Some places steal the spotlight—Paris, Rome, Bali—but then there are the hidden gems, the destinations that quietly capture your heart in a way you never expected. These are the places I wandered into with little expectation and left completely changed. They may not be on every traveler’s radar, but they should be. Here are the most underrated destinations I’ve ever visited, and why they deserve a spot on your travel list.
1. Ljubljana, Slovenia – The Fairytale City
I stumbled into Ljubljana on a whim, thinking it would be a quick stopover on my way to Croatia. Instead, it became one of my favorite cities in Europe. Imagine a place where colorful buildings line the river, cobblestone streets lead to cozy cafés, and a castle perches above it all like something out of a storybook.
Why It’s Worth Visiting:
- A pedestrian-friendly old town that feels intimate and charming.
- The Ljubljanica River is lined with vibrant outdoor cafés, perfect for slow mornings.
- A strong eco-conscious culture—Ljubljana is one of the greenest cities in Europe.
One evening, I sat along the river with a glass of wine, listening to a street musician play the violin as the city lights reflected on the water. It was pure magic.
2. Salento, Colombia – Coffee, Culture, and Color
Most people heading to Colombia think of Bogotá or Cartagena, but Salento? It’s a paradise for coffee lovers and nature enthusiasts. The town itself is small, with brightly painted doors and streets buzzing with energy, but the real magic lies just outside it.
Why It’s Worth Visiting:
- The coffee farms (fincas) here produce some of the best coffee in the world.
- You can hike through the Valle de Cocora, home to towering wax palm trees, Colombia’s national tree.
- The local culture is welcoming and warm—you’ll quickly feel like part of the community.
I took a horseback ride through the valley, stopping at a coffee farm where an old farmer showed me how to pick and roast beans by hand. The smell, the taste, the connection—it made me appreciate coffee in a way I never had before.
3. Luang Prabang, Laos – The Soulful Escape
Luang Prabang feels like it exists outside of time. Nestled between mountains and rivers, this small city in Laos blends French colonial charm with deep-rooted Buddhist traditions.
Why It’s Worth Visiting:
- Every morning, monks in saffron robes walk the streets collecting alms, a practice that feels both sacred and humbling to witness.
- The night market is one of the most vibrant I’ve ever seen, with handcrafted textiles, fresh tropical fruits, and local street food.
- Just outside the city, Kuang Si Falls offers some of the most mesmerizing turquoise pools you’ll ever swim in.
One morning, I took part in the almsgiving ritual, offering sticky rice to the monks as the sun slowly rose over the misty streets. It was one of those moments that stay with you forever.
4. Faroe Islands – Nature’s Best-Kept Secret
Tucked between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands feel almost mythical. Imagine dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea, waterfalls that tumble straight from green mountaintops, and villages where grass-covered roofs keep homes warm against the Atlantic winds.
Why It’s Worth Visiting:
- The untouched landscapes make it feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
- Hiking in the Faroe Islands is next-level—trails take you along cliffs with views you won’t believe are real.
- It’s one of the best places for birdwatching, especially if you love puffins.
I hiked to Sørvágsvatn, a lake that appears to float above the ocean due to an optical illusion. Standing there, with the wind in my hair and no one else in sight, I felt like the only person on earth.
5. Kotor, Montenegro – The Adriatic’s Hidden Gem
Croatia gets all the love, but right next door is Kotor, a medieval town that rivals any on the Adriatic. The fortified city sits at the edge of a fjord-like bay, surrounded by towering mountains. It’s like stepping into a different era.
Why It’s Worth Visiting:
- Climbing the fortress of Kotor rewards you with breathtaking views over the bay.
- The old town is a maze of narrow streets, hidden squares, and centuries-old churches.
- It’s far less crowded than neighboring Dubrovnik but just as stunning.
One afternoon, I climbed the fortress, stopping every few minutes to take in the view. By the time I reached the top, the sun was setting over the bay, casting a golden glow over the red rooftops below. It was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Discovering the Underrated
Now, I never travel without a flexible plan—a foundation that allows for both structure and spontaneity. I’ve found that this hybrid approach gives me the confidence to navigate new destinations while ensuring I don’t miss out on magical, unplanned experiences.
So, whether you’re a meticulous planner or an adventurer who thrives on the unknown, consider embracing a little of both. Because sometimes, the most unforgettable moments happen in the spaces between the plans.
