Tired of the normal sights or yearning a break from the travel herd?
These 5 travel areas might be the vacation you’re searching for.
Adventure travel business Intrepid Travel’s brand-new “Not Hot” list is out– highlighting ignored travel areas all over the world.
The business’s yearly list efforts to fight overtourism by assisting tourists “beat the crowds and … inspire them to seek out different and unique experiences around the world in communities that can truly benefit from visitors,” Matt Berna, president of the Americas at Intrepid Travel, informed CNBC Travel.
The 2024 list calls attention to 2 locations in Asia, 2 in Europe and one in Central America.
Corsica
Corsica, a mountainous Mediterranean island and territorial collectivity of France, is a self-proclaimed “Island of Beauty.”
Corsica, France.
Source: Intrepid Travel
Unlike Italy’s tourist-saturated Positano, tourists going to Corsica can “enjoy a more authentic, tranquil, and immersive experience … without the overwhelming crowds,” according to a news release by Intrepid Travel.
But the island’s attraction extends beyond its shorelines. Corsica is likewise understood for its 180 kilometer (112 mile) treking path– the GR20– and many historical landmarks, France’s tourist site revealed. The island is home to 6 nature reserves, consisting of the Scandola Nature Reserve– a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its red volcanic rocks.
Corsica’s “unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance … sets it apart from popular destinations like Positano,” according to Intrepid.
Seoul
Tokyo, Singapore and Seoul are the 3 most gone to Asian cities in 2023, according to marketing research business Euromonitor International.
Seoul, Korea.
Source: Intrepid Travel
Tokyo invited 31.8 million global travelers in 2019, according to the Japan National TourismOrganization In the exact same year, 17.5 million global travelers gone to Seoul, Korea, stats by the Korea Tourism Organization revealed.
“Tokyo has been a popular travel destination for a long time, so its product offerings are more varied, attracting a larger spectrum of audiences especially families and more mature travelers,” Nick Lim, Asia CEO of The Travel Corporation, informed CNBC.
Tokyo’s reservations from January to November 2023 increased by 234%. But Seoul’s appeal is increasing. This year, flight reservations to Seoul increased 191%– double that of 2022, an agent atTrip com informed CNBC Travel.
“Younger travelers may choose Seoul over Tokyo because the city offers a mix of traditional and modern culture,” Lim stated. The increase of Korean popular song and dramas have actually likewise increased the city’s appeal, he included.
Nonetheless, Seoul and Tokyo stay significantly various. Both cities are “culturally rich with authentic and unique experiences … the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences and interests,” Lim stated.
Panama
Panama, a Central American nation surrounded by Costa Rica and Colombia, is home to among the world’s most advanced engineering works– the Panama Canal.
The Panama Canal in Panama, Central America.
Gonzalo Azumendi|Stone|Getty Images
The city has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites– 2 historical sites, Panama Viejo and Casco Antiguo, and 3 national forests, the Coiba, Darien and La Amistad national forests.
Intrepid Travel advises Panama for those who want to “immerse themselves in local traditions, folklore, and contemporary arts … that differs from the more European-centric cultural landscape,” journalism release mentioned.
Beyond archaeological sites, 7 native neighborhoods live inPanama Two of which– the areas of Guna and Ember á– are open to travelers, according to Panama’s main tourist site.
Kefalonia to Corfu
Greece is understood for its beaches, seaside caverns and island hopping.
But far from Santorini and Mykonos, the islands from Kefalonia to Corfu are “a serene haven for travelers seeking a tranquil escape,” according to Intrepid.
Corfu, Greece.
David C Tomlinson|The Image Bank|Getty Images
Kefalonia and Corfu are 2 of the biggest islands in the Ionian Sea, while 12 others are spread throughout the west coast of Greece.
The Ionian Islands’ “unspoiled landscapes and pristine beaches … offers a serene haven for travelers seeking a tranquil escape, unlike the more crowded destinations” like Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia, Intrepid Travel’s news release mentioned.
Borneo
Borneo, an island in Southeast Asia, is divided amongst 3 nations– Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.
Kalimantan, the Indonesian area of the island, uses up two-thirds of the island, while the Islamic nation of Brunei lies in between 2 Malaysian states– Sarawak and Sabah.
Borneo, an island in Southeast Asia, has the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, Indonesian’s Kalimantan and Brunei.
Source: Intrepid Travel
“While Bali is undoubtedly a stunning destination with its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage, Borneo offers an entirely different experience that is unmatched in its own right,” journalism release mentioned.
Although the islands might be close to each other, they are significantly various.
Bali is thought about a well developed “drop and flop” beach location– where travelers typically drop their bags and invest the day at the beach– however Borneo is concentrated on nature and eco-tourism, Lim informed CNBC Travel.
“Borneo is absolutely not an option to Bali … [but] it has whatever to be an up-and-coming hotspot,” he stated.
The island, the biggest in Asia, is home to the world’s earliest rain forest and Southeast Asia’s highest mountain– Mount Kinabalu, travel operator Borneo Eco Tours’ site revealed.
Indonesia will likewise be moving its capital, Jakarta, to Borneo’s Nusantara by 2045.
