Hidden Gems: 10 Destinations Before They Go Mainstream

These 10 destinations are extraordinary right now — before Instagram discovers them, before prices triple, before the crowds arrive. Go this year.

1. Faroe Islands, Denmark

Between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are 18 volcanic islands with cliffs dropping into the North Atlantic, Viking-age turf-roof villages, and a puffin population that outnumbers residents 10:1.

Why now: Tourism is deliberately kept small by the government. "Closed for Maintenance" weekends send visitors to volunteer instead of sightsee. This intentional approach keeps the islands unspoiled. As word spreads, this balance could tip.

Highlight: The infinity pool that appears to drop into the ocean at Sørvágsvatn Lake (it is an optical illusion — the cliff below is hidden from view). One of the most photographed spots in the world that most people cannot place on a map.

Getting there: Direct flights from Copenhagen and Reykjavik. From the USA: connect through Copenhagen.

2. Kotor, Montenegro

Dubrovnik gets all the attention. But Dubrovnik gets 10,000 cruise ship day visitors in peak season and has felt like a theme park for years. Kotor, four hours south in Montenegro, has the same medieval walled city on a spectacular bay, a fraction of the visitors, and prices that seem 20 years behind.

Why now: Montenegro joined NATO in 2017 and is actively courting EU membership. Infrastructure is improving. Prices and tourism volumes are still in the sweet spot.

Highlight: Hike to the fortress above the city (1,350 steps) for panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor — a UNESCO heritage site. Do it at sunrise.

3. Hoang Su Phi, Vietnam

Northern Vietnam has Ha Long Bay (very crowded) and Sapa (increasingly crowded). Hoang Su Phi has rice terraces that locals argue are more dramatic than Sapa's, villages of Red Dao and Nung ethnic minorities, and almost no Western tourists.

Why now: The road was unpaved until recently. Now you can do it by rental motorbike in a long weekend from Hanoi.

Best time: September–October when rice terraces are golden before harvest.

4. Ghent, Belgium

Everyone goes to Bruges. But Ghent — 30 minutes away — is a medieval Flemish city with canals, the world's most underrated art museum (housing the Ghent Altarpiece, the most influential painting in Western history), excellent craft beer, and half the tourists of Bruges.

Why now: Word is spreading among European weekend travelers. Visit before it hits the American travel circuit.

What to eat: Waterzooi stew (Ghent's signature dish), speculaas cookies, local craft ales at Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant.

5. Oman (Beyond Muscat)

Oman had 3 million tourists in 2019, compared to Dubai's 16 million. The country has world-class infrastructure, dramatically lower prices, no crowds, and landscapes ranging from desert dunes to fjord-like wadis to mountain villages.

Highlight: Wadi Shab — hike through a canyon, swim through an underwater cave to reach a hidden waterfall inside a mountain. Genuinely extraordinary.

Why now: Oman is actively expanding its tourism. The authenticity that makes it special is preserved now. This changes as investment flows in.

6. Tbilisi, Georgia

The country of Georgia (not the US state) has spent 30 years transforming its capital from a Soviet grey into one of Europe's most compelling cities. Ancient churches, sulfurous bath houses, exceptional natural wine, and a food scene that mixes influences from 26 different ancient trade routes.

Why now: Direct flights from European hubs are multiplying. The country is getting discovered but has not yet been overwhelmed. Prices remain remarkably low (excellent dinners for $15).

Standout experience: The Narikala Fortress cable car, the old town sulfur bathhouses (Abanotubani), natural wine at a local marani (wine cellar).

7. Huacachina, Peru

Most Peru itineraries go Cusco–Machu Picchu and miss the coast. Huacachina is a tiny oasis — a literal palm-ringed lagoon — surrounded by massive sand dunes in the Atacama desert region. Dune buggy rides and sandboarding at sunset, authentic Peruvian coastal food, and you can reach it in 4 hours from Lima.

Why now: It is known enough to have basic tourist infrastructure but not crowded enough to have lost authenticity. The sandboarding at sunset experience is legitimately exhilarating.

8. São Tomé and Príncipe

An equatorial archipelago off the West African coast with Portuguese colonial architecture, pristine Atlantic beaches, and cacão plantations that produce some of the world's finest chocolate.

Why now: Connectivity is improving but flights still require a connection through Lisbon. The small tourism footprint is by necessity. Beautiful biodiversity and genuine remoteness.

Honest caveat: This one requires real effort to reach. For true off-grid travelers only.

9. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Bulgaria's second city was the 2019 European Capital of Culture and has not lost momentum. Roman amphitheater, Ottoman old town, Bulgarian Revival architecture, excellent craft beer and wine scene, all at prices that are 40% of Western Europe.

Why now: Still unknown outside Eastern Europe. Sofia (capital) gets some attention but Plovdiv's historic core is more compelling.

Highlight: The Kapana Creative Quarter — cobblestone streets filled with studios, galleries, and restaurants run by young Bulgarian creatives.

10. Flores, Guatemala (Lake Atitlán Alternative)

Lake Atitlán is stunning but has become increasingly crowded with tour groups. Flores, a small island town in the Petén jungle region of Guatemala, is the base for Tikal — the Mayan ruins surrounded by jungle — and has a backpacker-meets-adventurer vibe that feels like Southeast Asia 15 years ago.

Why now: Infrastructure around Tikal is improving but visitor numbers remain fraction of Machu Picchu or Chichén Itzá. You can often have major temples completely to yourself in the early morning.

Highlight: Sunrise at Temple IV in Tikal — watching the jungle canopy emerge from mist as the howler monkeys wake.

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All 10 destinations have dedicated guides in our destination database. Use the booking tool to start planning.