England.

10. Ghent, Belgium

The Gravensteen, Ghent, Belgium

Ghent is a city where I could easily buy a house and live there for the rest of my life. The combination of the river, old architecture, rich history, and young vibrant people (because it's a college town) had me wishing I could stay much longer.

11. Suzhou, China

Suzhou, China

Known as the "Venice of the East," Suzhou boasts 21 canals throughout the city. This fascinating city is one I hope to return to in the near future.

12. Hangzhou, China

West Lake, Hangzhou, China

Hangzhou's West Lake is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With mountains on one side and the city of Hangzhou on the other, the Lake itself offers stunning landscape views. Various pagodas, pavilions, and temples line its shores. Stroll through the gardens of Hangzhou and enjoy a cup of dragon well (longjingshan) tea, for which Hangzhou is famous. Hangzou is a city that is full of natural wonders and rich culture, perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

13. Zagreb, Croatia

St Mark's Church, Zagreb, Croatia

When people speak of going to Croatia, they generally mean coastal cities like Split and Dubrovnik, where they can splash in the beautiful beaches. But we thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the capital city of Zagreb. With delicious food, cool historical sites, and stunning cityscapes, Zagreb is a must-visit city.

14. Hill Country, Texas, USA

Bluebonnets, Texas Hill Country, USA

Texas Hill Country is truly beautiful. With natural swimming holes like the Blue Hole and Jacob's Well, adorable towns like Fredericksburg and New Braunfels, unique caverns like Natural Bridge Caverns and Longhorn Caverns, and fascinating flora and fauna, there's something for everyone in the Texas hills. Go in the spring and do a road trip, stopping at various towns. See the bluebonnets in bloom, visit a winery (or two or three), and enjoy some good old Texas barbeque.

---

A journey to these underrated travel destinations promises a unique blend of discovery, adventure, and a deeper connection with the diverse tapestry of our world. These must-visit destinations often abound in stunning natural landscapes and the friendliest people. Because they are not as popular with tourists, you'll find more restaurants and shops where locals eat and shop, rather than souvenir shops stuffed with cheap junk and restaurants with lots of hype but little quality. These lesser-known places are just waiting to captivate travelers with their distinctive cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and untold stories, so add them to your bucket list today!

What are your favorite off-the-beaten-path travel destinations?

---

You May Also Like:

Easy Day Trips from Dublin

Destinations for Book Lovers