Are you looking for places that the majority of travelers will never find?
Places with stunning views. Breathtaking culture. No crowds. The kind of places that make your friends respond with "wait, where is that?"
Here's the thing…
Finding places like that is not hard. But most people only visit the same places over and over. Because they don't know where to look.
Well, that stops today.
In this article you'll learn
Right now the travel industry is booming.
An estimated 1.4 billion tourists travelled internationally in 2024. That's an absurd amount of people, all going to the same overcrowded places.
Paris. Bali. New York. Amsterdam. Rome. Prague.
All of them are phenomenal places. But after the pandemic tourism has started returning with a vengeance. The result?
Massive crowds. Exorbitant prices. Overrun attractions.
Hidden gems are different:
Travel and tour services like KB Adventures have discovered that for themselves. By now, a majority of their customers are looking for more authentic experiences.
Don't just take it from me. A survey found that 68% of all travelers are looking for places their friends haven't even heard of. That's insane.
Pretty cool, right?
Ok now for the good stuff. If you're looking for some seriously underrated places, keep on reading.
These are the destinations that will give you the most insane experiences per dollar spent. Low tourism volumes and seriously great things to do, see, and experience.
Albania has been living under the radar for far too long. It offers tourists almost everything that Croatia does. Long white sandy beaches. Historic Byzantine towns. Dramatic mountain landscapes.
The kicker? Albania gets less than half the number of tourists that Croatia sees.
Montenegro is another eastern European gem that deserves more attention. Clear as glass beaches with towering limestone cliffs and mountain ranges in the background. The 14th century historic town of Kotor feels like a movie set but without the tourists pushing you around.
Georgia (the country, not the US state) is quickly rising in popularity among adventurous travelers. Svaneti in northern Georgia has it all: incredible mountain scenery. Enchanting ancient towers. Some of the friendliest people in the world.
Kyrgyzstan is an epic trekking destination with unbelievable yurt stays. This Central Asian nation is virtually untouched by the crowds.
Madagascar is a truly otherworldly place. Over 90% of all its species can't be found anywhere else on the planet. The Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset has to be one of those places that leave you speechless.
Ethiopia saw tourist numbers in 2024 increase by 40% above pre-pandemic levels. I love this country for its unique cuisine. The ancient churches and incredible landscapes are just as stunning.
Bolivia is a treasure trove of natural wonders that won't leave you empty-handed. The Uyuni Salt Flats alone are worth the trip. That surreal mirror effect. Like on another planet. Lake Titicaca and the Amazon rainforest offer more breathtaking views.
Guatemala will reward you with ancient Mayan ruins, volcanic landscapes and vibrant indigenous culture. Guatemala reported 33% growth above pre-pandemic levels in 2024.
Finding hidden gems is not complicated. It just requires a slightly different approach than most people use.
The easiest way to start is to search for the keyword "alternative to" a popular destination.
While Mallorca is known for having an influx of tourists, Sardinia offers the same beautiful beaches and clear waters that you love about the Spanish island.
The best alternative to Bali is found right next door in the same Lesser Sunda Islands: Lombok.
If you want to spend a lot less money in the same type of scenery and enjoy a beach paradise. The same but better, really.
The best way to find these kinds of destinations is to:
Here's a simple method you can use any time…
Think of a popular destination you've been dreaming of. Now search for "alternatives to _______" in neighboring countries. You'll almost always find less expensive, quieter, and just as stunning alternatives.
The best hidden gems are literally just across the border from major tourist hubs.
A second approach is timing. Every place becomes a hidden gem in their low-season months. Even the most popular tourist hotspots will be much quieter and cheaper at certain times of the year.
Planning trips to off-the-beaten-path places requires some extra work. But trust me, it's so worth it.
Essential planning for off-the-beaten-path adventures:
Remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations usually have less infrastructure in place. That's part of the charm. But also means you need to plan ahead even more.
I cannot stress this enough: consider using an experienced travel operator to book these types of adventures. Reputable tour companies have local connections and experience that independent travelers simply do not. It's especially valuable in places with little or no English.
The other thing I want to mention is travel insurance. Hidden gems come with more variables. Health care may be a few hours away. Flights cancelled. I always get that when I go to more unusual places.
Beyond avoiding crowds and overpriced tourist traps. Hidden gem travel is a better way to travel on a deeper level.
Many of these undiscovered travel spots have preserved their traditions and culture. Authentic artisans practicing ancient crafts. Traditional cuisine. Religious and cultural ceremonies are unmodified for tourism.
Countless travelers who go off the beaten path report having more meaningful experiences as a result. Meaningful conversations with local people beyond just a transaction. Invitations to homes and family events. Stories you can't replicate anywhere else.
There's also an environmental benefit…
The more tourism spreads out across more destinations. The less strain on the famous hotspots. Moving travelers to hidden gems spreads economic benefits around and protects delicate ecosystems in the process.
Hidden gem travel destinations. That's where it's at.
Authentic. Valuable. Unique.
The world is just chock-full of incredible destinations. Albania's Mediterranean coastline. Madagascar's alien wildlife. Unbelievable and unforgettable experiences.
Here are my key takeaways for you:
The tourist crowds are going to keep visiting the same places year in and year out. Meanwhile, the savviest travelers are already well on their way to the next great undiscovered gems.
Which destination will you explore first?
