Hidden Gems: The Most Overlooked Exotic Places to Visit in the World
Hidden Gems! Everyone dreams of visiting Paris, New York, Tokyo, and other big cities, but these cities are crowded, and sometimes too costly. In case, you want to try somewhere not so popular and still get the same wonders, history, culture or adventure as you would in famous destinations. Some of these underrated tourist attractions are also cheap to visit, so you are still getting good travel bang for your buck while still being able to get your ‘WOW’ moments.
Well, before you head to the usual very popular tourist spots, take some time and check these 12 places that you should definitely add to your list!
Uruguay: South America’s Unwind on the Sand Holiday Spot
Uruguay has more than 280 miles of coastlines that consist of golden sand dunes and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean that is not crowded at all in the Americas. It’s funny how Brasil and Argentina steal the show while Uruguay flies a bit low, but it is a great destination for beach lovers or simply those who prefer outdoor activities or who want to visit some beautiful colonial cities such as Montevideo or Colonia del Sacramento. Also, the nation is very environmental conscious particularly on issues of sustainability and conservation of natural resources. Uruguay is not only one of the cheapest countries, but also one of the safest, friendliest and most tranquil countries for a beach holiday.
Northern Serbia: It is a history-rich area, but one that is not packed with tourists or filled with overpriced souvenir shops.
Even though Croatia is gaining more and more tourists and thus overtakes in the majority of places, the less discovered but also less crowded neighbor Serbia has a great deal to offer – parts of the Stari Grad plain and the Danube river valley, for instance. However, places like Sremski Karlovci, Petrovaradin Fortress, and Novi Sad offer much more space to be gained at cafés, museums, historical city square, and other tourist destinations. There is also the well-preserved fortress city of Kalemegdan, as well as the ethnically and religiously diverse town of Subotica. Northern Serbia is full of history, culture, and romanticism – but unlike some other populared destinations, it’s not overcrowded. In addition, the culture of the wine, art and music in the region has rapidly evolved within the last years.
Tasmania: A Treasure Trove of Nature and Food in Australia
While Australia has been famous for tourists, the off-shore island state of Tasmania or “Tassie” draws in only a small number of tourists. But guess what? Tassie has some of the best nature sites in Australia – Mount Field National Park and the magnificent Bay of Fires. Drive through UNESCO protected area with thick rain forests, wild rivers, and many fauna. There are also gourmet dining opportunities with great agricultural and aqua cultured foods such as pungent black truffles, cool climate wines, wild abalone and wonderful cheeses. Or taste single malt whisky produced at some of the highest and most isolated mountain distilleries. Meet the indigenous people of the island and explore some of the oldest geological formations in the entire world without the company of hordes of other tourists.
Valparaiso: Santiago de Chile: The City of Lights and Its Picturesque Coastal Neighborhood
While Santiago is Chile’s leading tourist destination, there may be no more fascinating metropolitan area than that of Valparaiso, a coastal city. Located on the slopes of natural crescent-shaped harbor lined with pastel-colored buildings and houses in different architectural styles, Valparaiso appears to be stuck in a pre-entrenched romanticized century. Still, reach hilltops above the bay following tight and twisting roads. Visit colorful markets, elegant buildings, and wonderful museums. Enjoy a one day wine tours through the regions wonderful wine valleys. Or, take rickety elevators such as the “Elevator Edward” situated beside old cafes and shops. The rawness and unpretentiousness of Valparaiso attracts more of the urban explorer type travelers.
Slovenia: Switzerland may have the cute girls and clean streets but for breathtaking beauty without having to pay through your nose, go to Croatia.
For beautiful European mountain landscapes with lakes, waterfalls, forests, and fairy-tale villages but not packed with tourists and overpriced – go to Slovenia. Slovenia offers excellent countryside, friendly villages and towns, Gothic castles, beautiful ceramics or wines, Europe’s best cheeses and a short drive from the lively capital, Ljubljana – and all this in a size that could be considered as a bite-sized version of Switzerland or Austria. Being a complex of sixteen lakes which connected by a series of waterfalls and cascades, Plitvice Lakes provides Slovenia with the most beautiful natural views in one national park complemented with energizing activities in the open air. However, each of the small town and each village has its own discoveries – from visiting workshops, where organic cheese is produced, to horse and carriage sightseeing to vast caves. Beauty, culture, adventure. .. This was all off the beaten track. Let me assure you, dear readers, that Slovenia is a place you will want to visit at least once in your lifetime.
Da Lat: The City of Eternal Spring and Crisp Mountain Views in Vietnam
Most of the foreign visitors to Vietnam rarely if ever, explore the country beyond the busy city roads of Halong or Saigon, and are thus deprived of the scenic beauty of nature including such natural gems as rainforest, rivers, rice fields, and valleys. One beautiful place that can be considered is the highland area near the city of Da Lat. Da Lat gives off an alpine vibe with cool, fresh air, pine trees, small waterfalls, landsced flowers, and buildings that are a mix of French colonial and Vietnamese architectures. Enjoy the flowers at the markets, walk around through waterfalls, take a bath in mud springs, and visit the Buddhist temples as well as the remains of the Cham or Lin Yi mountain tribes. Da Lat’s climate during spring is also cool and thus generate high quality fruits, vegetable, coffee beans and teas. Escape the noise and pollution of cities of the country for beautiful countryside.
Naples & Southern Italy: Cheap European Adventure Lesser Known Destinations
Majority of American tourists visit Northern Italy attractions such as Rome, Florence and Venice. However, hidden just beyond the usual tourist track lies the southern half of Italy that is equally as beautiful, culturally rich, and delicious – all for a fraction of the cost. Start in vibrant Naples and discover ancient ruins in Pompeii, dramatic coastline along the Amalfi Coast Drive, and picturesque cliff-top towns such as Positano or Ravello. Or, in a short cruise to such places as Capri, known not only for vertical cliff faces and turquoise coves but also for neutral gardens with exotic flowers. Naples is teeming with markets, museums, piazzas, and tight alleys. It is a classic cliché that few other destinations have as much to offer for the frugal traveler in search of the sweet life.
Penang & Langkawi: Tropical Islands Near Malaysia
Although beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests, and delicious street food attract people to Thailand, the islands of Malaysia, just to the north, are just as exotic but significantly less crowded and expensive. Penang is still unknown and offers marvelous British colonial, Chinese immigrant and Malay architectural facades of George Town. Stroll through beautiful Hindu and Buddhist shrines, buy goods at vibrant street markets, and enjoy delicious street food for a couple of dollars per meal. Langkawi, the island next door, offers even more exotic appeal, with cliffs of limestone soaring from turquoise waters and dense interior forests crisscrossed by narrow trails and cascades. Since beautiful hotels can be rented for a considerably lower sum than in other Asian countries, why not have a rest on the islands of Malaysia?
San Miguel de Allende: Cultural Oasis in the Heart of Mexican Colonialism
Well yes, you might have gone the popular spring break routes of Cabo or Cancun. But if you are looking for a more genuine Mexican flavor enriched with beautiful architecture and historical heritage, beautiful mountains and incredible crafts from local artisans – turn your attention to San Miguel de Allende. A relatively short drive away from bustling Mexico City, San Miguel is brimming with a plethora of colonial architecture that houses quaint hotels, art galleries and eateries. Paved by cobblestone, the towns have green public squares with bubbling fountains and musicians performing. Our fellow citizens and artists have also worked hard to renovate century-old church and communal jewels again as well. Visit during Easter season for real live colourful parades and festivals as well! Being only a few hours’ drive from other wine regions of Guanajuato state or the lively town of Queretaro, San Miguel is ideal for other cheap but very fascinating Mexican excursions.
Quebec City: Gallic Charm in North America
If you enjoy history, architecture and the etiquette of France but cannot afford to cross the Atlantic or spend too much money on a vacation, try the French-inspired Quebec City. In addition to the plush coffee shops, delicious pastries, stunning galleries, sky touching churches, fortification walls and breathtaking terrains, Quebec offers a royal European touch and class which is not offered by any other place in the entire of North America. Walk through well lit, lively, pedestrians only avenues that resemble the streets of Paris. Savor French Canadian meals like mapled glazed poutine, tourtieres meat pies or fresh local foods in market halls in Le Marche. Quebec also provides an opportunity to navigate through beautiful countryside routes with the background of taiga with numerous lakes or through the apple and wine regions of the Appalachian foothill. Experience the Francophone world right on our own soil without the need for a passport.
Seoul: South Korea: The Capital – High-Tech Meets Korean Tradition
Although now, with movies such as Parasite, the focus is brought to the economic division between the rich and the poor in South Korea, visitors should not miss the opportunity to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the country’s capital – Seoul. As post-modern as any of the technology, industrial and development hubs of the modern Asian city such as Tokyo or Singapore, Seoul has its roots in Korea’s royal dynasties of the past and encompasses both countryside and spirituality. Visit the cleanest places, such as the royal palaces and temples like Gyeongbokgung Palace, which represent the traditions of Korea, the hanok architectural style, and the Museum of the Royal Guard. Stroll through old city gates and fortress walls before shopping for the latest technology at a futuristic store. Incorporate hospital cooking classes to learn about market foods. Or, go to the outskirts of the city to pay the ancestors a visit in resorts. Such things as cute and unusual coffee shops, fabulous beauty standards, hiking trails up to the city outskirts, Seoul will be interesting for many. Affordable, clean/safe streets but very modern, put Seoul on you must visit list.
Are you prepared to begin creating a vacation to one of those unique yet underappreciated travel locations that offer incredible views and cultural experiences but at a fraction of the cost or crowds? It will be a fun experience that will turn your friends green with envy while guaranteeing the best possible travel deal. Why not explore something out of the ordinary for the next vacation. Just be prepared – you might not wish these tasty hidden morsels to become too mainstream once the word is out!
