Here's the 'not crowded' list for 2024 if you want to avoid crowds while traveling.
Tired of the usual sights or craving a break from the travel herd?
These five travel spots may be the getaway you’re looking for.
Intrepid Travel has released its "Not Hot" list, highlighting underrated travel destinations worldwide.
Intrepid Travel's annual list aims to combat overtourism by helping travelers "avoid the crowds and discover unique experiences in communities that can truly benefit from visitors," according to Matt Berna, president of the Americas at Intrepid Travel, as shared in a CNBC Travel article.
In 2024, two Asian destinations, two European locations, and one Central American spot are highlighted in the list.
Corsica
Corsica, a French territorial collectivity situated in the Mediterranean, is famously known as the "Island of Beauty."
Intrepid Travel's press release states that Corsica offers a more authentic, tranquil, and immersive experience for travelers, unlike the tourist-saturated Positano, without the overwhelming crowds.
Beyond its coastlines, Corsica's allure extends to its 180 km hiking trail, GR20, and numerous historic landmarks, as France's tourism website highlights. The island boasts six nature reserves, including the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its red volcanic rocks.
Intrepid highlights Corsica's distinctive combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance as what distinguishes it from popular destinations like Positano.
Seoul
In 2023, Euromonitor International reports that the three most visited Asian cities are Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul.
In 2019, Tokyo had 31.8 million international tourists while Seoul, Korea, had 17.5 million, according to their respective tourism organizations.
Nick Lim, Asia CEO of The Travel Corporation, stated that Tokyo's popularity as a travel destination for a long time has resulted in a wider range of product offerings, which attracts a broader audience, particularly families and more mature travelers.
While Tokyo's bookings from January to November 2023 rose by 234%, Seoul's popularity is also on the rise. This year, flight bookings to Seoul increased 191%, which is double the increase seen in 2022, according to a representative at Trip.com.
Seoul's appeal among younger travelers can be attributed to its blend of traditional and modern culture, as well as the popularity of Korean pop music and dramas, according to Lim.
Both Seoul and Tokyo are culturally rich with authentic and unique experiences, but the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences and interests, according to Lim.
Panama
The Panama Canal, one of the world's most advanced engineering projects, is located in Panama, a Central American nation that borders Costa Rica and Colombia.
Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in the city, including two archaeological sites, Panama Viejo and Casco Antiguo, and three national parks, namely Coiba, Darien, and La Amistad.
Intrepid Travel suggests Panama as a destination for travelers seeking to experience local traditions, folklore, and contemporary arts, which differ from the more European-centric cultural landscape, according to the press release.
In Panama, there are seven indigenous communities, two of which - Guna and Emberá territories - are accessible to tourists, as stated on the country's official tourism website.
Kefalonia to Corfu
Greece is known for its beaches, coastal caves and island hopping.
According to Intrepid, the islands from Kefalonia to Corfu are a serene haven for travelers seeking a tranquil escape, away from Santorini and Mykonos.
The Ionian Sea is home to two large islands, Kefalonia and Corfu, and 12 others are located on the west coast of Greece.
Intrepid Travel's press release stated that the Ionian Islands' "pristine beaches and unspoiled landscapes" provide a "serene haven" for travelers seeking a "tranquil escape" unlike the more crowded destinations of Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia.
Borneo
The island of Borneo, situated in Southeast Asia, is partitioned among three nations - Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.
The Indonesian region of Kalimantan occupies two-thirds of the island, while Brunei, an Islamic country, is situated between the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah.
Borneo offers a unique experience that is unmatched by any other destination, despite Bali's beauty and cultural heritage.
Despite their proximity, the islands are remarkably dissimilar.
While Bali is known as a popular "drop and flop" beach destination, Borneo is more focused on nature and eco-tourism, according to Lim's comments to CNBC Travel.
Borneo is not an alternative to Bali, but it has the potential to become a popular destination.
Borneo Eco Tours' website revealed that the largest island in Asia hosts the world's oldest rainforest and Southeast Asia's tallest mountain, Mount Kinabalu.
By 2045, Indonesia will move its capital, Jakarta, from Java to Borneo's Nusantara.
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