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Do you want to escape the tourist crowds on your next vacation?
We think we know the answer, which is why we’ve delved into a Reddit thread in which contributors have shared destinations they believe are highly underrated, but free of crowds of visitors.
‘Ice_Creamz992’ started the discussion by asking: ‘What are some of the countries that you felt were not as touristy as one might assume, given how much they have to offer?’
From the underrated region of the US to the hidden gem of Australia and a country that is “naturally and culturally beautiful” but free of the crowds… scroll down to find out where to escape for a holiday with less hustle and bustle.
Laos
Tourists say Laos has it all, except crowds. Pictured above is the Tad Yuang waterfall near the southern city of Pakse.
Laos, it seems, has it all, except hordes of tourists.
‘Auximines_minotaur’ says: ‘Laos has absolutely stunning nature, lovely people, great food and very reasonable prices.
‘Yes, people definitely go there, but I think it doesn’t have the same level of tourist attraction as its neighbours. That’s fine, more for me!’
‘Spiritsandstories’ adds: ‘I loved Laos when I went in December! I thought the southern area (Pakse) was absolutely stunning and not overrun with tourists.
bolivia
Commenter ‘BradMtW’ was baffled by Bolivia.
They commented: ‘Bolivia has a lot to offer for its size. Mountains, jungle, swamps, desert, salt flats, volcanoes, huge lakes. Impressive country.”
Rwanda
Rwanda is described as “a lovely place” with many activities, including gorilla trekking.
Rwanda is known for its gorilla trekking, but tourists feel safe there too.
‘Grizzleizzlie’ says: ‘Very safe, beautiful, with many tourist activities such as safaris and gorilla trekking.’
‘Chafe3232’ adds: ‘It was such a lovely place, so safe and welcoming.
‘I really hope to return one day. The roads in Rwanda were also incredible and getting between cities by bus was easy and cheap.’
Surinam
Suriname has “beautiful rivers, waterfalls, swimming spots and super interesting towns,” says one traveler. Brownsberg Nature Park is shown in the photo above.
Suriname is difficult to get to, but worth the effort, tourists say.
‘Mcwobby’ reveals: ‘It’s irritatingly difficult to get there from its neighbors and it used to be very difficult to get a visa because there are relatively few embassies.
‘However, it is a country quite rich in things to see and do. The capital is a great little colonial city, architecturally interesting, with a very diverse culture, which in turn means excellent food.
‘Beautiful rivers, waterfalls, places to swim and super interesting towns. Great wildlife viewing opportunities. And a rich history.
Slovenia
Go to Lake Bled, but stay in the mountains.
That’s the message from the Redditors in the discussion.
“The country is more than Lake Bled,” comments “Starter_fail.”
Slovenia is described as “beautiful” and having a “less touristy feel”
While ‘Stunning-Dig-5378’ adds: ‘Slovenia is beautiful. Lake Bled is truly amazing, along with the Julian Alps. (It is a) more authentic Europe (with a) less touristy atmosphere. All the houses grow gardens in their front yards and (the locals) are very friendly.
“I can’t wait to get back and get even more off the beaten track.”
Taiwan
Commenters are ramping up the excitement for this road trip paradise.
‘ClumsyGuy’ says: ‘Taiwan is naturally and culturally beautiful. I spoke to a lot of nice people who were very excited to see me and delighted that I loved their island.”
And ‘Phazar989’ adds: ‘I just got back from Taiwan and I was about to say this! I was surprised to see how empty the roads were outside the main cities. It was really a pleasure to ride a motorcycle.”
Romania
Bored of the ordinary? Try Romania.
‘Laowailady’ says: ‘I recommend Romania to anyone who wants to go somewhere “different” in Europe.
“The people are very friendly and helpful, the number of people who speak good English was a big surprise, the history is very interesting, the food delicious, beautiful old towns and beautiful landscapes.”
‘Platitudinario’ adds: ‘The salt mines were incredible. I visited Salina Turda (which has a salt lake and a small amusement park inside) and Slanic Prahova (which has a planetarium inside); both were impressive. The countryside was beautiful and the accommodation was wonderful.’
The Midwest, USA
A traveler “can’t get enough” of the US Midwest, including cities like Cincinnati (above)
Forget the coasts and head inland for an unforgettable trip to the USA, is the advice in the thread.
‘RainbowCrown71’ says: ‘Cities like Cincinnati, Detroit, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, St. Louis had fantastic food, great architecture, friendly people, and I had world-class art museums to myself.
‘Everyone floods the coast, but I keep coming back to the Midwest.
“I especially love timing it with baseball games or state fairs, when the cities are most vibrant and fun.”
Tasmania, Australia
There are “lots of great nature walks, wineries and bays” here, plus “some old historic towns,” according to “Greyhounds1992,” which adds, “Yet, no one goes there.”