There are certain places in the world that you must see at least once in your life. These frequently trotted destinations hold unique experiences quintessential to learning about humankind’s history and culture. For this reason, places like Rome or Paris usually end up at the very top of everyone’s bucket list. There’s nothing wrong with having these places at the top of your list, but the world is giant and there are plenty of one-of-a-kind experiences to be had in the most underrated travel destinations in the world.
Experiences such as seeing the spice market in Istanbul for the first time, skinny dipping into crystal clear waters of Coron, or seeing Cloud Forest in Singapore should definitely be at the top of your list.
Today’s post goes over some of my favorite bucket-list destinations that I believe everyone should see at least once in their lives!
Travel Recommendations:
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The Philippines
Number one on the list of the most underrated travel destinations in the world is the Philippines. I wish I could fit all of the Philippines highlights in a simple bullet list but I found it nearly impossible.
The Philippines is a remarkable country made up of more than 7,000 islands. It is a country with a fast-growing population and has a whole array of natural elements to contend with. Many travelers head straight to Japan, India, or Indonesia, leaving the Philippines underrated offerings gloriously pristine.
Things To See:
- Visit Coron whilst island hopping. Coron is repeatedly voted as 1 of the ten best islands to visit in the world. Known for its lakes, lagoons, beaches and reef wreck diving. The natural beauty of Coron will definitely leave you awestruck.
- Visit the city of Manilla
- Kayangan Lake
- Batad Rice Terraces
- Malcapuya Islands – stunning beaches
Click here to find to check affordable flights to the Philippines on Expedia
Click here to see hotel nightly rates in Philippines
Bolivia
From the glittering salt pan of Salar de Uyuni to an unspoiled swathe of the Amazon jungle, Bolivia truly packs a punch when it comes to natural wonders. The country holds so many unique experiences one cannot have anywhere else, hence why it is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world.
One of South America’s least-visited countries, Bolivia’s raw aesthetic beauty remains completely untouched by the hands of the tourist industry and is exactly why you should add it to your bucket list.
A big learning experience one gets from traveling is an insight into how our ancestors lived. Bolivia’s history dates back thousands of years which makes the country a portal into how ancient South Americans lived before capitalism and industrialization.
Must check out:
- Salar De Uyuni – Massive salt flat with Incahuasi island
- Yungas Road – great for adrenaline junkies and bikers.
- La Paz
- Uyuni – An ancient city near the salt flats.
- Valle De La Luna
Click here to find to check affordable flights to Bolivia on Expedia
Click here to see hotel nightly rates in Bolivia
More posts if you need some travel inspo:
Stairway to Heaven Hike (Haiku Stairs)
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15 Best Destinations for Solo Female Travelers
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka holds beauty beyond anything I have ever seen. Perfect for travelers looking to experience something truly unique. From postcard-worthy beaches are refreshingly pristine, lapped by the Indian Ocean to its misty jungles brim with colorful wildlife, there’s plenty of adventures to be had on this island off the coast of India.
Check out:
- Jami Ul-alfar Masjid Mosque (red mosque)
- Take the $1.50 train from Kandi to Ella to see Sri Lanka’s spectacular scenery
- Climb Sigiriya mountain
- Spot leopards in Yala National Park
- See blue whales from January to April
Click here to find to check affordable flights to Sri Lanka on Expedia
Click here to see hotel nightly rates in Sri Lanka
South Korea
If I’m being brutally honest, South Korea was never on the list of things I would do while traveling Asia. The more I learn about the country, however, I find that South Korea is a treasure trove of incredible experiences that are truly unique and excluding it from your bucket list might be a grave disservice to you.
South Korea is a country of delicious food, ancient temples, quirky K-Pop, breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, zany festivals, and much, much more.
- Check out Blind Alley, a cafe where you can spend an hour or two playing with well-fed raccoons. Don’t believe me? Watch this video.
- Trick Eye Museum – holds a collection of two-dimensional images that appear to exist in three-dimensions. It looks as interesting as it sounds and worth a visit.
- Glass castle theme park – beautiful 200 piece collection of glass art surrounding a castle
Click here to find to check affordable flights to South Korea on Expedia
Click here to see hotel nightly rates in South Korea
Iceland
Iceland is a Nordic island nation that has a diverse and beautiful terrain, defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields.
Iceland makes this list as one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world partly due to the fact that it is more for nature lovers and people that prefer peace & solitude over crowded European cities.
Things To See:
The Northern Lights
Soak in the Blue Lagoon
Do a glacier trek
Click here to find to check affordable flights to Iceland on Expedia
Click here to see hotel nightly rates in Iceland
More posts if you need some travel inspo:
15 Bucket-List Destinations That Are Open For International Tourism In 2024
The 15 Most Beautiful Hotels in the World
The World’s 10 Most Underrated Tropical Destinations
What’s In My Camera Bag?
The Best Travel Gifts To Get Your Jet-Setting Friend This Holiday Season
Jordan
Known as the jewel of the Middle East, Jordan remains calm despite being surrounded on all sides by chaos and unrest. The Jordanians I have met during my travels are some of the nicest people I have met in life. Home to great food and epic hiking, Jordan is the perfect destination for travelers new to the Middle East.
- Petra, Jordan – an ancient city cut into the orange rock bed.
- Dead sea – famous for its salt waters where visitors can float.
- Wadi Rum – perfect day trip for hikers.
- Sleep in a Bedouin camp – camp out in the middle of Wadi Rum in yurts made out of wool. Enjoy fun camel rides, campfire meals cooked on the earth, and sunset camel rides.
Click here to find to check affordable flights to Jordan on Expedia
Click here to see hotel nightly rates in Jordan
China
China seems to butt heads with many nations in the news, but the country itself is not as bad and chaotic as the media portrays it to be.
It’s home to 1.4 billion people making China the largest country per capita in the world. China is a testing ground for macro-economic theory as to how the world is going to be dealing with impending overpopulation. Truly an interesting place!
Things to see:
- Great Wall of China (duh)
- Zhangjiajie National Park
- Hong Kong – The most densely populated city in the world!
- Shanghai – Check out Zhujiajiao Water Town
- Red Beach
- Tainmen Shan – aka ‘Gateway to Heaven’ a massive hole in the mountain
- Tainmen Skywalk – a skywalk 4700 feet up on a Chinese mountain near Tainmen Shan.
Click here to find to check affordable flights to China on Expedia
Click here to see hotel nightly rates in China
Singapore
Asia for beginners. Known worldwide as the premier financial trade center for Asia, Singapore has experienced tremendous financial growth in recent years. The tourism industry is booming in Singapore is a treasure-trove of cool experiences.
- Garden by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands is stunning at night
- Cloud Forest
- Singapore Botanic Gardens – Singapore’s largest green spaces, complete with the world’s most extensive orchid garden. Home to lush vegetation, well-tended lawns, themed gardens and tranquil lakes.
- Asian Civilizations Museum
- Take a night safari
- Singapore zoo is one of the highest-rated zoos in the world.
Click here to find to check affordable flights to Singapore on Expedia
Click here to see hotel nightly rates in Singapore
Turkey
The most common city many tourists visit while going to Turkey is Istanbul. Kind of like the New York of Europe, this city is full of high energy and it is true that Istanbul never sleeps.
Turkey is my favorite country in the world, and there are plenty of places in Turkey that you don’t want to miss out on. Due to the title of being a ‘Middle Eastern country,’ many tourists overlook this place while planning their trips abroad. But there are too many one-of-a-kind experiences to be had in Turkey that you won’t find anywhere else – making it one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world.
- Visit Moda, Kadikoy, Karikoy & Beyoglu while you’re in Istanbul
- Cappadocia – known for its “fairy chimneys,” tall, cone-shaped rock formations. Amongst these formations are homes carved into valley walls dating back to the Bronze Age. Definitely take a ride in a hot air balloon while you’re there.
- Cesme, Izmir – A beautiful town known for its fantastic food and turquoise waters.
Click here to find to check affordable flights to Turkey on Expedia
Click here to see hotel nightly rates in Turkey
Egypt
Egypt truly is one of those countries you need to visit at least once in your life. It’s home the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Part of the Sahara desert can be found in Egypt, so be prepared to be immersed in a Mars-like environment once leaving any one of the main cities. Home to intricate mosques in Cairo, ancient tombs, and the Nile River.
Click here to find to check affordable flights to Egypt on Expedia
Click here to see hotel nightly rates in Egypt
What are some of your favorite destinations that travelers miss out on? Let me know in the comments!
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I’ve always wondered why tourists don’t go to Turkey as often as other European countries. I love Istanbul, definitely one of my favorites! Thanks for this, saved it for later 🙂
omg love Istanbul!!!
Sri Lanka is stunning! But I’m a little scared to travel there by myself. Will try going to Turkey soon, I’ve heard nothing but good things 🙂
Istanbul is my favorite city! You have to experience it at least once in your life!
Thanks for stopping by xx
Your blog is too good information about traveling. You have done fabulous work. Your blog is the one that I have always waited for. To know more about cities.
Turkey is awesome. I have been there. Apart from being naturally beautiful, there are many finely constructed edifices in Istanbul like, Hagia Sophia, Blue mosque and many elegantly built churches.
Turkey is amazing and probably out of any of the countries on this planet, the one that is the closest to my heart <3
that is a great post, keep it up! may you interest on Mount Rinjani Trekking in Lombok Indonesa check out my latest post!
Loved this list! The Philippines is on my bucket list this year! Hope this goes well 🙂
I’m almost afraid of traveling to the Philippines because I might never come home!
BTW your travel blog looks amazing! what theme are you using?
Amazing !! Turkey is the one i am looking for
I love Turkey <3