Long-overlooked destinations that are ready for more Aussie travellers in 2026, from Croatia and Mexico to Romania and Finland

Japan. Thailand. Bali. The US. New Zealand. Greece.

These are all places that Aussies love to travel. And for good reason: they’re beautiful destinations with plenty to offer. 

But as these spots get crowded (and expensive!), some travellers are looking to holiday spots outside the classic list.

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While we’re not saying that classic tourist destinations should be avoided, we think it’s worth taking a look at a few under-the-radar spots.

Travel experts at Intrepid have compiled a list of 10 underrated destinations for 2026 – a “not hot” list, if you will.

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Most popular holiday spots in Australia right now

Developed with insights from trend agency Globetrender, these places are less-visited but also newly ready for tourism, with recent upgrades to infrastructure.

The list features a combination of lesser-known regions in popular tourism destinations such as Croatia and Mexico, as well as emerging countries like Sierra Leone and Kyrgyzstan, which international visitors have long overlooked.

One of the destinations on the list is Vis Island, off the coast of Croatia. Though other Croatian islands and coastal cities have become hugely popular in the last decade, Vis has remained largely untouched.

These more laid-back destinations have a local community element that is hard to find in big cities like Rome or Tokyo.

On Vis, travellers can cycle around the island, visit family-run wineries, and stay in an ancient coastal village.

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According to Erica Kritikides, General Manager of Experiences at Intrepid Travel, Aussies have a strong appetite for meaningful travel.

“Nature-based tourism, community-led and unique experiences are front of mind, as travellers increasingly want to feel connected to local people, culture and landscapes,” she tells 9Travel.

Similarly, in Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan Mountains, travellers can trek the expanded Kyrgyz Nomad Trail, while staying in yurts and sharing meals with local families. 

Erica points out that due to our location, Aussies often have to fly long-haul to get anywhere, so we want a holiday that really packs a punch.

“It makes sense to seek out experiences that feel rare and rewarding, rather than following the same well-worn path,” she says.

A surprising destination on the list is Tiwai Island, in the west African country of Sierra Leone, which is known for its beautiful beaches.

On this island, every tourism dollar is reinvested into eight surrounding villages, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable travel.

Aussie travellers want to know their presence is going to have a positive impact on locals, says Erica, another reason we’re seeking out these authentic experiences.

The US is known for its national parks, with millions flocking to places like Yellowstone and Yosemite each year. But the one to watch for 2026, according to Intrepid?

The Great Basin National Park, in Nevada. This is one of the US’s quietest national parks, attracting just 152,000 visitors each year. Here, travellers can really soak up the wide-open landscapes and some of the darkest skies in the US, in a place that still feels largely untouched.

The 2026 Not Hot List includes:

1. Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone
2. Tien Shan Mountain Range, Kyrgyzstan
3. Sierra Norte, Mexico
4. Vis Island, Croatia
5. Gaziantep, Türkiye
6. Arunachal Pradesh, India
7. Via Transilvanica, Romania
8. Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador
9. Oulu, Finland
10. Great Basin National Park, Nevada, United States

Under-the-radar Euro spots to visit if you’re sick of crowds