The World’s Most Underrated Destinations

The true wonder of travel lies in confronting the unknown and becoming lost in the beauty of a place on the verge of discovery. There is no more satisfying feeling than being among the first few to arrive at and explore a location that others have yet to see. This magnificent planet is constantly at the ready with new untapped destinations to make even the most intrepid traveler swoon in awe-struck delight, from remote islands to unexplored deserts and jungles teeming with wildlife. Get out there, true adventurers, and discover this latest trove of unspoiled global treasures to find your own inspiration.

Sao Tome and Principe

The nation of Principe is an intimate, discreet island oasis surrounded by enchanting flora and fauna, ocean breezes, and lush tropical forests in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa.

Eco-conscious visitors will appreciate the pristine, well-protected environment as a wonderful starting point for exploring this lost world of beaches, bays, and jungles. Sundy Praia’s luxurious tented accommodations on the wild northwest tip of the island of Principe will help you lose track of time and place while looking for turtles, whales, birds, and dolphins. True explorers will enjoy discovering historical churches on the island’s biosphere trails.

You can see the incredible hatching of sea turtles between September and April, and you can spot any of the 29 endemic bird species on the island all year. When you’re not lounging in a private tented villa or exploring the local plantations by four-wheel drive, dine at Sundy Praia’s fantastic restaurant, which has adapted local traditions and flavors like tuna, wahoo, passion fruit, and pineapple. A meal (or two) is a must here. awe-inspiring views of the Pacific.

Accommodation in São Tomé

Wadi Rum, Jordan

For millennia, Jordan’s dramatic and desolate desert landscapes have enticed explorers to trek through its unforgiving landscapes. But what most visitors don’t realize is that it’s closer than you think; unlock the area’s hidden gems and Bedouin culture via Wadi Rum, a must-see on any adventurous traveler’s bucket list.

A comprehensive trekking tour through this historic, otherworldly landscape is highly recommended, and it is the best way to explore the location where scenes from the film Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. Travelers can explore the seven jagged rock columns natural landmark that inspired T.E. Lawrence’s famous novel “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom.” Adventurers can travel by camel or Jeep, stopping at Bedouin communities along the way and staying in luxury desert camps where traditional meals are served around a fire under the stars.

Accommodation in Wadi Rum

Puglia, Italy

Puglia, Italy’s fashionable boot heel, has a wonderfully distinct allure derived from its rural landscape and a patchwork past influenced by Norman, Spanish, Greek, and Byzantine influences. The region is quickly challenging Tuscany for the gourmet crown, providing a glimpse into true Italian traditions and values.

This pristine region produces some of the country’s best, often undiscovered wines and olive oils, thanks to miles of bountiful coastline and verdant landscapes of olive groves and vineyards. Enjoy Puglia’s famed cucina povera, a stripped-back, authentic style of Italian cooking focusing on simple, fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods—the it’s slow-food movement at its best.

Accommodation in Puglia

Guacalito De La Isla, Nicaragua

Guacalito De La Isla is an undiscovered Central American paradise perched on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, with 30 miles of untouched beaches. Stay at the Mukul Resort, which was created by local entrepreneur Don Carlos Pellas and his family in an effort to preserve the region’s beauty and share it with like-minded travelers. The name derives from the Mayan word for ‘secret,’ and the property lives up to its reputation as a hidden gem, with fairy-tale beach villas and ‘bohios’ nestled on the stunning, mile-long Manzanillo beach, which is awash with light powdery sand and glorious Pacific sunsets.

From surfing and ash boarding down volcanoes to nature and bike paths through pristine jungles teeming with monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds, the opportunities for adventure are limitless. The infinite pleasures of doing nothing are not to be overlooked here; simply lie back, relax, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Pacific.

Rooms and prices at Mukul Luxury Residences

Madagascar

Look no further than wild and virtually unexplored Madagascar for a “still relatively off the radar” escape. This thriving biodiversity hotspot is a naturalist’s and adventurer’s dream; the island is teeming with endemic wildlife, 80% of which can be found nowhere else on the planet. Most people are unaware that Madagascar has some of the best beaches in the Indian Ocean.

Accommodation in Analamanga region

Accommodation in Diana region

Georgia

With the renewed interest in this country and its significance in the Silk Road’s history, now is the time to visit Georgia while it is still very ‘in the know.’ Underneath the surface of this mostly rural country is a unique European culture that few visitors are aware of, where hospitality and warmth shine as visitors and guests are regarded as ‘gifts from God.’

Georgia will easily capture your attention with its rich history, unique culinary traditions, green hilltops, snow-capped mountains, and spring waters.

Accommodation in Tbilisi

Southern Namib Desert, Namibia

This remote Namibian destination is known for its mesmerizing dark skies, which provide a peaceful and inspiring backdrop for nightly stargazing (and one of the best spots in the world to do so).

You can travel to Namibian destinations such as Sossuvlei, Windhoek, and Omaanda camp, or you can stay at the lodge and enjoy the majestic surroundings and wildlife. If you’re looking for the ultimate in tranquility, take a dip in the infinity pool overlooking Namibia’s enchanting desert.

Accommodation in Windhoek

Mancora, Peru

Mancora, Peru is often overlooked, but it is home to the tranquil Mancora Beach and the stunning stone, wood, and mud boutique hotel, KiChic. Kichic, once the owner’s personal residence, is now a destination in and of itself for visitors to retreat and unwind with yoga, fish for the day’s catch, and dine on nutritious, pescatarian, and vegetarian soul food. Naturally, all of the dishes here make use of locally sourced ingredients and flavors like coconut and gomasio.

Mancora’s barefoot bohemian vibes, rooted in its love of the sun, fresh fish, and surfing, make it a must-visit destination for those with an uninhibited affinity for the natural world. Mancora, which appears to be in perpetual summer, is a year-round haven for kitesurfing, plunge pools, and new dining options. The humpback whale spotting season, which lasts from June to October, is a popular time to visit.

Accommodation in Mancora

Stockholm Archipelago

The Stockholm Archipelago, located east of Stockholm, is where Sweden’s well-heeled flock for the summer. Setting sail is the best way to see all of the skerries and rocks in this Swedish gem, known locally as skärgrden.

The Stockholm Archipelago is a cluster of 3,000 islands that offer incredible views and access to Stockholm’s scenic soft sand beaches, historic castles, lush forests, and stunning coastlines. It is undiscovered by tourists and preserved by locals. Locals and visitors alike can cruise like royalty, spending mornings sailing through untouched, scenic waters and afternoons exploring storybook villages and Stockholm’s Old Town.

Accommodation in Stockholm

Faroe Islands, Denmark

The Faroe Islands, located in the chilly waters between Scotland and Iceland, are a true retreat. The dramatic landscapes completely redefine the concept of a “untouched archipelago,” allowing visitors to experience a more wild side of the Danish Kingdom.

Natural wonders best explored via old fishing boats for a mystical effect can be found along rugged coastlines once considered Viking territory. But the Faroes are also beginning to modernize, with chic shops and the island’s two Michelin-starred restaurant, KOKS, serving up inspired Faroese delicacies.

Found something amazing? Spread the wonder and share it with your friends! 🥰