Many travelers’ bucket lists aren’t so dissimilar. South Africa, New Zealand, Italy – with their beautiful beaches and unique natural landscapes, many destinations have become popular with tourists.
But there are also countries that remain in the shadows. Those that are equally beautiful, but not as crowded and trendy as others. We present seven travel destinations that still manage without mass tourism.
1. Saba
The Netherlands Antilles, which include Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten (also known as the SSS Islands), are still a hidden gem in the Caribbean . While destinations like the Dominican Republic are well-visited, on Saba you can still experience local life away from the tourist crowds.
Dominating the landscape of Saba is the volcano Mount Scenery, which the locals simply call “The Mountain”. From its 887-meter height, you have a fantastic view over the island.
Anyone visiting Saba should definitely explore the underwater world – it’s truly unique. Pristine and intact coral reefs provide a habitat for numerous marine creatures such as humpback whales, whale sharks, sea turtles, rays, and various shark species.
2. Oman
The endless expanse of the desert, trekking tours to green oases, the view from the Hajar Mountains, bustling markets in Muscat and dream beaches in Salalah – Oman is a dream travel destination that not too many people have on their radar yet.
While other destinations on the Arabian Peninsula are very popular with tourists, Oman is still considered relatively uncrowded – although tourism has increased. Anyone wanting to experience Oman authentically and without the crowds should travel soon.
If you are interested in a trip to Oman, we also have plenty of inspiration for you:
3. Tonga
Do you also dream of a trip to the South Pacific? Then Tonga would be a destination that is less popular than Fiji or other tourist islands.
Tonga consists of numerous small coral islands and offers ideal conditions, especially for beach lovers and underwater enthusiasts. While snorkeling or diving around the islands, you can encounter marine life such as humpback whales. A trip to the “Mapu’a Vaea” blowholes is a must – here, water jets shoot up to 30 meters high through the coastal rocks and the surf.
4. Albania
For a long time, Albania was treated as the neglected child of Europe; most people’s memories of the war and crises of the 1990s were too vivid. But Albania has long since recovered – and now boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes Europe has to offer.
What makes Albania so special is that every traveler will find something to enjoy. Albania has mountains and beaches, canyons and rivers, bustling cities like Tirana and historically significant places like Shkodra. During your visit, you should definitely see the idyllic Koman Reservoir and the Blue Eye (a gorge), and try canyoning in Corovoda.
If we’ve now piqued your interest in Albania, you can find plenty of travel inspiration here:
5. Spitsbergen
The northernmost point in Europe where you can spend the night is located in Svalbard. This island archipelago, belonging to Norway , lies roughly halfway between the North Pole and the North Cape and offers plenty for people interested in nature, wilderness, and remoteness.
From the capital Longyearbyen, you can explore glaciers and ice caves, admire frozen waterfalls and visit ghost towns – settlements that have become deserted after the mines were shut down.
With a bit of luck, travelers can also encounter the impressive wildlife. Despite the arctic temperatures, polar bears, whales, walruses, seals, Arctic foxes, and reindeer live on and around Svalbard.
Are you now interested in a trip to Svalbard? Then take a look here:
6. Philippines
The Philippines are no longer a true hidden gem, but unlike their Southeast Asian neighbors, they aren’t overrun with tourists either. This is partly due to the archipelago’s location: Long-term travelers often combine Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos – the Philippines, however, cannot be reached by land.
For nature lovers, the Philippines is a paradise. Whether you hike through the rice terraces of Banaue, enjoy the view from the Chocolate Hills, or cruise through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, you’ll find it all. You should also definitely explore the underwater world, such as the coral reefs of Tubbataha.
If you want a quiet and uncrowded holiday in the Philippines, you should definitely avoid the island of Boracay – it was even closed at times because too many people were coming.
Are you interested in a trip to the Philippines? Then get even more tips here:
Important information: A severe earthquake struck northern Cebu province on September 30th, destroying buildings and resulting in fatalities. Travelers should take this into account when planning their trips.
7. Nicaragua
Do you desperately want to visit Costa Rica to experience its flora and fauna, but don’t have the necessary funds? Then Nicaragua could be an alternative for you. The country has much of what its southern neighbor has to offer, but is even more pristine, cheaper to travel to, and not yet a tourist hotspot.
Nicaragua, like Costa Rica, is dominated by volcanoes. On Cerro Negro near León (a city known for its art exhibitions), you have the spectacular opportunity to sandboard back down after climbing the mountain. In nature parks, you can also hike through rainforests and orchid fields, encountering monkeys, sloths, and other jungle inhabitants.
