7 obscure and overlooked destinations to visit before they become too popular
With Millennial and Gen Z demographics becoming more interested in travel and immersive experiences, it may be difficult to find destinations that remain somewhat untouched.
A majority of ‘popular’ destinations — such as Rome or Cabo San Lucas — are overflowing with tourists looking to boost their Instagram game or cross another location off their bucket list.
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The influx of visitors to various destinations has hurt many international landmarks and has lent itself to the larger overall issue of over-tourism.
In cases such as these, why not opt to take the road less travelled and visit more obscure or perhaps frequently overlooked destinations?
Ideally, travel is a method of escape to venture beyond the hustle and bustle towards a more unique, different experience from what we already know.
With that in mind, here is our list of seven (somewhat) overlooked and obscure destinations to visit before they become too popular.
Guyana
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Nearby Brazil and Venezuela are typically the destinations that tourists tend to visit when venturing to South America.
However, Guyana is overflowing with natural beauty. While it remains among more obscure destinations to many, it is rich in culture with an eclectic combination of British, Caribbean, and Dutch influences.
Guyana is also an excellent destination for eco-conscious travellers, with many eco-lodges available to choose from that benefit the local Amerindian communities.
Mongolia
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One of the world’s most sparsely populated countries, Mongolia is an ideal destination for those actively seeking out a more unique and authentic experience.
Home to one of the last surviving nomadic cultures, the people of Mongolia are friendly, warm-hearted, and eager to spend time with you even if you don’t speak the same language.
The nomadic lifestyle means that the region has not been oversaturated with modern technologies and dependencies, which ultimately makes it less overrun with tourists, causing it to be an ideal destination for those wanting to venture off the beaten path and away from crowds.
Moldova
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Despite its great natural beauty, Moldova remains one of the least visited destinations in Europe, making it an ideal place to explore if you want to avoid the masses.
If you are a fan of wine, don’t miss the world’s largest wine cellar at Mileștii Mici.
The country holds a rich history of wine that dates back thousands of years, and Mileștii Mici contains nearly two million bottles within its 200 km of underground cellar tunnels.
Moldova is also an ideal in terms of obscure destinations for budget travellers as it is one of the cheapest European countries to visit.
Greenland
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For those in search of an under the radar adventure destination, look no further than the rugged polar landscape of Greenland.
With its glacier-carved fjords and iconic Arctic wildlife, including Minsk whales and Arctic wolves, exploring the complex terrain of Greenland is a rewarding and enlightening experience.
Additionally, it is an idyllic location to behold the outstanding natural phenomenon of the northern lights, with optimal viewing opportunities between September and April.
Armenia
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While Armenia’s northern neighbour Georgia has experienced an increase in traveller interest, Armenia itself is one of the more obscure destinations — for now.
With its breathtaking mountain scenery, ancient churches, historic monasteries, and delicious wine and brandy, Armenia is deeply connected to its Christian heritage.
The country is passionate about winemaking, and visitors are encouraged to indulge in a delicious glass of vino while taking in the awe-inspiring scenery.
Tunisia
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With Marrakech in Morocco quickly emerging as one of the most Instagrammable places in the world, nearby Tunisia offers a similar northern African experience without the flocks of camera-crazy tourists.
With an outstanding selection of beautiful beaches for relaxing and bountiful cultural attractions, including the remains of ancient Carthage, travellers are sure to enjoy a healthy balance of adventure and leisure.
As well, if you’re a Star Wars fan, you can visit the very location where Luke Skywalker himself first stared at the twin suns.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
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Besides being a very fun word to say — try it, we’ll wait — Zanzibar allows travellers to get two passport stamps for the price of one, what a bonus!
A semi-autonomous island situated within Tanzania, Zanzibar possesses some of the finest white-sand beaches in the world along the shores of pristine, turquoise waters.
No trip to Zanzibar is complete without a visit to Stone Town, the heartbeat of the idyllic island, and home to the stunning Forodhani Gardens.
The gardens are a magnificent stretch of shoreline where locals of all ages congregate in the early evening to watch the spectacular sunsets that will no doubt touch your soul.