Underrated travel destinations: These places are on the “Not Hot List” for 2026
Instead of shoving yourself shoulder to shoulder with other travelers through crowded old towns or paying entrance fees at tourist hotspots, you could explore corners of the world that most travelers don't even know about. That's exactly what Intrepid's "Not Hot List" is for.
"80 percent of travelers visit only 10 percent of the world's tourism destinations. We want to change that by shining a spotlight on places that are ready to welcome visitors and benefit from their presence," writes the tour operator. This year's list includes exciting destinations for 2026 – from the birthplace of baklava to the "Camino of the East" in Romania.
We present you the ten insider tips.
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Nevada is often reduced to the gambling oasis of Las Vegas – but in the east of the state lies a real insider tip: Great Basin National Park. Here you'll find pines older than the pyramids, remnants of glaciers, and Lehman Caves, an impressive limestone cave system with stalactites and stalagmites.
Another highlight is the starry sky: Great Basin is officially recognized as a "Dark Sky Park" – at night, more stars can be seen than in most other places in the USA. During the day, hikes to over 3,000-meter-high peaks, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and secluded trails beckon. For road trip enthusiasts, the park is the perfect alternative to the crowded routes in Utah or California.
Oulu lies just south of the Arctic Circle and is the European Capital of Culture 2026. The Finnish city is young, creative, and at the same time closely connected to the surrounding nature. You can sit in a café overlooking the sea in the morning and hike in the national park in the afternoon – all without having to walk long distances.
In summer, Oulu beckons with festivals and the midnight sun; in winter, you can marvel at the Northern Lights or warm up in the sauna before jumping into the ice-cold water. The fact that Oulu isn't yet overrun by travelers makes a visit particularly pleasant—and gives you the feeling of discovering a true piece of Finland.
The Ruta de las Flores is a scenic route through the western highlands of El Salvador. Small colonial towns like Juayúa and Ataco are brightly painted, the aroma of coffee fills the air, and on weekends, the streets transform into culinary markets.
The route also offers plenty of nature: you can hike to waterfalls, mountain bike through coffee plantations, or take a trip to the nearby volcanoes. The region is touristy but not overcrowded. This allows you to experience the relaxed side of a country that has long had a poor reputation.
1,400 kilometers across the country, from north to south: The Via Transilvanica is a relatively new long-distance hiking trail in Romania, connecting the regions of Transylvania, Bukovina, and Banat. It leads you through wild Carpathian forests, charming villages, and past medieval castles.
What's special about the trail: It was developed by local initiatives and combines nature with culture. You'll stay in guesthouses, meet winemakers and artisans, and experience the real Romania, away from Dracula clichés and tourist groups.
In the far northeast of India lies Arunachal Pradesh – a state that few travelers have ever heard of. Here, dense rainforests, deep valleys, and Buddhist monasteries clinging to mountain slopes await. Arunachal is still considered India's "last great wilderness."
For travelers, this means adventure above all else. The roads are bumpy, accommodations often simple – but the reward is encounters with the authentic Indian way of life. In the village of Dong, where the sun rises first in India, the five-day "Sunrise Festival" will take place in 2026. The mix of nature and culture makes Arunachal a destination that will stay with you for a long time.
Gaziantep is considered the culinary capital of Turkey—and rightly so. Here, you can sample dozens of varieties of baklava, eat classic kebabs, and immerse yourself in the aromas of spices at traditional markets. That's why UNESCO has recognized Gaziantep as one of its 56 "Creative Cities of Gastronomy."
But the city has more to offer than just food: an impressive Zeugma Mosaic Museum, historic caravan yards, and bazaars that have been the center of trade for centuries. Those already familiar with Istanbul and Cappadocia will find a refreshing alternative in Gaziantep – authentic, vibrant, and far from the tourist mainstream.
Off the coast of Croatia lies the island of Vis, which enchants with its crystal-clear waters and charming little towns. For decades, the island was cut off from tourism because it served as an important Yugoslavian military base – today, this very past is its greatest advantage. Island life is characterized by fishing, winemaking, and an authentic Mediterranean lifestyle.
While neighboring islands like Hvar have long been dominated by mass tourism, Vis has retained its authenticity. Visitors can cycle through olive groves, swim in quiet coves, or sample freshly caught fish in local taverns. If you want to get a feel for Croatia as it was before cruise ships and party tourism dominated the coasts, this is the place to be.
Just a few hours from Oaxaca City lies the Sierra Norte, a mountain range that surprises with its mystical cloud forests, waterfalls, and deep green valleys. In the Pueblos Mancomunados, a community of eight indigenous villages, you are warmly welcomed as a traveler.
The region is a prime example of local tourism: You'll hike with local guides, sleep in rustic huts, and enjoy food grown directly from the villagers' gardens. Cultural experiences are also plentiful. Whether through weaving, cooking, or sharing mezcal, you'll experience Zapotec traditions up close.
If you want to hike through untouched and surreally beautiful mountain landscapes, you'll love the Tian Shan Mountains. They extend not only across large parts of Kyrgyzstan, but also across Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the Xinjiang Autonomous Region. in northwest China.
Tian Shan translates as "Heavenly Mountains" – and the name could hardly be more fitting. The mountain range is famous for its rugged peaks, vast plateaus, and turquoise-green mountain lakes. The approximately 500,000 hectares also provide a sanctuary for endangered species such as the snow leopard.
Instead of mass tourism, you'll find peace, space, and pure adventure here. In summer, you can go on multi-day hikes and trekking tours with overnight stays in yurts, or be carried through the landscape on horseback. In winter, the mountains beckon with snow and unexplored areas for ski touring.
Tiwai Island, a true natural paradise in the African state of Sierra Leone, lies in the heart of the Moa River. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rainforest and experience impressive biodiversity: Rare monkey species, colorful birds, and countless insects make the island a hotspot for nature lovers. The fact that Tiwai has just been granted UNESCO World Heritage status makes the island all the more exciting: tourism is still in its infancy here.
A visit to Tiwai doesn't offer much in the way of comfort, but that's precisely what makes it so appealing. Travelers can stay in simple eco-lodges, take boat trips on the river, and explore the villages along the banks. With a bit of luck, you'll find yourself almost alone here—a kind of luxury that's long since gone in many other parts of Africa.
All destinations on the “Not Hot List” 2026 at a glance:
- Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone
- Tian Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan
- Sierra Norte, Mexico
- Vis, Croatia
- Gaziantep, Türkiye
- Arunachal Pradesh, India
- Via Transilvanica, Romania
- Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador
- Oulu, Finland
- Great Basin National Park, Nevada, USA
Looking for more inspiration? You can find tips for all the top travel destinations at reisereporter .
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