Are you heading off on a holiday abroad, but lacking inspiration when it comes to the tourist destinations you think you should be checking out? Let’s run you through six of the most underrated spots in the world which you’ll find you actually love.

 

1. Fjords – Norway

You may have heard of the Fjords before without ever really knowing what they are. In reality, they’re long stretches of sea which channel out between picturesque mountains.

Massive waterfalls and glaciers rise up on either side of you, as you drift along in a green and blue universe which feels totally cut off from the rest of the world.

The people of Norway are very proud of these natural landscapes, which are said to be the purest representation of their roots. In the past, farmers would live strewn along ridiculously steep slopes. It’s said some still do.

 

2. Appi – Japan

This Japanese ski resort is unique in that the majority of people who work and live in the region don’t speak anything other than their native tongue. While you might be used to people bending the norm to accommodate for you, Appi does no such thing.

For one of the truest cultural emersions you can experience, this spot is definitely worth checking out. You’ll also find a series of different slopes which all cater to different skill levels – from beginner to experienced pro.

 

3. Ciudad Perdida – Colombia

Everyone’s heard of the Peruvian wonder of Machu Picchu – but that’s half the problem with the ancient Mayan monument. Tourists are now a constant problem in the region, with the spectacle swarming with them.

For an intrepid traveller who’s looking for an equally culturally significant option, you can always check out Ciudad Perdida – otherwise known in the English tongue as the Lost City.

This ancient colony was constructed in the 11^th century by the Tayrona people, and then rediscovered in the 1970s by pure happenstance. Travellers have a real trek on their hands however, with it taking six days of walking to reach the spot.

 

4. Blue Lagoon – Iceland

While this tourist spot has gained some notoriety in recent years, the Blue Lagoon is ultimately still a relatively underrated area. Tourists can bathe in luscious pools of crisp blue water, or choose to relax in one of the region’s mud spas.

You can find accommodation located at the event itself, as well as food and drink, and even a gift shop which sells some of the famous natural muds for you to take and use at home. Make sure you pre-book, though.

 

5. Hampi – India

Hampi is akin to a scene out of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale the Jungle Book; with vast expanses of land left deserted – save for the odd abandoned ruin of a hilltop temple.

You won’t find King Louis hanging out in one of these pads, however. Instead, a selection of these have been restored and converted into points of interest for tourists. One even has an elephant inside which’ll bless you.

If that isn’t enough of an elephant-fix for you, you can always check out the local stables where a whole troupe of them are kept.

 

6. Suriname

Concluding our list isn’t a place within a country, but an entire nation itself. Suriname probably isn’t even a name many people have heard of, but the South American principality actually boasts some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world.

There’s a real blend of cultures here, which lends itself to one of the widest selections of foods imaginable – which is only ever a good thing.

 

Do any of these underrated tourists attractions grab your fancy? Try taking a trip to one of these spots in the future. You certainly won’t be disappointed.

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• travel