9 Hidden Gems You Need to Explore

Travelers don't always have to stick to popular routes to discover amazing food, stunning architecture, and fantastic hiking. Often, lesser-known destinations are right nearby, sometimes bordering more frequented countries. For instance, Bosnia and Herzegovina shares a border with the summer favorite of Croatia, while Moloka‘i is a rugged, secluded island tucked away in beloved Hawai‘i.

In these nine overlooked spots, escape the bustling streets, crowded landmarks, and restaurants where a table is hard to find.

1. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Although Bosnia and Herzegovina is bordered by popular Balkan destinations like Croatia, this inland treasure remains relatively undiscovered by tourists. The nation endured significant loss and hardship during the Balkan Wars of the 1990s, but what has emerged is a captivating independent country.

Travelers can immerse themselves in this rich history in the old city of Mostar, renowned for the Stari Most, a 16th-century curved bridge spanning the River Neretva. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of this city with a population of 105,000 and enjoy the cafés and guesthouses lining the Neretva. Sarajevo, the capital, feels like a storybook come to life—wander through the Old Bazaar and be transported back to Ottoman times. Nestled among mountains, this city boasts strong coffee, a vibrant street food scene, and is one of Europe’s greenest urban centers.

Where to stay

Travelers to Bosnia should consider a stay at Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija in Mostar. Just steps from the Stari Most, its stone exterior and gabled roof provide a charming contrast to its modern interior, which features comfortable mattresses and air conditioning.

2. Laos

Laos is often described as “Thailand 20 years ago”—a land of dramatic, mountainous jungles showcasing every imaginable shade of green, but without the nearly 40 million tourists annually. (In fact, Laos welcomed just 4 million visitors in 2019, prior to COVID.)

Often overshadowed by the sandy beaches of its neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, landlocked Laos is simply awe-inspiring, offering misty mountain vistas, countless Buddhist temples, and charming French colonial architecture. Explore the streets of UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang before venturing into the mountains to find resorts with breathtaking views of emerald peaks and the powerful Mekong River. Take the high-speed Lao-China Railway to Vientiane for even more architecture, dining, galleries, and temples.

Where to stay

Visitors to Laos should consider staying at Riverside Boutique Resort in Vang Vieng. This charming resort offers stunning views of the Song River and the jungle-clad mountains, along with amenities such as a beautiful swimming pool and a delightful on-site restaurant.

3. Uruguay

A short ferry journey from Buenos Aires transports you to Uruguay, a small yet captivating nation in South America. Often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, Brazil and Argentina, this compact country has much to offer in terms of culinary delights and stunning landscapes, leaving visitors wondering why it remains relatively undiscovered by tourists.

Uruguay’s coastal capital, Montevideo, is a vibrant and safe city brimming with cultural experiences, as well as opportunities to savor asado and capeletis a la caruso. Enjoy watching gauchos ride into the mountainous sunsets in Panagea and explore the country’s rural heritage.

Where to stay

This 1,200-acre resort is located just a few miles from the famous beaches of Punta del Este. The opulent retreat features a golf course, tennis courts, and a luxurious spa.

4. Mozambique

Attention divers: Is Mozambique on your travel radar? If not, it definitely should be! Located on Africa's west coast, Mozambique shares its borders with South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania. With 1,550 miles of stunning coastline, travelers are treated to pristine white-sand beaches and the captivating hues of the Indian Ocean, particularly visible from the offshore islands of Bazaruto, Quirimbas, and Benguerra. One of the premier diving destinations in the country is Bazaruto National Park, where vibrant coral reefs are home to leopard sharks, manta rays, manatees, and sea turtles.

On the mainland, the Rhode Island-sized Gorongosa National Park boasts savannas and forests teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five. Mozambique offers a unique blend of beach and bush experiences at a fraction of the cost compared to other southern African countries.

Where to stay

Travelers to Mozambique can enjoy a stay at Machangulo Beach Lodge, which boasts stunning views of the straits connecting Maputo Bay to the Indian Ocean.

5. Guatemala

From Mayan ruins and vibrant towns to volcanoes, lakes, and striking black-sand beaches, Guatemala has much to offer. With a low cost of living and a solid transportation network—featuring buses, colectivos, and taxis—it’s remarkable that this Central American gem remains largely undiscovered.

While many associate Mayan culture primarily with Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, Guatemala stands out as a top destination to explore this ancient heritage. It boasts over 1,500 Mayan ruins, with Tikal National Park being the most renowned in northern Guatemala.

The country's natural beauty is equally captivating: Flores is a town situated right in the heart of Lake Peten Itza, while Antigua offers a breathtaking mountainous setting infused with Spanish influence. Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America, is known for its serene atmosphere. Additionally, Guatemala features three active volcanoes: Pacaya, Fuego, and Santiaguito.

Where to stay

For wellness features like a hot tub and sauna, along with stunning views of Lake Atitlan, consider booking a stay at Hotel La Casa del Mundo. The hotel serves dinner family-style, and a picturesque hiking trail runs directly behind it.

6. Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i

Hawai‘i attracts around 10 million visitors annually, making it one of the most famous destinations in the United States. However, for an alternative to the typical Hawaiian getaway, venture to the rugged island of Moloka‘i. As the least-visited island among the five major ones, Moloka‘i spans 260 square miles and is celebrated for its tranquility, breathtaking natural landscapes, and vast areas free from crowds.

Nestled between the bustling islands of O‘ahu and Maui, Moloka‘i has been kept intentionally undeveloped. There are no Targets, commercial luaus, zip lining, or swim-up bars here. While tourism exists, it is much more focused on eco-friendliness and local experiences. Visitors can indulge in hiking, waterfall excursions, surfing, horseback riding, and spectacular sunsets—often without the usual crowds that accompany these activities on other islands.

Where to stay

While vacation rentals are common on Moloka‘i, travelers can also enjoy a stay at Hotel Moloka‘i. This bungalow-style hotel features fewer than 60 rooms, designed with inspiration from Polynesian villages.

7. Tasmania

Tasmania, affectionately known as Tassie by locals, is an island located off Melbourne’s coast, offering a unique blend of rugged landscapes and innovative cuisine. Visit the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart to experience this fusion firsthand. The museum includes an on-site winery, brewery, and restaurants Source and Faro, serving seasonal dishes amid captivating art installations and local wildlife.

For those who love nature, about 50 percent of Tasmania is designated as national parks and reserves. The island’s beaches are lined with towering cliffs and shimmering emerald waters, creating a haven for activities like rafting, biking, diving, rock climbing, and caving. Be sure to explore Tasmania’s wildlife as well; the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Brighton is filled with wombats, koalas, and kangaroos. Visitors can even check out a Tasmanian devil sanctuary to see the island’s most iconic resident.

Where to stay

Indulge in a stay at the Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel set in a historic 19th-century building just a short stroll from the vibrant Salamanca Markets and the picturesque Sullivan’s Cove waterfront.

8. Nepal

Even if you've gazed upon the soaring peaks of the Swiss Alps or the lush slopes of the Andes, nothing can truly prepare you for the majesty of Nepal's mountains. Home to the tallest peaks on Earth, trekking in the Himalayas is an unmissable experience. Conquer the popular trails of Annapurna Sanctuary, Everest Base Camp, and Langtang Valley, taking in the dramatic ridges of towering rock formations.

But Nepal offers more than just its sky-high mountains. The country boasts stunning temples and architecture in Kathmandu, mouthwatering street food (be sure to sample a momo dumpling), and revered sites like the Royal City of Patan.

Where to stay

Consider booking a stay at the Pavilions, one of Nepal's most delightful boutique hotels. Nestled in a verdant valley with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, this eco-friendly resort features 14 villas powered by renewable energy.

9. Senegal

Senegal boasts a stunning array of landscapes, from the lush Guinean forests to the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert. Combined with the vibrant surf culture of Dakar and a diverse wildlife population ranging from aardvarks to elephants, Senegal exemplifies the continent's rich natural variety.

Dakar stretches along the shores of the Cap-Vert Peninsula, the westernmost point of Africa. Like many port cities, it is a melting pot of histories and cultures. Discover contemporary African art at the Museum of African Arts, indulge in Lebanese dishes, and listen for a tapestry of languages, including Wolof, French, and Vietnamese. Other notable attractions include the city of Touba in central Senegal, renowned for its stunning Great Mosque, which draws thousands during the Grand Magal pilgrimage each August or September.

For nature enthusiasts, explore Niokolo-Koba National Park, a vast area comparable to Puerto Rico, traversed by the Gambia River and renowned for its abundance of Big Five wildlife. The ideal time to visit is from November to May.

Where to stay

Consider staying at the stylish Hotel Djoloff, a boutique hotel featuring an eye-catching design, a prime location, and a lovely terrace restaurant.