Top 10 Undertourism Destinations for Your First Post-Pandemic Trip

Itching to travel? Many people (especially us) are dreaming and might plan our list where we would go when the pandemic end but we need to be wary of crowds. We’ve got you covered. And today, we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 under tourism destinations for your first post-pandemic trip.

For this list, we are looking at compelling countries and regions around the world that have much to offer in terms of culture, scenery, and history, but which remain relatively unexplored by the average traveller. The travel industry is going to need our support after the heavy hit it took this year in 2020, but people are understandably hesitant to visit major destinations known to be overcrowded. These alternative trips satisfy both needs at once. Just be sure to always do your research and check all travel advisories.

#10 Georgia

Georgia, while the U.S. state is well worth a visit, we’re actually talking about the country that straddles Eastern Europe and Western Asia; Georgians are known for their warm hospitality. The country has a distinct cuisine and food culture. No trip is complete without partaking in a supra, a traditional Georgian feast. It’s also considered to be the nation with the longest history of winemaking, with production dating back 8000 years. The nation is home to thousands of mineral springs, and because of its position on the historic Silk Road paired with its rich local history, Georgia is a treasure trove of monuments and sites, and we haven’t even gotten into the architecture or breathtaking landscape.

Georgia would rank high on our list if not for the fact that it is beginning to attract more international attention. It’s still off the beaten path, but not for long, especially the beautiful and vibrant capital city of Tbilisi. So make it a priority. 

#9 Republic of the Congo

The Republic of the Congo, looking to immerse yourself in a natural environment after having spent so much time cooped up inside. Why not indulge that desire to the extreme with an all-out wilderness adventure? Congo can actually refer to two distinct countries, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo, to its West. Both are worth visiting. Given the untarnished natural beauty of the region and the ample opportunity to see wildlife. Unfortunately, due to instability in the DRC, travel isn’t recommended. Its neighbour to the West, however, is considered relatively safe. And with so few tourists annually, you’ll often feel as if you have to place yourself between ethical wildlife safaris and luxury eco-resorts. You can really have it all comfort and an escape from the city. That being said, the country’s capital, Brazzaville, is well worth a visit. This breathtaking city has rightfully been dubbed the Paris of Africa. 

#8 Slovenia

Number eight, Slovenia from its capital Ljubljana and the second city of Maribor to the port of Koper and the many towns and villages that dot the country. Slovenia feels wonderfully unchanged by tourism and its genuine wonder as to why, given that this nation has a little bit of everything to offer international travellers, Ljubljana stuns with its Baroque and Vienna secession architecture. In 2012, Maribor was given the honour of being named European capital of culture, which is more than earns with its timeless charms, world-class cuisine, and namesake castle. Beyond the cities in the country’s northeast, natural wonders beg to be explored, including three known National Park: Lake bled,  the Soca Valley, and the Julijske Alpe. First of all, Slovenia’s approach to its growing tourism industry is considered to be among the world’s most sustainable, making this a guilt-free trip.

#7 Andaman Islands

The Andaman Islands, located off the coast of India and considered a union territory. The Andaman Islands are a slice of unspoiled South Asian paradise. Sitting in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands are notably sparse in terms of population. This is especially notable considering how densely populated mainland India is known to be. A number of the islands are off-limits to visitors, instead of being preserved for the insular indigenous tribes who inhabit them. Those that are accessible to foreigners, however, offer the sort of beach vacation that many might not have thought of still possible in our modern age. Pristine, white, sandy beaches, lush forests, and an abundance of sea life coupled with limited development make the Andaman Islands feel like your own private getaway. The accommodations, while limited, know how to pamper their guests. The only real issue you might never want to leave 

#6. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, United States

When you think of escaping the crowds and disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of life, the chances are that Michigan isn’t the first destination that comes to mind due to its industrial history. In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, however, we see a very different side of the state. America’s great wilderness and natural beauty. And nowhere is the splendour more inspiring than along pictured rocks national Lakeshore, covering 42 miles of shore and 114 square miles of land. This park is named for its towering sandstone cliffs. Countless years of erosion have shaped them into shallow caves and various eye-catching natural formations. Add to that the sand dunes, waterfalls, and ample opportunity for outdoor activities, and pictured rocks national Lakeshore becomes the perfect off the American radar holiday.

#5 Naxos, Greece

The appeal of the Greek islands is undeniable. These shining gems in the Mediterranean attract crowds with their breathtaking shorelines and the promise of rest, relaxation, and beautiful weather. Unfortunately, many of these islands have been fundamentally changed by their own popularity. The paradise on Earth, once promised by Santorini and Mykonos, has been somewhat tarnished by the droves of tourists that crowd these now World-Famous Islands for a trip back in time to the glory days of the Greek islands. Consider a trip to Naxos, which is located between the two aforementioned destinations. Picture perfect clusters of whitewashed homes, breathtaking sunsets, historic ruins, fishing villages, family restaurants, dishing up mouthwatering plates of fresh seafood, sandy beaches. Naxos has got it all, and for the time being, It remains entirely absent from your typical tourist itinerary. This is the Cyclades as they were meant to be experienced. 

#4 Ladakh, India

Trust us when we say that this spot in the Himalayas is unlike any other place on Earth, far from the most crowded cities. This largely undiscovered region of Kashmir, which remains a disputed territory between India and Pakistan, so be sure to check for any travel advisories, is a land of mountains, breathtaking views, big sky, and rustic natural beauty at an average elevation of eleven thousand five hundred feet. Scenic vistas tend to be the rule rather than the exception. It’s home to a population of just about 275,000 people, and the number of annual tourists is similar. Within the region, one finds no fewer than 35 Buddhist monasteries, which are among the most popular attractions. Ladakh is firmly rooted in traditions, history, and local culture. Authenticity needn’t be sought out. It’s everywhere you turn. And to help preserve both the natural beauty and cultural integrity of Ladakh, eco and sustainable tourism is being championed. 

#3 Mongolia

Take a survey of the top 10 places people want to visit. It’s a pretty safe bet that Mongolia isn’t going to come up, but travellers don’t know what they’re missing in this over documented, overshared, and the increasingly small world of ours, a sense of adventure can be hard to come by, a view unobstructed by signs of human activity. Even more so in Mongolia, however, they’ve hardly made a mark on it. The largest city, Ulaanbaatar, is home to only about a million and a half people, and a substantial portion of the nation’s residents continue to practice the traditional nomadic lifestyle. Mongolia’s rugged mountain peaks, abundant wildlife, and seemingly endless plains can feel downright surreal. But for those who seek space to explore and reflect, you can’t ask for a better setting. That being said, Ulaanbaatar still offers all the modern comforts and concentrated culture one expects from an urban centre. 

#2 Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol

Despite its unbelievably horrific 2020, Italy will eventually remain among the most popular tourist destinations in all of Europe. Rome, Venice, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, such cities and regions, require no introduction but travel to the northeastern extremity of its borders. And you’ll feel as if you crossed into an entirely different country. And in a certain sense, you have the autonomous region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Sudtirol is historically Austro-Bavarian but was annexed by Italy in 1919, whereas the French, Swiss and Austrian Alps are well-trodden territory with price tags to match, the Italian apps and Dolomites remain far less travelled. They are a tourist destination, true, but really only with locals and neighbouring nations. Here, Italian and Bavarian culture blends together in fascinating ways, set to the backdrop of absolute jaw-dropping mountains, hiking, skiing, spas, local wines and beers, and highly regional cuisine. This region of Italy needs to be experienced to be understood. 

#1 Papua New Guinea

On average, this country receives only about 200,000 visitors per year, being the world’s third-largest island country. And considering all it has to offer, that is a shockingly low figure. But we’re not complaining. Rather than being inundated with visitors like one might expect, Papua New Guinea is a land of unspoiled, lush greenery, colourful wildlife, and unparalleled opportunities for trekking and outdoor adventure. As if that’s not enough, the islands surrounding waters offer some of the world’s best diving with an abundance of shipwrecks, Coral, Sealife, and more. Surfing is another popular activity that, like all of the above, benefits from the lack of crowds, one of the most culturally diverse nations on Earth with 851 known languages. It’s truly an uninspiring destination in every sense of the word; whether you’re looking to brave the jungle or simply kick back at an eco-resort, Papua New Guinea is a perfect choice. Do you agree with our picks?

Written by The Original PC Doctor on 20/9/2020.