The most exciting and authentic travel experiences right now are found in places on the cusp — the destinations offering a rare confluence of rich culture, pristine nature, and incredible value, all without the overwhelming tourist footprint. From the serene canals of Utrecht to the Mediterranean-fringed Albanian Riviera, our writers bypassed the ‘seen-it-all’ suspects for extraordinary, lesser-known gems that genuinely rewarded the open-minded traveller in 2025.
Sri Lanka
Once this island nation recovers from the recent destruction wrought by Cyclone Ditwah, put Sri Lanka on your travel radar. In 2024, it welcomed more than two million tourists (up 38 per cent on the previous year) who were drawn by the promise of extraordinary scenery, mouth-watering meals, friendly locals and new developments such as the 200-kilometre Pekoe Trail that winds through stunning tea-country landscapes. See srilanka.travel
Utrecht, Netherlands
Amsterdam too crowded and too seedy? Hop on a fast train to Utrecht. Only 25 minutes away, this Dutch city is a mini-version of its bigger neighbour with a set of attractive canals framing the grand form of the Domtoren, a 112-metre tower that survived the 17th-century destruction of its church. Local attractions include the fun Speelklok Museum, packed with fascinating and lovely music-making devices from before the age of gramophones. See museumspeelklok.nl
The Azores, Portugal
Located about 1600 kilometres west of mainland Portugal (of which they’re an autonomous region), the Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands in the vast Atlantic Ocean. With lush green mountains, volcanic landscapes, whale-watching tours and remarkably sweet local pineapples, the islands have been called the Hawaii of Europe. Many transatlantic cruise itineraries pass through, with stops in Ponta Delgada and Horta. See visitportugal.com
Villages of Transylvania, Romania
Visitors tend to focus on the dramatic castles in this region of Romania, but the fortified villages built by medieval Germanic settlers are also worth a look. Centred on hefty stone churches with walls and moats to resist invaders, they allow a glimpse of everyday life in an uncertain environment where a town might suddenly be under siege from Ottoman forces. They’re intriguing places, oozing with history, and they are easily visited with a local guide. See holidaytoromania.com
Sofia, Bulgaria
The capital of this former communist country is an unexpected delight. Stepping from the bright modern Metro, you pass Roman ruins, a historic mosque and surprisingly attractive (really) Stalinist-era buildings. The centre is fleshed out with lovely parks, the gleaming Alexander Nevsky cathedral, the former royal palace and a history museum within a gorgeous ex-bathhouse. Explore the intriguing Red Flat (a re-created 1980s family home), then relax at the ambient cafe in the archaeological museum’s garden. See visitsofia.bg
Malaysia
Overshadowed by Thailand, Malaysia has everything you want on a South-East Asian holiday, sans boofheads. Come for the food – from spicy Malay curries to Chinese dim sum and Indian roti. It’s probably the best in Asia, and the street food of Penang is the best on Earth … eat your heart out, Singapore. Visit the Perhentian Islands for a secret beach haven. It’s full of surprises, like the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands. See malaysia.travel
Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria
Everyone goes to the “other peninsula” (the Mornington), with the prices rising accordingly, and it’s hard to get a hotel during peak season, or a seat at a restaurant. But there’s another peninsula that’s like the Mornington was 15 years ago. It’s full of wineries, great restaurants, surf and bay beaches, historic towns like Queenscliff, and yet most people outside Melbourne haven’t even heard of the Bellarine Peninsula. See visitgeelongbellarine.com.au
The Tweed, NSW and Queensland
Wedged between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, the Tweed oddly remains a secret (that is, a secret that’s a 10-minute drive from a major aerodrome, Gold Coast Airport). World-class restaurants like the two-hatted Bistro Livi; one of Australia’s largest regional art galleries; the tallest mountain on the NSW North Coast and pretty surf beaches far less crowded than Byron’s. This is Australia’s most under-rated regional area. See visitthetweed.com.au
Mozambique
Want the kind of beaches famous in high-end destinations the world salivates over – like Mauritius and The Maldives – but at a fraction of the cost, and with none of the crowds? Mozambique’s coastline stretches for more than 2400 kilometres. And its islands, like Bazaruto and Quirimbas, rival Mauritius for water clarity and that famed blue colour. What it might lack in five-star polish, it makes up for in exclusivity. See mozambiquetourism.co.za
Albania
As neighbours like Greece and Croatia stagger under the weight of millions of tourists each summer, it’s time to go a little further afield. Check out Albania’s quiet coastline for a Riviera that’s not over-run by Australians, Europeans and Americans. You’ll find interesting historic old towns along the coast offering good value for Australian dollars. Albania still uses its own currency, not the euro, meaning you’ll get 54 lek for one Australian dollar. See albania.al
Jasper National Park, Canada
Wildfire ripped into Jasper National Park in mid-2024, a disaster so fierce it wasn’t declared fully extinguished until April 2025. The town of Jasper suffered devastating losses: about a third of its buildings were destroyed. It’s a sight that can make the catastrophe feel absolute. Yet roughly 95 per cent of the vast park remains untouched. Beyond the charred fringe lies a vast, majestic wilderness still very much alive. And even the burnt landscapes hold a haunting beauty that commands awe rather than avoidance. See parks.canada.ca
Maluku Islands, Indonesia
Forget Tahiti and other well-known aquatic utopias. A far less touristed snorkelling, diving and swimming escape lies just beyond Australia’s northern doorstep. Indonesia’s Maluku and North Maluku provinces – historically the “Spice Islands” for their once-endemic nutmeg, mace and cloves that captivated 16th-century Europeans – offer an unfrequented, paradisiacal island-hopping adventure. Cruises aren’t cheap, but for travellers seeking something genuinely unspoilt, this dazzling region of the Banda and surrounding seas is worth every penny. See indonesia.travel
Nova Scotia, Canada
Australians visiting Canada often stick to provincial British Columbia and Alberta in the nation’s western half. That’s understandable, given Vancouver is our closest entry point and the west is rich in natural beauty. But heading east is deeply rewarding, particularly the province of Nova Scotia’s distinctive architecture, Atlantic-carved coastlines and layers of Mi’kmaq, French, English and Acadian history. Unlike parts of the west, it isn’t heavily touristed. See novascotia.com
AlUla, Saudi Arabia
North-western Saudi Arabia’s striking desert region of AlUla is attracting travellers keen to see Hegra’s monumental World Heritage-listed carved sandstone tombs and unusual formations such as Elephant Rock. As foreign tourism booms, it’s worth noting that women don’t need to wear an abaya or headcover to visit this liberal area; this clothing is required, though, for the Prophet’s Mosque (Islam’s second-holiest site) in Madinah. See experiencealula.com
Off-season Tasmania
We have to hand it to the Apple Isle’s marketing department – it’s quite something to turn the state’s goosebump-inducing chilly weather into a sought-after travel experience. Tassie operators have well and truly received the memo, upping the cosiness factor with a multitude of roaring fireplaces, saunas (both lake and ocean), fine dining, and cellar doors with a view, and elegant whisky tasting rooms See discovertasmania.com.au
Hiroshima, Japan
Obliterated by the atomic bomb that ended World War II in 1945, Hiroshima was rebuilt as a symbol of peace. But beyond its memorials and its modern city centre, natural attractions abound, such as seasonal colours in mountain forests, hot springs and two dramatic gorges. Meanwhile, nature meets culture on the sacred island of Miyajima, home to the floating torii gate of Itsukushima-jinja and the stunning Daishon Temple where sweet sika deer flit between maples. See japan.travel
Launceston, Tasmania
A designated UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Launceston is one of the world’s great epicurean destinations and the centrepiece of northern Tasmania’s paddock-to-plate culture. Linger over seasonal menus at Josef Chromy Estate’s superb restaurant overlooking the vines; or have a moveable feast via 42 farmgate stops on Tasting Trail Tasmania, an interactive guide to assist visitors discover the finest produce in the region. See tastingtrail.com.au
Sikkim, India
An unsung Indian state bordered by Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal, Sikkim offers a tranquil version of Indian spirituality, with steep, rhododendron-lined mountain paths leading to Buddhist monasteries offering views of snowcapped Himalayan peaks. The state’s pristine beauty is enhanced by a green ethos, with nature-based tourism, certified organic farming practices and a ban on plastic bottles. See incredibleindia.gov.in
Lycian Way, Turkey
Once used by the Greeks and Romans, the Lycian Way is an epic 520-kilometre trail that snakes along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, a dramatic coastline of forested cliffs and tranquil inlets punctuated by the ruins of ancient Greek and Roman cities (including Olympos, Phaselis and Aperlai). Despite its scenic and historic appeal, it’s nowhere near as popular as other long-distance European hiking trails, such as the Camino de Santiago and Tour de Mont Blanc. See intrepidtravel.com
Affordable Hawaii
Wait, what? Is Hawaii affordable now? It would seem the Waikiki costly tide has turned, with the opening of a slew of new, moderately priced hotels. Check booking sites for rates around the $US200 ($303) mark at stylish boutique properties including Wayfinder Waikiki and Romer House Waikiki. There’s even a new pod hotel, First Cabin International Hawaii, with pod rooms from about $US100 a night.
See gohawaii.com
Italy’s Cilento Coast
Italian holidaymakers have always known about the Cilento Coast in Campania, but international visitors tend to head further north to Amalfi Coast towns Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. That’s all set to change: a new airport (Salerno Costa d’Amalfi and Cilento Airport) is making it easier than ever to access the region’s fantastic beaches, national parks, ancient Greek temples of Paestum and a local food culture that birthed the Mediterranean diet movement. See aeroportosalerno.it
Alaska, US
What are you waiting for? Alaska is a phenomenal destination, blessed beyond measure with stunning natural beauty, incredible wildlife encounters, adventure activities, indigenous tours, just-caught seafood and the northern lights. The best way to cover the vast distances and experience all the state has to offer is on a cruise. Some people will even tell you cruising in Alaska is more exciting and enjoyable (and much more affordable) than a voyage to Antarctica. See travelalaska.com
The Caribbean
It’s only a matter of time before Australians start swaying to the rhythms of the Caribbean. From colourful Carnival celebrations and parades, to idyllic white-sand beaches, and delicious culinary offerings, the region is home to the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, the Virgin Islands and more. A favourite destination for US, Canadian and British travellers, the Caribbean also opens up a new world of cruise possibilities, with many voyages departing from Florida. See celebritycruises.com; princess.com
Summer in Lapland, Finland and Sweden
Most people think of Lapland, the region spanning northern Sweden and Finland, as a winter destination – a place to take a sleigh ride and visit Santa. But the region really comes into its own in summer and autumn. Not only can you hike, bike, kayak, fish and forage in a vast wilderness of pine forests and gin-clear lakes, but you can also meet local indigenous Sami and – if you’re lucky – see the northern lights. See fiftydegreesnorth.com
Jackson Heights, New York, US
One of the most ethnically diverse places on the planet, Jackson Heights in Queens is home to roughly 180,000 people who speak more than 160 languages. This cultural cauldron is best expressed in its cuisine, where you can find everything from Colombian cheese arepas and deep-fried Bengali fuchka balls to Himalayan momo dumplings and Mexican al pastor tacos. No other place in the US comes close in cultural and culinary terms. See nyctourism.com
Norwich, UK
Norwich rarely graces travellers’ wish lists but thanks to a £15 million ($30.4 million) redevelopment of its 900-year-old Norman keep, it’s now home to Britain’s most accessible heritage attraction. There’s step-free access to every floor of this imposing medieval castle, a boon for wheelchair and pram users plus anyone with mobility challenges. Other notable attractions include the magnificent Norwich Cathedral, which contains the country’s largest monastic cloisters and the beautiful Victorian-era Royal Arcade. See visitnorwich.co.uk
The Basque Country (beyond San Sebastian), Spain
Yes, San Sebastian is great, and worthy of Australian travellers’ current obsession. Some of the best food in the world served in one of its most beautiful locations? You can’t go wrong. However, there’s more to explore in Spain’s Basque Country, and visitors should make time to check out seaside villages such as Hondarribia and Getaria, historic towns such as Tolosa, and revitalised Bilbao. These are the places to experience Basque culture without the tourist masses. See turismo.euskadi.eus
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Travellers rarely linger in Kazakhstan’s largest city, but those who do discover a surprisingly attractive metropolis with dozens of sculpture-filled parks and a striking backdrop of snow-dusted mountains. Headline attractions include a scenic cable car to the top of nearby Kok Tobe mountain, the brightly coloured Ascension Russian Orthodox cathedral and the recently opened Almaty Museum of Arts, a fabulous contemporary art gallery housing the private collection of local entrepreneur Nurlan Smagulov. See visitalmaty.kz
Lower Manhattan, New York City, US
Perennially overlooked by tourists, Lower Manhattan offers a unique combination of historical landmarks, such as Federal Hall and Fraunces Tavern, audacious contemporary buildings like the Oculus transport hub and poignant attractions including the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Once devoid of nightlife, it’s now home to award-winning bars Overstory and The Dead Rabbit plus Michelin-starred eateries Saga and Crown Shy. Missing home? Check out Old Mates Pub, an authentic recreation of an Aussie boozer. See nyctourism.com
Poland
Move over Italy, France and Spain. Poland is the newest Europhile fave. And why not? It’s chock-full of the most enthralling east-versus-west history you could ever imagine; it’s stunningly beautiful and; even better, it’s significantly cheaper than its rivals. Palaces, ancient castles, medieval churches, beaches, forests, mountains and even salt mines jostle for attention along with important world landmarks, like Auschwitz, and wonderful Warsaw, razed by the Nazis and rebuilt by the Soviets. See poland.travel
France’s Atlantic coast
From Brittany to the Basque Country, the west coast of France is abundant with treasures for visitors, yet it never gets as much love and attention as glamorous Nice, Cannes and St Tropez in the south of France. That’s because the vibe is more low-key and nature-focused than name-dropping and luxe boutiques. Go for the wide, sandy beaches, the surf culture, thalassotherapy spas, forest hikes, excellent seafood and wines from nearby Bordeaux. See france.fr
Frankfurt, Germany
When you think of Germany, it’s Berlin because of the Weimar decadence, the war and the wall, or Munich with its annual beerfest. But Frankfurt, frankly, has a lot to offer as a lively cultural, business and travel hub, right on the river Main, with the biggest book fair in the world, one of the busiest airports and a fascinatingly gritty vibe. Take a break there for its food, museums, markets and its historic centre. See visitfrankfurt.travel
Shetlands, Scotland
These remote northern Scottish islands are rainy, bleak, windy and chill, but they’ve spawned a hot tourism industry from an eponymous hit TV show. Combining Scandi-like noir with wry Scottish humour, it’s created its own subgenre that lures the world’s travellers to spot the streets, landmarks and beaches that have featured on screen – if only as crime scenes – and pat the Shetland ponies, and admire the puffins and the Viking heritage (and taste the delicious whisky). See shetland.org
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
It’s always been fashionable to sneer at Dubai and treat it as a mere fuel stop on the route to Europe. But today it has come into its own, with spectacular architecture like the Burj Khalifa, beautifully preserved historic centres, traditional souks, fabulous shopping malls, desert dune-bashing, an incredible aquarium, great food and warm Arabic hospitality. Don’t forget the Museum of the Future either, a masterpiece of design and imagination. Always stop over. See visitdubai.com
Te Ara Hura Trail, Waiheke Island, Auckland
Thanks to its proximity to downtown Auckland and its appealing combination of arty townships and award-winning wineries, Waiheke Island is the city’s must-do day trip. To escape the bus tour crowds, check out the Te Ara Hura Trail, a stunning 100-kilometre trek around the island’s perimeter that showcases its deserted beaches, wild peninsulas and hidden vineyards (don’t worry, there’s still wine). It’s a side of Waiheke that few visitors see. See greatwalksofnewzealand.co.nz
Kumano Kodo, Japan
Ask someone to name a famous pilgrimage and odds are they’ll say the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Less well-known is that there is a second UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage in Japan’s remote Kii Peninsula on the island of Honshu. A network of ancient stone paths once trodden by samurai and emperors, the routes meander through a mountainous region of forested valleys and historic hamlets on their way to three sacred Shinto shrines. See walkjapan.com
Hiking in Seoul, Korea
Despite its hyperactive, high-tech facade, Seoul is an unexpected hiker’s hotspot, with everything from gentle city-centre ambles to challenging summits in the surrounding national parks. Warm up with a stroll along Seoullo 7017, a High Line-style elevated walkway, before tackling an undulating section of the 19-kilometre Seoul City Wall Trail. Ready for a challenge? It’s a steep scramble to the top of 836-metre Bukhansan Mountain, but the views are sublime. See english.visitseoul.net
Contributors: Ben Groundwater, Julietta Jameson, Brian Johnston, Kristie Kellahan, Katrina Lobley, Rob McFarland, Julie Miller, Tim Richards, Craig Tansley, Sue Williams
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
