30 Most Underrated Travel Destinations to Visit in 2023

//
bucketlist travel destinations
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Are you tired of visiting the same popular travel destinations that everyone else seems to be flocking to? If you're seeking a unique travel experience that will allow you to discover new cultures, stunning landscapes, and hidden gems, then look no further.  

We've compiled a list of the most underrated travel destinations according to fellow travelers on Reddit. From the charming towns of Montenegro to the ancient ruins of Ethiopia, there's something on this list for every type of traveler. 

1. Armenia

Armenia. Monastery Tatev
Image Credit: Ekaterina_Marory / Getty Images Via Canva.com

Armenia is a country that is rich in history and culture, with ancient monasteries, stunning landscapes, and welcoming locals. Visitors can explore the capital city of Yerevan, hike through the mountains, or visit the famous Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery.

2. Estonia

Tallinn Estonia Skyline
Image Credit: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images Pro Via Canva.com

Estonia is a small country in Northern Europe that offers a blend of medieval architecture, modern culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the charming streets of Tallinn, relax on the beaches of the Baltic Sea, or hike through the forests and bogs of the countryside.

3. Myanmar (Burma)

Temple in Burma
Image Credit: Jpeter2 / pixabay Via Canva.com

Myanmar is a Southeast Asian country that is often overlooked by travelers but offers a wealth of attractions, including ancient temples, bustling markets, and pristine beaches. Visitors can explore the ancient city of Bagan, relax on the beaches of Ngapali, or experience the culture and traditions of the local people.

4. Albania

safest countries for women
Image Credit: RossHelen Via Canva.com

Albania is a Balkan country that is often overlooked by travelers but offers stunning natural landscapes, fascinating history, and welcoming locals. Visitors can explore the Ottoman-era city of Berat, hike through the Albanian Alps, or relax on the beaches of the Albanian Riviera.

5. Chile (outside of Santiago)

Santiago Chile cityscape
Image Credit: komyvgory / Getty Images Via Canva.com

Chile is a long, narrow country that stretches from the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Ocean and offers a diverse range of attractions, including rugged landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture. Visitors can explore the Atacama Desert, hike in Torres del Paine National Park, or relax on the beaches of Valparaiso.

6. Costa Rica (outside of tourist hotspots)

Image Credit: Stefan Neumann & Shutterstock Via Canva.com

Costa Rica is a Central American country known for its eco-tourism and natural beauty but offers much more than just tourist hotspots. Visitors can explore the cloud forests of Monteverde, relax on the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula, or immerse themselves in the culture of the indigenous communities.

7. Tanzania (outside of the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro)

Maasai Women in Their Village in Tanzania
Image Credit: Michal Collection Via Canva.com

Tanzania is an East African country that is best known for its world-famous national parks and iconic mountains but offers much more than just wildlife and scenery. Visitors can explore the historical city of Zanzibar, hike to the summit of Mount Meru, or immerse themselves in the culture of the Maasai people.

8. Iran

Iran
Image Credit: ugurhan / Getty Images Signature Via Canva.com

Iran is a Middle Eastern country that is often misunderstood by outsiders but offers a rich history, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. Visitors can explore the ancient city of Persepolis, relax in the gardens of Isfahan, or experience the warmth and hospitality of Iranian hospitality.

9. Montenegro

City Perast Montenegro
Image Credit: Givaga / Getty Images Via Canva.com

Montenegro is a small Balkan country with stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and historic cities. Visitors can explore the fortified city of Kotor, hike in Durmitor National Park, or relax on the beaches of Budva.

10. Kyrgyzstan

Photo Credit: Shutterstock Via Canva.com

Kyrgyzstan is a Central Asian country that offers stunning mountain landscapes, rich culture, and traditional nomadic hospitality. Visitors can explore the ancient city of Osh, hike in the Tien Shan Mountains, or experience the warmth and generosity of the Kyrgyz people.

11. Zambia

Victoria Falls, Zambia
Image Credit: Photon-Photo / Getty Images Via Canva.com

Zambia is a Southern African country that offers a wealth of attractions, including natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore Victoria Falls, safari in South Luangwa National Park, or immerse themselves in the local customs and traditions.

12. Belize (outside of Ambergris Caye)

Caye Caulker - Belize
Image Credit: Diegograndi / Getty Images Via Canva.com

Belize is a Central American country that offers stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a laid-back way of life. Visitors can explore the ancient Maya city of Tikal, dive into the Blue Hole, or relax on the beaches of Placencia.

13. Croatia (outside of Dubrovnik)

Trogir, Split, Dalmatia region of Croatia
Credit: Emicristea / Getty Images Pro Via Canva.com

Croatia is a country in the Balkans that offers a stunning coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the charming city of Split, hike in the Plitvice Lakes National Park, or experience the local way of life in the Istrian Peninsula.

14. Ecuador (outside of the Galapagos Islands)

El Cisne Cathedral at Ecuador
Image Credit: Pxhidalgo Via Depositphotos.com

Ecuador is a country in South America that offers a diverse range of attractions, including colonial cities, stunning Andean landscapes, and unique wildlife. Visitors can explore the colonial city of Quito, hike in the Cotopaxi National Park, or immerse themselves in the culture of the indigenous communities.

15. Madagascar

Madagascar
Image Credit: Jotily / Getty Images Via Canva.com

Madagascar is an island country in the Indian Ocean that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and culture. Visitors can explore the rainforests of Ranomafana National Park, relax on the beaches of Nosy Be, or encounter the lemurs and other endemic species that call Madagascar home.

16. Mongolia

Mongolia yurt
Image Credit: Xijian / Getty Images Via Canva.com

Mongolia is a landlocked country in Central Asia with a rugged and remote landscape, rich culture, and traditional hospitality. Visitors can explore the Gobi Desert, go on a horseback trek across the steppes, or experience the nomadic way of life of the local people.

17. Tunisia

Tunisia
Image Credit: Alexsky / Pixabay Via Canva.com

Tunisia is a North African country with a blend of ancient history, a stunning Mediterranean coastline, and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the Roman ruins of Carthage, relax on the beaches of Hammamet, or experience the local cuisine and customs.

18. Oman

Grand mosue , Masqat, Oman
Image Credit: Gopal Sutar / Getty Images Via Canva.com

Oman is a country on the Arabian Peninsula that offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, stunning desert landscapes, and rich culture. Visitors can explore the souks of Muscat, hike in the Al Hajar Mountains, or relax on the beaches of Salalah.

19. Bolivia

View of Lake Titicaca, Copacabana, Bolivia
Image Credit: Travel Coffee Book / Travelcoffeebook Via Canva.com

Bolivia is a South American country that offers a diverse range of attractions, including stunning Andean landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku, hike in the Salar de Uyuni, or experience the local customs and traditions of the indigenous communities.

20. Guatemala (outside of Antigua)

Antigua City, Guatemala
Image Credit: SL_Photography / Getty Images Via Canva.com

Guatemala is a Central American country that offers a wealth of attractions, including ancient Mayan ruins, stunning natural landscapes, and rich culture. Visitors can explore the Mayan ruins of Tikal, hike in the Lake Atitlan region, or experience the traditional way of life of the local people in the rural highlands.

21. Philippines

The Philippines - Countries travelers said visiting was the worst
Image Credit: Kai Freund/Getty Images via Canva.com

The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia that offers a diverse range of attractions, from tropical beaches and world-class diving spots to lush rainforests and towering mountains. Visitors can explore the vibrant city of Manila, island hop in Palawan, or hike to the crater lake of Mount Pinatubo.

22. Slovenia

Image Credit: Roman Babakin & Shutterstock.

Slovenia is a small country in Central Europe that offers stunning Alpine scenery, charming cities, and rich culture. Visitors can explore the medieval town of Ljubljana, hike in the Julian Alps, or visit the underground caves of Postojna.

23. Senegal

Senegal
Image Credit: Lesbains39 / Pixabay Via Canva.com

Senegal is a West African country that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can explore the colonial city of Saint-Louis, go on a safari in the Niokolo-Koba National Park, or relax on the beaches of Dakar.

24. Namibia

Christchurch, Windhoek, Namibia
Image Credit: Travel_Nerd / Getty Images Via Canva.com

Namibia is a southern African country with a stunning desert landscape, unique wildlife, and rich culture. Visitors can explore the Namib Desert, go on a safari in Etosha National Park, or experience the local way of life of the Himba people.

25. Nicaragua

Granada City, Nicaragua
Image Credit: SL_Photography / Getty Images Via Canva.com

Nicaragua is a Central American country that offers a wealth of attractions, including colonial cities, tropical beaches, and unique culture. Visitors can explore the colonial city of Granada, surf on the beaches of San Juan del Sur, or go on a volcano trek on Ometepe Island.

26. Georgia

Image Credit: Ray DJ / Getty Images via Canva.com

Georgia is a country in the Caucasus region that offers stunning mountain landscapes, rich history, and unique culture. Visitors can explore the capital city of Tbilisi, hike in the Caucasus Mountains, or experience the local way of life in the rural villages.

27. Sri Lanka

Golden Buddha of Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
Image Credit: Flocu / Getty Images Pro Via Canva.com

Sri Lanka is an island country in South Asia that offers a diverse range of attractions, from ancient temples and historical sites to stunning beaches and wildlife reserves. Visitors can explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, go on a safari in Yala National Park, or relax on the beaches of Mirissa.

28. Uruguay

Montevideo, Uruguay
Image Credit: Mauinow1 / Getty Images Signature Via Canva.com

Uruguay is a small country in South America that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can explore the charming city of Montevideo, relax on the beaches of Punta del Este, or go on a wine tour in the countryside.

29. Ghana

Ghana, Cape Coast
Image Credit: Mtcurado / Getty Images Signature Via Canva.com

Ghana is a West African country that offers a blend of history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can explore the colonial city of Cape Coast, safari in Mole National Park, or experience the local way of life in the rural villages.

30. Ethiopia

Medhane Alem Cathedral in Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Image Credit: Benedek / Getty Images Signature Via Canva.com

Ethiopia is a country in East Africa that offers a wealth of attractions, including ancient churches, stunning landscapes, and unique culture. Visitors can explore the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, trek in the Simien Mountains, or experience the local way of life in the rural villages.

We hope you enjoyed our compilation of 30 underrated travel destinations beyond the popular tourist hotspots, as inspired by a travel forum discussion. It's important to note that the opinions and views expressed in this article are not necessarily reflective of The Impulse Traveler. 

We believe that travel is a personal experience and encourage all travelers to explore and discover destinations that resonate with their own interests and preferences. Don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path and discover the hidden gems that await you on your next adventure. Happy travels!

More From The Impulse Traveler:

Image Credit: Ground Picture & Shutterstock

If you're a travel enthusiast, you won't want to miss out on the incredible travel stories waiting for you on The Impulse Traveler blog. Keep clicking through the slideshow to uncover even more adventures that will leave you itching to pack your bags and hit the road. From hidden gems to popular hotspots, The Impulse Traveler has something for everyone, so why not keep exploring? Check Out The Impulse Traveler.

8 Of America's Ugliest Cities According To Frequent Travelers

Image Credit: Diego Cervo & Shutterstock

When it comes to cities, beauty is subjective. What one person finds beautiful, another person may find unattractive. However, that hasn’t stopped people from discussing and ranking cities based on their appearance. In an online thread where users can rank the “ugliest cities” or ugliest places in the U.S., frequent travelers ranked their top 8, and the results may surprise you.

8 of America’s Ugliest Cities According to Frequent Travelers

Pack Like a Pro: These 13 Packable Sun Hats Are a Travel Essential!

Image Credit: Ground Picture & Shutterstock

When many people think of vacation, they think of pristine beaches with the sun beaming down on the soft white sand. Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes the need for protection from the sun. While sunscreen is essential to any outdoor adventure, a good sun hat can also make a big difference in keeping your skin safe.

Pack Like a Pro: These 13 Packable Sun Hats Are a Travel Essential!

10 Interesting Things Non-Americans Always Wanted To Ask Americans

Things Non-Americans Always Wanted To Ask Americans
Image Credit: Franckreporter / Getty images via Canva.com

In a recent conversation on Reddit, someone asked, “Non-Americans: What’s something you’ve always wanted to ask the people of America?” Here are the top-voted responses.

10 Interesting Things Non-Americans Always Wanted To Ask Americans

10 Countries That Have The Best Food in the World

Image Credit: RossHelen & Shutterstock

Living in America and being privy to an exciting blend of multicultural cuisine makes it nearly impossible to choose. But I agree with the number one voted response from an internet polling, Thailand. Everyone should try Yum Neau at least once in their life! Here is how the internet responded to the question, “What country has the best food?”

10 Countries That Have The Best Food in the World

11 Reasons Europeans Dislike Americans

Things Non-Americans Always Wanted To Ask Americans
Image Credit: Fotostorm / Getty Images via Canva.com

It is a common saying that Europeans hate Americans. Anti-Americanism is prejudice, fear, or hatred of the United States, its government, its foreign policy, or the American people in general. Why is it so common to dislike Americans?

11 Reasons Europeans Dislike Americans

19 Most Magical Places to Visit 11 Safest Countries for Women to Travel Alone Top 20 Must-Visit Destinations in the USA 20 Best Places to Visit in the USA 6 Top Things to Do in Bayfield Ontario