The world is full of amazing places to explore, but some of them are often overlooked by travelers who flock to the more popular and crowded destinations. If you are looking for some hidden gems that offer unique experiences, stunning scenery, rich culture, and friendly locals, here are some of the most underrated travel destinations that you should consider visiting in 2023.
Bali has long been a much-touted tourist destination, but just off the southeastern shore is a trio of islands – called the Nusa Islands – that don’t get enough praise. Of the three Nusa Islands, Ceningan is the smallest and, by far, the most underrated as a vacation destination.
Ceningan Island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It boasts turquoise waters, white sand beaches, lush green hills, and colorful coral reefs. You can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, surfing, kayaking, hiking, and zip-lining. You can also relax in one of the many cozy resorts or villas that offer stunning views of the ocean and the neighboring islands.
Ceningan Island is also rich in culture and history. You can visit the Yellow Bridge that connects it to Nusa Lembongan, which was rebuilt after a tragic collapse in 2016. You can also explore the traditional seaweed farms that provide livelihood for many locals. You can also sample some of the delicious local cuisine that features fresh seafood and spicy flavors.
While popular regionally, Bariloche, Argentina is one of the top underrated holiday destinations for American travelers. The landscape is simply stunning, dotted with tree-covered mountains and glassy lakes. The town sits on the shore of a breathtaking lake and is surrounded by the Nahuel Huapi National Park in northern Patagonia.
Bariloche is a year-round destination that offers something for everyone. In the winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating on the slopes of Cerro Catedral. In the summer, you can hike, bike, kayak, raft, fish, and camp in the park. You can also take a scenic drive along the Circuito Chico or hop on a boat to visit the Isla Victoria and Bosque de Arrayanes.
Bariloche is also known for its Swiss-inspired architecture and cuisine. You can admire the charming wooden chalets and stone churches that dot the town. You can also indulge in some of the best chocolate, cheese, fondue, and beer in Argentina. You can also visit the Museo del Chocolate or take a chocolate tour to learn more about this sweet treat.
The lovely landlocked Laos is, more often than not, overlooked by Southeast Asia vacation hunters in favor of tropical beach destinations like Indonesia , Thailand , and Malaysia . But this alluring Southeast Asian republic can rival the rest of the region thanks to its ravishing rainforests , ancient Khmer temples , sprawling rice terraces , rural villages , and , unsurprisingly , its unstoppable cuisine that leaves nothing to be desired.
As told by experienced backpackers who’ve explored Southeast Asia , unspoiled Laos today is said to be what Thailand was decades ago before its tourism surge , and although it may lack the mega metropolises of Vietnam , Malaysia , and Thailand , it more than makes up for it with its tranquillity , underdeveloped infrastructure , and untouched nature-laden lands – which are all part of the charm that makes the place so special.
Some of the must-see attractions in Laos include:
- Luang Prabang: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a fusion of French colonial and Lao architecture , Buddhist temples , royal palaces , night markets , and waterfalls.
- Vientiane: The laid-back capital city that offers a glimpse of Lao culture , history , and art through its monuments , museums , galleries , cafes , and restaurants.
- Vang Vieng: A backpacker’s paradise that boasts stunning karst landscapes , caves , lagoons , rivers , and hot air balloon rides.
- Si Phan Don: A cluster of islands on the Mekong River that offer a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. You can enjoy swimming , kayaking , cycling , or spotting rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
Arguably Europe’s most underrated destination, Bosnia and Herzegovina is packed with charming towns, and Srebrenik (87 miles north of Sarajevo) is as charming as it gets.
Srebrenik is home to one of the oldest and best-preserved medieval fortresses in the Balkans, dating back to the 14th century. The fortress sits atop a hill overlooking the town and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. You can explore the ruins, learn about the history, and enjoy a picnic on the grass.
Srebrenik is also a great base for exploring the natural wonders of Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can visit the Kravice Waterfalls, a series of cascades that plunge into a turquoise pool. You can also hike to the Blagaj Tekke, a 16th-century monastery built at the base of a cliff next to a spring. You can also raft on the Neretva River, which flows through a stunning canyon.
Zimbabwe is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, South Africa and Botswana, but this African country has plenty to offer for travelers who are looking for an authentic and adventurous experience. Zimbabwe boasts some of the most diverse and spectacular wildlife in the continent, as well as some of the most impressive natural wonders.
One of the highlights of Zimbabwe is Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most majestic waterfalls in the world. You can admire the falls from various viewpoints, take a helicopter ride over them, or even swim in the Devil’s Pool at the edge of the precipice. You can also visit the nearby town of Livingstone, where you can learn about the colonial history and culture of Zimbabwe.
Another must-see attraction in Zimbabwe is Hwange National Park, the largest and oldest national park in the country. Hwange is home to over 100 mammal species and 400 bird species, including elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and more. You can go on a safari tour, stay in a luxury lodge or campsite, and witness some of the most amazing wildlife encounters in Africa.
These are just some of the most underrated travel destinations that you should consider visiting in 2023. There are many more hidden gems waiting to be discovered around the world, so don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and explore new places. You might be surprised by what you find and how much you enjoy it. Happy travels!
