Off-the-beaten-path destinations
Places most travelers miss — and the ones who go remember.
For travelers who'd rather skip the famous-because-famous list. Some are emerging, some are inexplicably overlooked, all of them reward the harder logistics with much fewer crowds.
22 destinations
Patagonia
South AmericaThe most dramatic landscapes on earth.
Taiwan
East AsiaBest street food in the world, dramatic gorges, deeply welcoming culture.
Georgia (Caucasus)
CaucasusExtraordinary food, wine, hospitality, mountains, and old cities — all cheap.
Nepal
South AsiaThe Himalayas. Trekking that changes how you see scale.
Iceland
Northern EuropeGeysers, glaciers, northern lights, hot springs.
New Zealand
OceaniaFjords, volcanoes, glaciers, beaches — in one country.
South Korea
East AsiaSeoul is one of the most exciting cities in Asia.
Argentina
South AmericaBuenos Aires has the best steakhouses and nightlife in South America.
Colombia
South AmericaMedellin is one of the most exciting cities in the world right now.
Costa Rica
Central AmericaSurfing, rainforest, volcanoes, and wildlife in extraordinary density.
India
South AsiaOverwhelming, beautiful, and utterly unlike anywhere else.
Morocco
North AfricaMedinas, desert, mountains, and coast — sensory and varied.
Norway
Northern EuropeFjords, northern lights, midnight sun — utterly unlike anywhere else.
Peru
South AmericaMachu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Lima's food scene, and the Amazon.
Southern Portugal
Western EuropeAtlantic beaches, excellent food and wine, slow pace.
Scotland
Northern EuropeHighlands, lochs, castles, and whisky. Dramatic, moody landscapes.
Vietnam
Southeast AsiaThe best food in Southeast Asia, remarkable scenery, a long coastline.
Canary Islands
AtlanticYear-round warm weather, volcanic landscapes, easy from Europe.
Jordan
Middle EastPetra alone justifies the trip.
Philippines
Southeast AsiaOver 7,000 islands and some of the most beautiful beaches on earth.
South Africa
Sub-Saharan AfricaCape Town is stunning. Safari, wine country, dramatic coast in one trip.
Sri Lanka
South AsiaBeaches, ancient ruins, tea country, and wildlife in one compact island.
Frequently asked
What's the most underrated destination?
Patagonia is genuinely underrated — The most dramatic landscapes on earth.
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