When it is time to plan your next trip, it can be tempting to look at where your friends have been and just book there. However, you can gain a lot by exploring new destinations! Getting off the beaten path benefits you by showing you new spots which are less frequented by other travelers. Fewer travelers means fewer tourists to contend with, so even more benefits! If you’re looking for unique travel destinations with fewer crowds, check out our list below!
1. Slovenia
Most travelers overlook Slovenia when they’re considering a visit to Europe. While Slovenia isn’t the most popular destination, it’s an incredibly beautiful place. While you may recognize Instagram-famous spots, like Lake Bled, there are plenty of underrated spots in Slovenia to explore. From the iconic dragons in the capital city, to the stunning Alpine towns and underrated beaches, this wonderful country will give you the vibes of Europe without the crazy crowds!
2. Tunisia
When you’re looking at Mediterranean destinations, don’t forget about Tunisia. Not only can you enjoy the unparalleled beaches, but Tunisia is also full of unique architectural sites. From the El Jem Roman amphitheater to the Bando Museum, bursting with ancient mosaics, this country is full of Roman cultural artifacts. You can even check out the ruins of the famous city of Carthage, just beyond Tunis. If you don’t get swept away in the ancient history of it all, head out into the Sahara for camel trekking with local guides with insider knowledge. It’ll be an unforgettable vacation for sure!
3. Bolivia
There are lots of stunning gems in Latin America, but the landlocked country of Bolivia is often overlooked. While Bolivia is not as developed as some of the surrounding nations, it has incredible natural landscapes, such as the Uyuni salt flats and Lake Titicaca. The people are extremely warm and kind, with great food to boot. Whether you want to explore the interesting history or unique, natural landscapes, you’re guaranteed to find fewer tourists than in other Latin American hotspots.
4. Malta
This tiny, island country in the Mediterranean Sea is definitely worth a visit. Since it is located between Sicily and Tunisia, Malta isn’t always top of mind for travelers. However, it provides some beautiful spots without all the crowds you’ll find in Sicily. This island nation is a great place for a getaway; its weather is absolutely stunning with over three hundred days of sun and beautiful beaches to enjoy that weather on! You can also wander the historic streets of Valletta, the walled city and UNESCO heritage site. No two days need be the same in Malta, so get ready to explore this gorgeous island.
5. Oman
Most westerner travelers don’t think about visiting an Arab country. For this reason, Oman and its neighbors don’t get as many tourists as you might expect. However, Oman is definitely worth a visit. Not only is Oman a seat of incredible natural beauty, from the deserts to the beaches, it also provides visitors a safe place to explore Muslim culture. Visit the wonderful mosques or the Royal Opera House Muscat, which still hosts top-ranked performances on a regular basis. If you’re interested in a beach destination that delivers a special, cultural experience as well, Oman is a no-brainer for your next vacation!
6. Nicaragua*
Owing to its location near supremely popular Costa Rica, Nicaragua doesn’t get as many tourists as it deserves. Nicaragua is a haven of natural beauty, affordable travel, and friendly locals. You’ll experience the same wonders you’d expect from any Central American country, such as volcanoes, rainforests with rare animals, and great beaches. Nicaragua also brings to life its Spanish-colonial heritage through authentic towns such as Granada and León. You can also enhance your vacation with delicious food at every turn and plenty of high-energy activities, such as surfing and hiking, to keep you busy!
7. Curaçao
Since there are tons of Caribbean islands to choose from, Curaçao often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. However, Curaçao has a fabulous mix of architectural wonders, waterways, and tropical vibes. If you’re in the Caribbean, you’re likely looking for excellent beaches and island relaxation, both of which you’ll find on this island. If you can tear yourself away from the beaches, check out the capital, Willemstad. Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage site itself, with colorful buildings lining the waters and fun, cultural activities at every turn. As a bonus, if you’re a diver, this is an excellent spot for you, with everything for entry-level snorkeling to high-skill dives.
8. Jordan
Although Petra, also known as the “Rose City,” is extremely well-known around the world, Jordan itself is a bit of an untapped destination. Located to the east of Israel, sharing part of the Dead Sea, Jordan is a great country. While you absolutely have to see the famous Rose City, Jordan has plenty of other sites to see, from stunning architecture, beach resorts, and spiritual spots. The desert of Wadi Rum is stunning, with red sands contrasting bright blue skies. You’ll also find plenty of Roman ruins, natural wonders, and special animals. You won’t regret checking out this country!
9. Sri Lanka
No matter what kind of travel you’re planning, Sri Lanka can accommodate all sorts of travelers. If you’re interested in natural beauty, you’ll be stunned by sweeping, vibrant landscapes and great beaches in Sri Lanka. In these landscapes, you’ll find stunning wildlife, the likes of which you’d expect from an African safari. Take a spin around one of the National Parks, such as Yala National Park or Gal Oya National Park, and see some of the big cats or elephants. On top of all of this, you can appreciate the warm, welcoming people and mouth-watering cuisine that’ll have you wanting to stay forever.
10. Estonia
If you’re looking to explore a new spot which isn’t crawling with tourists, consider Estonia. Estonia is a gem hidden compared to its more popular neighbors, but it is definitely worth a visit. Full of 13th century history, Estonia gives visitors plenty of things to explore, from the medieval castles to natural landscapes to cobblestone streets. For the best natural sites, check out Lahemaa National Park for an up close view of the phenomenal forests or head to Soomaa National Park for great hiking and birding. No matter what you choose to do there, check out Estonia for all the Eastern European charm!
11. Kazakhstan
As part of the former Soviet Union, Kazakhstan falls off the radar for most travelers, since it only officially declared sovereignty in 1991. However, Kazakhstan deserves to rate higher on lists of places to travel. Not only does it have a variety of natural landmarks, such as Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes National Park, but also contains lots of cultural attractions. Whether you’re interested in Soviet-era relics or remnants of the Silk Road, Kazakhstan can offer both. No matter what you do, make sure this unique travel destination makes it onto your list of places to go!
12. Mongolia
Home to a unique, nomadic culture, Mongolia makes for a special travel destination. Sandwiched between India and Russia, Mongolia has many things to offer. To start off, as the birthplace of Genghis Khan, Mongolia houses lots of historically relevant sites. To get a feel for it, visit the capital city of Ulaanbaatar for a great mix of modern and ancient influences, as well as plenty of top-rated museums. For an even more unique experience, plan your trip around a Mongolian cultural festival, such as Naadam Festival, or make a visit to a nomadic family in the area to see how they live.
13. Uganda*
African wildlife reaches a peak in Uganda! Although many travelers prefer Kenya for wildlife excursions, don’t forget about Uganda. If you’re seeking a safari destination, Uganda is not only home to some of the best wildlife, but has a high population of the big five game animals, so you can be assured you’ll likely see the animals you’re hoping for. In addition to this, Uganda has incredible diversity, with many different ethnic groups that retain their original customs and traditions.
14. Guatemala*
When most people consider visiting Central America, Guatemala doesn’t come to mind. However, Guatemala has everything from ancient ruins to unforgettable landscapes. For those interested in ancient cultures, Guatemala boasts more than 1,000 Mayan ruins, primarily located in the eastern part of the country, such as Tikal. When you’ve had your fill of ruins, head into the surrounding hills for beautiful natural wonders, such as Semuc Champey, Acatenango, and Lake Atitlán. That isn’t to say that the cities aren’t worth a visit either. The capital city of Antigua is full of Spanish-colonial history, and it’s extremely worthy of a walking tour (or two)!
Unique Travel Destinations Where You Will Avoid the Crowds
Next time you book a vacation, consider a destination that shows you something special and helps you avoid crazy crowds. The spots on the list above offer excellent experiences without the same crowds you’ll find in the most popular tourist spots. If you’re looking for a new destination, check out one of the ones above!
*Please note: These countries currently (10/24) rate a Level 3 travel alert from the U.S. government. Common sense caution should always be observed no matter where you travel. And sticking to areas frequented by tourists minimizes many kinds of concerns.
I’m Steve. I’m an English Teacher, traveler, and an avid outdoorsman. If you’d like to comment, ask a question, or simply say hi, leave me a message here, on Twitter (@thefrugalexpat1). Many of my posts have been written to help those in their journey to financial independence. I am on my journey, and as I learn more I hope to share more. And as always, thanks for reading The Frugal Expat.