10 Hidden Gems Around the World Worth Visiting in 2027

Popular tourist destinations are increasingly facing overcrowding, while there are still dozens of fascinating places around the world where, on the contrary, more travelers are welcome. Learn more about little-known travel gems worth adding to your plans for 2027

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The tour operator Intrepid Travel has named 10 little-known destinations worth visiting in 2027. The new “Not Hot List” includes locations in Kenya, Georgia, Jordan, Canada, Greece, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka, Latvia, Chile, and Sweden. All of them currently receive significantly fewer tourists than popular neighboring regions, but already have sufficient infrastructure and potential for tourism development.

In our previous article, we wrote about 5 European countries that tourists are hardly visiting in 2026.

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How were the most promising destinations for 2027 selected?

Intrepid Travel’s Not Hot List was not created as a ranking of the “most beautiful places.” Its main idea is to highlight regions that currently lie off the beaten path but are already ready to welcome more visitors. In compiling the list, the Intrepid team drew on data and expert assessments from its specialists in 35 countries, as well as recommendations from tourism organizations, local guides, and the trend analysis agency Globetrender.

Three main criteria were considered when selecting locations:

1. Low visitor numbers—the destination must receive fewer tourists than similar and more well-known places

2. Readiness for tourism growth—the presence of infrastructure and sufficient capacity to accommodate a larger number of travelers

3. Relevance in 2027—new transportation routes, major events, tourism projects, or infrastructure improvements that will make a trip particularly interesting next year

This is not just about finding alternatives to overcrowded resorts. The authors of the list aim to redirect part of the tourist flow to local communities, where travelers’ spending can have a greater impact on employment, small businesses, and the development of tourism infrastructure. This approach has already yielded results: after Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan were included in previous Not Hot Lists, Intrepid’s bookings for trips to these countries increased by 67% and 62%, respectively, over the course of a year.

10 Little-Known Destinations Worth Visiting in 2027

The 2027 Not Hot List includes a wide variety of locations: a national reserve in Kenya, a mountain town in Georgia, a little-known Greek island, a route through Patagonia, and even an entire Swedish region. They all have one thing in common: they haven’t yet been overrun by mass tourism, but they already offer a full-fledged travel experience featuring nature, culture, and well-developed tourist infrastructure.

Samburu, Kenya — a safari without the crowds

Samburu National Reserve is located in central Kenya, about 300 km north of Nairobi. It is significantly less visited than the famous Maasai Mara: according to Intrepid Travel, Samburu receives about one-tenth as many tourists. This means fewer safari vehicles near the animals and a more peaceful wildlife viewing experience.

One of the main reasons to visit here is the so-called Samburu Special Five. It includes the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, the Somali ostrich, the East African oryx, and the gerenuk—a long-necked antelope native to the arid regions of East Africa. Some of these species are much harder to spot in other popular safari regions of Kenya.

Samburu is also notable for the fact that tourism here is closely linked to conservation projects and local communities. That’s why Intrepid calls the region an alternative to the overcrowded national parks of East Africa, where travel can more directly support local jobs and wildlife conservation.

Learn more about the top 10 places to encounter wildlife by following the link.

Mestia, Georgia – Medieval Towers and the Caucasus

Mestia is located in the highlands of Svaneti in northwestern Georgia, among the peaks of the Greater Caucasus. It is one of the region’s main hubs and a convenient base for trekking, mountain hikes, and trips to traditional Svan villages. The development of tourism infrastructure and improved accessibility are gradually transforming Mestia into a year-round destination, although in terms of tourism scale, it is still far from Tbilisi or Batumi.

Svaneti’s main attraction is its stone defensive towers, many of which were built as far back as the Middle Ages. One of the most famous routes leads from Mestia to the high-altitude village of Ushguli through valleys, mountain passes, and small settlements. Intrepid also highlights a hike to the Chalaadi Glacier and routes along the Transcaucasian Trail.

It is precisely the combination of high-mountain nature, Svan culture, and the opportunity to travel on foot between traditional villages that makes Mestia one of the top destinations on this list for active tourism.

Learn more about 10 European destinations for day trips by following the link.

The Northern Highlands, Jordan – a green alternative to Petra and Wadi Rum

Most tourists associate Jordan with Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, and the Dead Sea. The north of the country looks completely different: it features pine forests, hills, nature reserves, rural settlements, and ancient sites. It is precisely the Northern Highlands that Intrepid has included on its list as a destination capable of diverting tourist traffic away from the country’s most famous sites.

One of the region’s main attractions is Umm Qais, home to the ruins of the ancient city of Gadara, featuring a Roman theater, colonnades, and other archaeological sites.

Another important destination is Ajloun, known for its medieval castle and forested landscapes, which stand in stark contrast to the desert regions of southern Jordan.

The region is also developing community-based tourism. Travelers can stay in small local guesthouses, learn about traditional crafts, cuisine, and local farms. Among the new tourism experiences, Intrepid specifically highlights introductions to local beekeeping and hiking trails through the forests of Ajloun.

For those who have already seen Jordan’s classic sights or want to combine archaeology with nature, the north of the country offers a completely different travel experience—without the need to constantly follow the traditional Amman–Petra–Wadi Rum route.

Learn more about the 10 most beautiful places in the Balkans for a budget vacation by following the link.

Whitehorse, Canada – The Northern Lights and the Yukon’s wilderness

Whitehorse is the capital of the Canadian territory of the Yukon and one of the main transportation hubs of the country’s far north. The city lies on the Yukon River and serves as a base for trips to the mountains, lakes, nature parks, and remote areas of the territory. Despite this, in terms of the scale of international tourism, Whitehorse still lags significantly behind Vancouver, Toronto, Banff, and other well-known Canadian destinations.

One of the main reasons to visit is the Northern Lights. The Whitehorse area is located far enough north to offer regular views of the aurora borealis during the dark season. In the summer, the main attractions include hiking, kayaking, camping, and road trips along the Yukon’s scenic routes.

Looking ahead to 2027, the region is placing additional emphasis on tourism development. Intrepid highlights a new Arctic tourism initiative designed to strengthen Whitehorse’s role as a hub for community-led tourism, adventure travel, wildlife viewing, and learning about the culture of the Yukon’s Indigenous peoples. That said, Whitehorse is best viewed not as a standalone city break, but as a starting point for a grand journey through northern Canada.

In our previous article, we discussed, which destinations topped the ranking of the quietest and noisiest countries in the world.

Alonnisos, Greece – a quiet island in the Sporades

Alonnisos is part of the Northern Sporades archipelago in the Aegean Sea, but remains significantly less well-known than its neighbors, Skiathos and Skopelos. There are no large resort complexes here, nor is there the same intense tourist traffic as on Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete. Instead, the island attracts visitors with its small coves, crystal-clear waters, pine forests, and peaceful coastal villages.

One of the island’s main attractions is the Alonnisos–Northern Sporades National Marine Park, one of the largest marine reserves in Europe.

Its waters serve as a vital habitat for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). Another unique attraction is the Peristera Underwater Museum. It was created around a sunken 5th-century B.C. merchant ship, near which thousands of ancient amphorae have been preserved. Certified divers can explore the archaeological site at a depth of about 25 meters.

Alonnisos is best suited for those who want to combine a beach vacation with nature, diving, and walks without the hustle and bustle of a large resort. The period from late spring to early fall is particularly convenient for travel, and dives to the underwater museum take place from May through October. The island can also be included in a Northern Sporades itinerary, combining it with Skopelos or Skiathos.

In our previous article, we wrote about the TOP 5 uncrowded Mediterranean resorts where you can relax without lines or noise.

Dili, Timor-Leste—one of Asia’s least-visited capitals

Dili is located on the northern coast of the island of Timor and is the capital of Timor-Leste—a young nation in Southeast Asia that international tourists still visit far less frequently than neighboring Indonesia or Australia. It is precisely this relative isolation that has long held back the development of tourism, but the situation is gradually changing. Intrepid notes the improvement in air connections, which is making it easier to include the country in itineraries through the region.

Dili itself is more of a starting point than a classic destination for a city break. Near the capital are beaches, coral reefs, and mountainous areas, and the waters around Timor-Leste are known for their rich underwater world. One of the capital’s most notable landmarks is the Cristo Rei statue, perched on a hill overlooking the sea. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline and the surrounding mountains, which begin almost immediately beyond the city limits.

The main argument in favor of Timor-Leste in 2027 is the opportunity to see a part of Southeast Asia that has not yet become a mass tourist destination. Here, don’t expect Bali-level resort comforts; instead, plan for an independent trip featuring diving, nature, small villages, and an immersion in the country’s culture.

Learn more about the best cities for a fall getaway under €100 a day by following the link.

Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka – 300 km through tea plantations

The Pekoe Trail is a new hiking route about 300 km long that runs through the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The trail connects tea plantations, mountain villages, forests, and small settlements, offering a completely different perspective on the country than the classic route between the beaches, Kandy, and Sigiriya.

The route runs through the so-called Hill Country—one of the country’s main tea-growing regions.

During the hike, travelers pass through plantations, cloud forests, mountainous areas, and settlements where tea production remains a vital part of the local economy. The trail is managed by a nonprofit organization that aims to distribute tourism revenue among the communities along the trail, rather than concentrating it solely in the most popular tourist centers.

It’s not necessary to hike the entire 300 km. The Pekoe Trail is divided into separate sections, so you can choose just a few segments for your trip and combine hiking with visits to other parts of Sri Lanka. This makes the route appealing not only to experienced hikers but also to tourists who want to spend a few days in the mountains and explore the tea-growing region beyond the standard tourist routes.

In our previous article, we wrote about the best hiking trails in Madeira.

Liepāja, Latvia – The Baltic and European Capital of Culture

Liepāja is located on the western coast of Latvia near the Baltic Sea and is significantly less popular with tourists than Riga. At the same time, the city combines long sandy beaches, historic architecture, a vibrant music scene, and the unique military heritage of the Karosta district.

The main reason to plan a trip specifically for 2027 is its status as the European Capital of Culture. Liepāja will share this title with Évora, Portugal, and the city’s official cultural program will kick off in January 2027. Throughout the year, international exhibitions, concerts, theater, and arts festivals are planned here. In particular, in August, the city will host the Europa Cantat festival, which is expected to draw over 3,000 singers, conductors, and other participants.

That said, Liepāja has more to offer than just major events. The city can be considered a compact destination for a few days on the Baltic Sea: take a stroll through the historic center, visit Karosta, check out the Great Amber Concert Hall, and spend time on the city’s wide beach.

We previously wrote about the best resorts on the Italian Riviera and tips for choosing a destination.

Carretera Austral, Chile – 1,200 km through Patagonia

Carretera Austral, or Route 7, stretches more than 1,200 km from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins through Chilean Patagonia. The route passes by fjords, glaciers, dense forests, lakes, rivers, and small settlements. Intrepid has included it on its Not Hot List as an alternative to Patagonia’s better-known and more crowded routes.

A trip along the Carretera Austral is usually planned as a road trip with stops at national parks and natural areas. Among the route’s most famous highlights are Queulat National Park, Lake General Carrera with its Marble Caves, the town of Tortel, and southern Villa O’Higgins. Part of the road remains unpaved, and ferries are required for certain sections, so the route requires more preparation than a typical road trip.

The most convenient time to travel is during the local summer, roughly from December to March, when the days are longer and weather conditions are more stable. However, even during this season in Patagonia, you should be prepared for cold, rain, and rapid weather changes. On remote stretches, there are few gas stations, stores, and other infrastructure, so it’s best to plan your fuel, route, and supplies in advance.

In our previous article, we wrote about the TOP 5 uncrowded Mediterranean resorts where you can relax without lines or noise.

Dalsland, Sweden – lakes, forests, and outdoor activities

Dalsland is located in western Sweden between the Norwegian border and Lake Vänern. The region is often called “Sweden in miniature” due to its combination of dense forests, numerous lakes, rolling hills, and small settlements. It made the Not Hot List 2027 as a destination for those seeking nature and outdoor activities far from the most popular routes around Stockholm, Gothenburg, and the Swedish coast.

Dalsland’s main attraction is outdoor recreation. Kayaking and canoeing, bike trails, hiking, and camping are all popular here. The approximately 100-kilometer Pilgrim Trail runs through the region, and the Dalsland Canal—with its system of lakes and locks—has become one of the most famous waterways in western Sweden.

In 2027, getting here will become easier thanks to a new rail connection, which Intrepid specifically highlights. This is important for a region where traveling without a car used to be more challenging. Dalsland is best suited for those who want to spend a few days among lakes and forests, combining hiking trails, biking, water activities, and camping.

Learn more about the 10 safest islands in the world in 2026 by following the link.

Why are lesser-known destinations becoming the new travel trend?

Interest in less-visited places is growing amid overtourism in the most popular tourist destinations. According to Intrepid Travel, about 80% of travelers visit only 10% of the world’s destinations. As a result, tourist traffic is concentrated in a limited number of cities, resorts, and natural sites, while neighboring regions often remain off the beaten path.

The Not Hot List offers a different approach: selecting places where tourism doesn’t need to be curbed but, on the contrary, can be developed without placing a critical strain on local infrastructure. All ten destinations on the 2027 list have sufficient capacity to accommodate more visitors, and new transportation links, tourism projects, major events, or infrastructure improvements served as additional factors in their selection.

For travelers, this means more than just the chance to avoid lines and overcrowded attractions. Samburu offers an alternative to East Africa’s busiest safari parks, the Carretera Austral provides a break from Patagonia’s popular routes, and Liepāja allows visitors to discover Latvia beyond Riga. Such trips often provide more opportunities to connect with nature and local communities, and tourism revenue is distributed among regions that are far less dependent on mass tourism.

Are you planning a trip and want to prepare without unnecessary stress? Visit World's travel guide contains key tips for travelers: rules of entry and stay, current requirements for tourists, basic safety, transportation and accommodation. Such a guide will help you quickly navigate a new country, avoid common mistakes during your trip, and plan your route taking into account practical nuances that often go unnoticed by tourists.

We remind you! Popular tourist destinations can be a trap. We have already told you which 8 places in the world Fodor’s advises to avoid in 2026 due to overtourism, environmental risks and social tension – and what alternatives to choose instead.