The most underrated destinations for your post-pandemic trip
When the ‘New Normal’ finally sets in, one of the biggest changes we can expect is the way we travel. Many of us won’t be heading to capital cities or bustling seaside resorts in the height of summer anymore. Well then, there’s no better time to widen our horizons and look a little further afield.
Going off the beaten track is not only safer, but a far greater adventure. There are so many incredible places that haven’t become top tourist destinations yet, even though they have everything you could want for the holiday of your dreams. Click through the following gallery to see the top underrated travel destinations around.
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Georgia
Georgia is a country that dishes out history and nature on a grand scale.
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Caucasus Mountains, Georgia
The famous Caucasus mountain range is one of the most powerful examples of nature in Europe. It spans four different countries and is home to multiple ethnic groups, languages, and ancient communities.
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Caucasus Mountains, Georgia
The Caucasus Mountains are also known as the natural barrier between the continents of Europe and Asia. Similar to Istanbul, you have the feeling of two distinct cultures mixing together. The results are beautiful.
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Tbilisi, Georgia
Even the busy capital city of Tbilisi is set in the middle of a jaw-dropping landscape. The whole city is overlooked by the 17-century-old Narikala Fortress.
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Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is known for its picturesque architecture, fantastic food, and, surprisingly, techno music scene. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll likely find it in Tbilisi.
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Vietnam
Vietnam is an extremely popular tourist destination, but there are many untouched towns and beaches off the beaten track.
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Mui Ne, Vietnam
Mui Ne is a small coastal fishing village in Vietnam. It’s said to be one of the sunniest parts of the country.
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Mui Ne, Vietnam
The area is filled with rolling sand dunes, which are a popular sandboarding spot!
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Mui Ne, Vietnam
You can also find stunning beaches and fairy streams.
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Con Dao, Vietnam
Con Dao is a group of islands off the coast of Vietnam. The clear waters and coral reefs make for excellent scuba diving.
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Con Dao, Vietnam
The pristine beaches are relatively quiet compared to other more popular resorts. They’re also a breeding ground for turtles!
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Malaysia
Malaysia is filled with protected natural habitats. For a quieter holiday, you can easily avoid major cities like Kuala Lumpur and connect with nature.
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Borneo, Malaysia
Borneo is one of the large islands of Malaysia, and is famous for its untouched beaches, as well as the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.
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Borneo, Malaysia
The nearby Sipadan Island is one of the best diving spots in the country. It’s home to 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species.
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Borneo, Malaysia
Borneo is considered one of the best natural attractions in Malaysia, but it doesn’t stop there.
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Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia
Taman Negara National Park is an ancient rainforest that is said to be 130 million years old!
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Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia
You can stroll along the world’s longest canopy walkway, visit a native village, go camping, fishing, and caving, or trek along the jungle floor and spot some of the most incredible wildlife the country has to offer.
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Uruguay
Uruguay is South America’s smallest country, but also it’s most stable, progressive, and safe. Not to mention they handled the COVID-19 crisis incredibly well.
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Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
The town of Colonia del Sacramento was classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its well-preserved colonial architecture in the old quarter. It dates back to the year 1600 when Portuguese explorers arrived.
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Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Today, visitors enjoy wandering through the winding cobbled streets, admiring the colorful facades and vine covered storefronts.
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Punta del Diablo, Uruguay
Punta del Diablo is a beachside town on Uruguay’s east cost. Once a sleepy fishing village, it’s now a popular stop for backpackers.
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Punta del Diablo, Uruguay
The laid-back lifestyle and untouched beaches draw crowds in the popular months (December-February), but you can have a quiet, relaxing holiday there at other times.
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Punta Ballena, Uruguay
Punta Ballena is a small coastal town on the southern tip of Uruguay. It boasts 12 km (7.5 mi) of stunning beaches, and is only a couple hours’ drive from the capital city, Montevideo.
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Punta Ballena, Uruguay
The town was made famous by the Casapueblo. The eccentric structure began as the home of abstract artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, and is now a boutique hotel and museum. Its nine stories flow down the mountainside like a waterfall.
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Czech Republic
The Czech capital of Prague is a major tourist spot, but there are many incredible lesser-known towns around the country.
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Telč, Czech Republic
This Italian-influenced Czech town is most famous for its rows of colorful houses. The town was burnt to the ground in the 16th century, and then rebuilt by the young leader Zacharias of Hradec.
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Telč, Czech Republic
The Zacharias of Hradec Square in the town’s center has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Telč, Czech Republic
You can venture underground to explore the network of passageways that connect the town’s cellars.
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Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Český Krumlov is another fairytale town. It’s one of the best preserved medieval towns in all of Europe.
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Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Český Krumlov is full of museums to visit. Wander through the streets for dramatic castle views, colorful houses, and panoramas of the river.
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Which holiday destinations have the new safe travel stamp?
These underrated destinations are perfect for a post-pandemic trip, as they’re still relatively undiscovered and off the main tourist track. Some other destinations have been given an official ‘safe travel stamp’ by the World Travel and Tourism Council. Follow this link for a list.
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