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On the lookout for travel inspiration for 2025 and beyond?
Look no further: CNBC asked 10 travel agents for his or her recommendations of probably the most underhyped destinations on this planet. We compiled their written answers below, including can’t-miss activities for every locale and the most effective times of 12 months to go to.
You may also find average round-trip airfare from U.S. airports. The info, provided by travel app Hopper, is predicated on average fares that were available to book from Jan. 15 to Jan. 22. Prices are for May-July 2025, when most Americans plan to take their longer vacations, Hopper said.
Travelers should aim to book over the subsequent few weeks to attain the most effective prices, it said.
Albania
Valbona National Park, Albania.
Eduardo Fonseca Arraes | Moment | Getty Images
Beneficial by: Scott Abbott, managing director of Wilderness Travel
Why to go to: “The Albanian Alps, also referred to as the Accursed Mountains, are a mountain range only a few people find out about, so are totally untouched by tourism. But have a number of the most gorgeous and dramatic hikes in all of Europe. In addition they have guesthouses, mountain huts and hotels that feel like what the Alps were like 30-plus years ago, all owned by local families and run in a conventional way very authentic to the place and culture.”
Cannot-miss: Climbing in Valbona Valley National Park
Best time to go: June to September
Average flight price: $926 to Tirana, Albania
Ecuadorian cloud forest
Cloud forest in Ecuador.
Gerard Puigmal | Moment | Getty Images
Beneficial by: Allie Almario, South America and Galapagos expert at Premier Tours
Why to go to: “Most individuals consider Costa Rica once they consider cloud forest, but Ecuador also has the lure of the Galapagos Islands, so it is a terrific combination. About three hours from the capital city of Quito, Ecuador, the cloud forest feels primeval and otherworldly.
“I really like the Mashpi Eco Lodge, which is on the cusp of the rain and cloud forest in a non-public sanctuary. You’ve incredibly wealthy biodiversity on this distant area — so distant the silence is sort of deafening.”
Cannot-miss: “Mashpi Lodge offers an activity called the Dragon Fly — it’s as much as an hour ride in an open air cable automobile (seating just for 4 guests at a time and a naturalist) where you soar over the tree cover. You hear nothing however the wind and bird calls and the distant crash of waterfalls 500 feet below you. The butterflies are like confetti.”
Best time to go: “Temperatures are pretty consistent all year long, however the major difference is rainy vs. dry season. Be prepared and either way, mountaineering within the cloud and rain forest will at all times be an adventure.”
Average flight price: $588 to Quito, Ecuador
Hamburg, Germany
The canals of Hamburg, Germany
Inigo Cia | Moment | Getty Images
Beneficial by: Kareem George, CEO of Culture Traveler
Why to go to: “This ultra chic city is gorgeous, sophisticated and very fun, with a wide range of attractions for diverse ages and interests. The setting of town is kind of picturesque, nestled between the Elbe River and Alster Lake with many canals in between. It’s an especially walkable city with many historic attractions in town center — resembling the Rathaus (City Hall) and St. Nikolai Church — flanked by very cool neighborhoods resembling the Speicherstadt (Warehouse) District, raucous St. Pauli and the quirky Schanzenviertel.”
Cannot-miss: “Two of the numerous must-see attractions are the enduring Elbphilharmonie and the unique Miniatur Wunderland. Advance tickets are highly advisable for each.”
Best time to go: “Hamburg is really a destination for all seasons, nevertheless I particularly enjoyed a recent visit in the autumn. The weather was perfect and it was wonderful to walk along the lake, canals and to explore several neighborhoods on foot.”
Average flight price: $1,090
Kyushu, Japan
A hot spring resort in Kurokawa Onsen, in Kyushu, Japan.
Bohistock | Moment | Getty Images
Beneficial by: Kristin Braswell, founding father of CrushGlobal Travel
Why to go to: “Brimming with natural beauty at every corner, the southern island of Japan’s Kyushu could also be missed for its popular northern neighbors like Tokyo and Kyoto, however it’s just as thrilling. Teeming with energetic volcanoes, palm-forested coastlines and bubbling onsens [hot springs] to retreat in, you will probably be enamored at every turn by the good, wide outdoors here. I highly recommend visiting the electrical metropolis, Fukuoka, and Beppu, a mountainside jewel that’s home to probably the most spring waters within the country.”
Cannot-miss: “Visiting the famous onsens, particularly the Jigoku Circuit, that are all grouped and inside walking distance. They’re a sight to see.”
Best time to go: “In spring, during cherry-blossom season and when the weather is pleasantly warm, or the autumn, because the foliage begins to vary with the seasons.”
Average flight price: Top three airports in Kyushu, by popularity from U.S. cities based on search demand:
- Fukuoka: $1,326
- Nagasaki: $1,617
- Kumamoto: $1,594
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil.
Ignacio Palacios | Stone | Getty Images
Beneficial by: John Lansdell, planner at Trufflepig Travel
Why to go to: “Distant and staggeringly beautiful, this park of sand dunes, mangroves and freshwater lagoons is prime for each relaxing in and exploring — swimming, dune walks and quad tours, birding, etc.”
Cannot-miss: Swimming within the lagoons.
Best time to go: “When to go to is subjective, but high season is July and August: Full lagoons; warm, not too hot; rains have passed, however the gateway towns are busy. Either side of those months would be the best bet, although the park itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is vast and won’t feel overly busy in high season.”
Average flight price: $1,069 to Sao Luis, Brazil
The Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway)
Old town and city square in Stockholm, Sweden.
Leonardo Patrizi | E+ | Getty Images
Beneficial by: Melissa Wu, founding father of Woodlyn Travel
Why to go to: “The Nordics offer an important number of destinations and activities, from the bustling nightlife and modern hotels of the cities, to rural pastimes like dog sledding and gazing up on the amazing northern lights. Classic Nordic activities like saunas and cold plunges share the stage with farm-to-table culinary extravaganzas. And the dollar is very strong at once, so you will get your money’s value on a few of the most effective seafood you will ever eat.”
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Cannot-miss: “Sweden’s capital and largest city, Stockholm, is thought for an important museum scene with some truly unique attractions. The ABBA museum is a must-see for music lovers, while the Viking Museum and Vasa Museum, which houses a salvaged seventeenth century ship, pay tribute to Sweden’s history. And no visit can be complete and not using a stop on the Spiritmuseum, which celebrates Sweden’s drinking culture.”
Best time to go: “The Nordics offer something unique regardless of what time of 12 months you visit. Long summer days give solution to amazing fall foliage, followed by Christmas markets and ice hotels through the wintertime, and beautiful island-hopping adventures in spring. Stockholm’s cherry-blossom trees bloom in mid- to late-April, with a stunning display that rivals more well-known (and crowded) spots like Washington, D.C. and Kyoto.”
Average flight price:
- Copenhagen: $769
- Helsinki: $890
- Oslo: $826
- Stockholm: $801
The Philippines
Boats on the serene, azure waters near Coron Palawan, Philippines.
Travelstoxphoto | Moment | Getty Images
Beneficial by: Tesa Totengco, founder and CEO of Travels with Tesa
Why to go to: “Although it is rather much a component of Southeast Asia, the Philippines is off to the side from the remaining of its neighbors. I suggest devoting your entire trip to the country and island-hopping.
“It has a number of the most beautiful white powdery sand beaches (Palawan, Boracay, Bohol). There may be a thriving contemporary art scene (Art Fair in Manila, held in February), and galleries supporting local artists (Silverlens, Artinformal, Gravity Art Space, Orange Project). Within the capital, you’ll be able to tour Old Manila and learn of the past from the sixteenth century Spanish colonialization right as much as the American War liberating the country from Japanese occupation. There are pop-up shops all year long that remember Filipino design, and celebrated chefs with their very own restaurants celebrating Filipino cuisine. It is a predominantly English-speaking country, so the traveler won’t ever feel lost.”
Cannot-miss: “This country is made up of over 7,000 islands, each unique in culture, history and flavor. It is best to make a ‘halo-halo’ (meaning ‘mixed’) experience: Not only beach, for which the country is most famous.”
Best time to go: “It is a tropical country, so the Philippines is hot and humid 12 months round. Avoid the rainy season from June to October and are available from December to February when the country is at its coolest.”
Average flight price:
- Manila: $1,296
- Cebu City: $1,446
- Angeles City: $1,461
Tunisia
Sidi Bou Said, a town in northern Tunisia.
Max Shen | Moment | Getty Images
Beneficial by: Sofia Markovich, owner of Sofia’s Travel
Why to go to: “Tunisia is home to a number of the world’s most well-preserved Roman ruins, including the enduring El Jem Amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage site that rivals Rome’s Colosseum in grandeur. Carthage, once a strong city-state, showcases the remnants of an ancient civilization that shaped Mediterranean history.
“From the rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert to the pristine beaches of Hammamet, Sussa and Djerba, the country offers a wide range of settings for adventure and leisure. Matmata’s troglodyte homes, famously featured in Star Wars movies, add a touch of cinematic wonder to the experience.”
“Tunisia’s cuisine is a highlight that captivates food lovers. With its daring flavors and Mediterranean influences, dishes like brik (a savory pastry), couscous and harissa-infused stews offer an authentic taste of the region. The country’s burgeoning wine industry adds to its allure.”
Amphitheatre of El Jem in Tunisia.
Westend61 | Westend61 | Getty Images
Cannot-miss: “Sidi Bou Said, with its white-washed houses and blue doors; and Carthage.”
Best time to go: “Tunisia is great to go to year-round”:
- Spring (March-May): “Warm, ideal for exploring ruins and nature.”
- Summer (June-August): “Hot, perfect for beaches but avoid inland heat.”
- Autumn (September-November): “Mild, great for each beaches and culture.”
- Winter (December-February): “Cool, best for the Sahara and fewer crowds.”
Average flight price: $1,360 to Tunis
Uzbekistan
Bibi Khanum Mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Izzet Keribar | Stone | Getty Images
Beneficial by: Jonathan Alder, CEO of Jonathan’s Travels
Why to go to: “This incredible melting pot of cultures is one of the crucial stunning destinations on this planet, with architecture, history and nature that may surprise even probably the most experienced traveler.
“Its cuisine — a melting pot of Persian, Indian, Italian, and Chinese with hints of Russian — is a foodie’s dream. Once the center of the Silk Road, the architecture doesn’t seem like the rest you’ve got ever seen. I really like to begin within the capital of Tashkent, which is a contemporary metropolis, then head to the traditional side of the country on the far end of the desert to step back in time. The mosque of Samarkand is one of the crucial incredible architectural highlights you will see in your life.
“Getting out of the cities, you’ll be able to head into the mountains, that are essentially the back of the Himalayas, for incredible nature and green valleys outside of the stark, dramatic desert that you just get for many of the remaining of the country.”
The Old Town within the City of Bukhara, Uzbekistan.
Mlenny | E+ | Getty Images
Cannot-miss: “Samarkand. This was once the capital of the Silk Road, the crossing point for all trade routes between Europe and Asia. The sites listed here are the most important within the country and a number of the top highlights.”
When to go: “Spring and fall. The summers are quite hot and the winters get very cold. You can too make this a ski destination within the winter and mix it with the remaining of the country.”
Average flight price:
- Tashkent: $1,470
- Samarkand: $2,226
Western Australia
James Price Point, Western Australia.
Luke Mackenzie | Moment | Getty Images
Beneficial by: Kemi Wells-Conrad, founder and president of Wells Luxury Travel
Why to go to: “Everyone typically thinks of Sydney and the East Coast of Australia — and do not get me unsuitable, it’s a gorgeous coastline. But I actually have at all times been an enormous fan of Western Australia. It’s incredibly diverse, and the landscapes are truly magnificent.
“Perth is your start line and referred to as one of the crucial isolated cities on this planet. There may be world-class wine further south in Margaret River. The coast is full of a number of the most beautiful beaches on this planet, resembling Monkey Mia and Ningaloo Reef, which are also teeming with amazing marine life. The Kimberleys are wild, rugged and unique.”
Bungle Bungles, beehive-shaped sandstone towers in Purnululu National Park, in Eastern Kimberleys, Western Australia.
Michael Runkel | Imagebroker | Getty Images
Cannot-miss: “Ningaloo Reef. Forget the crowds of the Great Barrier Reef out of Cairns — imagine a pristine reef with no crowds. You can too swim with whale sharks here March to August. The luxurious glamping experience at Sal Salis is a singular experience.”
When to go: “April to September. That is the sweet spot, their ‘winter.’ The temperatures are mild, nevertheless still much warmer than our northern hemisphere winter. And it could assist you to travel further north to the Kimberleys — outside of their wet season and before it heats up again from October on.”
Average flight price:
- Perth: $2,043
- Broome: $3,094
