More and more travellers, when searching for their next trip, are looking to experience the less discovered and avoid the overly crowded.
To help them, we’ve launched ‘Underrated Destinations’ – a filter on our Explore pages. It spotlights lesser-known, alternative destinations to the ‘big hitters’ that don’t come with the larger crowds and snaking queues. These places might not have the same level of fame or popularity as their well-known counterparts, but they still make for fantastic places to visit.
Encouraging more responsible tourism
As travellers, we want to cause as little disruption to locals and the environment as possible. But when a destination becomes increasingly popular, mass tourism can put growing pressure on its infrastructure and resources.
Often, locals can be driven out of the area and the destination loses the authenticity which attracted travellers in the first place. There can be environmental repercussions too, with areas of natural beauty and historical sites being damaged beyond repair.
Cities like Venice, Amsterdam and Barcelona are already encouraging more responsible tourism – such as off-peak travel, longer stays and increased visits to surrounding areas – to help minimise the effects of over-tourism.
Venice, for example, has introduced an entrance fee to the city and its islands from spring 2024, becoming the world’s first city to do so. While Amsterdam has banned cruise ships from its city centre to limit footfall and curb pollution.
The appeal of underrated tourism
Apart from the immediate benefits of experiencing a destination more like a local, while not having to dodge and weave past other holidaymakers, underrated places and points of interest can help broaden traveller horizons by encouraging people to venture off the beaten track and beyond traditional cities.
At the same time, visitation to less well-known, but still attractive, destinations can support and maintain a country’s tourism growth but disperse its impact across more locations and spread the economic benefit of travel more evenly.
Our top picks for underrated destinations
- Tunis, Tunisia
Best/quietest time to visit: April–May and October–November
Tunis is a great example of an underrated destination with lots of history like the more popular spots of Rome and Athens.
The ancient city of Carthage is a short train ride away and has gained UNESCO World Heritage status. Further afield is the Amphitheatre of El Jem – the world’s second largest Roman arena – only beaten by the Colosseum of Rome – but without any queues.
- San Sebastián
Best/quietest time to visit: March–May
Straddling the Bay of Biscay in northern Spain’s Basque Country, the coastal town of San Sebastián stuns with its world-class food and drink scene, beautiful architecture and glorious beaches.
You can embark on a gastronomic walking tour of the town’s pintxo snack bars serving small bites of food on skewers (their version of tapas), colourfully adorning the length and breadth of counter tops. Or take part in one of its many food tours or cooking classes. Thinking about a trip to Barcelona? Take a look at San Sebastián first.
- Boston, Massachusetts
Best/quietest time to visit: March–April and September–November
Boston offers travellers a rich history and exciting culture that many big US cities like New York offer, but with a less ‘touristy’ feel. It’s easy to get around and has great public transport.
You could trace America’s roots with a Freedom Trail walk, explore the country’s oldest university, Harvard, or take in a Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park.
- Perth, Australia
Best/quietest time to visit: March–May
If it’s sunshine you’re after, then look no further: Perth is Australia’s sunniest capital city, boasting 8.8 hours of sunshine a day. It’s got amazing beaches too, all 19 of them, which are far less crowded than the ones you’ll find in and around Sydney.
There’s also vibrant street art, cultural and entertainment hubs, Aboriginal walking tours and waterfront dining, with the wineries of the Swan Valley a short drive away.
Find your perfect Underrated Destination
We want to inspire travellers and help you discover some of the world’s best hidden gems and alternative destination. See what you could find by searching ‘Underrated Destinations’ for yourself.
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