27 Under-the-Radar Places to Visit Before They Get Too Popular, According to Travel Advisors
Travelers crave the opportunity to get away from the crowds, immerse themselves in local culture, and be the first to visit a place before it gets too popular. We asked our A-list travel advisors to share their favorite under-the-radar destinations before they become overly touristed.
Sardinia, Italy
"Sardinia is where Italians go to escape the hustle and bustle, and it's easy to see why: gorgeous beaches, hiking trails, and wild landscapes that feel like stepping into a postcard. Big luxury resorts are just starting to appear, so travelers should experience the island's laid-back charm before it gets too crowded." — Angela Adto Tepper, AZA Luxury Travel
The Baja California Peninsula, Mexico
"The Baja California peninsula in Mexico has activities for all travelers, including the vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe, the whale mating grounds of Laguna San Ignacio, and magical towns like La Paz, Todos Santos, and Loreto. The exceptional wines and cuisine of the north are a closely-held secret among southern Californians, but new luxury hotels like Banyan Tree are drawing attention." — Zachary Rabinor, Journey Mexico
Madagascar
"Madagascar can now be reached via Dubai, Paris, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, while new luxury lodges like Voaara and Miavana means greater comfort. The country is home to a plethora of unique cultures, distinctive flora like giant baobab trees, and lemurs which are as cute and furry as you imagine. " — Samantha Gordon, Red Savannah
Gargano, Italy
"Gargano, in northern Puglia, is Italy's most overlooked coastline. Take a boat along the incredible faraglioni (rock formations), taste incredible southern Italian cuisine in the small towns, and visit the countryside for hiking and swimming. Don't skip Monte Sant'Angelo, which is said to have been visited by the Archangel Michael. " — Zoe Shapiro, Stellavision Travel
Asturias, Spain
"Asturias in northern Spain is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Located between the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos de Europa mountains, the region boasts lush landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and cute villages. The region is renowned for its food and unique cider, served with a traditional pouring technique. With new high-speed trains and new flights, accessing this captivating area has never been easier." — Nigel Hack, Madrid & Beyond
The Southern Highlands, Australia
"The Southern Highlands, just south of Sydney, is largely undiscovered by international visitors—yet the region provides a rich diversity of experiences. Hike to hidden waterfalls, tour historic townships, meet local winemakers, hunt for truffles, spot kangaroos, and more. Fabulous new boutique hotels like Osborn House and Moss Manor entice visitors to stay a little longer. " — Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossings
Mongolia
"Mongolia offers a blend of vast, pristine nature and unique cultural experiences, such as horseback riding with golden eagle hunters. It also boasts a growing fashion scene, highlighted by Michel & Amazonka, the brand that made headlines for its costumes at the Paris Olympics." — Undraa Buyannemekh, Nomadic Expeditions and Three Camel Lodge
Bolivia
"Bolivia has an amazing diversity of ecosystems, including the world's largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni; the highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca; and the Amazon River. The local culture is diverse, with a large Indigenous population whose traditions and languages are deeply integrated into everyday life." — Carola Fresno, Timbuktu Travel
The Craigieburn Valley, New Zealand
"The Craigieburn Valley in New Zealand's South Island is rarely visited by foreign travelers. That means uncrowded mountain hikes, biking trails, horse riding, rock climbing, fly fishing, and stargazing. Luxury lodge Flockhill Station has 36,000 acres to explore, while direct flights from San Francisco to Christchurch (just 90 minutes from Craigieburn Valley) have made the region easier to get to." — Sarah Farag, Southern Crossings
Antarctica
"Antarctica is an exciting frontier with glacier hikes, emperor penguin encounters, helicopter rides, and futuristic basecamps featuring outer space-inspired pods and chef-prepared meals. Tour companies like White Desert, Ultima Antarctica, and Antarctica21 offer access via aircraft or smaller ships with under 100 passengers. " — Ruchi Harnal, Harnal Travel
Northern Morocco
"Tangier and, more broadly, northern Morocco, are wonderful up-and-coming destinations to visit. Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay on the Mediterranean and La Fiermontina Ocean on the Atlantic Coast offer world-class accommodations so travelers can explore the area in comfort. " — Michael Diamond, Cobblestone Private Travel
Mozambique
"Mozambique has transformed Gorongosa National Park, once a conflict-ravaged landscape, into a thriving ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Visitors can experience it through game drives, night safaris, waterfall hikes, and rare pangolin conservation encounters. Accommodations like the luxurious Muzimu Lodge and intimate Chicari Camp offer premium comfort and privacy deep within this reborn wilderness." — Karin Jones, Artisans of Safari
Abruzzo, Italy
"Abruzzo is where Italy's raw beauty comes alive. Gran Sasso National Park has trails that weave through medieval villages, crumbling castles, and valleys where wild horses still roam. On the Costa dei Trabocchi, wooden fishing platforms stretch into the sea, serving up the freshest catch in the most atmospheric setting imaginable. The Tirino, one of the cleanest rivers in Europe, is perfect for kayaking." — Matteo Della Grazia and Daniela Mencarelli, Fuoritinerario - Discover Your Italy
Onimichi, Japan
"The Japanese city of Onimichi is experiencing an uptick, though it remains off the tourist circuit. The pioneer is Adrian Zecha, founder of Aman Resorts, who recently opened Azumi Setoda, a 22-room ryokan (Japanese inn) on the island of Ikuchijima. Visit extraordinary cliffside temples offering cinematic views, eat delicious food including ramen and pastries, island-hop via ferry or private boat, and explore the serene landscape by bicycle." — Mark Lakin, The Legacy Untold Travel
Slovenia
"Slovenia is quietly rising in popularity, with fairytale lakes like Bled, charming coastal towns like Piran, and a storybook capital, Ljubljana. What's truly special is the variety of activities offered in such a compact area. Alpine adventures, wine tasting, wellness retreats, and the Adriatic Sea are all within a couple of hours' drive. " — Laura Asilis, Travelwise
Montenegro
"Montenegro has the drama of the Amalfi Coast, the heritage of Croatia, and the laid-back charm of the Mediterranean—all without the crowds. Spend the morning exploring medieval towns like Kotor and the afternoon sailing through seemingly untouched bays. Luxury hotels are beginning to quietly move in, but it still feels like a secret." — Dasha Westerfield, River Oaks Travel
Albania
"Albania's stunning beaches along the Ionian Sea rival the Amalfi Coast (minus the crowds), while charming mountain villages like Theth offer untouched beauty. The food scene is wildly underrated. Think fresh seafood, homemade rakia, and farm-to-table everything. What makes it really special, though, is the warmth of the people." — Kristin Winkaffe, Winkaffe Global Travel
Nafplio, Greece
"Nafplio is the kind of spot Athenians escape to for the weekend, but it's still flying under the radar for international travelers. Located just two hours from Athens, it has neoclassical mansions, cobblestone streets, and Venetian fortresses perched above the sea. If you've already done Santorini and Mykonos and are craving something more authentic, this is it." — Desiree Norman, Onēra
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
"The Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador is full of beautiful culture, rich history, and welcoming people. As the easternmost part of the country, it's full of stunning landscapes and beautiful cities like St. John's that are still relatively tucked away. " — Marc Telio, Entree Canada
Laos
"Laos, situated between Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China, has beautiful landscapes full of mountains, waterfalls, and caves. And its cities—including Luang Prabang, Thakhek, Savannaket, and Pakse—are full of outstanding Laotian restaurants and French boulangeries." — Bob Preston, GlobeBley
Milos, Greece
"Milos is on the brink of becoming Greece's next 'It' island. For now, its lunar-like coastlines, secret coves, and authentic Cycladic spirit are beautifully unspoiled. Multiple high-end properties are being built, so now's the time to experience the raw, serene glory before the secret is out." — Christos Stergiou, TrueTrips
The Pacific Coast of Colombia
"Visit the Pacific coast of Colombia for humpback whale watching before it becomes more popular. The pristine area offers unforgettable natural encounters amid untouched beaches framed by lush jungle landscapes. Its remoteness and rich biodiversity promise a deeply immersive experience." — Boris Seckovic, Amakuna Travel
Egypt
"From the awe-inspiring Pyramids to the timeless Nile, Egypt combines deep history with modern comfort. The number of travelers has been low in recent years, providing an opportunity to fully absorb these iconic sites before they become bustling hotspots again. It's a rare and fleeting moment in one of the world's oldest civilizations. " — Chris Bazos, Travelous
Greenland
"First-time visitors to Greenland find themselves moved by the vibrant Inuit culture, spectacular landscapes, and the special charm that comes from being hard to reach. That sense of remoteness might erode after the recent introduction of direct flights from the U.S., but Greenland isn't the next Iceland—it's a different place entirely." — Ashton Palmer, Expedition Trips
Uganda
"Uganda is emerging as an exciting destination that blends unique wildlife and top-tier accommodations. The opening of Erebero Hills in 2026 exemplifies this trend, offering luxury amid breathtaking mountains and forests. Additionally, the upcoming Gorilla Forest Lodge is set to further elevate Uganda's appeal to luxury travelers." — Candice Heckel, Africa Endeavours
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
"Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, has a fascinating architectural blend of New Khmer modern, Art Deco and French Colonial. The style of the city is one of East and West, old and new, classic and casual. And since the average age of Cambodians is just over 25 years old, the city feels incredibly youthful and forward-thinking. It's a hopeful place. " — Ethan Crowley, Asia Desk
Bhutan
"Bhutan is one of the last truly untouched destinations, where culture, spirituality, and sustainability aren't curated for tourists—they're lived daily. The country's 'high-value, low-Impact' tourism model aims to protect its sacred heritage. And with high-class lodges like Six Senses, Gangtey Lodge and Amankora blending seamlessly into the Himalayan landscape, visitors can experience transformational moments without sacrificing comfort." — Jason Oshiokpekhai, Global Travel Collection
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CNN
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- CNN
The world's first passenger jet was a luxurious death trap. Now it's been brought back to life
Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel's weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. Today, jet-powered plane travel is easy to take for granted. We're used to that surge of speed along the runway that pins us to our seats, those moments when we burst through ominous clouds into bright blue skies, and the gentle pings warning us to fasten seatbelts. And we're used to arriving at our destination in one piece. But commercial jet travel is only 73 years old. Britain's late Queen Elizabeth II was already the monarch when the de Havilland DH106 1A Comet G-ALYP took off from London Airport — as Heathrow was then known — about 3 p.m. on May 2, 1952, carrying the world's first fare-paying jet passengers. Over the next 23 hours, with five stops along the route, it made its way 7,000 miles south to Johannesburg. 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It was here, during World War II, that a local aircraft manufacturer, founded by British aviation pioneer Geoffrey De Havilland, began work to create and test the DH98 Mosquito, an unusual wood-framed combat plane renowned for its speed. After the war, in the late 1950s, a local entrepreneur seized upon the site's legacy to open what was Britain's first aviation museum. A bright yellow Mosquito, the only intact World War II prototype plane in existence according to museum staff, is one of the trophy exhibits at the modern de Havilland museum. It's beautifully restored, with its bomb doors hanging wide open and its large propellers, attached to Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, reaching forward. There are other de Havilland legends of the air, both civilian and military, on display. In the corner of the Mosquito hangar is the body of a Horsa glider, an unpowered WWII transport aircraft that was towed into the air and used to deliver troops and weapons behind enemy lines. In the next hangar — where passionate volunteers, who on some midweek days easily outnumber visitors, can be found deep in restoration projects — there's a DH100 Vampire, a single-seat fighter that was de Havilland's first jet plane. This bizarre-looking aircraft, with a twin-boom tail, was also designed at Salisbury Hall. But the hands-down star of the museum's largest show space is the de Havilland DH106 1A Comet. For the legions of people interested in passenger jet planes and their evolution into the complex engineering miracles that now criss-cross the friendly skies, this is a worthy place of pilgrimage. Its wings may be missing, but with its body decked out in period Air France livery, with a chrome-effect undercarriage, gleaming white roof, winged seahorse logo and French tricolor flag, the Comet is an eye-catching sight. 'It's a lovely-looking airplane, even now after all these years,' says retiree Eddie Walsh, a museum volunteer who heads up the project to restore and preserve the DH106. That wasn't always the case for this particular aircraft, Walsh explains. When the museum took delivery of it back in 1985, it was more or less a bare metal tube — the remains of the fuselage. 'It looked very sad. Every part of it has been recovered, so the original skin, in fact, was in a very, very poor condition.' Painstakingly, the volunteers slowly began restoring it to its aeronautical former glory — and today, the plane stands more or less as it would have nearly three quarters of a century ago, apart from those wings. 'We'd love to have the wings as well, but the wings would almost take up the whole bloomin' museum,' adds Walsh. This is a shame, since the Comet's wings were also a design to behold. Unlike most subsequent commercial aircraft, the plane had its engines, four de Havilland Ghost turbojets, molded elegantly into the wing itself rather than in pods attached below it. Despite their beauty and innovation, the fuel-thirsty engines weren't fully up to the job, struggling to drag the Comet into the air. This meant pilots sometimes pulled up too early or ran out of runway. The resulting accidents were horrendous, but the design and engineering shortcomings that eventually led to the Comet's demise were even more catastrophic. Before it became a byword for danger, though, the Comet was a showcase for the opulent possibilities of travel. At the rear of the aircraft, a staircase ascends into the tail end of the plane. Stepping through the door is a journey right back into the history of passenger aviation. The plane's interior has been lovingly recreated by Walsh's crew, down to the finest details. First there are the bathrooms. Unlike the single-sex facilities of modern planes, the original Comet had male and female toilets — the men's facilities fitted with a urinal, the women's with a chair, table and vanity mirror. In the main cabin, half of the plane has been recreated along its original lines, with comfortable rows of twin seats, upholstered in swirling blue fabric that matches the pattern of the red curtains. Each seat comes with plenty of legroom, as well as chrome cup holders and — because it was built in the 1950s, ashtrays for smokers who, despite the luxury, would've made flights an 'utter nightmare,' says Walsh. The seats look out of large rectangular windows, the signature of the first ever Comet planes — wrongly blamed at times for the plane's structural failures and replaced by rounder openings in later models. At meal times, cumbersome wooden trays were distributed by the cabin crew, for meals that served on proper plates and eaten with proper cutlery. Overhead, there are no luggage bins, but the museum has used 3D printers to recreate molded light fittings, each with a red button to summon the 'steward.' Such is the accuracy of the cabin recreation, it's easy to imagine what it was like on board the Comet, with real clouds whipping by outside, rather than the static ones painted on the wall of the de Havilland Museum hangar. It's not a million air miles away from the planes we now fly in, but it was certainly aimed at offering a more exclusive aviation experience. That experience had to be made comfortable. Yes, the Comet had smooth jet engines and a pressurized cabin that allowed the plane to ascend 40,000 feet, well above the worst of the weather, and yes, it was faster than propeller-driven rival planes, but its maximum range of 1,750 miles (2,816 kilometers) was far less than that of earlier passenger service. Long journeys, like that debut flight to Johannesburg, did go faster in the Comet, but because they had to be completed in multiple stages, total flying times were still longer than their modern-day equivalents Nearer the front of the Comet, the first-class portion of the cabin more closely resembles a modern private jet than it does the premium seats of today's planes. Here, two pairs of seats face each other across a wooden table — a setup clearly aimed at the glamorous families. This was the height of luxury travel. The publicity photos of the time showed passengers decked out in posh frocks and tailored suits, often sipping cocktails or tucking into lavish meals. One memorable, but highly improbable, image shows a family cheerfully watching on as a youngster builds a house of cards on the first-class table. Even with smoother jet engines, those cards wouldn't have stood for long. The level of passenger wealth indicated in the pictures was accurate, though, says Walsh. 'It was very, very expensive,' he adds. 'I mean, on modern-day travel, you can pick up seats for next to nothing, relatively. But in those days, you had to be somebody of reasonable wealth to actually fly anywhere — especially in the Comet.' A single ticket on the Comet's first service to Johannesburg cost £175 — about £4,400, or close to $6,000, in today's money. Past the first-class section, there's a small galley kitchen, with a hot water boiler and sink, plus a luggage section where the giant cases and steamer trunks of the wealthy flyers were held in place by a flimsy piece of netting that must've been straining to hold them during times of turbulence. Then there's the flight deck — again, meticulously recreated by the museum's team, right down to the panel of analog dials and switches that would've been familiar to the Comet's pilots, many of whom cut their teeth flying World War II military aircraft. Here, the complicated setup hints at the efforts that have gone into restoring the plane. Recreating it was, says Walsh, 'bordering on an impossible task.' 'How the heck do you start that? It's one of those jobs where you could stand scratching your head. 'Where do we get the bits? How do we put them together? How do we lay them out? How do we light them? But it came out, in the end, very well.' Behind the seats for pilot and co-pilot, there are also chairs to accommodate a flight engineer, who would've monitored fuel consumption and kept an eye on the mechanics, and a navigator who used maps and a paper and pencil to plot routes. The navigator would also use a periscopic sextant to peer through the roof of the aircraft and calculate position based on the sun and stars — exactly like an ancient mariner. While all this might've been archaic compared to the digital systems used in the latest passenger planes, the Comet was cutting-edge in 1952. 'It went faster, it went higher, it was much smoother to ride,' Walsh says. 'It was a revelation — the Concorde of its day.' However, it did not hold onto that position for long. 'Too high, too fast, too soon, that was the trouble,' says Walsh. Back in the main cabin of the de Havilland Museum's Comet, one side of the aircraft has been stripped away to reveal the skin of the fuselage and the fixings around the airplane's windows, plus the rivets used to hold them in place. That cabin wall was the most fatal of the Comet's several flaws, as the aircraft quickly transformed from a triumph of inventive engineering to a terrifying study in design failure. On March 3, 1953 — not even a year since its first scheduled flight — a Comet became the first passenger jet plane involved in a fatal accident when a flight operated by Canadian Pacific Airlines crashed into a drainage canal during takeoff, killing five crew and six passengers. Two months later, another crash during takeoff in India killed all 43 people on board. Things got worse the following year. On January 10, 1954, a Comet broke apart in mid-air on a flight to Italy, killing 35 people on board. The incident raised the alarm that there were potential structural problems with the aircraft, resulting in a worldwide grounding for several weeks. Then, shortly after flights resumed, another mid-air accident on April 4, 1954, killed all 21 people on board. After that the Comet 1A was grounded for good. Water tank tests on Comet hulls later concluded that the aircraft's skin was unable to withstand the repeated pressurization and depressurization required for high-altitude flying. Cracks appeared around boltholes and rivets, resulting in explosive breaches in the fuselage around openings such as a cargo door or rooftop antenna. Next to the Comet, the de Haviland museum displays a section of fuselage that was tested to breaking point. It's a tribute to the thoroughness of the aviation investigators who sought to find the airplane's fatal flaws, but also a disturbing reminder of the tragic cost of pushing the frontiers of aviation. While the Comet 1A never flew commercially again, it spawned later versions that went on to be successful, equipped with more powerful Rolls-Royce jet engines and stronger fuselages. But by the time the Comet 4 entered service in 1958, it faced competition from Boeing's 707 and the Douglas DC-8, both of which were considered more efficient and desirable by the airlines of the time. De Havilland's status in commercial aviation had passed its zenith. The company was later bought by another British aviation giant, Hawker Siddeley, and the brand all but vanished — although a one-time subsidiary, de Havilland Canada, is still in operation. The Comet may have gone from the skies, but the legacy it left behind can still be seen in the airplanes we fly today. The innovation that went into the 1A, and the deadly mistakes that went with it, helped shape the aircraft that succeeded it and make them safer. 'Without somebody starting the whole thing and getting something in operation, then obviously everybody else won't follow,' adds Walsh. 'So it needs somebody innovating the idea, producing the idea and getting it working to say that an aircraft, a jet aircraft, can take off with passengers on board. 'The Comet is famed for the problems it had, which is a little bit unfair, because it was really an innovation of its time.'
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- Yahoo
These are the top 10 islands to visit, says Expedia
If you're dreaming of escaping to a gorgeous island with beaches and sunshine, you're not alone. Global interest by travelers for island vacations are up on average by 30% this year, according to Expedia's first-ever Island Hot List 2025. The list, which was released Tuesday, ranks the world's best islands to vacation at based on Expedia data and traveler reviews, plus weighing factors like accessibility, safety, sustainability and weather. "Powered by real traveler data, the Expedia Island Hot List gives travelers the inspiration they need to plan a smarter island escape,' Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations, said in a news release. 'Island adventurers want standout stays, affordable prices and seamless flight access." Travelers can find deals for their tropical vacation by visiting during the shoulder season, with the chance to save up to 50% on average for accommodations. A visit to Sardinia in September is 35% cheaper than in August, according to a travel platform. Here are the top 10 islands, according to Expedia. No passport, no problem: 5 US towns that feel like Europe Best for year-round sunshine: Aruba Aruba's reputation as one of the sunniest destinations in the Caribbean makes it the perfect choice for travelers seeking to maximize their beach time during their trip. It doesn't hurt that its Eagle Beach, renowned for its soft sand and turquoise waters, has consistently ranked on Tripadvisor's annual best beaches. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for relaxation: Bali, Indonesia Yogis and surfers have long been going to Bali, known for being a deeply rooted spiritual place with stunning natural beauty, so it makes sense that the Indonesian island was named the best for relaxation by Expedia. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for adventure: Dominican Republic Yes, there are beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic, but the Caribbean island is also an ideal destination for travelers looking to partake in water sports, hikes, ATVs, ziplines and more. With its many all-inclusive properties, travelers can also make the most of their budget. ▶ Best time to visit: April Best for community: Fiji Fiji is one of those bucket list destinations, offering travelers a balance of adventure and relaxation, with surfing, diving and pristine beaches to enjoy. The island country is working toward regenerative tourism with community-based and conservation initiatives, according to Expedia. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for culture: Jamaica Jamaica has stunning beaches, but also a vibrant culture of reggae music, rum, cuisine and more. For those eager to explore the outdoors, travelers can swim in the waterfalls of the Blue Mountains before relaxing on the paradisiacal Seven Mile Beach. ▶ Best time to visit: December Best for affordable luxury: Koh Samui, Thailand While the latest season of HBO's hit show "White Lotus" put Thailand at the top of everyone's bucket list, the destination is underrated for affordable luxury. Koh Samui is known as Thailand's rising wellness capital, with a focus on yoga, spirituality and detoxes, according to Expedia. ▶ Best time to visit: March Best for romance: Maldives Over the last 50 years, the Maldives has risen as a haven for those seeking out a quiet getaway. Its many resorts make travelers feel as if they're on a private island away from the rest of civilization. That is, without giving up luxury, like the famous overwater bungalows, this destination is known for. ▶ Best time to visit: May Best for surfing: Oahu, Hawaii Hawaii is often credited as the birthplace of modern surfing, with Oahu beckoning surfers of all skill levels from around the world. However, this is just one way travelers can engage with Hawaiian culture, as the islands focus on responsible tourism initiatives, such as volunteering. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for nightlife: Paros, Greece While Mykonos and Santorini may be the more famous Greek islands for travelers, Paros is emerging for those seeking out luxury and nightlife with fewer crowds. ▶ Best time to visit: September Best for foodies: Sardinia, Italy As a Blue Zone, Sardinia is the destination for travelers seeking luxury with a splash of wellness. Fresh, delicious cuisine, combined with the stunning Italian coastline, has earned this island a spot on the list. ▶ Best time to visit: September This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dreaming of island life? Expedia reveals 2025's hottest picks
