We’ve all been there, when we’ve visited a destination – perhaps for the first time or you might be a regular – and have been forced to come to the realisation that we’re simply sharing our travel experiences with too many people.
Destinations are like fashion; they have booms and busts and seasonal surges that can (sometimes radically) change the experience tourists have when they visit, as we’ve seen in places like Venice and Barcelona.
So, if you’re feeling a little crowded, maybe it’s time you start exploring underrated destinations, places that have always been overshadowed by spots with big attractions and big marketing budgets, where you can be free to explore without encountering the masses, where you’ll be treated like a visitor and not like a tourist, and where you can gain a fresh insight.
After all, isn’t that what travel is all about? We take a closer look at some of the best underrated travel destinations, where you should stay and what you need to do once you get there.
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
One of my favourite off-the-beaten-track destinations, one that could do with a little more love, is Samarkand in Uzbekistan. This timeless, fascinating city, once a vital weigh station on the ancient Silk Road, is best known for its ornate mosques and mausoleums but as Central Asia becomes an increasingly popular destination for intrepid travellers, there’s no better time to visit the tomb of Timur, founder of the Timurid Empire, and Samarkand’s iconic Registan square with its flanking madrassas dating from the 15th and 17th centuries.
Central Asia is only now becoming popular as a tourism destination, thanks to increased (and safe) air access courtesy of carriers like Kazakhstan’s Air Astana, and relaxed visa restrictions. Uzbekistan, a country that’s much like a living museum, is also home to a sophisticated rail network that makes getting from the capital, Tashkent, to Samarkand a breeze.
The best times to visit are spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October), when the regional crowds are less and you’ll have the city’s museums and monuments to yourself.
When you arrive, tour the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, which was once one of the largest in the Islamic world, before delving into the fascinating Siab Bazaar, which has traded for centuries. Then grab a bowl of plov, one of my favourite Uzbek dishes, rice cooked in vast pans with rich stock, vegetables and lamb.
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Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Most visitors to New Zealand head straight to the South Island and its Lord of the Rings-esque Alpine landscapes. However, don’t forget the beautiful North Island region of the Bay of Islands. An idyllic destination that’s only a couple of hours’ drive from the largest city, Auckland.
Centred around the town of Russell (which was once New Zealand’s capital city), Bay of Islands is a sub-tropical paradise of tranquil bays, verdant rural landscapes and luxury lodges best enjoyed during the southern summer from January to March.
Time your drive up from Auckland to visit the vibrant farmer’s markets at Matakana on the way (the region’s boutique wine scene is brilliant) before arriving in the Bay of Islands, where you can make for Kauri Cliffs, one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed luxury lodges and golf courses and now managed by Rosewood.
Alternatively, Eagle’s Nest or Helena Bay Lodge are also favourites of mine – all capture the essence of this beautiful corner of the country, with its pristine coasts wreathed by pohutukawa trees (we call it the New Zealand Christmas Tree), and bays filled with resident dolphins.
Play a round at Kauri Cliffs, go diving at the Poor Knights Marine Reserve, or take a cruise out to The Hole in the Rock before returning to Russell for fish and chips and a cold beer at the iconic Duke of Marlborough Tavern.
Palawan, Philippines
While most tourists flock to Cebu’s Mactan Island or Boracay’s powder white beaches, you might want to instead head to Palawan, the Philippines’ most underrated destination. This tropical island is best known for its lush jungles, pristine coastline and laidback ambiance yet sees far fewer travellers than the capital Manila and resort destinations like Cebu, Bohol and Boracay.
Travellers headed to Palawan can stay at luxury private island Banwa (one of my favourite resorts in the Philippines); base themselves at hidden resort Miniloc and explore El Nido, a series of hidden beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs and idyllic islands off the north coast that inspired Alex Garland’s novel The Beach; dive with whale sharks at the mesmerizing UNESCO-listed Tubbataha Reefs; or don a hard hat and lifejacket and delve underground at Puerto Princesa’s otherworldly 8.2-kilometre-long subterranean river cave system.
Combining beauty, affordability and just enough adventure to keep things interesting, the best time to visit Palawan is during the dry season, which runs from November to April and hire a local driver to make the most of this remarkable island.
Busan, South Korea
You might have visited Seoul, South Korea’s vibrant capital, or even chilled out honeymoon spot Jeju Island, but have you been to Busan, the country’s second largest city? Often overshadowed by the sprawling capital, Busan is a brilliant, underrated travel destination thanks to its modern infrastructure, great street food, intriguing cultural roots and world-class architecture.
Base yourself at the Park Hyatt Busan or the elegant Signiel Busan. You’ll quickly discover the city’s merits, which include fewer crowds and a more serene vibe, even when you travel during peak season from March to May, when the weather is mild and many of the city’s largest events take place, including the annual Busan Fireworks Festival.
Easily accessible from Seoul by train and from cities across Asia by plane, this coastal gem offers great beaches during the summer months, including top spots like Haeundae (home to the annual Busan Sea Festival) and Gwangalli, where you can try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling.
Once you’ve had your dose of vitamin sea and sand, get a little culture with a visit to some of the city’s most interesting temples, including Beomeosa, which dates from the 7th century, before delving into the Gamcheon Culture Village, home to eclectic art galleries and cafes.
Finally, tap into Busan’s local foodscape with a visit to the Jagalchi Fish Market, where you can dine on fresh crab, octopus, eomuk (fish cake), and Milmyeon, cold wheat noodles and a Busan specialty.
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Muscat, Oman
Often named one of the cleanest cities on the planet, Muscat, the capital of Oman, offers travellers to the region a great alternative to bustling Dubai and Abu Dhabi, one that has preserved its culture and embraces its sleepy coastal ambiance.
One of my favourite cities in the region, Muscat may be an underrated destination but it should absolutely be on your travel radar, not just because it’s a fascinating place to visit, but because it’s also the gateway to Oman’s many preserved treasures, including mountain passes, indulgent resorts (Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is to die for), historic forts, pristine coastlines, and timeless Bedouin culture.
Located between the mountainous interior and the Gulf of Oman, Muscat is a living museum that preserves Oman’s 5,000-year-old culture, albeit with a contemporary twist. Easily accessible from the UAE by road or globally by air, and best visited from November to March when the desert heat abates, Muscat offers travellers to the Middle East less glitz and glamour and more authenticity, whether you’re exploring the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (look out for its massive Swarovski crystal chandelier and one of the world’s largest carpets), or taking an early morning walk along the Corniche.
Leave time to shop for the ancient spices that made Oman an important trading centre, including frankincense, at the vibrant Muttrah Souq (grab a Halwa, a traditional rosewater and saffron desert), catch a performance at the Royal Opera House, a symphony of Omani and Islamic architecture, and catch the sunset from the Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts, twin 16th-century Portuguese fortifications guarding Muscat’s harbor.
Sapporo, Japan
Often missed by ski bunnies headed to the slopes in Niseko, Sapporo, the largest city on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, is a brilliant post-ski escape, with a vibrant cultural scene and some of the best food in the country.
Easily accessible from Tokyo by train or plane, and a two-hour trip from Niseko, the city and the alpine playground share an airport, New Chitose International, which is located between the two), Sapporo has all the charm of a city but with a touch of local Ainu culture, and a welcoming, laid-back vibe, especially during spring and autumn.
You can enjoy Sapporo year round – in winter you can attend ice festivals, take day trips into the countryside in search of traditional onsens (there are plenty in Jozankei) and then explore the brilliant Christmas markets (favourite is in Odori Park), where you can snack on local delicacies and warm up with a spiced red wine or a hot toddy laced with local whisky. In summer, you can go hiking, explore the local fish markets (this is, after all, the home of some of the best seafood in the world) and dine on king crab alfresco by the river.
In fact, the food is one of Sapporo’s biggest drawcards. Its streets (especially around Susukino District) are lined with quaint izakayas where the local beer flows and you can rub shoulders with the locals. Be sure to delve into narrow Ganso Ramen Yokocho, an alley designated to tiny hole-in-the-wall ramen stalls (Miso ramen is the local staple), and explore the bustling Nijo Market, home to fresh crab, sea urchin and great little Mom ‘n’ Pop style eateries.
Seattle, United States
Often playing second fiddle to the likes of San Francisco and Los Angeles, Seattle, located in Washington State in the US, has a buzzing persona, great outdoors activities, a vibrant coffee culture and an awesome live music scene, all without the masses.
Best visited in spring and summer (it has a bit of a reputation for its rainy autumn and winter months), Seattle is the gateway to spectacular national parks, kayaking, fishing and cruising on picturesque Puget Sound, and hiking in the Cascade Mountains, while the city offers an uber-eclectic, multi-cultural vibe that’s enthralling, as well as a brilliant avant-guard culinary scene.
Easily accessible from Asia as well as all points in the US, Seattle hugs the coastline, so, base yourself Downtown at the boutique Hotel Ändra Seattle – MGallery Collection, one of the city’s coolest hotels and then get your bearings with a visit to the top of the 605-ft Space Needle (look out for the glass floor panels on the observation deck).
Back on terra firma, dive into Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the country, where you’ll find locally produced condiments, vibrant art, and plenty of nostalgic keepsakes.
You’ll also want to explore Seattle’s great dining, with classic local dishes you must try, including Dungeness crab, Chinook salmon, clam chowder and Beecher’s cheese. Head for Fremont, a quirky area that’s famed for its dining, breweries and Sunday markets, and then walk off all that indulgence at Discovery Park, home to beaches, forests and walking paths.
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Bratislava, Slovakia
One of the most underrated capitals in Europe, Bratislava, in Slovakia, is a beautiful city packed with culture, art and history. Easily accessible from Budapest, Prague and Vienna, this elegant locale, located on the Danube River, offers a quieter, more affordable option to the iconic capitals but without compromising on hospitality and interest.
Ideal for a day trip or a weekend departure from your itinerary in Hungary or Austria (especially from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny), Bratislava is centred around its ornate Staré Mesto, or Old Town, home to great local restaurants and pubs, many of which spill onto the cobblestone streets during the warmer summer months (look out for the Čumil, bronze sewer works that pop out of manholes at various intersections.
Design lovers will notice medieval, Gothic and Baroque architecture, with touches of post-Communism, and show make for the Renaissance-style Bratislava Castle, which is located high above the city and is now a fascinating museum.
You can also pop into St. Martin’s Cathedral, a spectacular 15th-century Gothic church where 19 Hungarian royals were crowned before climbing to the observation pod atop the striking SNP Bridge (locals call it the UFO because of its eye-catching design), which offers staggering views down the river valley. Sate a well-earned appetite with the national dish, Bryndzové Halušky, potato dumplings packed with sheep’s cheese and bacon.