You’re ready to plan your next big trip, but where should you go? With travellers putting their holiday plans on hold last year, many tourism-dependent destinations around the world were impacted. While it’s tempting to re-visit popular places when borders are open, these often-overlooked destinations deserve some love too.
Instead of an overcrowded capital city, join a safari excursion in Kenya or explore Alaska’s untouched coast. These places need help reviving their tourism industry, which means you won’t be the only one benefiting from your long-awaited getaway. Use this list of underrated destinations as inspiration for your first big trip as soon as it’s safe.
Keep up to date on the latest travel restrictions on our dedicated page, which now also lets you see individual countries’ vaccination rates, mask policies, restaurant/bar opening status and much more.
And remember, if you’re looking for extra reassurance that you’re covered if your travel plans change or get cancelled, you can look for flexible flight tickets with no change fees and stays and car hires with free cancellation on our site.
Southeast Alaska
Southeast Alaska is home to some of the world’s most incredible landscapes, including the glacier-carved peaks of Glacier Bay National Park. Its tourism industry was hit hard due to a cancelled cruise season, and 2021 isn’t looking much better. An ideal destination for nature lovers, this region boasts ice-blue glaciers, snow-capped mountains and the farthest tip of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Boat tours cruise past glaciers, fjords, and breaching humpback whales, while Gold Rush-era towns like Skagway offer a dose of history.
Kenya
If you’ve ever dreamed of an African safari, this is the perfect year to tick it off your list. The safari industry was affected throughout 2020 but is now primed for a bounce back due to low COVID-19 rates. You’ll find fewer vehicles journeying through Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, where wildlife-watching excursions seek out the Big Five. In addition to supporting local tourism in Kenya, you’ll have the chance to observe cheetahs, wildebeest, elephants, and lions in their natural setting.
The British Virgin Islands
Travellers seeking relaxation and sunshine should plan a trip to the British Virgin Islands. Few Caribbean islands are as dependent on tourism as this slice of paradise, with many hotels having just recovered from rebuilding after hurricanes Irma and Maria. A dream destination for beach lovers, it’s home to picture-perfect islands with spectacular coastlines and incredible snorkelling opportunities. Explore ethereal grottos and natural pools at The Baths on Virgin Gorda or go island hopping to Jost Van Dyke and Tortola.
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Nova Scotia, Canada
Get off the beaten path and discover the beauty of Nova Scotia, a year-round destination home to Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Local businesses are struggling to stay afloat in this Canadian province, where travellers can enjoy self-driving tours of its 12,300-kilometre-long coastline. Explore pristine white sand beaches and former fishing towns, then sip wine on a private winery tour. Skiing and whale watching are popular, while the Halifax Waterfront and UNESCO-listed Old Town of Lunenburg are a must-see.
Hokkaido, Japan
Japan had one of the most significant tourism hits last year as it prepared for the world’s biggest sporting event, only to have it cancelled. While Tokyo will always be popular, it’s the perfect time to visit lesser-known destinations like Hokkaido. Famous for its UNESCO-listed Shiretoko National Park, this northernmost island boasts ski slopes, six national parks, and photogenic flower fields. Explore the capital city of Sapporo or sample some of the country’s best seafood in Hakodate, then unwind with a soak in the hot springs at Noboribetsu.
Explore somewhere new
International destinations have been hit hard with a lack of tourism due to COVID-19. Help support the economy of these off-the-radar destinations while enjoying their incredible scenery and rich cultural attractions.
