10 Underrated Travel Destinations in the World
1. Filandia, Colombia
Of all of the -villes I’ve visited (and there are many), Bentonville is by far my favourite. It’s surprising how much this charming little Arkansas city packs in. There are numerous biking, walking and hiking trails, including some that feed into Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. This designated mountain biking area features areas for shredding and relaxing – don’t miss, a truly unique open-air café in the woods. But it’s the culture that drew me to Bentonville, specifically the awe-inspiring he mostly free institution (there’s a fee for temporary exhibitions) houses an extensive collection of modern art, including works by Yayoi Kusama, James Turrell and, currently, singer-writer Jewel, whose immersive art experience ‘The Portal’ is a must-see.
.There’s a number of reasons Chile’s Cochamó Valley gets compared to Yosemite. Granite mountains with snowy caps feed a wealth of waterfalls, numerous hikes and climbs keep even the most adventurous happy, and pristine forests throng with fascinating fauna. But, unlike Yosemite, visitor numbers are capped at just 90 people per day. Walk the same trails as those that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid once drove cattle along from nearby, the basic but cosy lodging at the valley’s core, a day’s hike from the nearest road.
.A former Saxon stronghold anchoring the southern fringes of Transylvania, the Romanian town of Sibiu ignores tired Dracula clichés. Instead, it stages impressive cultural festivals like and international theatre festival , and hosts a gallery of Grand Masters at the Sibiu pours money into culture and cherishes its heritage of medieval façades and grand cobblestoned squares. Exploring its cat-blessed passageways is half the fun, particularly when the is in full swing. And while the town is on the small side, it has room for tourists and locals to mingle in comfort. Fantastic restaurants, including gastro-brewery await with few queues.
Usually the first place that springs to mind for a North African holiday, but I strongly urge you to consider Tunisia. And I’m not talking about the sunbed-laden Mediterranean coast in the north, but the surreal desert realm of the south. The town of Douz is known locally as the ‘gateway to the Sahara’, and from here there are dunes, and only dunes, for as far as the eye can see. Explore them via camel or quad bike with the help of a local guide (who seem to know the continuously identical landscape like it’s full of really obvious landmarks) and it will feel like you’re on another planet. Ksar Ghilane, a tranquil settlement built around a crystal-clear oasis, is well worth the bumpy ride through the sand.
Why do travellers overlook this charming small town with multicoloured balconies and rolling green hills? Because they’ve long been told to visit nearby Salento instead, due its proximity to Cocora Valley, home of the world’s tallest palm trees. Most are unaware that the less touristy Filandia offers the same colourful architecture, better countryside views (a visit to the 27-metre Colina Iluminada lookout is a must), and one of the region’s more innovative restaurants in . There’s a reason Filandia was recently by the UN’s World Tourism Organization.
An ideal escape for beach lovers, kite surfers and scuba divers. It’s home to a string of ridiculously perfect sandy beaches stretching along 62 miles of warm Atlantic waters – but despite its charming coastline, the region rarely appears on lists of Brazil’s best beaches. All the better for getting some real peace. Hop between the beaches of Maresias, Juquehy, Barra Do Sahy and Boicucanga; wander São Sebastião’s colonial old town; and catch the ferry to Ilhabela to explore some of the island’s 400 waterfalls. Hungry? Try sustainably caught seafood at sip on craft gin at distillery, and dine surrounded by nature at After being severely impacted by the 2023 Brazil landslides, São Sebastião needs support from tourism more than ever.
.Vietnam has a well-trodden tourist route, but just 45 minutes by plane from Ho Chi Minh City is an archipelago that feels comparatively untouched. Côn Đảo is one large national park, which means there’s pristine nature wherever you look. Those who love sand and sea can snorkel over vibrant reefs or explore its many beaches – my favourite are the deserted sandy stretches on Hon Bay Canh islet, a sanctuary for nesting turtles and their newborn babies. Jungle-clad mountains offer lushly forested trails: walk under ancient trees in Ong Dung Primeval Forest or take a picturesque hike to the peak of Mount Thanh Gia. And for a dash of history, follow in the footsteps of Vietnamese pilgrims to Côn Đảo Museum and old prison sites, which give a glimpse into the island’s sobering history as a former penal colony.