Underrated Travel Destinations Worthy of a Visit
How To Get More From Your Travel Experiences
November 17, 2019
Black and Abroad: The Untold Stories Vol. 1
December 19, 2019
While flipping through old videos, I stumbled upon an apartment that I stayed in during a trip to France. I thought to myself, “that place, and on a larger scale, that city…were both DOPE AS * (insert expletive of your choice).”
Then it dawned on me that, often times, people travel to the big-ticket locations and miss out on hidden gems such as that small town. So, with no further adieu, I have complied this list, in no particular order, of underrated travel destinations worthy of a visit.
5 Underrated Travel Destinations To Add To Your Radar
Annecy, France
Palais de I’lle in Old Town Annecy
I’ll be the first to admit, I’d never heard of this place before. I was planning a trip to Geneva, Switzerland and I asked a few French friends to recommend somewhere within driving distance that was worth checking out. Little did I know, the small town of Annecy was worthy of much more than just a day trip. It was love at first sight as it instantly captured my heart. Lake Annecy runs through “The Venice of France” and a trip to this gem will undoubtedly leave memories that will run through your mind for a lifetime.
The “Point of Love” overlooking Lake Annecy
Gondar, Ethiopia
“The African Camelot” of Gondar, Ethiopia
So many places, not enough time. Those were my thoughts before visiting Ethiopia’s former capital city of Gondar. It simply has a special mystique that makes you feel as if you’ve taken a trip back to the past. Just standing and listening to the sounds while walking through Gondar castle is worth the trip alone.
Hiroshima, Japan
Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima
I’ve highlighted a larger list of underrated travel destinations in Japan, but Hiroshima gets the nod here for a number of reasons. It’s a beautiful city of rolling hills reminiscent of San Francisco. Additionally, a trip to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb dome are a stark reminder of the casualties of war. In contrast, nearby Miyajima Island offers what some would argue, and I’d agree, are the best views in the entire nation.
Gstaad, Switzerland
The home of the annual Gstaad Cow Parade. If that doesn’t at least pique your interest, I’ll give you a few more reasons why I’ve included this small, Alpine village as an underrated travel destination worth checking out.
Annual cow procession in downtown Gstaad
The views alone offer 360 degrees of mountain magic, but in addition to that, Gstaad is also an outdoor lover’s paradise. You can opt to stroll down the quaint downtown area, hit the slopes, or head up to the top of Glacier 3000 and ride the world’s highest Alpine rollercoaster.
Antigua, Guatemala
It’s no surprise that the entire city of Antigua has been designated a Unesco World Heritage site. And if safety is a concern, I never once felt in danger the entire time there and I met solo female travelers who shared that experience. This city, rich in Spanish colonial architecture, is surrounded by volcanoes that offer abundant hiking opportunities. If, by chance, you aren’t inclined to spend a vacation climbing mountains, fear not, there are plenty of places around town to kick back and enjoy the views.
Lake Atitlan Guatemala
Let’s keep the list going, in the comments below share your top underrated travel destinations!
26 Comments
Amazing destinations, beautiful landmarks, though never been to any of those but my favorite, tops on my list should be Antigua.
It seems that you love odyssey. These are some beautiful places and yes, I didn’t know about them. Thanks for sharing that list of places.
I would visit every last place. Thanks for the unconventional travel spots!
Great suggestions. I’ve always wanted to go to Japan, and I love History. Although Hiroshima would be a very sad place to visit, it would be worth seeing.
I agree, it is very sad indeed, but the rebuild is also a great tale of triumph over tragedy.
The ruins at Gondar have me captivated. I have not even heard of it before. And who would have even thought that Hiroshima was a place to visit now? Cool places!
Thank you…I’m a sucker for finding new and unconventional spots to travel to!
Annecy sounds so peaceful love hearing about hidden gems worth a visit
I have always wanted to visit Switzerland..hopefully one day. We went to Antiqua last year for a wedding and I agree. The old world Europe appeal is incredible but very affordable.
Yes, and although I’m not a big fan of winter…I absolutely love going to a traditional Christmas market!
Annecy has me intrigued! I love Paris so much and Nice is nice. I’ve stayed in St.Maxine , France . It is charming and just a ferry ride to St.Tropez.
St. Maxine sounds good as well…I’ll have to add that to my list!
I love the idea of traveling to not so popular destinations. I believe that the experience is unique. I’d love to visit Switzerland. I’ve tried their chocolates and they are absolutely delicious.
Good chocolate, good wine, good views…the good life lol!
I’ve never heard of Annecy, France! It is beautiful. I’d definitely visit, especially with my husband.
I highly recommend it…it’s the perfect romantic getaway!
That’s an amazing list!! Annecy is one of my favorite cities in the world. I spent all of my summers there, growing up! We’ve loved Gstaadt too and want to see Hiroshima next year!!
You’ve got some good taste in travel so I’m sure you’re gonna love Hiroshima as well!!
I’ve bee to Hiroshima & have Dthiopa on my list. But now definitely adding Annecy. That place looks so beautiful – and I’ve longed for someplace to explore that isn’t Paris 💖
A few days in Annecy will make you forget all about Paris!
I think any place worths a visit. But I am definitely adding this place in Switzerland to my list (I am a little bit of Switzerland freak). Love the other places too.
It’s definitely one of many hidden gems in Switzerland!
As a fellow world traveler, I appreciate this list because I haven’t been to any of the cities/destinations you recommend and I like that. Thank you 🙏🏽
I’m glad I could give you some new destinations for future travel…you’ll have to come back and let me know when you’ve gone to one of the places on the list!
Ok, ok! You had me “cow parade”! These all sound wonderful though Gstaad would be my first choice. For the cows, and the roller coaster.
SEE! I knew the cow parade would get at least one person haha!! You should definitely check it out!