When you think of the world’s greatest travel hits, your mind probably goes straight to the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, or the Great Wall. There is a reason those places are famous, but there is also a reason they are currently swamped with crowds and high prices. In 2026, the real magic is happening in the places that people are still walking right past.
Finding an underrated gem is about more than just avoiding a long line. It is about catching a destination in its most authentic state before the big hotel chains and the souvenir shops move in. For Americans looking to get away this year, these seven spots offer world-class beauty and history without the typical tourist headache.
1. The Via Transilvanica, Romania
Everyone knows about the Camino de Santiago in Spain, but Romania has just finished its own version called the Via Transilvanica. This 1,400 kilometer trail weaves through ancient forests, rolling hills, and medieval villages that look like they haven’t changed in centuries.
You do not have to hike the whole thing to enjoy it. You can pick a small section near the city of Brasov and spend a few days walking between guesthouses. The hospitality in rural Romania is legendary, and the prices are a fraction of what you would pay in Western Europe. It is the perfect spot for anyone who wants a “slow travel” experience in a landscape that feels like a fairy tale.
2. Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone
If you want a true wildlife experience that does not involve a crowded safari jeep, Tiwai Island is the place. Located in the heart of Sierra Leone, this island is a sanctuary for some of the rarest animals on earth, including the pygmy hippopotamus.
The island is managed by the local community, so your visit directly supports the people living there. It is not a luxury resort experience. You will be staying in basic eco-lodges and waking up to the sound of primates in the canopy above you. For travelers who want to see a side of West Africa that is focused on conservation and raw natural beauty, this is a must-see.
3. The Tien Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan
For the mountain lovers who are tired of the crowded trails in the Rockies or the Alps, Kyrgyzstan is the ultimate frontier. More than 90 percent of the country is covered by mountain ranges. The “Celestial Mountains” offer turquoise glacial lakes and vast meadows where nomadic families still live in traditional yurts.
The hiking infrastructure is improving every year, but it still feels wild and undiscovered. You can go days without seeing another tourist. Instead, you will see herds of horses and eagles soaring over snow-capped peaks. It is a rugged, beautiful place that rewards those willing to go a little further off the beaten path.
4. Vis Island, Croatia
While the rest of the world is fighting for a spot on a beach in Hvar or Dubrovnik, smart travelers are heading to Vis. This island was a closed military base for decades, which accidentally preserved it from the massive overdevelopment seen elsewhere in Croatia.
It has the same sparkling Adriatic water and stone-built fishing villages as its neighbors, but at a much quieter pace. You can rent a scooter and find hidden coves where the water is so clear it looks like glass. The local wine and seafood are incredible, and because there are no cruise ship docks, the island regains its peaceful charm every evening.
5. Sierra Norte, Mexico
Most Americans head to the beaches of Cancun or the busy streets of Mexico City, but high in the mountains of Oaxaca lies a hidden paradise. The Sierra Norte is home to eight Zapotec villages that have created a unique community-led tourism model.
The air is cool and smells like pine trees, and the hiking trails connect one village to the next. You stay in locally run cabins and eat meals prepared by the families who live there. It is a powerful example of how tourism can preserve a culture rather than change it. Plus, the views of the clouds rolling through the valleys below are something you will never forget.
6. Oulu, Finland
Named a European Capital of Culture for 2026, Oulu is finally getting the attention it deserves. Located just below the Arctic Circle, this city is a hub for northern art and a very unique food scene. They are currently hosting “Arctic Food Lab” events that focus on ingredients you can only find in the frozen north.
In the winter, you can experience the Northern Lights and dog sledding without the massive crowds of Lapland. In the summer, the “midnight sun” means the festivals and outdoor markets stay open nearly all night. It is a clean, safe, and fascinating city that offers a different perspective on Nordic life.
7. Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey
While Istanbul and Cappadocia get all the glory, the southeastern corner of Turkey is where you find the deepest layers of history. Cities like Sanliurfa and Gaziantep are home to some of the oldest archaeological sites on the planet, including Gobekli Tepe.
This region is also the culinary heart of Turkey. The baklava and kebabs here are considered the best in the country. It is a place of massive stone citadels and ancient rivers. The local people are famously welcoming to foreigners, often inviting travelers in for tea and conversation at every turn.
A Memory From My Own Exploration
A few years ago, I found myself in a tiny village along the Romanian border. I had no cell service and only a vague map I had printed at the airport. I was sure I was lost until an old man on a horse-drawn cart stopped and gestured for me to hop in the back. He didn’t speak a word of English, but he drove me three miles down a dirt road right to the front door of the guesthouse I was looking for. He refused to take any money and just gave me a huge grin before trotting away. That afternoon taught me that the best parts of travel often happen in the gaps between the famous landmarks.
