Want to escape the tourist crowds on your next vacation?
We think we know the answer – so we delved into a Reddit thread in which the contributors shared destinations they think are vastly underrated – yet free of crowds of visitors.
Kicking off the discussion, ‘Ice_Creamz992’ asked: ‘Which countries do you think aren’t nearly as touristy as one would assume given how much they have to offer?’
From the underrated US region to Australia’s hidden gem and a country that is ‘naturally and culturally beautiful’ but free of crowds… scroll down to find out where to escape for a holiday with less hustle and bustle .
Laos
Tourists say that Laos has everything – except crowds. Pictured above is the Tad Yuang Waterfall, near the southern city of Pakse
Laos, apparently, has it all – except crowds of tourists.
‘Auximines_minotaur’ says: ‘Laos has absolutely stunning nature, lovely people, delicious food and very reasonable prices.
‘Yes, people definitely go there, but I feel it doesn’t have the same level of tourist appeal as its neighbours. It’s good though – more for me!’
‘Spiritsandstories’ adds: ‘Loved Laos when I went in December! Thought the southern area (Pakse) was absolutely stunning and not overrun with tourists.’
Bolivia
Comment ‘BradMtW’ was overtaken by Bolivia.
They noted: ‘Bolivia has so much to offer for its size. Mountains, jungle, wetlands, desert, salt flats, volcanoes, great lakes. Amazing country.’
Rwanda
Rwanda is described as ‘a lovely place’ with lots to do, including gorilla trekking
Rwanda is famous for its gorilla trekking – but tourists also feel safe there.
‘Grizzleizzlie’ says: ‘Very safe, beautiful, lots of tourist activities like safari and gorilla trekking.’
‘Chafe3232’ adds: ‘It was such a lovely place and so safe and welcoming.
‘I really hope to go back one day. Rwanda’s roads were also amazing and getting between cities by bus was easy and cheap.’
Suriname
Suriname has ‘beautiful rivers, waterfalls, swimming spots and super interesting villages’, says one traveller. Pictured above is the Brownsberg Nature Park
Suriname is difficult to reach – but worth it, say tourists.
‘Mcwobby’ reveals: ‘It’s annoyingly difficult to get away from his neighbors and it used to be very difficult to get a visa because there were relatively few embassies.
‘However, it is a country quite rich in things to see and do. The capital is a wonderful little colonial town, architecturally interesting, with a very diverse culture, which in turn means quite good food.
‘Beautiful rivers, waterfalls, swimming spots and super interesting villages. Fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. And a rich history.’
Slovenia
Go for Lake Bled – but stay for the mountains.
This is the message from the Redditors in the discussion.
“The country is more than Lake Bled,” notes ‘Starter_fail’.
Slovenia described as ‘beautiful’ with a ‘less touristy feel’
While ‘Stunning-Dig-5378’ adds: ‘Slovenia is beautiful. Lake Bled is really amazing, along with the Julian Alps. (It’s a) more authentic Europe (with a) less touristy feel. The houses all grow vegetable gardens in their front gardens and (the locals) are very friendly.
“I can’t wait to go back and get off the beaten path even more.”
Taiwan
Commentary builds up the excitement for this road trip paradise.
‘ClumsyGuy’ says: ‘Taiwan is naturally and culturally beautiful. I spoke to so many friendly people who were so excited to see me and excited that I liked their island.’
And ‘Phazar989’ adds: ‘Just got back from Taiwan and was about to say that! I was surprised to see how empty the roads were outside of big cities. It was really a pleasure to ride around on a motorcycle.’
Romania
Bored of the run-of-the-mill? Try Romania.
‘Laowailady’ says: ‘I recommend Romania to anyone who wants to go somewhere ‘different’ in Europe.
‘The people are so friendly and helpful, the number of people who speak good English was a big surprise, the history is very interesting, food is delicious, beautiful old towns and beautiful countryside!’
‘Platitudinarian’ adds: ‘The salt mines were amazing. I visited Salina Turda (which has a salt lake and a small theme park inside) and Slanic Prahova (which has a planetarium inside) – they were both stunning. The countryside was beautiful, accommodation was great.’
The Midwest, USA
One traveler ‘can’t get enough’ of the US Midwest, including cities like Cincinnati (above)
Forget the coast and head inland for a trip to remember in the US is the advice on the wire.
‘RainbowCrown71’ says: ‘Cities like Cincinnati, Detroit, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, St. Louis had fantastic food, amazing architecture, friendly locals and I had world class art museums to myself.
‘Everybody floods the coast, but I come back to the Midwest.
“I especially love timing it with baseball games or state fairs when the cities are at their most vibrant and fun.”
Tasmania, Australia
There are ‘lots of great nature walks, wineries and bays’, plus ‘a few old historic towns’, according to ‘Greyhounds1992’, who adds: ‘Nobody goes there yet.’
