2025 Travel Secrets: 15 Underrated Destinations Worth Visiting + 3 To Avoid

Planning your 2025 getaway? The world is full of amazing places that don’t make the typical tourist lists. While Instagram feeds overflow with the same crowded hotspots, savvy travelers are discovering hidden gems with authentic experiences and fewer crowds.

I’ve compiled 15 spectacular underrated destinations you should add to your bucket list—and 3 overhyped spots to skip.

1. Kotor, Montenegro

Nestled in a stunning bay surrounded by limestone cliffs, this medieval walled town feels like stepping into a fairytale. The narrow cobblestone streets wind between ancient churches, quaint cafes, and charming squares. Hiking up to San Giovanni Fortress rewards you with breathtaking views of the entire bay.

The locals here still maintain traditional ways of life, and the seafood is impossibly fresh. Unlike crowded Dubrovnik nearby, Kotor offers similar Adriatic beauty without the cruise ship crowds.

2. Luang Prabang, Laos

Morning mists hover over this spiritual haven where orange-robed monks collect alms at dawn. The fusion of French colonial architecture and traditional Lao temples creates a uniquely peaceful atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

Wander through night markets filled with handcrafted textiles, or cool off in the turquoise pools of nearby Kuang Si Falls. The slow pace of life here invites you to linger longer than planned. Many travelers skip Laos entirely, making this UNESCO site a true hidden gem.

3. Tbilisi, Georgia

This ancient Caucasus capital is rapidly becoming the coolest city you’ve never visited. The cobblestone old town blends Eastern and Western influences with its Orthodox churches, Art Nouveau buildings, and distinctive wooden balconies.

Food lovers rejoice over khachapuri (cheese bread) and wine from the world’s oldest winemaking tradition. Hot sulfur baths offer relaxation after exploring colorful street art and trendy cafes. Georgia’s famous hospitality means you’ll likely be invited to a supra (feast) by locals eager to share their culture.

4. Salta, Argentina

While tourists flock to Buenos Aires and Patagonia, northern Argentina remains wonderfully authentic. Salta’s colonial architecture creates a stunning backdrop for exploring this region of dramatic landscapes and rich indigenous heritage.

Take the famous Train to the Clouds through rainbow-colored mountains and vast salt flats. The local cuisine here differs from the rest of Argentina, with empanadas salteñas and locro stew stealing the show. Wine enthusiasts will discover unique high-altitude vineyards producing exceptional Torrontés and Malbec varieties.

5. Essaouira, Morocco

Along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, this laid-back fortress town offers a refreshing alternative to hectic Marrakech. Brilliant blue fishing boats bob in the harbor while seagulls swoop overhead and waves crash against ancient ramparts.

The medina here feels navigable and friendly, with artisan workshops crafting wooden items from fragrant thuya wood. Windsurfers and kitesurfers catch impressive air on the beach, while the seafood couldn’t possibly be fresher.

Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens found inspiration here in the 1960s, and the artistic vibe continues today.

6. Lombok, Indonesia

Just east of Bali sits this peaceful paradise with far fewer tourists. The pristine beaches here rival anything you’d find on its famous neighbor, but without the selfie sticks and beach vendors.

You’ll discover untouched surfing spots, the magnificent Mount Rinjani volcano, and traditional Sasak villages where locals welcome visitors with genuine warmth. The Gili Islands offshore offer spectacular snorkeling among sea turtles and vibrant coral.

7. Ghent, Belgium

Often overshadowed by Bruges and Brussels, this medieval university town delivers all the canals, Gothic architecture, and chocolate you crave—without the tourist hordes. The car-free city center becomes magical at night when the lighting design illuminates historic buildings.

Foodies will find everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual places serving perfect frites with local beers. Don’t miss the stunning Ghent Altarpiece in St. Bavo’s Cathedral or the views from Gravensteen Castle. The city’s youthful energy creates a perfect balance of history and modern culture.

8. Ksamil, Albania

If you’re seeking Mediterranean beaches without Mediterranean prices, Albania’s coastline is Europe’s best-kept secret. Ksamil offers crystal waters rivaling the Greek islands just across the strait but at a fraction of the cost. Small islands dot the bay, easily reached by swimming or paddleboard.

Nearby, the UNESCO-listed ruins of Butrint span 2,500 years of history from Greek to Ottoman times. The seafood restaurants serve fresh catches with Albanian hospitality that makes every visitor feel like family. The best part? Your daily budget stretches remarkably far here.

9. Jeju Island, South Korea

Known as Korea’s Hawaii, this volcanic island offers dramatic landscapes that seem almost otherworldly. Hike through forests to reach magnificent waterfalls or explore lava tubes and the cone of Hallasan, South Korea’s highest mountain.

The island is famous for female free-divers called haenyeo who harvest seafood without equipment. Black sand beaches, tangerine groves, and quirky museums (including one dedicated to sex and another to teddy bears) make this a fascinating cultural experience.

Despite being hugely popular with Koreans, international tourists haven’t discovered Jeju in large numbers yet.

10. Valparaíso, Chile

This colorful port city tumbles down steep hills to the Pacific in a riot of street art and bohemian charm. The historic funiculars (elevators) creak up and down the hillsides, connecting neighborhoods filled with artists, musicians, and poets.

Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda’s quirky house La Sebastiana offers insight into the city’s creative spirit. Each neighborhood has its own personality, connected by staircases adorned with murals.

The food scene has exploded recently, with innovative chefs using Chile’s incredible seafood and produce in hip, affordable restaurants.

11. Syracuse, Sicily

While tourists crowd Taormina and Palermo, this ancient Greek colony on Sicily’s eastern coast remains relatively peaceful. The island of Ortigia forms the historic center, with honey-colored baroque buildings and winding medieval streets leading to sparkling blue harbors.

Greek ruins include an impressive theater where performances still take place. The food here represents the best of Sicily—fresh seafood, arancini, and cannoli that will ruin you for versions elsewhere. Market stalls overflow with produce while locals gather for evening passeggiata (strolls).

Syracuse captures Sicily’s essence without the tourist markup.

12. Uzbekistan’s Silk Road Cities

Central Asia is finally getting the attention it deserves, and Uzbekistan leads with its remarkably preserved Silk Road heritage. The blue-domed mosques and madrasas of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva transport you back to the days of caravans and traders.

Recent tourism reforms have made the country much easier to visit, with visa-free entry for many nationalities. The hospitality is legendary—expect to be invited for tea constantly. Markets still sell spices, silk, and ceramics as they have for centuries.

The food blends influences from Persia, China, and Russia into something uniquely delicious.

13. Galway, Ireland

While Dublin gets crowded with tourists, this western Irish city offers a more authentic experience with its colorful pubs, live traditional music, and friendly locals. The compact city center buzzes with street performers and shops selling handmade crafts.

Just outside town, the wild landscapes of Connemara and the Aran Islands showcase Ireland’s rugged beauty. Galway’s food scene has exploded recently, with restaurants serving fresh seafood caught that morning.

The city hosts fantastic festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from oysters to arts and culture.

14. Hoi An, Vietnam

This former trading port on Vietnam’s central coast casts a spell with its well-preserved Ancient Town. Hundreds of lanterns illuminate the streets at night, creating a magical atmosphere as you stroll along the Thu Bon River.

Beyond the UNESCO-protected center, bicycle rides through rice paddies lead to pristine beaches. The food here ranks among Vietnam’s best—don’t miss cao lau noodles or white rose dumplings. Tailors can create custom clothing in just 24 hours from any design you bring.

Despite growing popularity, Hoi An maintains its charm, especially if you explore early morning or evening.

15. Batumi, Georgia

This Black Sea resort city blends futuristic architecture with a subtropical climate and mountainous backdrop. The revitalized waterfront promenade stretches for miles, featuring dancing fountains, modern sculptures, and a remarkable moving metal statue of star-crossed lovers.

Beyond the beach, you’ll find a charming Old Town with traditional Georgian restaurants serving khinkali dumplings and walnut-stuffed eggplant. The surrounding region of Adjara offers lush botanical gardens, waterfalls, and ancient stone bridges.

Georgia’s legendary hospitality shines here, with locals eager to share chacha (grape vodka) and stories with visitors.

16. Avoid: Santorini, Greece

Those dreamy white-and-blue Instagram shots hide an increasingly unpleasant reality. The tiny island now receives over two million visitors annually, with up to 17,000 cruise ship passengers overwhelming narrow streets designed for a fraction of that number.

Locals have been priced out as vacation rentals take over. The famous sunset views in Oia now feature pushing crowds and reserved restaurant seats costing hundreds of euros. Beaches are overcrowded, and water shortages are common.

For authentic Cycladic charm, try lesser-known islands like Milos, Folegandros, or Amorgos instead.

17. Avoid: Tulum, Mexico

Once a bohemian beach paradise, Tulum has transformed into an overpriced playground for influencers. Environmental damage is severe—many establishments operate without proper sewage systems, polluting the fragile cenotes and reef.

Traffic on the single coastal road has become nightmarish, and prices rival New York City despite inconsistent electricity and water supply. Local Maya communities have been displaced by development. The “spiritual” wellness scene often appropriates indigenous culture while excluding actual indigenous people. For a more authentic and sustainable Yucatán experience, try Bacalar, Holbox, or smaller communities instead.

18. Avoid: Bali’s Kuta-Seminyak Strip, Indonesia

While Bali has many wonderful areas, this overdeveloped stretch has lost much of its Balinese character. Streets are clogged with traffic, beaches are often littered with trash, and drunk tourists create an atmosphere far removed from the island’s spiritual heritage.

Water shortages affect locals while resorts maintain lush gardens and infinity pools. Many businesses are foreign-owned, with profits leaving the island. Bali still offers authentic experiences, but you’ll need to head north to Amed, west to Pemuteran, or inland to places like Sidemen.

These areas maintain traditional culture while providing a more sustainable tourism model.