The most underrated travel destinations 2027 has to offer are not the places on every postcard. They are the quiet coastal towns, mountain capitals and island escapes where prices are still fair, locals still have time to talk, and you can actually find a table, a beach spot or a viewpoint without a queue. If you are planning next year now, this is the moment to look beyond the obvious.
In this guide we round up 25 places that deserve far more attention, grouped by region, with highlights, things to do and a realistic daily budget. Most cost far less than their famous neighbours, so the best time to go is before everyone else catches on.
Why Underrated Destinations Are Winning in 2027
Travellers are increasingly bypassing Paris and Bangkok for lesser-known spots, according to Skyscanner Travel Trends 2027, and the flight-search numbers back that up. Searches for Sal in Cape Verde rose 339% in the first half of 2026 compared with 2025, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan rose 322%, and Mersa Matruh in Egypt rose 182%. Tivat in Montenegro was up 149%, Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia 139%, Vero Beach in the USA 201%, Olbia in Italy 143%, Da Nang in Vietnam 127%, Puebla in Mexico 113%, and Cardiff in Wales an extraordinary 1046%.
Evenes in Norway rose 88%, Chengdu in China 74%, Rabat in Morocco 61%, Shannon in Ireland 57%, and Kalamata in Greece 46%. Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2027, released in September 2026, also celebrates underrated places, including Šibenik, León, Rabat, Killary Fjord, Chengdu, Okinawa, Da Nang, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Prince Edward Island. Its list of the 12 most underrated destinations for 2027 adds Bhutan, Vendée, Tbilisi, Lake Balaton, Puglia, and Bolivia.
The pattern is clear: value, space and authenticity now beat fame. Underrated destinations usually mean cheaper hotels, lower restaurant prices and shorter queues, because tourism has not yet overwhelmed daily life. For budget travellers, that is the sweet spot.
Europe: Old Favourites Without the Crowds
Europe still has plenty of places that feel undiscovered. These ten deliver history, food and coastline at a fraction of the price of the capitals.
1. Šibenik, Croatia
Šibenik sits between Split and Zadar, yet most visitors drive straight past it. Its UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, stone old town and nearby Krka waterfalls offer Dalmatia at its best without Dubrovnik prices. Swim, island-hop and eat seafood by the harbour for around €55–€75 a day.
2. León, Spain
León is a cathedral city with Roman walls, a Gothic masterpiece and some of Spain’s best free tapas culture. Walk the old town, visit the Casa Botines and the cathedral, then join locals for tapas and wine in the Barrio Húmedo. Budget around €50–€70 a day.
3. Puglia, Italy
Puglia, the heel of Italy, is all whitewashed villages, olive groves and turquoise sea. Stay in Alberobello’s trulli houses, explore Lecce and swim at Polignano a Mare. It feels far more Italian, and far cheaper, than Tuscany, at about €60–€85 a day.
4. Lake Balaton, Hungary
Hungary’s Lake Balaton is Central Europe’s largest lake, ringed by vineyards, beaches and sleepy resort towns. Cycle the shoreline, take a ferry, taste wine in Badacsony and swim in summer. It is a relaxed, affordable escape at roughly €40–€60 a day.
5. Vendée, France
Vendée, on France’s Atlantic coast, is one of Lonely Planet’s most underrated picks for 2027. It has long sandy beaches, marshland villages, cycling paths and the historic island of Noirmoutier, without Riviera prices. Expect to spend around €55–€80 a day.
6. Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff is one of the fastest-rising destinations in Skyscanner’s 2027 data, with searches up 1046%. Its castle, bay and food markets make a compact city break, and the nearby Brecon Beacons add hiking and waterfalls. Budget about £55–£85 a day.
7. Olbia, Italy
Olbia is the gateway to Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, yet the town itself is often overlooked. Use it as a base for Emerald Coast beaches and the Maddalena islands, then eat well in the old town. Allow around €65–€90 a day in summer, less in spring.
8. Tivat, Montenegro
Tivat, on the Bay of Kotor, combines a smart marina with easy access to Kotor, Perast and Lovćen National Park. It is calmer and often cheaper than Kotor itself, with boat trips, beaches and mountain views close by. Plan on €50–€75 a day.
9. Kalamata, Greece
Kalamata, in the southern Peloponnese, is famous for olives but little known as a holiday base. It has a long beach, a lively old town, and day trips to the Mani Peninsula, Mystras and Voidokilia Beach. It is excellent value at about €45–€65 a day.
10. Killary Fjord, Ireland
Killary Fjord, on the border of Galway and Mayo, is Ireland’s only fjord and one of its most beautiful, least crowded landscapes. Take a fjord cruise, hike the Famine Trail, and explore Connemara’s lakes and mountains. Budget around €70–€95 a day, including a guesthouse stay.
Asia: Big Adventures, Small Prices
Asia rewards travellers who go one stop beyond the famous city. These six offer mountains, food, beaches and culture for far less than the usual hotspots.
11. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek is the gateway to the Tian Shan mountains, alpine lakes and nomad culture, and flight searches rose 322% in early 2026. Explore Ala-Too Square and Osh Bazaar, then take a day trip to Ala Archa National Park or Issyk-Kul Lake. Daily costs are low, around $30–$50 a day.
12. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu, on Borneo’s coast, pairs island beaches with Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia’s great climbs. Snorkel the Tunku Abdul Rahman islands, visit the floating mosque and eat at the night market. Expect to spend about $35–$55 a day.
13. Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is Vietnam’s relaxed coastal city, between Hoi An and Hue, with searches up 127% in Skyscanner’s data. It has a long beach, the Marble Mountains, the Dragon Bridge and excellent street food. It is also a smart base for cheap travel in Asia, at around $30–$50 a day.
14. Chengdu, China
Chengdu is the home of giant pandas, Sichuan food and a famously laid-back tea-house culture. Visit the panda breeding centre, try hotpot, wander the Wide and Narrow Alleys and take a day trip to Leshan. Budget roughly $40–$65 a day.
15. Bhutan
Bhutan measures success in happiness, not crowds, and its monasteries, mountain passes and festivals feel unlike anywhere else. Hike to Tiger’s Nest, visit Punakha Dzong and Thimphu’s markets, travelling with a licensed guide as required. Daily costs are higher, around $100–$200 a day including the visitor fee.
16. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, blends old-town balconies, sulphur baths, wine bars and mountain views. Ride the cable car to Narikala Fortress, explore the Dry Bridge Market and take a wine trip to Kakheti. It is one of Europe’s best-value capitals, at about $35–$55 a day.
Americas: From Coast to High Andes
The Americas have underrated gems at every latitude, from Mexican colonial cities to Andean salt flats.
17. Puebla, Mexico
Puebla, a UNESCO-listed colonial city east of Mexico City, is known for its tiled churches, mole poblano and nearby volcanoes. Walk the historic centre, visit Cholula’s Great Pyramid and eat your way through the markets. Budget around $35–$55 a day.
18. Vero Beach, USA
Vero Beach, on Florida’s Treasure Coast, is a quiet alternative to Miami and Orlando, with searches up 201% in early 2026. It has wide beaches, a small-town downtown, kayaking on the Indian River Lagoon and good seafood. Allow about $90–$140 a day, less with a rental apartment.
19. Bolivia
Bolivia is South America’s most underrated country, with the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, Lake Titicaca and La Paz. Take a salt-flat tour, ride the cable cars in La Paz and explore Sucre’s white streets. It is remarkably cheap, at roughly $30–$50 a budget solo travel day.
Africa & the Middle East: Sun, Sea and Ancient Cities
These three offer warm weather, rich history and far lower prices than their better-known neighbours, ideal for a 2027 winter-sun trip.
20. Sal, Cape Verde
Sal, in Cape Verde, saw flight searches rise 339%, the biggest jump in Skyscanner’s 2027 trends. It has year-round sun, white-sand beaches, windsurfing at Santa Maria and salt flats at Pedra de Lume. It is a strong winter-sun bargain at about €50–€75 a day.
21. Mersa Matruh, Egypt
Mersa Matruh, on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, has turquoise water that rivals the Caribbean, with searches up 182%. Swim at Cleopatra Beach and Agiba Beach, explore the old town and use it as a quieter base than Sharm or Hurghada. For more ideas, see our Egypt travel guide for 2027. Budget around $30–$50 a day.
22. Rabat, Morocco
Rabat, Morocco’s capital, is calmer and more local than Marrakech, with searches up 61% and a Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2027 nod. Visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower and the medina, then take the tram to Salé. Plan on $40–$60 a day, and read our Morocco travel guide for 2027 first.
Oceania & Island Escapes: Slow, Remote and Worth the Journey
These island destinations take a little more effort to reach, which is exactly why they stay special. Go for beaches, wildlife and a slower pace.
23. Okinawa, Japan
Okinawa, Japan’s southern island chain, feels very different from Tokyo or Kyoto, with turquoise water, coral reefs and Ryukyu culture. Snorkel at the Kerama Islands and visit Shuri Castle. Budget around $70–$110 a day.
24. São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe, a tiny island nation off West Africa, is one of the least visited countries on Earth. It has rainforest, volcanic peaks, cocoa plantations and empty beaches, plus excellent birdwatching and diving. Expect to spend about $50–$80 a day.
25. Prince Edward Island, Canada
Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, is all red cliffs, lighthouses, seafood and Anne of Green Gables countryside. Drive the coastal routes, eat lobster, cycle the Confederation Trail and watch the sunset at North Cape. Allow about $80–$120 a day in summer.
How to Plan an Underrated-Destination Trip on a Budget
Underrated does not automatically mean effortless, so a little planning goes a long way. Use these tips to keep costs low.
- Book flights early, but stay flexible: search midweek, compare nearby airports, and set fare alerts. Many of the places above are cheapest in shoulder season, when the weather is still good.
- Travel in shoulder season: May, June, September and October usually bring lower prices, fewer crowds and pleasant weather across Europe, Asia and North Africa.
- Stay local: choose guesthouses, family-run hotels and apartments over big resorts. You will save money, eat better and get local tips you will not find online.
- Use public transport: buses, trains and ferries are often cheap and scenic in these destinations, and they let you see the countryside between the highlights.
- Eat where locals eat: markets, bakeries and small restaurants away from the main square are usually half the price and twice as good.
- Plan one base, several day trips: places like Tivat, Da Nang and Kalamata work best as a base, with beaches, towns and national parks within an hour or two.
- Check entry rules and seasons: some islands and mountain areas have limited flights or ferries in winter, so confirm transport before you book accommodation.
If you want more ideas for timing and value, our guide to the cheapest places to travel each month in 2027 pairs well with this list, and our dream budget vacations under $1,000 in 2027 show how far a modest budget can go. For Europe specifically, our hidden gems in Europe for 2027 and Albania travel guide for 2027 are good next reads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most underrated country to visit in 2027?
Bolivia, Georgia and Cape Verde are strong contenders, with Bhutan and São Tomé and Príncipe close behind. Bolivia offers salt flats and Andean culture at very low prices, Georgia combines mountains and wine, and Cape Verde offers year-round sun without Caribbean prices.
Are underrated destinations really cheaper?
Usually, yes. Lower demand means cheaper hotels, restaurants and tours, and less pressure on local prices. The exceptions are remote islands and countries with visitor fees, such as Bhutan, where daily costs are higher even though crowds are low.
Is Bishkek safe for tourists?
Bishkek is generally considered safe for tourists who take normal precautions, as in any city. Stay aware in crowded markets, use registered taxis or ride apps at night, and check current travel advice before you go.
When should I book a 2027 trip?
Book international flights 2–4 months ahead for the best balance of price and choice, and earlier for peak summer or Christmas. Searches surge in the January to March planning window, so booking in November or December 2026 can lock in lower fares before demand rises.
Which underrated destination is best for a first trip?
Cardiff, Da Nang and Rabat are good first choices. They are easy to reach, have good transport and food, and offer a clear mix of city, coast and day trips without needing complex planning or a large budget.
Do I need a visa for these destinations?
It depends on your passport. Many of the places on this list are visa-free or visa-on-arrival for US, UK, EU, Canadian and Australian travellers, but rules change, so always check the official government guidance for your nationality before booking.
The best trips in 2027 may not be the ones everyone is already posting about. They are the ones where you arrive, find space to breathe, meet people who are glad you came, and spend less doing it. Pick one place, book it early, and go before the crowds catch up.
