Many people prefer to stick to the conventional when picking where to go on holiday, and to a point, this is understandable- places like Spain, Greece, and Italy aren’t too far off what they have at home, and will rarely stretch a European visitor to their true limits. Yes, Malta may be a safer option than Malawi, and the same goes for Santorini compared to Sri Lanka, however these hidden gems offer a much deeper, transformative cultural experience, often for a fraction of the price. Obviously, there are invigorating cultural shocks to the senses that are well-known- destinations such as Thailand, Bali, and Mexico come to mind, but there’s something exciting about beating the trend, maybe even setting it, especially if you’re doing it with great value for money. 2025 is a great year for finding these unique alternatives- why not choose Greenland over Iceland or Lapland for your northern lights and dog sledding getaway, and why not pick Albania over Greece or Croatia for your beach holiday? Why not test yourself, and spring outside your comfort zone- after all, a bad holiday is still a holiday, and a good one is a life altering experience. Read further into this article to discover your alternatives to the conventional, and hopefully find your next break from normality.
Albania
In many ways, Albania is currently the headline name when it comes to up and coming holiday destinations. The country had experienced steady growth in visitor numbers in the years following the end of communism, however recently, people have truly realised the hidden riches that were locked away for much of the 20th century, resulting in a rapid rise to ever-increasing fame.
It’s easy to see why the world has suddenly become obsessed with Albania- the nation’s coast is amongst the most beautiful in Europe, especially its Riveira (in particular Sarande), which has been built up as “the Maldives of Europe” by some on social media, whilst its blockbuster mountainous interior is home to countless picturesque hillside towns, most notably Berat and Gjirokaster. “Shqiperia” offers much of what fellow Balkan states Greece and Croatia do, but at the fraction of the price, not to mention the warm, hospitable nature of the Albanian people, which contributes further to a unique experience.
The country was isolated from the rest of Europe by a communist regime for much of the 20th century, and the remnants of the period can fascinatingly be seen in the dynamic, lively capital of Tirana. Albania’s mix of stunning coastlines, staggering scenery, quaint historic towns, and spirited cities creates a holiday of great variety, that ticks most boxes for a European getaway. There’s no doubt that in the coming years, the continent’s conventional of Spain, Italy, and Greece will have a previously unforeseen rival.
Sarande (MSC Cruises) and Berat (Green Coast Albania)
Greenland
The huge demand for holidays filled with dog-sledding and aurora-viewing is undeniable, however there’s an inevitable expression of confusion when someone is told that Greenland is a genuine holiday destination, and until now, it perhaps wasn’t.
Iceland, Lapland, and other Scandinavian areas dominate the non-skiing Winter holiday scene, however the unique Inuit culture, and spectacular sights of Greenland have recently become much more accessible. Previously, the Danish-owned territory had been difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to reach, but a new international airport in the capital of Nuuk opened in late 2024, which will be followed by two more by 2026, whilst airlines are beginning to catch on as well, with the launch of a twice-weekly service from Newark, New Jersey to Nuuk by United Airlines, and Icelandair’s upcoming non-stop flights will link Nuuk with major American cities. For those from the UK, a stop-over in either Denmark or Iceland is still needed.
In many ways, icecap covered Greenland feels like the edge of the world, but also the gateway to the Arctic. The territory contains spectacular imposing mountains, stunning fjords, and truly unspoilt wilderness, which acts as a great setting for activities such as hiking, whale-watching, and dog sledging. Nuuk is a modern town with a historic waterfront, as well as interesting museums and art galleries, and acts as a Launchpad to the rest of the territory, whilst Ilulissat further north offers a view of the jaw-dropping icebergs in Disko Bay. The south houses greener, scenic fjords, which are dotted with picturesque sheep farms, showing an often unrecognised side of the usually white wilderness. Inuit culture’s uniqueness is also a great factor in pulling people towards Greenland, and the ethnic group’s architecture can be seen in all its glory through the quaint, pastel-coloured buildings that act as brilliant symbol for the territory.
Nuuk (Lonely Planet) and view of the Northern Lights (Greenland Travel EN)
Oman
Oman’s enthralling cinematic landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich history make it one of the most under-recognised holiday destinations in the world. A Middle-Eastern getaway usually means a vacation of glitz, glamour, and five-star hotels, somewhat lacking in authenticity, however Oman’s oil money has created a safe, well-developed state, that still carries its unique culture and identity.
Many hotels sit perfectly between the glistening turquoise Arabian Sea waters, and raw, rugged, yet beautiful mountainous desert interior, giving visitors a chance to relax between two of Oman’s three biggest attractions. The third is its storied history and spectacular architecture, which is seen best in the capital of Muscat. For centuries, the city has served as the gateway to the country’s wind-sculpted deserts and awe-inspiring fortresses, and today, more and more resorts are beginning to arrive in the laid-back capital. The city, tucked away in the Hajar mountains, features the post-card standard Mutrah Corniche, which includes a 200-year-old covered souk. This is just one of the countless ancient wonders of the nation, which are waiting to be discovered by tourists who are attracted by the Middle-East, but desire a more authentic experience.
Muscat (Holiday Architects) and a castle (BBC)
Sri Lanka
This plucky and resilient pear-shaped island has encountered and conquered many big set-backs in recent years, and has come out the other end as a destination that ticks a lot of boxes. The tourism industry itself wasn’t able to function until the Civil War ended in 2009, and solid progress was heavily affected by the tragic 2019 Easter Bombings, in which many tourists sadly lost their lives. This was then followed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which affected the state so severely that the then-president announced Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy in early 2022, leading to large-scale public unrest, and the eventual implementation of a new leader. Anura Kumara Dissanayake will now attempt to change the nations fortunes, and get it back on its feet through tourism- it’s already become obvious that attracting visitors won’t be a problem.
Wild elephants roam misty hilltop tree plantations and fascinating ancient temples, whilst the country’s Indian Ocean beaches are amongst the best in the world. Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture also adds beautifully to the experience, and the nation can serve as a very viable alternative to India. The cultural triangle in the centre of the country links three cities steeped in history, one of which is Kandy, which will soon see the opening of its first seven-star hotel. Air Ceilao will also soon be launched, and will serve as one of the nation’s national airlines, flying as far as Europe and Australia, showing the ambition of this beautiful and spirited location. Sri Lanka rarely disappoints its visitors, who can truly experience the nation by hiking part of the 300km Pekoe Trail, which leads them through tea plantations and villages in the rural heart of the country, and past some of its many UNESCO world heritage sites.
Colombo (The Portuguese Traveller) and the interior (Black Tomato)
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a nation that has been criticised by many (rightly so in many ways), however you simply can’t fault the Kingdom’s ambition and drive to be a futuristic state that can be used as a blueprint for the ideal country. Since making widespread tourism available in 2019, Saudi Arabia have splashed the cash on influencers and other PR in an attempt to greatly improve its often poor image, and convince people it’s a place they should genuinely visit. Huge tourism breakthroughs are being made, led by the creation of a new state airline, Riyadh Air, and the construction of the King Salman International Airport, which will be the biggest in the world.
Dizzying tourism developments tower over the endless, sweeping sands of the Arabian desert, creating an exciting destination for tourists right now, as the nation as a whole feel’s like it’s moving into the future at a quicker pace than others. Giga-projects like Neom are currently being built, which aim to offer a wide range of activities to visitors in a relatively small area- the province of Neom itself will include Trojena, a mountainous region perfect for skiing, the Line, a fascinating and revolutionary 3-dimensional city, and Magna, a coastal area aiming to become one of Saudi Arabia’s premier destinations, with access to stunning waterfronts, beautiful beaches, and vibrant life-filled coral reefs. Along with the five-star hotels, and man-made wonders, the Kingdom’s position of being the centre of Islam for centuries has given it a rich history and cultural heritage, leaving many stunning ancient buildings, and a unique feel.
With Saudi Arabia however, there is a dark footnote to read before you travel. Human rights groups and the general public have been huge critics of the state for years now, due to its mistreatment of groups such as women and migrant workers. The country has been consistently ranked as one of the world’s most racist, and many believe that laws are too strict within the nation, with sex outside marriage and homosexuality being illegal. The death penalty is also used particularly harshly, as some are executed for crimes such as burglary and adultery. Many may not want to fund such a regime through tourism, whilst rules surrounding modest clothing and alcohol usage might take a little away from the holiday for others.
Riyadh (WTM Global Hub) and an artists interpretation of “The Line” (Green Prophet)
Kazakhstan
Central Asia is often one of the world’s forgotten regions, however that’s slowly beginning to change, as along with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan is leading a new tourism charge. The country, which is the 9th largest in the world, offers a truly immersive experience, especially for travellers searching for a pure form of unspoilt and “rustic” adventure. The way that former Soviet Central Asia has been dismissed by tourists for decades means that its nations still provide a holiday of authenticity, with preserved and pristine national parks emerging as the key pull factor.
Sairam-Ugam National Park’s trails are perfect for hikers, and are usually uncrowded by tourists. Kazakhstan’s vastness also means that its landscapes are massively varied, with stunning, awe-inspiring sights ranging from the picturesque, mountain-framed, calming Kolsai Lakes, to the spectacular, other-worldly Charyn Canyon. Shymkent is known for housing the best of Kazakhstan’s hearty, meat-focused cuisine, whilst former capital Almaty remains the premier destination for viewing the nation’s fascinating Soviet heritage in detail. The current capital, Astana, is a modern city known for its unique architecture, notably including the Bayterek Tower, Hazret Sultan Mosque, Khan Shatyr, and the National Museum. Islam’s importance in Kazakhstan is shown through the popular and extremely important place of pilgrimage, Beket-Ata, whilst Winter sports can also be found in Shymbulak, which is the largest ski resort in Central Asia.
Kolsai Lakes (Adventurous Gina) and Charyn Canyon (National Geographic)
Nicaragua
Mexico may be a tourism and cultural giant, and Costa Rica may also be incredibly popular, however this doesn’t explain why Central America’s second largest country, Nicaragua, remains one of its most unvisited. Admittedly, it’s one of the regions poorest nations, however the pros may suddenly be about to outweigh the cons when it comes to this magical state. The new Carretera Costanera highway is set to link 53 beaches along the Pacific Coast, from the Gulf of Fonseca to Playa El Naranjo- this will make it easier to travel from the capital of Managua, to the magnificent interior rainforests and the surfing hubs by the sea, uncovering one of the nation’s crown jewels- the Emerald Coast.
The Emerald Coast houses mist-shrouded rainforests, stunning lakes, and intimidating volcanoes, as well as one of the America’s oldest and most attractive cities, Granada, which is famous for its pretty architecture and magnificent yellow-walled cathedral. The relative inaccessibleness of the coastline so far means that it currently contains some of the most secluded beaches and unspoilt scenery in the world, creating a brilliant destination for those seeking tranquillity and adventure in a more authentic and genuine setting. There’s no doubt that the Emerald Coast could breathe new life into one of the poorest countries in the America’s (albeit full of colonial cities, volcanic landscapes, and idyllic beaches), and propel it into becoming a full-on cheaper alternative to destinations such as Costa Rica, and maybe even Mexico.
Emerald Coast (CNN) and Granada (Nicaragua’s Best Guides)
Georgia
Much like its fellow former Soviet region of Central Asia, the Caucasus, nestled beautifully between Russia and the Middle-East, is often much underappreciated. However, now is the time that people are beginning to realise the diverse experience that the area has to offer, and therefore, we must determine what destination is best. Armenia may interest many due to its huge connection to Christianity, however it currently isn’t as developed as its two contenders. Build on its rich oil reserves, Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, is a dynamic modern city with a superb night life scene, however Georgia is the pick of the bunch when it comes to an authentic experience.
The country features diverse landscapes, a storied history, and unique culture, offering a fascinating blend of ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant trendy cities such as Tblisi and Batumi. Georgia boasts Vardzia, a jaw-dropping and truly individual cave monastery, as well as the wine region of Kakheti, which combines attractive, Italy-like rolling green vineyards with the opportunity to taste the area’s high-quality distinctive produce. The nation combines luxury and affordability, in addition to being a premier destination for outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, and mountain climbing. Georgia’s people are synonymous with warmth and hospitality, and the significant growth experienced by the nation’s tourism industry has led to newer and better infrastructure, and ever-increasing international arrivals.
Tblisi ( Go Kite Tours) and the mountains ( Evaneos)
Bolivia
South America’s tourism scene as a whole is on the rise at the moment, however Bolivia is consistently under-recognised as a top destination and cultural experience. The nation houses the Uyuni Salt Flats (the world’s largest), which quite literally give the feeling of being on another planet, as well as being perfect for seeing the night sky at its finest. The experience offered by the country’s capital city, La Paz, is a little more breathless (it’s the world’s highest capital), but this altitude is worth it when you see its dramatic, staggering Mount Illimani backdrop, and walk its unique, lively, and gloriously vibrant streets.
Bolivia is a particularly strong spirited country, and has the largest proportion of indigenous people in South America (roughly two thirds), which shines through in its beautiful traditional textiles, as their bright, mixed colour scheme also sums up the country pretty well. The nation also includes a portion of the world-famous Amazon Rainforest, where visitors can see animals such as capybaras, cougars, and macaws, whilst the variety of the state is shown as it also includes part of South America’s other geographic marvel, the Andes mountain range. The most daring of travellers may consider cycling down a section of the notorious 64km North Yungas Road (also known as the Death Road), that links La Paz to the stunning Amazonian wilderness. Bolivia’s capital also serves as one of the continent’s most underrated food scenes, with many chefs offering a modern, individual take on the country’s rich and lively cuisine.
La Paz (Brate.com) and the Uyuni Salt Flats (Rove.me)
Fiji
This 333-island big archipelago has experienced a tourism resurgence in the years since the Covid-19 pandemic, and has since emerged as the premier option for an Oceanian island holiday. Fiji combines some of the best underwater ecosystems in the world (640 protected areas, all brimming with fish), and a surprisingly magnificent, lush, and diverse jungle and highland interior for such a small group of islands. The former British colony has become known for its warm and hospitable inhabitants.
Fiji is a world-renowned destination when it comes to scuba diving and snorkelling, due to its top-level coral reefs, which are known for their vibrant, vivid colours, diverse range of fascinating marine life, and healthy, beautifully functioning ecosystems. Above the super-clear water, the archipelago possesses post-card standard, almost snow-white, palm-tree lined beaches, which offer an idyllic setting to enjoy Fiji’s glorious climate and sunshine (from May-October). Flourishing emerald green rainforests also carpet the hills of the nation, rounding off an almost perfect holiday experience. Fiji is currently undergoing an increase in online engagement, as well as positive media coverage, creating more flight routes, and contributing to its rapid growth in popularity.
A Fijian island (Turtle Island Fiji) and a coral reef of Fiji’s coasts (Scuba)
Singapore
This 333-island big archipelago has experienced a tourism resurgence in the years since the Covid-19 pandemic, and has since emerged as the premier option for an Oceanian island holiday. Fiji combines some of the best underwater ecosystems in the world (640 protected areas, all brimming with fish), and a surprisingly magnificent, lush, and diverse jungle and highland interior for such a small group of islands. The former British colony has become known for its warm and hospitable inhabitants.
Fiji is a world-renowned destination when it comes to scuba diving and snorkelling, due to its top-level coral reefs, which are known for their vibrant, vivid colours, diverse range of fascinating marine life, and healthy, beautifully functioning ecosystems. Above the super-clear water, the archipelago possesses post-card standard, almost snow-white, palm-tree lined beaches, which offer an idyllic setting to enjoy Fiji’s glorious climate and sunshine (from May-October). Flourishing emerald green rainforests also carpet the hills of the nation, rounding off an almost perfect holiday experience. Fiji is currently undergoing an increase in online engagement, as well as positive media coverage, creating more flight routes, and contributing to its rapid growth in popularity.
The super-trees (CNN) and Singapore’s downtown (Wikipedia)
Malawi
Safari alone has worked wonders for the African tourism industry, however there’s much more to the continent than that, and despite not being one of the conventional destinations, Malawi is a perfect example of the region’s diversity. Even though it’s landlocked, the country boasts sandy, paradise-like beaches, due to the spectacular UNESCO-listed Lake Malawi. Water-sports such as snorkelling and diving are great ways to see the lake’s unique and vibrant fish, and tours are based from the nation’s recognisable quaint little fishing villages. Malawi is a land of variety, and you can even experience the jungle during your stay, which is teeming with wildlife, whilst its savannah regions feature the famous African “big five”. Majete Wildlife Park is amongst the best areas to spot bucket-list animals such as elephants, lions, and hippopotamuses in the true wild- lodges are even available in other parks nearby for an authentic, magical experience.
Malawi’s capital, Blantyre, features many lively bars and restaurants, and houses the nation’s distinctively spirited, warm, and welcoming people. Despite being amongst the poorest countries in the world, it is known as the “warm heart of Africa”, and its inhabitants are notoriously easy to make smile, whilst its children are curious, and joyful. Malawi’s people are genuinely friendly, and generally don’t try to sell tacky souvenirs to visitors. The state has the rare situation of being an African nation that hasn’t yet experienced a civil war, and this really shines through into its people. The lively nature of the locals, lack of tourists, and very easy-going vibe all contribute to a relaxed, (possibly cheap), and cheerful holiday.
Elephants in Malawi (Global Nomadic) and Lake Malawi (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Cambodia
In a world where Thailand and Vietnam have now truly ascended to the peak of not only holiday destinations, but cultural experience, Cambodia could be next in line. The atrocities of the Khmer Rouge are not only tragically remembered, but highlighted by the amount of time it has taken for the nation’s tourism industry to become a genuine contender- now people’s interest in the awful regime is a fascinating element in what makes the nation so interesting. It may not yet be on the level of Ho Chi Minh, or Bangkok, but Phnom Penh is becoming an increasingly popular invigoration to the senses, with its bustling normalisation of chaos, and vibrant skylines and markets- a separate world whizzing along it is own rapid pace of scooter horns and motor hums.
Many may never have heard of Angkor Wat; however, it’d be a good bet that most would recognise it if shown a picture. The unique and ancient Hindu-Buddhist temple is surrounded by lush forest, and now appears gloriously one of nature- a soothing observation given that it was once the centre of a shoot-out between Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese forces, once again highlighting the unrelenting impact that the short-lived regime still has on the nation. Along with its rich and lively culture, Cambodia also features some jaw-dropping, blissful beaches, notably Long Beach on the island of Koh Rong, which combines emerald greenery, with gloriously white sand and stunning azure water to create a truly awe-inspiring image. Tonle Sap is one of the most unique lakes in the world, largely due to the captivating, ramshackle but thriving villages that quite literally sit on its water- a sight not to be missed when visiting the country.
Angkor Wat (Lonely Planet) and Tonle Sap (DHT Travel)
Zanzibar
This Tanzanian island offers something close to the full experience- it’s often known as “the spice island”, and offers a brilliant blend of cultural richness, and stunning natural beauty. The old section of Zanzibar City, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring fascinating ancient buildings, vibrant narrow streets, and an all-round superb experience, offering a unique insight into the history of the island. Darajani Market is a sensation to the senses, with its colourful spice stalls, and fresh seafood. Another great activity in Zanzibar is a visit to the Old Prison, which combines the island’s history with its wildlife, as the storied building now serves as a sanctuary for aldabra giant tortoises- the prison also offers a darker view into the Tanzanian island’s past association with the slave trade.
Zanzibar has countless stunning, unspoilt beaches, which are beautifully accompanied by its renowned vibrant Indian Ocean coral reefs, making the island an exceptional destination for snorkelling and diving activities. The surrounding sea is home to a huge range of colourful fish, sea turtles, and various invertebrates. Mainly, the island is famous for its spices, therefore many spice tours are available for tourists, many of which offer an authentic, family-run experience, giving visitors a true flavour of this exotic paradise.
Stone Town (Easy Travel Tanzania) and one of Zanzibar’s best beaches (Altezza Travel)
Montenegro
Being often named “the gem of the Adriatic” is special praise for a destination, especially when you look at the competition. Slightly overshadowed by fellow Balkan countries such as Greece, Croatia, and now Albania, Montenegro’s diverse landscapes, copious history, and spirited culture mean that the nation could soon be a genuine Mediterranean contender. Spectacular sights range from stunning coastal towns such as Budva and Kotor, to dramatic mountain ranges (the state is dominated by the Dinaric Alps), and beautiful, jaw-dropping national parks. Albanian border-straggling Lake Skadar is the largest in Southern Europe, and also one of the most attractive, with staggering amounts of greenery and a hugely idyllic feel.
Montenegro’s cuisine is just as diverse as its landscapes, with influences from both Mediterranean flavours such as Italian, and Balkan ones such as Greek. The country’s towns are very charming, and remain unspoilt due to the destination still being relatively unspoilt, whilst the state is also brilliant for outdoor activities, as the range of national parks, lakes, and coastline create an ideal setting for hiking, cycling, and water-sports. The small picturesque coastal town of Perast provides a great snapshot of Montenegro, with its stunning location tucked away between imposing mountains, and its unique Baroque architecture.
Perast (Viator) and Lake Skadar (Wildlife Worldwide)
Thanks for reading my latest blog post on Your World Explored by me, Lewis Defraine. Feel free to offer your support, or even constructive criticism in the comments section below. A like would be greatly appreciated, and if you’d like to receive more articles from Your World Explored, you can also subscribe. Also, you can take part in the poll down below.
Key Sources-
https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/travel-inspiration-2025-cheap-holidays-arzXu9k36jAD
https://www.inspiringtravel.co.uk/blog/best-holiday-destinations
https://www.cntraveller.com/article/best-places-to-go-in-2025
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/five-things-malawi
Cover image- CN Traveller
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