As a college student most definitely bitten by the travel bug, there's hundreds of different cities and areas all over the world that I can only dream about ever having the opportunity to visit. No, I have unfortunately not been to all of these places, yes I wish to in the future (fingers crossed). Here is a short list of just 20 different places I have found to be quite underrated when people talk about their next vacation or travel destination:
1. Alaska, USA
Why not start off the list by having a place from good old America. From what I've seen throughout the year's everyone traveling domestically tend to flock towards warmer, 'beachy' areas, when in reality Alaska has so much to offer from beautiful mountains to dog sledding.
2. Ari Atoll, Maldives
The Maldives aren't traditionally the first set of Islands that are thought of, but Ari Atoll certainly has plenty to offer. As an incentive, the Maldives could disappear underwater in the next decade or two, so might as well get a trip in while you can.
3. Arusha, Tanzania
Tanzania is home to the 'big 5', which includes the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino, and really who doesn't want to experience watching these animals in their natural habitat rather than a zoo. Arusha just happens to be the starting point for most of the safari's and is surrounded by both mountains and forests.
4. Chefchaouen, Morocco
This town in Morocco is full of buildings splashed with blue, truly a sight for sore eyes. Along with that, for history buffs, it was founded in 1471 serving as a fortress for exiles from Spain and is home to many historical synagogues and mosques.
5. Coorg, India
Coined as India's "Scotland", this city is unique as it resides in valleys and is surrounded by one of India's largest rainforests. You don't find too many places that are pollution-free and serene, with such a strong sense of cultural identity nowadays, and Coorg truly checks those off.
6. Dalmatia, Croatia
Dalmatia is filled with almost any attraction possible. Whether you want to spend the day at the beach, or do museum tours, or go for a walk/bike ride or laze around downtown and experiment new foods and beers, this city has truly got it all.
7. Doha, Qatar
Filled with classic Middle Eastern architecture, Doha's skyline doesn't do justice for all that the city offers. As a less intimidating and crowded version of Dubai, you'll have the opportunity to connect with locals more and enjoy a night out in this rapidly growing, lavish urban setting.
8. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Ok, this technically isn't a city, but this attraction in Singapore is to die for. The worlds largest glass greenhouse and botanical garden are filled with thousands of different plants and state of the art botanical technology. But fear not, if botany doesn't peak your interest, the several cities and towns by this garden emulate the perfect balance between urban and suburban.
9. Giza, Egypt
Underrated as a whole, Egypt has more culture and history than most countries and dates back farther than most. Giza is particularly interesting because of its Wonder of the World, the Great Pyramid, the Great Sphinx of Giza, both dating back hundreds and hundreds of years.
10. Isla del Sol, Bolivia
Bolivia is usually not the first country tourists think of when wanting to travel to South America, but it really should be. Isla del Sol is a hub for Mayan ruins, with over 80 different monuments that date back to the 15th century. And if basking in the sun and looking at old clay buildings isn't your thing, remember that Isla del Sol is still a beautiful island with several beaches.
11. Lapland, Finland
A specular view of the Aurora Borealis AND roaming around the streets of Finland (which happen to reminisce a kingdom, *cough* *cough* frozen)? I don't believe it gets any better than that.
12. Malbork, Poland
Speaking of kingdoms, we are onto our 12th location, Malbork; home to the world's largest castle. Spend the day walking through this historical monument, sipping fine Polish wine, and feeling like complete royalty.
13. Montevideo, Uruguay
While the resorts on Uruguay's Atlantic coast lure sun-seeking tourists, Montevideo is emerging as one of the continent's most modern capitals, known for its architecture, spruced-up old quarters and thriving cultural scene. Want to dance like no one's watching? Nightlife in Montevideo is essentially live salsa music echoing throughout the streets, with locals swinging to every beat.
14. Mumbai, India
Mumbai being the second city of India on this list has to do with my slight bias for the country, but India is truly such a huge area with unimaginable cultures spanning from North to South, to East to West. Mumbai, just like any big city has a sprawling nightlife and crazy crowds, but what sets this city apart is that everyone who lives here absolutely loves it. Despite the 'city rush', every person in Mumbai always makes time to meet with friends and family, grab some street food, or even go out for a late stroll at 1 am.
15. Newfoundland, Canada
This province, up in Northern Canada, is, in my opinion, the perfect getaway from any chaos in your everyday life. Newfoundland is filled with small 'port towns' surrounded by mountains and weirdly, but amazingly, full of wild polar bears, which should be reason enough to visit.
16. Patagonia, Chile
Now I know at this point I may seem like a fiend for mountains and hilly areas, but there's really nothing more spectacular than seeing nature at it's finest and just letting yourself wander through Earth's creations (pictured below are Patagonia's 'Marble Caves').
17. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is a rain forested and mountainous island with more greenery than ever imaginable and an inexplainable feeling of opulence, truly the perfect getaway.
18. Pokhara, Nepal
Within the Annapurna Region, Pokhara is home to some of the best trekking spots in the biggest mountain range in the world (The Himalayas). The brisk weather, the sight of Mt. Everest, distinct culture, and holy temples are just a few of the things this city has to offer, not to mention it is incredibly reasonable to find flights and hotels in Nepal.
19. Saint Petersburg, Russia
Ah, Russia, not the ideal place to talk about regarding politics, perfect for a relaxing, fulfilling vacation. Saint Petersburg is the place to be to experience Fine Arts from the Russian Ballet to numerous different art museums, all centered in Eastern European architectural feats.
20. Seoul, South Korea
Last but not least, with a population of more than 25 million, Seoul is a lively, economic powerhouse. Home to several of the world's largest companies. but beyond technology, Korean people pull from Confucian principles, which emphasize the importance of family and respect for others, so you know you'll have a welcoming experience. With great affordability, ancient history, and amazing food, you really can't pass up this opportunity.
