Up-and-Coming Travel Hotspots Map

Sarajevo

Where East meets West in the Balkans

7.1

This Bosnian capital has drawn growing attention as travellers look past its wartime history towards its layered cultural heritage. Ottoman-era Bascarsija holds coppersmith workshops and cafes serving traditional Bosnian coffee. Sites tied to the 1990s siege remain visible throughout the city, offering context for recent history. Mosques, churches and synagogues sit within close walking distance.

Highlights:

🕌 Admire the blend of cultures at Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
🕊️ Visit the moving Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope Museum
🌉 Walk across the historic Latin Bridge in the Old Town

Tbilisi

A blend of old-world charm and energy

7.5

This Georgian capital has drawn growing attention for its mix of Soviet-era buildings, Art Nouveau balconies and modern architecture. Sulphur bath houses in the old town have operated for centuries, still drawing both locals and visitors. A growing wine and food scene reflects the country's status as one of the world's oldest winemaking regions.

Highlights:

♨️ Relax in the historic sulfur baths of Abanotubani
🏘️ Wander the colorful streets of the Old Town
🏰 Ride the cable car to Narikala Fortress for city views

Medellín

The City of Eternal Spring

7.4

This Colombian city has transformed its reputation over recent decades, drawing growing numbers of digital nomads and long-term visitors. Cable cars, originally built to connect hillside neighbourhoods, now double as scenic rides with views across the valley. Comuna 13, once one of the city's most dangerous areas, now draws visitors for its street art.

Highlights:

🌺 Stroll through the Botanical Garden and its orchid collection
🎨 Explore Comuna 13’s colorful murals and vibrant street art
🚡 Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví for panoramic views

Yerevan

Soviet Grandeur, Pink Stone, Lively Soul

6.3

This Armenian capital sits within view of Mount Ararat, a peak significant to Armenian identity. It lies just across the border in Turkey. Cascade Complex, a giant stone staircase, doubles as an outdoor art gallery and viewpoint over the city. Brandy production runs deep here, with distilleries offering tours and tastings.

Highlights:

📜 Explore Matenadaran, ancient manuscripts repository
🏛️ Visit the National History Museum at Republic Square
🌆 Climb the Cascade Complex for panoramic city views

Ohrid

Ancient Lakeside Bliss and History

7.3

This North Macedonian lakeside town has drawn growing attention for its combination of Byzantine churches and clear mountain lake. UNESCO recognised both the town and Lake Ohrid together, citing their combined cultural and natural significance. A hilltop fortress overlooks the old town's red-roofed houses stacked along the hillside.

Highlights:

🛍️ Stroll the historic Ohrid Old Bazaar and shop local crafts
🏰 Explore the medieval Samuil’s Fortress with panoramic lake views
⛪ Marvel at the iconic Church of St. John at Kaneo overlooking Lake Ohrid

Baku

Where modernity meets ancient charm

7.3

Flame-shaped skyscrapers dominate this Azerbaijani capital's skyline, illuminated in changing colours each night along the Caspian Sea. A walled old town, recognised by UNESCO, sits just steps from the modern waterfront district. Formula One races have brought increased international attention to the city in recent years.

Highlights:

🏛️ Visit the modern Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center
🗼 Climb the historic Maiden Tower for panoramic views
🏘️ Explore the ancient alleys of Baku Old City (İçəri Şəhər)

Tirana

Colorful energy in the Balkans

6.5

This Albanian capital has transformed rapidly in recent decades, with colourful building facades replacing the city's once-drab communist-era look. Bunk'Art, a former underground bunker, now operates as a museum documenting the country's isolated communist past. A growing cafe culture fills the city's pedestrian streets with outdoor seating each warmer month.

Highlights:

🏛️ Visit the Bunk'Art museums and learn Cold War history
🕰️ Climb the Clock Tower for panoramic city views
🏙️ Explore Skanderbeg Square, Tirana’s vibrant city heart

Kotor

Medieval magic on a fjord-like bay

7.2

This Montenegrin town sits within a dramatic bay often compared to a fjord, ringed by steep mountains on all sides. Medieval walls climb the hillside above the old town, reachable by a steep, winding staircase. Cruise ships have increasingly added Kotor to Adriatic itineraries in recent years.

Highlights:

⛪ Visit St Tryphon’s Cathedral and its art museum
🚶‍♂️ Wander the medieval streets of Kotor Old Town
🏰 Climb the ancient walls to San Giovanni Fortress

Cartagena

Walled city of Caribbean color

7.2

This Colombian coastal city has drawn growing international attention for its colourful colonial architecture within centuries-old stone walls. Getsemani, once a working-class neighbourhood, has transformed into a hub for street art and nightlife. Horse-drawn carriages still carry visitors through the historic centre most evenings, past balconies draped in bougainvillea.

Highlights:

🍉 Photograph the vibrant Palenqueras fruit vendors
🛡️ Explore Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas fortress
🏰 Walk the historic Walled City and soak in colors

Tashkent

Silk Road crossroads with modern flair

6.6

This Uzbek capital blends Soviet-era architecture with a growing number of modern towers and renovated public spaces. Chorsu Bazaar, housed under a distinctive blue dome, sells produce and goods much as it has for generations. A ornate metro system doubles as an attraction, with several stations decorated in elaborate mosaics.

Highlights:

📜 Visit the Khast-Imam Complex and see the oldest Koran
🛍️ Shop and sample food at bustling Chorsu Bazaar
🚇 Explore the stunning Tashkent Metro stations

Oaxaca

Colonial Charm and Rich Traditions

7.5

This city has drawn growing culinary attention, often cited among Mexico's best destinations for regional cuisine. Mezcal production runs deep in the surrounding valleys, with small distilleries open for tastings and tours. Monte Alban, an ancient Zapotec ruin, sits on a hilltop just outside the city centre.

Highlights:

🌿 Relax in the colorful Oaxaca Botanical Garden
⛪ Marvel at the Baroque Templo de Santo Domingo
🏛️ Explore the ancient Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán

Da Nang

Beaches, Mountains and City Vibes

6.8

This Vietnamese coastal city has grown rapidly as a beach destination. Travellers once bypassed it for Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands, draws crowds to a mountain resort just outside town. Marble Mountains nearby hold caves and pagodas carved into limestone peaks.

Highlights:

🚠 Take a cable car to Sun World Ba Na Hills
🪨 Explore the Marble Mountains with caves and temples
🌉 Visit the iconic Dragon Bridge lit at night

Bogotá

Vibrant Culture in the Andean Highlands

7.1

This Colombian capital has shed some of its earlier reputation. Growing numbers of visitors now come for its street art and food scene. La Candelaria's colourful colonial streets hold museums, cafes and graffiti-covered walls. A cable car up Monserrate mountain offers views across the sprawling city below.

Highlights:

🏘️ Stroll through historic La Candelaria neighborhood
🏛️ Explore the Museo del Oro with pre-Hispanic gold
⛰️ Take in panoramic city views from Mount Monserrate

Mérida

Colonial charm and Yucatán culture

7.1

This Mexican city has drawn growing attention as a safer, quieter alternative to more crowded parts of the Yucatan Peninsula. Colonial mansions line wide boulevards, many restored into boutique hotels and restaurants in recent years. Nearby cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with clear water, offer swimming within a short drive.

Highlights:

🖼️ Visit the interactive Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
⛪ Explore the impressive Mérida Cathedral in Plaza Grande
🌳 Stroll along historic Paseo de Montejo boulevard

Nairobi

Where urban life meets wild adventures

6.4

This Kenyan capital has drawn growing attention as a safari base. A national park sits unusually close to downtown. Wildlife including lions and giraffes can be seen with the city skyline visible in the background. A growing tech scene has earned the city a nickname as Silicon Savannah.

Highlights:

🐘 Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and meet baby elephants
🦩 Feed endangered giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
🦒 Go on a safari at Nairobi National Park

Mostar

Stone bridges and Balkan magic

6.1

This Bosnian city's rebuilt Ottoman-era bridge, Stari Most, draws growing crowds. Local divers still leap from its arch into the river below. War damage from the 1990s remains visible on some buildings, a stark contrast to the restored old town nearby. Cobbled streets lined with shops sell copperware and other traditional crafts.

Highlights:

🕌 Climb Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque minaret for city views
🤿 Watch daring divers jump off Stari Most bridge
🌉 Walk across the iconic Stari Most Old Bridge

Florianopolis

Beaches, lagoons and island adventure

6.8

This Brazilian island city has drawn growing attention from surfers and digital nomads for its mix of beaches and lagoons. Over 40 beaches ring the island, ranging from calm swimming spots to serious surf breaks. A growing tech and startup scene has earned it a nickname as Brazil's Silicon Island.

Highlights:

🦐 Eat fresh seafood at sunset in Santo Antônio de Lisboa
🌅 Walk the wooden trails above the Lagoa da Conceição dunes
🏄‍♀️ Swim and surf at Praia Mole’s scenic coastline

Samarkand

The Silk Road’s Shimmering Gem

7.2

This Uzbek city once served as a major stop along the Silk Road. Its turquoise-domed mosques and madrasas still draw growing crowds. Registan Square, a complex of three monumental buildings, ranks among Central Asia's most photographed sites. Bibi-Khanym Mosque nearby was once among the largest mosques anywhere in the Islamic world.

Highlights:

🏺 Wander through Shah-i-Zinda necropolis adorned with colorful tiles
🏯 Visit Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Tamerlane’s majestic tomb
🕌 Explore the breathtaking Registan Square with its three madrasahs

Adelaide

Festivals, wine and laid-back charm

7.4

This South Australian capital has gained attention for its food and wine scene, anchored by nearby regions like the Barossa. A compact city centre makes it easy to explore on foot, ringed by parkland on all sides. Festivals throughout the year, including a major fringe arts event, draw growing crowds.

Highlights:

🏟️ Catch a game or event at Adelaide Oval
🌿 Wander through the lush Adelaide Botanic Garden
🛒 Explore fresh local produce at Adelaide Central Market

Novi Sad

Festivals, fortress views, Danube vibes

7.1

This Serbian city has drawn growing attention since hosting a major European music festival at its hilltop fortress each summer. Petrovaradin Fortress overlooks the Danube River, its tunnels and ramparts open for exploration beyond festival season. A compact old town holds Austro-Hungarian architecture largely spared from recent conflicts.

Highlights:

🏙️ Stroll through lively Freedom Square (Trg Slobode)
🏖️ Relax at Štrand beach with cafes and playgrounds
🏰 Explore historic Petrovaradin Fortress and river views

Ulaanbaatar

Vibrant capital where steppes meet skyscrapers

8.1

This Mongolian capital has drawn growing attention as a starting point for trips into the surrounding steppe and Gobi Desert. Traditional ger camps outside the city offer visitors a chance to experience nomadic herding culture firsthand. Sukhbaatar Square anchors the city centre, framed by government buildings and a statue of Genghis Khan.

Highlights:

🍖 Taste traditional airag and local barbecue
🏛️ Stroll through Sukhbaatar Square’s historic monuments
🧘‍♂️ Explore Gandan Monastery's vibrant prayer flags

Almaty

Mountains, markets and modern spirit

7.0

This Kazakh city sits at the base of the Tian Shan mountains. Hiking and skiing both lie within easy reach of downtown. A growing cafe and craft beer scene has taken hold here in recent years. Soviet-era architecture mixes with newer development throughout the city centre.

Highlights:

🍲 Shop and taste local cuisine at the buzzing Green Bazaar
⛪ Stroll around the colorful Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park
🚡 Ride the cable car to Shymbulak Ski Resort for mountain views

Colombo

A Colorful Blend of Old and New

6.5

This Sri Lankan capital has drawn more travellers extending stays beyond quick layovers between beach and hill country trips. Colonial-era buildings throughout the Fort district have been restored into hotels, cafes and galleries. Galle Face Green, a seaside promenade, fills with food vendors and kite flyers each evening.

Highlights:

🛍️ Explore the vibrant Pettah Market’s bustling shops
🌊 Relax and picnic at Galle Face Green seafront park
🛕 Visit the historic Gangaramaya Temple and museum

Hue

Imperial Vietnam on the Perfume River

7.2

This Vietnamese city once served as the imperial capital. Its citadel and royal tombs now draw growing numbers of history-focused travellers. The Perfume River runs through the city, with boat tours passing several of the old royal tombs along its banks. Vietnamese imperial cuisine, once reserved for royalty, remains a local speciality.

Highlights:

🏰 Tour the ornate Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh
🛕 Visit the serene Thien Mu Pagoda by Perfume River
🏯 Explore the vast Imperial Citadel of Hue

Hobart

Coastal charm meets historic streets

9.0

This Tasmanian capital has drawn growing attention since MONA opened, a museum known for its unconventional and provocative art. Salamanca Market fills a historic waterfront district each Saturday with local produce and crafts. Mount Wellington rises directly behind the city, offering hiking and panoramic views within a short drive.

Highlights:

🏠 Explore Battery Point's historic sandstone cottages
🏔️ Climb Mount Wellington for panoramic city views
🛍️ Stroll through Salamanca Market, taste local produce

San Miguel de Allende

Colonial Charm with Artistic Soul

7.1

This Mexican town has drawn growing numbers of expats and retirees, alongside travellers visiting for its colonial architecture. A pink stone parish church anchors the central square, illuminated dramatically each evening. Art schools throughout the town have drawn creative residents for decades, shaping a distinct cultural scene.

Highlights:

🖼️ Explore vibrant art galleries at Fabrica La Aurora
🌳 Stroll through the colorful Jardín Allende plaza
⛪ Admire the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel

Batumi

Black Sea Vibes, Gardens and Art

7.0

This Georgian coastal city has grown rapidly along the Black Sea, adding modern towers alongside its older seaside promenade. A growing casino and nightlife scene has drawn comparisons to smaller versions of Las Vegas. Botanical gardens on the outskirts hold plant collections gathered from across the world.

Highlights:

🏖️ Relax on Batumi Beach and swim in the Black Sea
🗼 Marvel at the Alphabetic Tower’s futuristic design and panoramic views
🌃 Stroll along Batumi Boulevard and watch the dancing fountains at night

Plovdiv

Europe’s Oldest City, Alive with Art

7.0

This Bulgarian city ranks among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with a Roman theatre still hosting performances. Its old town holds colourful 19th-century houses along cobbled streets built atop earlier Ottoman and Roman layers. A growing arts scene has added galleries since the city served as a European Capital of Culture.

Highlights:

🎭 Visit the Ancient Roman Theater still used for performances today
🌄 Climb to the top of Nebet Tepe for city views
🏛️ Wander the cobbled Old Town of Plovdiv and admire Roman ruins

Bishkek

Soviet Squares, Mountain Backdrops, Bazaars

6.2

This Kyrgyz capital sits within reach of dramatic mountain scenery, drawing growing numbers of trekkers each year. Soviet-era architecture and wide boulevards give the city centre a distinct, orderly layout. A growing number of hostels and guesthouses cater to backpackers passing through Central Asia. Osh Bazaar remains a lively spot for produce and local goods.

Highlights:

🛍️ Shop and eat at bustling Osh Bazaar market
🏛️ Explore historical Ala-Too Square and Victory Monument
🥾 Hike through stunning Ala Archa National Park trails

Faroe Islands

Dramatic cliffs meet misty landscapes

8.9

This remote Danish archipelago has drawn growing attention from photographers for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and grass-roofed houses. Sheep outnumber people here, grazing on steep hillsides across the islands' rugged terrain. Weather changes quickly, with fog, rain and sun sometimes passing through within the same hour.

Highlights:

🏡 Walk through the colorful turf-roofed village of Saksun
⛵ Sail between the towering sea cliffs of Vestmanna
💦 Hike to the breathtaking Múlafossur Waterfall in Gásadalur

Shkodër

Gateway to the Albanian Alps

6.4

This Albanian city sits near a large lake shared with neighbouring Montenegro, drawing growing numbers of cyclists and birdwatchers. A hilltop fortress overlooks the city and surrounding wetlands, among the region's most significant historic sites. Bicycle culture runs deep here, with locals using bikes as a primary form of transport.

Highlights:

📸 Visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography
🚶‍♂️ Wander through the vibrant pedestrian promenade in the city center
🏰 Explore the historic Rozafa Castle and enjoy city views

Accra

Vibrant Culture and Coastal Charm

6.1

This Ghanaian capital drew renewed attention through a campaign called the Year of Return. That marked 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade began. Cape Coast Castle nearby preserves a sombre history tied to that period. A growing arts and music scene has put the city on more travellers' radars in recent years.

Highlights:

🏖️ Relax and swim at Bojo Beach
🛍️ Shop vibrant stalls at Makola Market
🕊️ Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum

Kigali

Vibrant capital blending tradition and modernity

7.8

This Rwandan capital has drawn growing attention for its cleanliness and safety, unusual traits often highlighted by visiting travellers. A monthly community cleanup day, known locally as Umuganda, involves most residents and has helped shape the city's tidy reputation. Gorilla trekking permits, sold nearby, draw many visitors through the capital before heading to the mountains.

Highlights:

🚗 Ride a tuk-tuk to Nyamirambo neighborhood, chat with locals
🍲 Stroll through Kimironko Market, taste local street food
🪦 Explore Kigali Genocide Memorial, learn history

Broome

Pearl Coast Sunsets and Red Earth

6.8

This remote Western Australian town sits where red desert meets turquoise ocean, drawing growing numbers of visitors each dry season. Cable Beach stretches for miles, known for camel rides along the sand at sunset. Pearling history runs deep here, once a major hub for the global pearl trade.

Highlights:

⚓ Learn pearling history at the Pearl Luggers Museum
🌕 Watch the Staircase to the Moon phenomenon
🐪 Ride a camel along Cable Beach at sunset

Djibouti

Desert landscapes with coastal charm

6.0

This small country at the mouth of the Red Sea has drawn interest for its stark desert and volcanic landscapes. Lake Assal, one of the saltiest bodies of water anywhere, sits below sea level in a barren crater. Whale sharks gather seasonally in the Gulf of Tadjoura, drawing a small but growing number of divers.

Highlights:

🌋 Explore the otherworldly lava fields of Lac Abbé
🦈 Dive with whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjoura
🌊 Float on the hypersaline waters of Lake Assal

Gjirokastër

Ancient stone streets echo timeless heritage

8.2

This Albanian hill town has drawn growing attention for its stone houses and Ottoman-era architecture, recognised by UNESCO. A hilltop castle overlooks the old town, once used as a prison during the country's communist era. Cobbled streets wind steeply between traditional stone houses with distinctive slate roofs.

Highlights:

🍽️ Taste local Berat bread and smoked cheese at a family taverna
🚶‍♂️ Stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Town, admire Ottoman architecture
🏰 Climb Gjirokastër Castle, explore the ancient citadel

Panama City

Where History Meets Modern Skylines

7.0

This Central American capital has drawn growing attention as a base for both rainforest trips and a distinct modern skyline. The Panama Canal, one of the world's most significant engineering projects, remains visible from several city viewpoints. Casco Viejo, a restored colonial quarter, holds restaurants and boutique hotels near the waterfront.

Highlights:

🦜 Take a rainforest boat tour on Gatun Lake and spot wildlife
🏘️ Stroll through Casco Viejo’s colorful colonial streets and plazas
🚢 Watch massive ships pass through the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal

Cape Verde

Islands of eternal summer

7.5

This West African island nation has drawn growing numbers of surfers and windsurfers to its consistent Atlantic swells. Portuguese colonial architecture remains visible throughout several of the islands' older towns. Morna, a melancholic musical style, holds deep cultural roots across the archipelago. Volcanic peaks on Fogo island offer hiking within an active caldera.

Highlights:

⛵ Sail between the islands and enjoy ocean breezes
⛰️ Hike to the volcanic summit of Pico do Fogo
🏖️ Relax on the golden beaches of Santa Maria, Sal Island

East Timor

Coral reefs, mountain trails and quiet beaches

6.7

This young nation has drawn growing interest from divers for its largely untouched coral reefs and marine life. Atauro Island, a short boat ride from the capital, holds some of the most biodiverse reef systems recorded anywhere. Portuguese colonial architecture remains visible throughout parts of the capital, Dili.

Highlights:

🤿 Snorkel in the vibrant reefs of Atauro Island
✝️ Visit Cristo Rei statue overlooking Dili Bay
⛰️ Climb Mount Ramelau for breathtaking sunrise views

Guyana

South America's pristine rainforest gem

6.9

This South American country has drawn growing interest for its largely untouched rainforest, home to jaguars and giant otters. Kaieteur Falls, one of the world's most powerful waterfalls, remains reachable mainly by small plane. English serves as the official language, unusual among its Spanish and Portuguese-speaking neighbours.

Highlights:

🌿 Explore the lush Iwokrama Rainforest, home to diverse wildlife
⛰️ Hike Mount Roraima, the ancient tabletop mountain
🌊 Visit Kaieteur Falls, one of the world's most powerful waterfalls

Kosovo

Balkan gem with diverse landscapes

6.5

This young Balkan nation has drawn growing interest from travellers seeking destinations still largely off the well-worn European trail. Pristina, the capital, holds a mix of Ottoman-era mosques and newer, boldly designed public buildings. Prizren, a smaller city, preserves cobbled streets and a hilltop fortress overlooking the valley.

Highlights:

⛪ Explore the UNESCO-listed Gračanica Monastery’s frescoes
🏞️ Hike the scenic Rugova Gorge and waterfalls
🏙️ Stroll past mosques and cafés in historic Prizren

Oman

Ancient heritage meets natural wonders

7.5

This Gulf nation has drawn growing attention as a quieter, more rugged alternative to its more developed neighbours. Wadis, dramatic desert canyons filled with pools, offer swimming and hiking within a short drive of major cities. Nizwa Fort and other historic sites reflect a history less transformed by rapid modern development.

Highlights:

🏜️ Camp under the stars in Wahiba Sands desert
🏞️ Marvel at the turquoise waters of Wadi Shab
🏰 Explore the ancient Nizwa Fort and its bustling souq

Samoa

Tropical paradise with volcanic mountains

7.8

This Pacific island nation has drawn growing interest for its blend of traditional Polynesian culture and dramatic volcanic scenery. To Sua Ocean Trench, a giant swimming hole surrounded by cliffs, ranks among the country's most photographed sites. Traditional fale houses, open-sided and thatched, remain common throughout many villages.

Highlights:

🌳 Explore the lush jungle on the Canopy Walk
💦 Slide down natural waterfalls at Papase’ea
🌊 Swim in the stunning To Sua Ocean Trench

Saudi Arabia

Desert kingdom of ancient traditions

7.5

This country has opened to international tourism only in recent years, drawing growing attention after decades of restricted access. AlUla's ancient Nabataean tombs, carved into sandstone cliffs, rank among the region's most significant archaeological sites. Riyadh's rapidly growing skyline reflects a broader push towards economic diversification beyond oil.

Highlights:

🏘️ Visit the historic At-Turaif district in Diriyah
🗻 Hike the dramatic cliffs at the Edge of the World
🏺 Explore the ancient Nabatean city of [translate:Hegra]

São Tomé and Príncipe

Equatorial paradise with volcanic landscapes

7.5

This small African island nation has drawn growing interest from travellers seeking remote, largely undeveloped destinations. Cocoa plantations from the colonial era still operate across the islands, some now offering tours and tastings. Dense rainforest covers much of the interior, home to bird species found nowhere else.

Highlights:

🌿 Explore diverse wildlife at Obo National Park
🏖️ Relax on Praia Banana's pristine golden sands
🌋 Hike to the peak of Pico Cao Grande volcano

Solomon Islands

Tropical paradise with pristine waters

7.6

This Pacific archipelago has drawn growing interest from divers for its World War Two shipwrecks and largely untouched coral reefs. Guadalcanal, site of a major wartime battle, still holds rusted relics scattered across its jungles and coastlines. Traditional village life continues across many of the outer islands, largely unaffected by tourism.

Highlights:

🪖 Visit WWII relics at Vilu War Museum
🌊 Explore the vast Marovo Lagoon, world's largest
🤿 Dive the wrecks of Bonegi Beach and Marovo

Suriname

Pristine rainforests meet colonial charm

6.2

This small South American country has drawn growing interest for its mix of Dutch colonial history and dense Amazon rainforest. Paramaribo's wooden colonial buildings, recognised by UNESCO, reflect a distinct blend of Dutch and Caribbean influences. Central Suriname Nature Reserve protects one of the largest tracts of untouched rainforest anywhere in South America.

Highlights:

🌿 Visit Brownsberg Nature Park for rainforest hiking
🐬 Cruise the Suriname River and spot river dolphins
🏙️ Explore the UNESCO-listed colonial streets of Paramaribo

Tonga

Tropical paradise with volcanic islands

7.8

This Pacific kingdom has drawn growing interest for its seasonal humpback whale migration, with swimming tours offered during winter months. Ancient stone trilithons on the main island predate similar structures found elsewhere in Polynesia. Traditional Tongan culture remains closely tied to the country's monarchy, the last in the Pacific.

Highlights:

🌊 Discover blowholes at Mapu'a 'a Vaea coast
🗿 Explore the ancient Ha'amonga 'a Maui Trilithon
🐋 Swim with humpback whales in Ha'apai waters

Vanuatu

Tropical paradise with cultural diversity

7.6

This island nation has drawn growing interest for its accessible active volcanoes. One even lets visitors peer into its lava lake. Traditional land diving on Pentecost Island, using vines rather than modern bungee cords, predates similar extreme sports found elsewhere. World War Two wrecks off several islands draw divers exploring both ships and planes.

Highlights:

💧 Swim in the magical blue holes near Espiritu Santo
🤿 Snorkel the blue waters and coral reefs of Champagne Beach
🌋 Hike to the rim of Mount Yasur, the world’s most accessible volcano

Top up-and-coming destinations and trending hotspots