9 Underrated Travel Destinations You Should Visit in 2022

Underrated travel destinations, hidden gems, visit in 2022

The world is full of beautiful travel destinations. Many places have millions of visitors flock to them each year. However, there are several hidden gems worth exploring worldwide.

We’ve compiled a list of places that don’t often appear as top destinations on search results to inspire your next trip. While these places are not as well-known as other locations, they are no less spectacular. They offer impressive landscapes, fascinating cities, mouthwatering cuisine, and exciting activities. Furthermore, they’re often not as crowded as their more frequently visited counterparts.

Here are nine underrated travel destinations you should visit in 2022.

Belize

Belize is a destination getting more and more attention recently but still flies under the radar.

It’s a small country with a lot to offer visitors. Many people visit for adventure travel and to see ancient ruins.

The best time to visit Belize is April and May when it isn’t too crowded, and the summer rains haven’t begun.

Getting around Belize is simple. You can use flights, local buses, car rentals, and tours to explore.

A few of the country’s top activities include SCUBA diving, swimming or kayaking to underwater caves, seeing Mayan palaces, and zip-lining.

You can find Belize’s COVID-19 travel guidelines here.

Tanzania

Tanzania isn’t exactly a hidden gem but is often underrated. This destination draws in people worldwide because of its safaris, national parks, and idyllic beaches.

Every year, tourists flock to the Serengeti plains to see roughly two million zebras, antelopes, and gnus migrate. It’s a truly spectacular sight to see!

Additionally, visitors enjoy flying over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon, seeing lions climb trees at Lake Manyara, swimming with whale sharks on Mafia Island, and climbing to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.

If you’re interested in visiting, see Tanzania’s COVID-19 guidelines.

Oman

Oman globally isn’t well-recognized as a travel destination, but it appears on almost every list of underrated travel destinations.

There are many reasons to visit Oman. The country has endless miles of bright orange sand dunes, pristine beaches, stunning hiking and biking trails, and beautiful resorts. Even better is that it is relatively untouched by tourists and is very safe.

It’s easy to get around the country by car, and it isn’t a large place, so everything is within reach.

You’ll find that the most pleasant time to visit Oman is between October and April when the weather is mild.

Here is more information about Oman’s COVID-19 process.

California’s Central Coast

California is by no means a hidden gem. However, most people only visit Los Angeles or San Francisco.

This U.S. state is the size of many countries, so there are many more places to see than people realize. One of these regions is the California Central Coast.

This area is roughly the same distance from Los Angeles and San Francisco, so you can fly into either city and take a road trip down the coast. Along the way, you’ll see some amazing sites. These places include the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang, Los Olivos, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Paso Robles, Cambria, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and many other cities.

At the moment, California has no travel restrictions, but you can read the latest news here.

Bhutan

Bhutan, also known as “the world’s happiest country,” brings joy to anyone who visits. Life is a little slower, and there are many places to see. It’s a region untouched by commercialization and overcrowding by tourists. Bhutan just opened it’s boarders to international travel, this month they welcomed their first plane full of international travellers for the first time since the pandemic strarted in 2020.

Bhutan has many important historical sites, including monasteries, temples, and ancestral homes. Additionally, the country has plenty for adventurous travelers. You can go white water rafting, trekking, kayaking, and motorbiking.

You can observe Bhutan’s culture and traditions throughout the year through its festivals. A few prominent ones are the Haa Summer Festival, Thimphu Tsechu Festival, and Jomolhari Mountain Festival.

Travel is not yet open for Bhutan, but things can open quickly, so it might still be possible to visit in 2022. You can find the latest information here.

Nova Scotia, Canada

Nova Scotia is Canada’s second-smallest province, located between the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic Ocean. This peninsula has some unique points of interest.

While visiting, you can travel to quaint seaside towns, sample mouthwatering seafood, and enjoy the beautiful city of Halifax.

Summer and fall are great times to visit because the weather is mild and it is easiest to enjoy the region’s outdoor adventures. Additionally, you can do some outstanding leaf-peeping in the fall.

Before you visit, read the latest COVID-19 Nova Scotia guidelines.

Lithuania

Lithuania is an underrated travel destination that deserves more attention. Located in Europe’s Baltic region, this country offers visitors many things to do and see.

Its capital, Vilnius, has an eclectic collection of Baroque houses, colorful churches, exciting shopping districts, and lively pubs and bars. Outside the capital, you can find intriguing attractions like a castle on the lake, sand dunes on the water, the Hill of Crosses monument, and many other sites.

The country is easy to traverse, with a well-connected network of roads, railways, and ferries.

Lithuania is open to international travelers to visit in 2022. You can read about their guidelines here.

Colombia

Colombia has been stigmatized for many years, but recently it has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Its biodiverse landscapes, friendly people, and mouthwatering cuisine make it a hidden gem you should visit in 2022.

The country has spectacular mountain ranges, dramatic coastlines, stark deserts, expansive savannahs, and the Amazon rainforest. You can see these marvels in places like Serranía de la Macarena National Natural Park or La Guajira. Its cities have centuries-old architecture with beautiful cathedrals and cobbled streets.

Additionally, Colombia is well-connected by bus and air travel.

Learn how to travel to Colombia during COVID-19 here.

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago off the coast of Africa. It is one of the most beautiful destinations around and popular among European travelers. However, internationally, it’s a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to island destinations.

This destination has a year-round summer climate, is one of the world’s safest places, and has many exciting activities. You can find everything from breathtaking coastlines and cities to intriguing history and vibrant culture in Madeira.

Here are Madeira’s COVID-19 travel guidelines.

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