11 Most Underrated Travel Destinations (+Where to Stay!)

Hello adventurer, I’m so glad to see you here! It means you’re ready to explore the unknown and take the path less traveled, and I salute you for that! I’m also passionate about visiting underrated countries around the world, and today, I’ll share my experience with you!

Below, you’ll find a list of the top 11 underrated countries to visit worldwide! Although I’ve only been to about half of them, I’m confident that every single destination below will blow your mind!

I share valuable travel information, top sights, and also recommend the best hotels to stay in the capital cities of these countries (or in places I think you’ll love more than the capital), so you can just pack your bags and get going!

I’m not presenting the countries below in any particular order. They all have a unique charm and different things to offer, so just choose yours according to your personal idea of the perfect vacation!

Most underrated countries in Europe

Europe accounts for 50% of tourist arrivals worldwide, and it’s the most visited place on Earth! But only a small number of those visitors head to Eastern Europe. This is exactly where the 4 most underrated countries in Europe are located!

1. Albania

Albania is probably Europe’s most underrated country, but this is slowly starting to change. Located in the South Balkans, surrounded by Greece, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia, it has been overshadowed by its neighbors for decades, mostly due to a very strict political system that was very closed, something like North Korea today.

However, Albania has recently opened up to tourists from abroad, and everyone (including me) is blown away by the beauty of its coastal towns! As a native of Serbia, I knew very little about this neighboring country and had zero expectations during my visit. To say I loved it would be an understatement!

Super nice people, beautiful beaches, low prices, great road infrastructure (for the Balkan standards, at least), and the charming old towns of Albania will make you want to explore this country from North to South, West to East.

We mostly used buses to get around, but I also remember taxis are super cheap. You can tell that the hospitality industry staff has little experience working with foreigners as very few of them speak English, and the service can be a bit slow. But I’m sure this is now quickly changing.

So far, I’ve only been to the country’s North, in the capital, Tirana, and Durres (map), a lovely coastal town. Both are modern cities with plenty of eateries (try their local grilled meats), bars, cafés, shops, and every entertainment option your heart desires.

However, in terms of beauty, nothing matches the seaside resorts in the South like Saranda (map), Ksamil (map), and the nearby town of Gjirokaster (I mean, just look at this ancient beauty!)

I recommend you start your visit in Tirana and then head to the South (ideally rent a car, it’s cheap and convenient, but there are also public buses) for the ultimate seaside vacation!

Other accommodation options in Tirana

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2. Georgia

Georgia is one of my favorite countries in the world! Together with Armenia and Azerbaijan, it makes the trio of South Caucasus states all known for their fabulous, dramatic mountain backdrops, ancient history, and hospitality.

When it comes to Georgia, the numbers speak for themselves: thousands of years of history and 8,000 years of winemaking practice only to name a few!

Now, what I love most about Georgia are 2 things: food and wine! These people are so gifted in gastronomy, it’s crazy! From eggplant-and-nut appetizers (pkhali, nigvziani badrijani) to grilled meat (mtsvadi) to cheese bread (khachapuri), you’ll find a variety of signature dishes coming from Georgia!

As for wine, I love their Saperavi, which is kind of like the Georgian version of Cabernet Sauvignon. I definitely recommend you try it if you’re a fan of dry red wine!

Georgia is also known for its magnificent churches (check out the Gergeti Trinity Church so high in the Caucasus mountains, no one even knows how it got there!), refreshing seaside resorts like Batumi in the West, and winemaking regions in the East of the country.

Although it’s generally considered an underrated country, Georgia is still a popular tourist destination for people living in neighboring countries, so you’ll find plenty of tourist-friendly infrastructure everywhere!

If you stay in the capital, Tbilisi, you can take day tours (agencies are available all over the city) to most parts of Georgia, so you don’t even have to rent a car! It’s exactly what I did when I visited!

Other accommodation options in Tbilisi

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3. Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnia is one of the most complex countries in Europe with a turbulent past, but the few foreigners who visit it can’t help but fall in love with the laid-back atmosphere, friendly faces, and delicious food!

Apart from being super cheap (even for me as a resident of Serbia, which is also generally cheaper than the rest of Europe), Bosnia is also super rich in history and culture.

Old architecture built by the Ottomans, cobblestone streets, the smell of freshly ground coffee, and vibrant markets make Sarajevo (the capital city), Mostar, and other Bosnian towns attractive to all types of travelers.

You’ll also find Austro-Hungarian and Slavic influences in the country’s culture, cuisine, and daily life, especially given that Bosnia is populated by Serbs (Orthodox Christians), Croats (Catholics), and Bosniaks (Muslims), three distinct yet similar (mentality-wise) groups of people.

Bosnia isn’t short of natural wonders either! Kravice Waterfalls (map) is known for its exceptional beauty worldwide, while the Buna River spring (map) is the most picturesque in the country.

You can easily see most of Bosnia in less than a week, either by bus or car, and you’ll be greeted by curious locals on every step! Some may even invite you to their homes for a shot of rakia (homemade brandy) or fresh Turkish coffee!

Other accommodation options in Sarajevo

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4. Estonia

Estonia is one of Europe’s most charming little countries, but very few tourists ever get to visit it. Often overshadowed by Finland, Estonia’s unique compact beauty, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful architecture will surely leave you breathless.

The Old City of Tallinn is easily one of the most picturesque and best-preserved medieval cities I could only compare to Prague. Much like in the Czech Republic’s capital, you’ll find authentic medieval restaurants across Tallinn, Gothic churches, and tiny walkable streets, but with their own identity.

Estonia only spreads across 45,335 square km (17,504 sq miles, or 3 times less than New York State). Still, inside you’ll find beaches on the Baltic Sea, old castles, open-air ethnographic museums, beautiful Lake Peipus (map), but also some of the most advanced startups and tech hubs in Europe!

Although it’s usually cold and rainy here, Estonia is still lovely to visit, especially in summer! I’m sure you’ll enjoy the melting pot of German, Danish, Polish, and Russian influences that have shaped the country’s own culture and identity for centuries.

Other accommodation options in Tallinn

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Most underrated countries in Asia

Asia is the world’s second most-visited continent, taking almost 20% of the total traveler number. But, as you can guess, not all Asian countries are equally popular. Here are the most underrated ones!

5. Nepal

Did you know Nepal is considered a paradise for trekkers? Unless you’re into hiking, chances are you probably had no idea how rich this country is in natural wonders!

Apart from being home to Mount Everest (together with China), the highest mountain on Earth, Nepal has thousands of kilometers worth of hiking trails suitable for all levels. If you’d like to go trekking in the country, our Yulia (the original Miss Tourist) has been there, done that, and shares the things you should know in this article!

Still, Nepal has much more to offer! The region is also where Lord Buddha, the father of Buddhism, was born, and the country has a stunning cultural heritage with plenty of temples, shrines, and monuments from both Buddhist and Hindu religions.

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is often referred to as the City of Temples due to an immense number of historic temples all over the place! Many of the country’s temples (and natural parks) are UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

Getting around the cities is usually possible via motorbike taxis, and this is also the most affordable way to travel. You can also use tourist buses for longer distances.

Now, some of the most popular spots in Nepal, apart from the capital, include the lakeside town of Pokhara and the charming tea houses along popular trekking routes!

By the way, the most popular route is along the Everest Base Camp (map). This is the starting point for hiking up Mount Everest, but everyone can stay here, even if they’re just passing by to say hi to the Everest hero climbers!

Other accommodation options in Kathmandu

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6. Uzbekistan

Ah, Uzbekistan! This amazing country in Central Asia has delicious cuisine, incredibly hospitable people, and history that dates back thousands of years. One of the most prosperous trade routes of all times, the Silk Road, passed through at least 4 of Uzbekistan’s cities, most of which have preserved their historical charm from that time!

Throughout history, Uzbekistan has been part of vast kingdoms and lands, including the Mongolian Empire, Persian Empire, Russian Empire, and many others! Its diverse people mostly belong to the Turkic group, making them cousins of both the Mongols and the Caucasian people.

Some formidable cities you must explore in Uzbekistan include Samarkand (the ancient capital from the Silk Road era and the most popular and picturesque tourist destination in the country), Tashkent, the modern-day capital, Bukhara, and Khiva.

The recognizable madrasas (old schools) and mosques that adorn these cities have such impressive intricate tilework and detailed mosaic patterns in all colors that make them so appealing to the eye! Just check the Registan Square (map) in Samarkand to get a glimpse of what I’m talking about!

Also, unique architecture like that of the Bukhara Ark (map) just waits to be explored!

Uzbekistan is a large country, and driving from one major city to another can easily take more than 15 hours! Luckily, they have a very well-developed fast railway network connecting all major spots, so the travel time shortens more than double! Just make sure you book train tickets far in advance (at least 2 weeks) because the demand is so high, the tickets can easily sell 10 days before departure.

In fact, right after writing this article, I’ll be heading to the airport to visit Uzbekistan for the very first time, and I couldn’t be more excited about it! Can’t wait to tell you about my trip in a separate article!

NOTE: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan are all Central Asian countries with breathtaking nature, dramatic mountain scenery, and are all ridiculously cheap to travel around. You can combine a trip to all of them, but that should take at least 2 weeks!

Other accommodation options in Samarkand

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7. Laos

Laos is possibly the cheapest travel destination in the world! It’s often overshadowed by neighboring Thailand and Cambodia (which, truly enough, offer far more attractions for tourists), and only the most curious adventurers decide to come here. Once they do, they’re mind-blown!

Given the landlocked position of the country, how difficult it is to reach it (only 3 airports in the world can get you to Laos, but most people get here via train from Bangkok), and that it rarely markets itself abroad, it’s no wonder why Laos is often the most “forgotten” country of Southeast Asia.

But as more people become aware of the untouched beauty and charm of Laos and its biggest towns (Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang), the situation may very well change soon, so I recommend you get going before it’s too late!

So, what can you expect from Laos? In short, unique and delicious cuisine (that you can’t try in Thailand or anywhere else), some of the most beautiful sunsets in Asia, super friendly locals, and a thriving art culture, to name a few things!

Nature lovers, Laos has got plenty of stuff to see! The Kuang Si Falls (map) is possibly the most stunning waterfall in the region, while in Vang Vieng you can take a hot air balloon ride (details here) and enjoy captivating views of the town and surrounding mountains!

Possibly the biggest advantage of visiting Laos is that you can truly spoil yourself there given how cheap it is! Transportation is pretty affordable, too, and they have buses, minivans, boats, and, of course, the good old tuk-tuks, so you can get around easily!

Now, note that the capital of Laos is Vientiane, which is right on the border with Thailand, but the most beautiful and popular tourist destination is actually Luang Prabang in the North. There’s a fast train that will get you from Vientiane to Luang Prabang in less than 2 and a half hours!

Other accommodation options in Luang Prabang

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8. Mongolia

To be honest, for most of my life, I’ve mostly heard about this country in a negative context. My home city in Serbia is known to have really poor air quality, and we always used to say that it’s like we live in Mongolia (as a reference to the generally poor air quality index in that country).

However, little did I know that the “poor air quality” thing was mostly only a problem in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, and only during winter. You wouldn’t actually visit Mongolia in winter anyway since it’s too cold!

When I went on a road trip to Lake Baikal in Russia’s Far East, I was just a few hundred kilometers away from Mongolia’s border and barely resisted the urge to take a shuttle to its capital!

Given the proximity of the two places, the architecture, people, food, and culture of Mongolia were on every corner, and I fell in love with it! So authentic and totally opposite of mainstream.

Most of Mongolia’s South is actually covered by a desert and vast, unspoiled landscapes. Just have a look at some pictures from the Gobi Desert (map), and you’ll see what I mean! In the North of the country, you have the spectacular Altai Mountains with its own wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery adorned by pristine lakes.

Top activities to do in Mongolia include horse riding through the vast steppes, trekking in the mountains, and meeting local nomadic people. Yes, there are semi-nomadic people still living in Mongolia, with the Kazakh eagle hunters being the best-known ones!

From its rich cultural heritage (think Mongolian Empire and its feared Genghis Khan), delicious and authentic food, natural landscapes, affordable pricing, and hospitable people, Mongolia has something to offer for all types of travelers!

Other accommodation options in Ulaanbaatar

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Most underrated countries in the Americas

Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, and Mexico are the most popular tourist destinations in South and Central America. But there are other captivating places that just wait to be discovered!

9. Panama

When you hear what Panama has to offer, it becomes quite obvious why it’s a must-visit tourist destination! It’s visa-free for over 100 nationalities, and it’s packed with stunning biodiversity and an even more beautiful cultural heritage.

Panama’s culture and architecture mixes African, Spanish, and contemporary American influences. The best place to experience this mix is in the Casco Viejo (map) neighborhood in Panama City, the capital’s historical center! Casco Viejo also known as San Felipe, so don’t get confused to see different names!

For even more testimonies of Panama’s rich history, head to Portobelo (map), the coastal Caribbean town just a short drive from Panama City!

In terms of nature, Panama has it all – exotic beaches, archipelagos, rich wildlife, rainforests, hiking trails, you name it. So if you’re in for an adventurous vacation filled with surfing or rock climbing, Panama is the right destination for you!

You can get around Panama City using public transport (they have a metro and a metro bus, pretty cheap and easy to use), but it’s best to explore the capital on foot! As for commuting between cities, you can use buses, shuttles, or even the plane to make it to Bocas del Toro’s amazing beaches! We even have a special article on the best hotels in Bocas, so make sure to check it out for travel inspo!

P.S. If you plan to use public transportation in Panama, it’d be of great help to brush up on your Spanish! It’ll do wonders to explain yourself since not everyone speaks English.

Other accommodation options in Panama City

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10. Uruguay

Hola, Uruguay! Possibly the least popular tourist destination in South America has its very own charm that made me add it to this list. Just because it’s so low-key and not yet open to mass tourism, Uruguay is super authentic, plus cheap to visit.

Yes, there aren’t many notable attractions or landmarks for a typical touristy sightseeing experience, but you’ll find plenty of fun activities to do like horse riding, trekking, learning about the local gaucho culture (these are Uruguay’s cowboys!), or roaming around without the tourist crowds.

Now I guess what you’ll be thinking: how safe is it to actually go to Uruguay? Well, Uruguay is not any more dangerous than any other place in South America, meaning petty crime and carjackings do happen. However, as long as you stick to crowded places and well-lit areas at night, you should be good to go!

If you’re visiting from Europe, I recommend doing a South American tour where you combine Brazil or Argentina with Uruguay. This way, you’ll get the most value for your money, and you can actually testify to whether Uruguay deserved its title of one of the most underrated countries! I’m pretty sure you’ll be blown away by it!

Other accommodation options in Montevideo

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Most underrated countries in Africa

Africa is by far the least visited continent in the world (with the exception of Antarctica). Most travelers visit Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa, but there’s one tiny island country that totally deserves the same attention!

11. Cape Verde

Have you heard of Cape Verde? Chances are, you haven’t, and I can’t blame you. This tiny archipelago and island country in West Africa is a true hidden gem comprising 10 volcanic islands boasting tropical beaches and charming little towns!

The unspoiled beauty of this country can best be seen across the Sal, Fogo, Santo Antao, and Boa Vista islands, consisting of out-of-the-world volcanic craters, lush valleys, and fabulous beaches!

From fishing villages to summer carnivals to fun activities like hiking to the peak of a volcano or learning how coffee is made at vast coffee plantations, there are tons of unique things to do here!

You may think that Cape Verde is hard to reach given its location, but you may be surprised to learn there are many direct flights from Europe! You can get around the islands using ferries and domestic flights.

The most popular island to stay in Cape Verde is Sal, and this is where you’ll find most of the luxury resorts! I particularly recommend staying in the island’s charming town called Santa Maria.

Other accommodation options in Sal

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FAQs about underrated travel destinations

Final thoughts on the top underrated travel destinations in the world

That’s it, my dear reader! The secret is out, you now have the ultimate list of the most underrated countries that so deserve your visit!

If I had to choose only one favorite underrated country in the world, I’d say Georgia. It has charm, food, and natural beauty like very few places I’ve seen in the world.

Which country from the list was the biggest surprise for you? Would you add more places to the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Enjoy your next adventure,

Darija

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