Mar 23

Mar 23 Skip the Crowds: 5 Underrated Destinations That Deserve Your Attention

Travel Inspiration, Budget Travel Experiences

Let’s be real—some of the world’s most popular travel destinations are starting to feel… a little too popular. Fighting through crowds in Santorini? Overpaying for a tourist-packed beach in Cancun? No, thank you.

If you’re tired of the same old spots and want somewhere just as beautiful but way less crowded, this list is for you.

Here are five underrated destinations that give you the same vibes as major tourist hotspots—without the chaos.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you book a tour or make a purchase through one of these links. I only recommend experiences I genuinely love and think you will too!

1. Where’s the Best Underrated Island in the Bahamas?

📍 Bimini, Bahamas (Instead of Nassau)

Nassau is beautiful, but it’s often packed with cruise ship crowds. If you want the same white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water without the chaos, head to Bimini. This tiny island is just 50 miles from Florida and has a laid-back, luxury-on-a-budget vibe.

Best Things to Do in Bimini:

✔️ Swim with wild dolphins or stingrays in their natural habitat

✔️ Visit the Bimini Road, rumored to be part of the lost city of Atlantis

✔️ Take a boat to Honeymoon Harbor, a secluded beach paradise

🛏️ Where to Stay: Bimini has chic boutique resorts like Resorts World Bimini that offer overwater bungalows—giving you Maldives vibes for way less.

2. What’s the Best Hidden Wine Region Besides Napa?

📍 Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico (Instead of Napa Valley)

Love wine tasting but not the Napa price tag? Valle de Guadalupe is Mexico’s best-kept secret, featuring over 100 wineries, stunning vineyard views, and some of the best food in the country. The best part? It’s half the price of Napa but just as luxurious.

Best Things to Do in Valle de Guadalupe:

🍷 Wine tasting at Monte Xanic or Finca La Carrodilla (two of the best wineries!)

🍴 Farm-to-table dining at Fauna (one of Mexico’s top restaurants)

🛁 Stay in a wine barrel hotel or chic eco-lodge

✈️ How to Get There: Fly into Tijuana or San Diego, then take a scenic 2-hour drive.

3. Where Can You Find Maldives-Like Beaches Without the Long Flight?

📍 Eleuthera, Bahamas (Instead of the Maldives)

Dreaming of an overwater escape but not the 20-hour flight? Eleuthera offers the same crystal-clear waters and luxury beach vibes as the Maldives—without the long-haul travel or expensive resorts.

Best Things to Do in Eleuthera:

✔️ Relax on Pink Sands Beach (yes, the sand is actually pink!)

✔️ Jump into the Sapphire Blue Hole, a natural swimming pool

✔️ Explore Lighthouse Beach, one of the most secluded spots in the Bahamas

💰 Budget Tip: Unlike the Maldives, Eleuthera has affordable boutique hotels and beachfront Airbnbs for a fraction of the price.

4. What’s a Less Crowded Alternative to Rome & Florence?

📍 Bologna, Italy (Instead of Rome or Florence)

Italy’s major cities are breathtaking—but they’re also packed. If you love Italian food, history, and stunning architecture, Bologna is the perfect underrated destination. It’s the food capital of Italy, and it’s way less crowded than Rome or Florence.

Best Things to Do in Bologna:

🍝 Eat real Bolognese pasta (called tagliatelle al ragù) at Osteria dell’Orsa

🏰 Climb the Asinelli Tower for the best city views

🛍️ Shop at local markets for fresh pasta, truffle oils, and Italian cheeses

🚄 How to Get There: Take a quick train from Florence (35 min) or Milan (1 hour)—Bologna is centrally located and super easy to visit.

5. Where’s a Tropical Destination That’s More Affordable Than Hawaii?

📍 The Azores, Portugal (Instead of Hawaii)

Hawaii is beautiful, but let’s be honest—it’s expensive. The Azores, a group of volcanic islands in Portugal, offer lush mountains, waterfalls, natural hot springs, and stunning beaches at a fraction of the cost.