Intrepid Travel’s “Not Hot List” – 10 of the best under-rated destinations for 2026

Every year, our friends at Intrepid Travel shine a light on places you might not have thought about visiting – spots that are not on the usual tourist map, but are more than ready to welcome curious travellers. They call it the “Not Hot List”, and the latest line-up for 2026 is a cracking one. I've got my eye on the-closer-to-home destinations in Croatia and Romania. What do you think?

Intrepid Travel's 2026 'Not Hot List' map

The idea is simple: rather than squeezing into already crowded destinations, why not explore somewhere a bit different – places where your visit genuinely makes a difference? These are destinations where travellers are welcomed with open arms, where communities benefit directly from tourism, and where you get a much more rewarding experience.

This year, Intrepid worked with 32 of their local offices around the world (and trend forecasters at Globetrender) to pull together the list. The result? Ten destinations that are under the radar, rich in culture and natural beauty, and that tick the box for better, more sustainable tourism.

Here’s the 2026 line-up based on the regions. I've included links to small group adventure tours with Intrepid which explore the region. If group travel isn't your thing just get in touch and we can put together a private tour for you.

Four amazing destinations in Europe

• Vis Island, Croatia – A peaceful island escape, far quieter than Dubrovnik or Hvar, with new walking and cycling trails to explore. Join the 8 day Explore Croatia adventure for food & wine tasting & explore relics of it's military past.

• Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey – Rich with UNESCO sites, bustling Gaziantep (famous for its baklava!) and a chance to experience Turkey beyond the usual hotspots.  A new 11-day Eastern Turkey Explorer trip shines a light on this little-explored region.

• Oulu, Finland – The European Capital of Culture in 2026. Expect a year-long programme of Arctic nature, innovation and Indigenous heritage.

• Via Transilvanica, Romania – A long-distance hiking trail that’s being extended again in 2026, showing off Romania’s forests, villages and castles. A new 10-day Hiking in Romania via Transilvanica Trail trip gives travellers early access to some of the newly added sections of the trail.

(Photo credits: Intrepid Travel)

A little-visited island in West Africa

• Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone – A newly recognised UNESCO World Heritage site, home to rare pygmy hippos. The country’s tourism profile is growing fast, with a bit of celebrity backing from Idris Elba too. Intrepid travellers will be among the few visitors to explore Tiwai Island on its new 8-day Sierra Leone Adventure: History, Culture & Nature

(Photo credits: Intrepid Travel)

Under-rated gems in the Americas

• Great Basin National Park, USA – One of the least visited national parks in the States, with ancient bristlecone pines, starry night skies and hidden caves.

• Sierra Norte, Mexico – A cooperative of Zapatec villages that’s been running sustainable travel for decades – think community-led trekking and deep cultural connections. The new 5-day trip, Hiking in Mexico: Oaxaca’s Indigenous Highlands, offers an off-the-grid adventure, hiking to the remote Benito Juarez, La Neveria and Latuvi villages in the Pueblos Mancomunados.

• Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador – A scenic route linking coffee towns, waterfalls and buzzing markets. The country has become much safer for visitors in recent years. The new 9-day Discover Guatemala, Honduras & El Salvador trip explores this lesser-known region while it still feels untouched, offering travellers an immersive highland experience built around coffee, culture and connection.

(Photo credits: Intrepid Travel)

Our favourite places in Asia

• Arunachal Pradesh, India – A remote Himalayan region of tribal culture, homestays and adventure. The first ever Sunrise Festival takes place here in December 2026.

• Tien Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan – Trekking paradise in Central Asia, where travellers meet nomadic families whose traditions have stood the test of time. Trekkers on Intrepid’s new 2026 Kyrgyzstan: Trekking the Tien Shan Trails will hike routes that wind through remote valleys – passing glacial lakes and staying in traditional yurts along the way.

  
  

(Photo credits: Intrepid Travel)

We love the idea behind the Not Hot List. It’s not about chasing the latest Instagram trend, but about shining a light on what’s overlooked – the places that could do with more visitors, and where your travels really matter.

If any of these destinations have caught your eye, get in touch – I’d be more than happy to talk through the options and see if one could be the right adventure for you.