More and more travellers, when searching for their next trip, are looking to experience the less discovered and avoid the overly crowded. To help them, Skyscanner has launched ‘Underrated Destinations’ – a filter on our Explore pages.

It spotlights lesser-known, alternative destinations to the ‘big hitters’ that don’t come with the larger crowds and snaking queues. These places might not have the same level of fame or popularity as their well-known counterparts, but they still make for fantastic places to visit.

Encouraging more responsible tourism 

As travellers, we want to cause as little disruption to locals and the environment as possible. But when a destination becomes increasingly popular, mass tourism can put growing pressure on its infrastructure and resources.

Often, locals can be driven out of the area and the destination loses the authenticity that attracts travelers in the first place. There can be environmental repercussions too, with areas of natural beauty and historical sites being damaged beyond repair.

Cities like Venice, Amsterdam, and Barcelona are already encouraging more responsible tourism – such as off-peak travel, longer stays and increased visits to surrounding areas – to help minimize the effects of overtourism.

Venice, for example, introduced an entrance fee to the city and its islands in spring 2024, becoming the world’s first city to do so. While Amsterdam has banned cruise ships from its city centre to limit footfall and curb pollution.

The appeal of underrated tourism 

Apart from the immediate benefits of experiencing a destination more like a local, while not having to dodge and weave past other holidaymakers, underrated places and points of interest can help broaden traveller horizons by encouraging people to venture off the beaten track and beyond traditional cities. Skyscanner Underrated Destinations Filter

At the same time, visitation to less well-known, but still attractive, destinations can support and maintain a country’s tourism growth but disperse its impact across more locations and spread the economic benefit of travel more evenly.

Benefits of Choosing an Unconventional Path

There are numerous advantages to opting for an underrated destination. Here are just a few:

• Unique Experiences: Immerse yourself in the true essence of a place, interacting with locals and experiencing their way of life.
• Avoid Crowds: Escape the long lines and bustling tourist traps, allowing for a more peaceful and personalized travel experience.
• Potential Cost Savings: Underrated destinations often come with lower travel costs, making your trip more budget-friendly.

Skyscanner’s top picks for underrated destinations 

• Tunis, Tunisia

Best/quietest time to visit: April–May and October–November

• San Sebastián 

Best/quietest time to visit: March–May

Straddling the Bay of Biscay in northern Spain’s Basque Country, the coastal town of San Sebastián stuns with its world-class food and drink scene, beautiful architecture, and glorious beaches.

You can embark on a gastronomic walking tour of the town’s pintxo snack bars, serving small bites of food on skewers (their version of tapas), colourfully adorning the length and breadth of countertops. Or take part in one of its many food tours or cooking classes. Thinking about a trip to Barcelona? Take a look at San Sebastián first.

Flights to San Sebastián 

• Boston, Massachusetts

Best/quietest time to visit: March–April and September–November

• Perth, Australia

Best/quietest time to visit: March–May

Find your perfect, Underrated Destination 

We want to inspire travellers and help them discover some of the world’s best-hidden gems and alternative destinations. See what you can find by searching ‘Underrated Destinations’ for yourself.  Skyscanner Underrated Destinations Filter

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