5 underrated destinations to travel in 2025 before they get too popular
Looking for the best places to travel in 2025 that are still under the radar? These five underrated travel destinations are, in our opinion, on the verge of blowing up. If you want to visit without the crowds, go this year!
Our experience: We have loved all of these destinations. We originally had Sri Lanka on our list, but removed it as it’s definitely blown up in popularity.
1. Oman
Why go in 2025?
Oman is still overshadowed by its glamorous Gulf neighbors (Qatar, UAE), but it’s gaining attention for its natural beauty and accessible outdoor adventure.
Oman Travel Guide 2025
Best time to visit Oman: October–March for most areas; June–August for Salalah monsoon waterfalls
How to get there: Fly into Muscat International Airport (MCT)
Top things to do in Oman:
- Rent a 4×4 and road trip through canyons, deserts, and coastlines
- Note: A 4WD is not strictly necessary and you can visit most of the popular sites with a 2WD, but our fave activities were accessible only by 4×4.
- Note: A 4WD is not strictly necessary and you can visit most of the popular sites with a 2WD, but our fave activities were accessible only by 4×4.
- Hike the Balcony Walk at Jabal Shams
- Swim in turquoise waters at Wadi Shab or Wadi Bani Khalid
- Stay under the stars in Wahiba Sands
- Visit the grand mosque and opera house in Muscat
Oman Travel Tips:
- Wild camping is legal and safe
- 4×4 rentals are pricey, split the cost with friends to keep costs down.
- Oman has a more traditional, calm vibe compared to it’s Gulf neighbours. Believe it or not, there are no skyscrapers here!
2. Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada
Why go in 2025? Newfoundland & Labrador is Canada’s most underrated province, but it may not stay that way as domestic tourism in Canada grows! We’ve seen it described as a cross between Ireland and Scandinavia and we agree.
Newfoundland & Labrador Travel Guide 2025
Best time to visit:
- June to September for hiking, road trips, and whale watching
- December to March for winter sports
How to get there:
Fly into St. John’s International Airport; consider flying out of Deer Lake or Gander if roadtripping across the island.
Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Nova Scotia, but this is a time consuming option.
Things to do in Newfoundland:
- Explore fjords in Gros Morne National Park (UNESCO site)
- Visit Signal Hill and Cape Spear (Canada’s easternmost point)
- Watch icebergs drift along Iceberg Alley
- Go whale watching on the coast
Travel Tips for Newfoundland:
- The weather is unpredictable, even in summer. Bring layers and a good rain jacket.
- Moose are common on highways and they are BIG. Drive carefully, especially at night.
3. Gujarat, India
Why go in 2025? Gujarat is rich in heritage and food, yet skipped by most visitors to India. If you’re looking for a less touristy India experience, this is it.
Gujarat India Travel Guide 2025
Best time to visit: October to February
How to get there: Fly into Ahmedabad International Airport (AMD), accessible internationally and from other Indian airports
Top things to do in Gujarat:
- Try traditional Gujarati dishes like Thepla, Pav Bhaji, and Chole Bhature
- Note: The majority of Gujaratis are vegetarian. Do NOT let this dissuade you from coming. Gujarati cuisine is rich in flavour. If you go and miss meat, feel free to come back and complain to us. But you won’t miss it.
- Note: The majority of Gujaratis are vegetarian. Do NOT let this dissuade you from coming. Gujarati cuisine is rich in flavour. If you go and miss meat, feel free to come back and complain to us. But you won’t miss it.
- Take a heritage walking tour of Ahmedabad
- Visit Adalaj Stepwell and Gandhi Ashram
- Explore Lakshmi Villas Palace in Vadodara
- Safari at Gir National Park to spot Asiatic lions
- Note: We personally haven’t had the chance to do this yet!
- Note: We personally haven’t had the chance to do this yet!
Gujarat Travel Tips:
- Gujarat is a dry state (no alcohol)
- Considered one of the safer Indian states for women.
- Katie’s experience: As a caucasian person, I experienced a lot of staring, but no rude comments or uncomfortable behaviour. I felt safe the entire time. That said, I was with Bhavik at all times and often with other family members.
- Katie’s experience: As a caucasian person, I experienced a lot of staring, but no rude comments or uncomfortable behaviour. I felt safe the entire time. That said, I was with Bhavik at all times and often with other family members.
Namibia
Why go in 2025? Namibia offers mind blowing natural scenery and a huge diversity of landscapes. It’s the perfect place for an adventurous road trip.
Namibia Travel Guide 2025
Best time to visit: May to September (aka dry season, best for wildlife)
How to get there: Fly into Windhoek International Airport (WDH), often via Johannesburg or Addis Ababa
Top things to do in Namibia:
- Hike the massive dunes at Sossusvlei. At sunset these are a rich red colour!
- Explore Sandwich Harbour where dunes meet the ocean
- Spot elephants, lions, and rhinos at the watering holes of Etosha National Park
- Visit the second largest canyon in the world – Fish River Canyon
- Note: We personally haven’t had the chance to do this yet!
- Note: We personally haven’t had the chance to do this yet!
Namibia Travel Tips:
- Prepare for long drives and stock up on fuel, supplies, and water
- Rent a car with a rooftop tent. Our favourite part of our Namibia trip was waking up in stunning locations.
Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand
Why go in 2025? More travelers are searching for off the beaten path Thai destinations. Kanchanaburi is full of nature adventures, stunning temples, and a sad but intriguing history. While it’s definitely not an “unknown destination” the majority of international tourists leave Kanchanaburi off their Thailand itinerary.
Kanchanaburi Travel Guide 2025
Best time to visit:
- November to March for dry, cool weather
- September to December for fuller waterfalls (wet season)
How to get there:
Fly into Bangkok, then take a 2–3 hour train or bus
Top things to do:
- Swim in the 7-tiered waterfalls at Erawan National Park
- Visit the 7-tiered Huay Mae Khamin waterfalls for a quieter alternative
- Stay on a floating houseboat on the River Kwai
- Hike to Tiger Cave Temple
- Learn the WWII history of the Death Railway and Hellfire Pass
- Monkey Pod Tree (Giant Raintree)
Travel Tips for Kanchanaburi:
- Avoid weekends. Kanchanaburi province is popular with local tourists.
- It’s possible to day trip from Bangkok but we highly recommend staying a few nights in the area.
- Rent a scooter or car for easiest access to attractions, though public transport is available
Where to Travel in 2025
These 5 hidden gem travel destinations are all gaining popularity fast. RUN, don’t WALK, to book your trip (just kidding, book trips responsibly). We loved ALL of these destinations and if you’re an adventure lover, we think you will too.
Have you been to any of these places? What was your experience?
Got questions or a hidden gem of your own? Drop it in the comments or DM us on Instagram @katieandbhav!
