10 Incredibly Gorgeous and Underrated Travel Destinations

Although I absolutely adore the big cities likeParis and London, it’s often nice to venture off the beaten track to some of the most underrated travel destinations. I’ve previously written about the small secret European towns to visit, but I wanted to share some of my favourite places around the world that don’t get nearly as much attention as they deserve.

1. REYKJAVIK, ICELAND


With a backdrop of snow-topped mountains, churning seas and crystal clear air, Reykjavik is home to colorful buildings, wild nightlife and a capricious soul. It has an open-minded and energetic culture renowned for excellent museums, captivating art, rich culinary choices, and funky cafes and bars.

2. BELGRADE, SERBIA


Belgrade is one of the most happening cities in Europe, yet it’s often overlooked by many tourists. The old-world culture has given way to a new-world nightlife that I keep hearing about from friends all over the world. Grandiose coffee houses, quirky sidewalks, smoky dens and historical buildings line lively pedestrian boulevards. Deeper in Belgrade’s bowels are museums guarding the cultural, religious and military heritage of the country. Serbia’s capital is indeed an underrated city that seems the place to be.



3. PALAWAN, THE PHILIPPINES


Palawan was voted the most beautiful island in the world, and for reasons I cannot argue with. Despite the title, it’s crystal clear waters and lush tropical rainforests are still very much untouched by tourism. source
4. HAVANA CUBA


The U.S placed an embargo on Cuba in 1960 which has left Cuba in a time warp. It’s like traveling back to the 50’s. But there are many other reasons why you should consider visiting Cuba such as the stunning beaches, friendly locals, vintage bars and cars, and incredible architecture. [Read on: why you need to visit Cuba.]



5. LVIV, UKRAINE


A city with a lively history, Lviv (also spelled L’viv and Lvov) in Ukraine’s west was founded in the 13th century and has changed flags many times in the years. It exudes an authentic Central European charm as pre-tourism Prague or Krakow once did. Quaint cobbles, coffeehouses, green-domed churches and a mountain top 14th century castle make up this gorgeous city.



6. MOZAMBIQUE, AFRICA


Many people travel to other Indian Ocean islands like Mauritius and Seychelles, but Mozambique is less developed and has much to offer those who venture here. Rugged coastlines, turquoise waters, world-class reefs, remote archipelagos, colonial-style architecture and a pulsating nightlife make up this African country. Jump in for a journey of a lifetime.



7. ALLEPPEY, INDIA


Alappuzha (or Alleppey) is a city on the Laccadive Sea in the southern Indian state of Kerala where it is home to a vast network of waterways and more than a thousand houseboats. Wandering around the small but chaotic city centre, with its modest grid of canals, you’d be hard-pressed to agree with the ‘Venice of the East’ tag. Float along and gaze over the succulent green paddy fields and village life.



8. VALPARAÍSO, CHILE


A two-hour drive from Santiago, this port city has long been known for the colorful houses that dot its steep hills. Chaotic cerros (hills), Latin American street art, a maze of steep, sinuous streets, alleys and escaleras piled high with crumbling mansions make up what is this wonderful city, with an edgy air of ‘anything goes.’



9. SALAR DE UYUNI, BOLIVIA


Salar de Uyuni, amid the Andes in southwest Bolivia, is the world’s largest salt flat. It’s the legacy of a prehistoric lake that went dry, leaving behind a desertlike, 11,000-sq.-km. landscape of bright-white salt, rock formations and cacti-studded islands. I wrote it as one of the most surreal destinations in the world.



10. ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO


The seaside city of Essaouira is protected by 18th-century seafront ramparts with old brass cannons. It is authentically Moroccan at it’s soul: narrow alleyways, damp sea air mixed with aromas of spices and thuya wood, women in white haiks, midday palm-tree shades against red city walls, and the sound of Gnawa singing reverberating from shops.