10 Underrated Tourist Destinations to Explore in 2025
Now that it is the start of a new year of travel, it is time to move away from the beaten paths, and find some new places. By 2025 the wise traveler knows that everyone else is going where they want to go so they go somewhere else and do something different. Here’s our curated list of 10 underrated tourist destinations that deserve a spot on your travel radar this year.
Jeju Island, South Korea
Often overlooked in favor of Seoul or Busan, Jeju Island is a subtropical paradise that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. It is known as the “Hawaii of South Korea” because it is a volcanic island with beautiful beaches, forests, and rock formations.
Why visit in 2025: Jeju is also putting a lot of money into eco-friendly tourism, so it is a great place to go for the environmentally friendly traveler. In order to explore the island’s natural beauty, new hiking paths and eco-lodges have been created.
Don’t miss: Climb Asia’s highest volcano Hallasan or go through the Manjanggul Lava Tube, one of the largest lava tubes in the world.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Although the coast of Croatia has been invaded, the capital of its neighbor, Slovenia, Ljubljana hasn’t been overrun yet. This cute town has the right balance of old architecture, a lively scene, and parks.
Why visit in 2025: Ljubljana has been making strides in urban sustainability, earning it the title of European Green Capital. There is no traffic in the city center so it is really nice to walk around or bike or.
Don’t miss: Ride a boat on the Ljubljanica River, tour the medieval Ljubljana Castle, and shop at the bustling Central Market.
Valletta, Malta
Valletta, the capital city of Malta is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has 0. 8 square kilometers crammed full of centuries of history. Valletta, with its golden stone buildings and great harbors, is a photographers heaven.
Why visit in 2025: Valletta is experiencing a cultural revival with the opening of new museums and the restoration of historical sites, as well as the emergence of a culinary scene that combines traditional Maltese flavors with modern gastronomy.
Don’t miss: Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, with its intricate Baroque interior, and see a show at the Teatru Manoel, one of the oldest operating theaters in Europe.
Sapporo, Japan
Tokyo and Kyoto with millions of tourists, but Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, represents another side of Japan. Known for its beer, ramen, and annual snow festival, Sapporo combines urban sophistication with easy access to nature.
Why visit in 2025: Sapporo will be hosting some upcoming international games and everything is being renovated and there’s all these new things to see. Because it’s such a winter tourist oriented city, it’s a really good substitute for the overpopulated ski resorts.
Don’t miss: Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, enjoy the views from the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, and take a day trip to the nearby hot spring town of Noboribetsu.
Galway, Ireland
Yes, Dublin and the Cliffs of Moher are on every itinerary in Ireland, but the lively city of Galway on the west coast is the place to be. Galway, the city of art and live music and gateway to the untamed beauty of Connemara, is a place that wins the visitor’s heart.
Why visit in 2025: Following its successful stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2020 (extended into 2021 due to the pandemic), Galway continues to invest in cultural programs and festivals, making it a hub of creativity and entertainment.
Don’t miss: Walk the sidewalks painted with colors of the Latin Quarter, listen to music that is purely Irish in one of the hundreds of pubs, take a day trip to the breathtaking Aran Islands.
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Uruguay, South America’s little country that gets over shined by its larger, more popular neighbors Argentina and Brazil, is a diamond in the rough. Colonia del Sacramento, a small historical town, provides a serene escape and a look back in time with its colonial buildings still intact.
Why visit in 2025: Uruguay is becoming the new frontier for ecotourism in South America. Colonia del Sacramento is leading this charge with its eco-friendly ways, but without losing it’s historical appeal.
Don’t miss: Walk up the lighthouse to see the whole town and the rio de la plata, wonder the cobblestone streets of the barrio historico, and watch the sunset near the old gate of the city.
Bohol, Philippines
When one thinks of the Philippines, Boracay and Palawan immediately come to mind, but the island province of Bohol offers a different twist with its natural wonders and cultural heritage. From the iconic Chocolate Hills to the adorable tarsiers, Bohol is a destination that appeals to nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Why visit in 2025: Bohol is also putting into sustainable tourism strategies, such as community-based ecotourism programs, which allow tourists to interact with the indigenous people and at the same time preserve the island’s biodiversity.
Don’t miss: Go on a boat ride through the Loboc River, see tarsiers in the wild, and of course, the Chocolate Hills, which are perfectly coned shaped.
Gdańsk, Poland
In the northern Polish port city of Gdańsk, history, architecture, and culture abound. Gdańsk is not as popular as Krakow or Warsaw, but it is a beautiful city with a lot of history and also a mix of polish, german, and kashubian culture.
Why visit in 2025: Gdansk is experiencing a cultural and economical rebirth with new museums, restored historical sites, and a food revival. The city’s commitment to sustainable urban development makes it an increasingly attractive destination.
Don’t miss: Explore the colorful facades of Long Market, visit the European Solidarity Centre to learn about Poland’s recent history, and relax on the nearby beaches of Sopot.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang is a town in northern Laos nestled in the mountains at the meeting of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a lot of French influence and has a very relaxing, laid back atmosphere with well-preserved architecture and a rich cultural heritage.
Why visit in 2025: Laos is trying to develop sustainable and community based tourism and Luang Prabang is the leader. New eco-lodges and responsible tourism programs have opened up, enabling tourists to enjoy the city’s beauty and at the same time help the local people.
Don’t miss: See the monks collect alms in the morning, shop at the night market, and go on a boat ride to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls.
Essaouira, Morocco
Marrakech and Fez are the popular ones, but Essaouira, a coastal town, is a relaxed version of Morocco. Essaouira is famous for its fortified medina, its long beaches, and its art scene, it is truly an oasis for those who like to mix their culture with their relaxation.
Why visit in 2025: Essaouira is becoming famous for its work in sustainable tourism, most notably in the areas of maintaining traditional crafts and providing eco-lodging. It’s Gnaoua World Music Festival time again and it’s becoming more and more popular every year.
Don’t miss: Just walk around the medina, it’s so atmospheric, see the fishing boats come in to the port, and go windsurfing or kite surfing on the beach.
Conclusion
As we look ahead to 2025, these ten destinations offer unique experiences for travelers seeking to venture off the beaten path. From the cultural depths of Luang Prabang to the green initiatives of Ljubljana, every place on this list offers a chance to see, to grow, and to make memories. By choosing these underrated destinations, not only will you avoid the crowds, but you’ll also contribute to more sustainable and responsible tourism practices. So pack your bags, open your mind, and get ready to discover some of the world’s hidden treasures in 2025!