In 2015, we predicted that the following countries “could emerge as holiday hotspots over the next ten years.” And we’re delighted to confirm that our instincts were right! From the rugged beauty of Montenegro’s coastline through to the dynamic pace of life in Vietnam, many of these up-and-coming vacation destinations have grown in popularity, but they’re still un-touristy enough to be off the beaten track. So of the 50 that we first flagged up, here’s just a few of the countries that we’d encourage you to explore:
Indonesia
Indonesia is made up of 17,800 islands, ranging from the sleepy delights of Lombok to the culturally-rich Flores. Komodo National Park is a delight for nature-lovers, while Bali made it into our list of the top 10 romantic retreats! For loads of great ideas, we like this blogger’s articles.
Admittedly Croatia’s charms have been unearthed since we first wrote this article – but with tiny islands littering the coast, amazing seafood, unspoilt towns and the nicest people, it’s not really surprising. Thankfully there are still many peaceful experiences to be had, such as wild swimming in Imotski’s lake and hiking in the Velebit mountain range. For loads of undiscovered gems, check out this TimeOut article with some ideas on Croatia holidays destinations.
Morocco
Marrakesh and Casablanca have understandably grown in popularity (because they’re quite frankly amazing), but there are still plenty of undiscovered delights for anyone looking for a quieter break in Morocco. The four-day cherry festival in the beautiful town of Sefrou (which is just 30km from Fes) is a unique experience. And if you are staying near Agadir, then take a trip to the town of Mirleft to explore the stunning beach and surfing opportunities. For more ideas, then this Culture Trip article is a great starting point.
Philippines
With gorgeous white sand beaches, the most dazzling coral reefs, lush rainforests, and stunning walking opportunities – all topped off by a spectacular street food scene – Cebu is growing in popularity. This emerging destination is the ideal place to kick band and unwind, while adrenalin junkies can try their hand at waterfall jumping and rock climbing at Kawasan Falls. For a great oversight of why you should visit, check out this useful Wanderlust round-up.
Laos
Beloved by backpackers but still very much an undiscovered travel destination, Laos is one of South East Asia’s best-kept secrets. Vientiane is the capital city, but Luang Prabang is the real jewel in the crown. With beautiful French colonial architecture and local delicacies that combine French and Asian cuisine, this sleepy town is a cultural experience that you’ll never forget. For loads of great ideas on Laos holidays destinations, check out this travel blog.
Uganda
Whether you’re rafting the Nile (which happens to be the world’s longest river) or trekking to see the mountain gorillas, there’s a lot to love about the raw beauty of this country. This Lonely Planet guide provides a comprehensive oversight of this up-and-coming destination.
Saint Lucia
Admittedly it’s hard to say that Saint Lucia is an undiscovered vacation spot (it’s now one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations) but that just goes to show how accurate we were with our predictions six years ago! Head there for unforgettable diving, snorkelling and kite surfing action. We challenge you to get to the end of this fantastic round-up of the key sights without booking a flight.
Panama
Hot springs, coffee plantations and white sand beaches – it’s all here to explore. Panama also happens to be a haven for nature lovers. Three-toed sloths and howler monkeys are natives of the country, and you can spot the most dazzling tropical fish when you go scuba diving. Water babies should check out this interesting read on the best dive sites in Panama.
Sri Lanka
Home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sri Lanka is breathtaking. For a memorable experience, visit Udawalawe National Park to spot elephants roaming free, or take a boat safari at Gal Oya National Park to see them swimming. This Wanderlust article also suggests that tea lovers should take a tuk-tuk to Lipton’s Seat to take in the views over the tea plantation.
Georgia
Sandwiched between Turkey and Russia, Georgia is a hidden gem. Largely bypassed for its better-known neighbours, this peaceful country has great hiking options and plenty of vineyards to explore. But one of the highlights has to be the dynamic capital city of Tbilisi. For an incredible view of the city, hop on the funicular railway to the top of Mount Mtatsminda, and treat yourself to an authentic sulphur bath at the end of the day. For lots of info on this fun city, immerse yourself in this Telegraph round-up.
Peru
Die-hard travel fans will argue that Peru isn’t an emerging destination, as they have long known about this lovely country’s charms. If you’re looking to tick off the key sights, then trek to the Andes, hike the Inca trail and dip into the Amazon. But if you fancy taking a path less-beaten, head to the north for some excellent surfing options, or take a boat trip to the Islas Ballestas in the south to spot sea lions and Humboldt penguins. This Lonely Planet article nicely details the top 10 adventures you should have.
Tanzania
One of the loveliest undiscovered travel destinations has to be Tanzania. Home to Serengeti National Park, you can experience lions and all manner of beasts. If you’re feeling extravagant, then enjoy an early morning hot air balloon ride. For a truly astounding sight, pay a visit to Lake Natron to spot 2.5million flamingos – and if you’re sporty, then consider a cycling tour.
Vietnam
Growing in popularity year on year, Vietnam has to be seen to be believed. Start your adventure at Hanoi, then head south to Hoi An – make sure you leave enough time to get the local tailors to handmake your dream suit/dress/outfit. Grab a bowl of phở from one of the street restaurants, and finish your trip by exploring the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. With amazing food, a frantic pace of life in the cities, and a beautiful (and serene) coastline, this is a country of delicious extremes. Read a few blogs (like this one) to cherry-pick what to put on your itinerary.
Cambodia
Cambodia is well-established on the party-loving backpacker trail, but for a more grown-up experience, it’s very much an up-and-coming holiday destination. To get a real feel for the country, consider heading west to Kratié, and explore the fruit plantations and rice paddies. Phnom Sambor provides an unforgettable opportunity to see soft-shell turtles, while Kirirom national park is simply stunning. This article from the Guardian is jam-packed with great suggestions.
Zambia
Lake Kariba (the world’s largest manmade lake), Victoria Falls and Kafue National Park are just three reasons why Zambia is continuing to establish itself as an emerging destination. A great way to dip a toe into the African countries, make sure you experience a guided walking safari. Furthermore, this family’s travel adventures are testament to the fact that even lesser-travelled countries such as Zambia are doable with kids.
Montenegro
If you’re looking for the perfect combination of mountain scenery, medieval villages and a beautiful coastline, then Montenegro should be firmly placed on your must-see list. In fact, some would even argue that it packs an added punch because many tourists have yet to discover its charms. Culture Trip’s top suggestions include joining a beach party on Velika Plaza, exploring the old royal capital of Cetinje and losing a few hours in Kotor Old Town.
Admittedly, some of the countries mentioned in the infographic below (that was created in 2015) are currently unprepared for visitors – and there are a few on the list that we’d actively discourage you from visiting at this moment in time. However, others boast fledgling tourism industries, a wealth of natural and cultural history, and the possibility of a warm welcome from a fellow Love Home Swap member. So when booking your next break, consider choosing the road less travelled.