Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024
Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is known for stunning scenery and popular destinations like Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver. But venture off the beaten path, and you'll discover why this region is a hidden gem hunter's paradise.
Tucked away on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the tiny town of Forks has become world-famous among fans of the Twilight saga. Yet many visitors are unaware of the real magic of the surrounding temperate rainforests and rugged Pacific coastline. With over 40 inches of annual rainfall, verdant ferns and moss thrive here. Meander beneath old growth canopies on the Hall of Mosses Trail, then chase thrilling waves and sea stacks at La Push First Beach.
The San Juan Islands are another Pacific Northwest hidden gem. Far from the urban energy of Seattle, island life moves at a gentler pace. On Orcas Island, immerse yourself in tranquility at Doe Bay Resort and Retreat. Relax in the clothing-optional sauna, indulge in hyperlocal cuisine at the farm-to-table restaurant, and settle into a yurt perched over the Salish Sea. Nearby Moran State Park offers hiking trails through old growth forests and views of snow-capped Mount Baker from Mount Constitution.
For a taste of the region's fascinating history, make time to see Astoria, Oregon. This small port city near the mouth of the Columbia River claims the title of first permanent American settlement west of the Rockies. Today, you can still see remnants of its maritime past. Watch cargo ships pass by at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, then pop into brewpubs, coffee shops and seafood shacks housed in historic buildings downtown. Don't miss the Flavel House, an ornate Queen Anne Style Victorian home built for Captain George Flavel, one of Astoria's most prominent 19th century citizens.
One spot few visitors to British Columbia have experienced is Barkley Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Accessible only by boat, its protected waters and broken coastal islands create a sea kayaker's paradise. Paddle from island to island, watching for otters, seals, gray whales and even resident pods of killer whales. At night, retreat to your kayak camp to stargaze and listen to waves gently lapping on the shore. Local First Nations will guide you safely through this remote and magical landscape.
What else is in this post?
- Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest
- Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - Ecotourism Opportunities in Central America
- Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - Europe's Most Overlooked Historic Cities
- Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - Safari Alternatives in Southern Africa
- Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - Asia's Quietest Beach Retreats
- Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - The Middle East Beyond Dubai
- Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - South America's Ancient Ruins Without the Crowds
- Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - America's Quirkiest Small Town Festivals
Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - Ecotourism Opportunities in Central America
Central America is emerging as a hotspot for ecotourism, offering ethically-minded travelers a wealth of sustainable travel experiences that protect fragile ecosystems and empower local communities. Avoid the tourist hordes flocking to generic beach resorts, and you’ll discover an authentic region brimming with diversity.
Costa Rica pioneered ecotourism in the 1990s, establishing its national park system and making sustainability a cornerstone of tourism development. Today, you can stay in remote ecolodges nestled within lush rainforests teeming with wildlife. Try Pacuare Lodge in the Talamanca Mountains, built without cutting down a single tree and powered by 100% renewable energy. Luxuriate in your canopied suite overlooking the river after conquering world class whitewater rapids. Or head to Água Rica Danta Corcovado Lodge bordering Corcovado National Park on the wild Osa Peninsula. Track Baird's tapirs on guided hikes, then relax in the plunge pool at this off-grid solar powered gem.
For the ultimate in barefoot luxury, Islas Secas Panama beckons. This private island eco-resort hosts just 16 guests in hilltop casitas and tented villas. Ride horses along empty beaches, kayak mangrove channels, and swim alongside gentle whale sharks. When you're not exploring above and below the rich waters of the Gulf of Chiriquí, dine on fresh seafood under the stars. Give back through reforestation projects or helping patrol nesting sea turtles.
In Nicaragua, explore pristine rainforests ripe for adventure. Bosque Punta Pati offers rustic thatched roof bungalows in a 1,300 acre private nature reserve. Awake to the cries of howler monkeys and walk jungle trails to a stunning waterfall. Later, help release baby sea turtles into the Pacific, assist local women with soap making, or swap stories around the fire. Nearby at Morgan's Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge, zipline over the treetops, ride horses on the beach, and take a chocolate farm tour to learn how cacao is sustainably grown and harvested.
Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - Europe's Most Overlooked Historic Cities
Beyond the predictable parade of Paris, London, and Rome, Europe is filled with historic cities unjustly overlooked by mass tourism. Venture off the continent’s well-trodden routes to uncover antiquity and charm free of crowds and kitsch.
Located at the mouth of the Tagus River about 75 miles south of Lisbon, Setúbal is an easy day trip that most visitors to Portugal bypass. But this port city has history extending back to ancient Roman times. Ramble the pedestrian lanes of the scenic historic center, savoring Gothic architecture and pretty squares as locals go about their daily lives. The star attraction is the Igreja de Jesus, an elaborate 15th century church adorned with some of Portugal’s oldest and finest azulejo tilework. Afterward, indulge in a long lunch of fresh seafood paired with Moscatel de Setúbal, a fortified wine made just across the river.
Similarly overlooked, Bulgaria’s Veliko Tarnovo conceals its medieval heart on a high bluff overlooking the Yantra River. Just a few tour groups join locals browsing market stalls set up along steep, cobblestone lanes. The historic Tsarevets Fortress soars above town, surrounded by arrow-shaped stone towers and commanding views across red-roofed homes toward the dramatic Balkan Mountains. For an immersion into Bulgaria’s intricate traditional arts, don’t miss the Samovodska Charshiya street filled with woodcarving workshops, galleries, and makers of copper pots and embroidery.
Northern Croatia’s capital Zagreb charms visitors with its Viennese grace and sophistication, all wrapped in a more intimate, approachable package. Austro-Hungarian architecture abounds, from the neo-Gothic twin spires of the Cathedral to the ornate National Theater. But hidden courtyards, cool cellar bars, and a burgeoning local food scene reveal Zagreb’s laid-back side. Stroll through Botanical Garden, then grab an outdoor table at Vinodol to split flaky strukli pastries and glasses of earthy Plavac Mali wine from the Dalmatian Coast.
Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - Safari Alternatives in Southern Africa
Southern Africa teems with some of the most spectacular wildlife on earth. It’s no wonder safaris top so many travelers’ bucket lists. But classic safari lodges and 4x4 game drives inevitably come with a hefty price tag. Between peak seasons, minimum stays and conservation fees, a standard safari can easily run over $1000 per person per night. For budget-conscious travelers or those seeking a more immersive experience, safari alternatives do exist.
Community-led tours place the focus on people over animals while still providing opportunities for unforgettable wildlife encounters. In Namibia, track rhinos on foot in the company of a passionate Herero guide. Learn about their indigenous knowledge, from the medicinal uses of wild plants to reading animal tracks. Relax around the fire under a sky ablaze with stars as your Herero hosts share stories about their culture and the surrounding landscape. Or in Botswana, spend time in a traditional village learning basket weaving and mud hut building. Visit the homes of local artisans practicing trades passed down for generations before heading out by boat to spot hippos and listen for lion roars across the water.
For the ultimate back-to-basics experience, try a self-drive safari. Plot your own route through Kruger, Etosha and beyond in your rental 4x4. Freedom camping under the stars brings you closer to wildlife than any luxury lodge can. Just be sure to pack plenty of supplies and exercise caution at all times while driving and camping. A rooftop tent with an integrated mosquito net lets you sleep safely atop your vehicle. But look before you leap out in the morning - a curious lion or elephant could be lurking right outside! Impala or kudu steaks grilled over the fire after an exhilarating day of self-guided game drives make for unforgettable and budget-friendly dinners. With strategic trip planning using rainy seasons and off-peak times, self-drive safaris give you the most bang for your buck. Just be prepared to get muddy and very close to nature.
Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - Asia's Quietest Beach Retreats
With nearly two-thirds of the world's population, Asia can sometimes feel crowded and chaotic. That's why it's essential to know where to find sanctuary along the region's shores. Though mainstream beach resorts teem with partying tourists and pulsating city beaches draw local crowds, hidden havens still exist for the intrepid traveler.
Far from Bali's bustling sands, the tranquil island of Gili Air offers a throwback to Indonesian island life before mass tourism took hold. Just 25 minutes by fast boat from Lombok, its car-free interior feels worlds away. Local horse carts provide transport along sandy lanes shaded by swaying palms. Snorkel the rich reefs ringing the island, then swing in a hammock strung up along the beach while sipping fresh coconut juice. At night, join the small community to watch the sunset fade to pink behind sacred Mt. Rinjani.
In the Philippines, Amanpulo luxuriates across its own private island in the Sulu Sea. Accessible only by seaplane from Manila, this ultra-exclusive resort shelters just 40 casitas and villas tucked into the jungle interior or strung out along nearly 4 miles of pristine coastline. Guests revel in utter seclusion, while divers explore one of the region's top barrier reefs just offshore. Rent a sailboat to explore hidden coves and stargaze after decadent beach barbecues of freshly grilled seafood. Carefully controlled tourism ensures unspoiled natural splendor.
The Mergui Archipelago conceals over 800 untouched islands south of Myanmar's coastline. Long restricted by the government, the area only opened to visitors in 1997. Even today, strict eco-tourism principles mandate no more than one resort per island. Boutique ships like The Ayla or Nomads of the Seas sail between emerald depths and glittering shallows to access this Lost World. Dive pristine reefs, trek jungles teaming with exotic birds, and enjoy sunset grills on uninhabited sandy spits surrounded by bioluminescent plankton lightshows.
Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - The Middle East Beyond Dubai
The Middle East conjures images of endless deserts and opulent cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. But venture beyond the UAE, and you’ll discover why this diverse region is so much more than glitzy malls and luxury resorts.
Oman flies under the radar, eclipsed by its flashy neighbors. Yet it charms visitors with rugged landscapes, historic forts, and welcoming culture. Muscat juxtaposes ancient and modern, with the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque's intricate Islamic architecture alongside colorful souks selling handwoven textiles, antiques, and spices. Just beyond the city, rocky coves give way to the fjord-like terrain of the Musandam Peninsula. Dhow cruises thread between steep cliffs while dolphins leap through the waters below. Far to the south, the Sharqiya Sands ripple in vast dunes begging to be explored by 4WD. Camp beneath the stars and enjoy Bedouin hospitality at a traditional desert camp.
While Petra's carved sandstone cliffs draw tourists to Jordan, far fewer venture north to the small town of Umm Qais. Yet this site perched high above the Sea of Galilee offers some of the country’s most dramatic panoramas. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Golan Heights of Syria. The ruins of the ancient Decapolis city of Gadara transport you back to the Greco-Roman era – wander past colonnaded streets, courtyards, and basilicas. Nearby, basalt hills covered in olive groves lead to the coastline where the Yarmouk River meets the sea.
Just a 45-minute flight from Dubai but worlds apart, Salalah surprises visitors with its tropical climate courtesy of the annual monsoon rains called khareef. While the rest of Oman bakes in desert heat, Salalah flourishes with lush greenery more reminiscent of Southeast Asia. Hiking trails wind past gushing waterfalls surrounded by fruit trees and coconut palms. Explore remains of the ancient Frankincense trade like the UNESCO-listed remains of Al-Balid. In Dhofar province, the landscape alternates between drifting dunes, jagged peaks, and pristine beaches begging for swimming and snorkeling. Though development accelerates, Salalah’s small-town charm persists.
Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - South America's Ancient Ruins Without the Crowds
From the cloud forests of Peru to the Atacama desert, South America safeguards legacies of vanished civilizations almost as old as Egypt's pyramids. But while Machu Picchu strains under the burden of mass tourism, ancient sites scattered across the continent still offer mystery and wonder for those who venture off the beaten track.
Tucked into the arid hills of coastal Peru, the Necropolis of Ancón served as an important ceremonial center and burial ground for the pre-Inca Chancay people. Just a two hour drive north of Lima, its adobe pyramids have largely avoided attention from tour buses bound for better-known attractions further inland. Ramble among the deserted ruins accompanied only by the sound of ocean waves and seabirds calling overhead. Many intricately woven textiles and other artifacts unearthed here now reside in Lima’s Museum of Anthropology, but a sense of mystic enigma lingers over the site.
Similarly bypassing fame, Colombia's Tierradentro Archaeological Park shelters underground tombs chiselled by the Nariño people around 600-900 AD. Descend narrow spiral staircases etched into volcanic tuff to marvel at these man-made caves adorned with carved geometric designs. Their remote location amid soaring Andean peaks adds to the sense of discovery, with no guards or ropes to hamper exploration. Nearby Pueblito archaeological site clings to a ridge top, revealing circular platforms of a settlement abandoned in the face of Spanish conquest. Stay overnight in the tiny village of San Andrés to immerse yourself in the rhythms of rural Colombian life.
Skipping the Crowds: 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit in 2024 - America's Quirkiest Small Town Festivals
America brims with small towns that truly take “quirky” to the next level when it comes to their festivals. Venture off the interstate and you’ll stumble upon celebrations of the arts, food, culture and history that offer authentic local immersion without a branded banner in sight.
Take West Virginia’s Ramp Festivals that honor the humble ramp, also known as wild leek. Chefs across the state pay homage to this beloved “stinkin’” veggie in any way imaginable, from ramp pesto pizza to chocolate ramp cake. Don your best ramp-themed costume and join the party in Richwood, where they've feted ramps for over 90 years with live music, crafts, contests and lots of rampy delicacies. Further south in Elkins, the Feast of the Ramson offers ramp-centric dishes paired with local moonshine for adventurous palates.
You’ll need a cast-iron stomach for the World Grits Festival held each April in St. George, South Carolina. Districts compete for top honors preparing shrimp and grits, grits brûlée and even grits pies. Work off your grits grub with the 5K Grits Run before a grit-eating contest. Get your fill of Southern comfort food at its quirkiest surrounded by Civil War era homes.
Book lovers swarm tiny Hobbit, Texas the first weekend of October for their annual Hobbit Festival. While the town name actually refers to a railroad loading device, that hasn’t stopped residents from gleefully embracing its Middle Earth overtones. Costumes, live music, and even a pub crawl to “The Shire” entertain fantasy fanatics. Hobbit-themed yard art and mushroom-like round homes scattered about add to the whimsy.
Further feeding the imagination, Spotsylvania County in Virginia hosts the annual Fairy and Gnome Festival where myth becomes real. Hundreds of families frolic with fairies fluttering about in elaborate costumes. Take tea in tiny tree stump teacups after participating in a massive fairy house building workshop. Gently worn fairy dresses and wings get donated to the costume box for every child to enjoy a bit of magic. It's an ideal escape and photography dream.
So embrace your childlike wonder and catch next year’s quirkiest small town festivals. Dig into big flavors and intimate crowds that define local pride for niche obsessions. Costumes welcome but not required - unless ramp royalty or fairy godmother status sounds appealing! Keep it weird, authentic and full of heart in a way only found when visiting America's underrated communities.