The selection was based on three key criteria.
While some tourist destinations are struggling under the weight of excessive tourism, others, on the contrary, want to see more tourists.
The travel operator Intrepid Travel has released the latest Not Hot List 2027, which brings together 10 lesser‑known destinations around the world ready to welcome more travelers in 2027.
“This project is not just a list of little‑known places. Its goal is to change the approach to choosing destinations and travel formats, inspiring people to discover corners of the world where tourism brings real benefits to local communities, the economy, and culture,” the authors of the collection note.
How the rating winners were selected
The selection of the top ten leaders was based on three key criteria, taking into account both the experience and knowledge of Intrepid’s extensive global network of local guides and experts, as well as data from an independent study conducted by the Globetrender agency, which specializes in trend forecasting.
- Low popularity compared to neighboring or similar destinations.
- Preparedness to receive tourists – both in terms of infrastructure and from the perspective of local residents.
- The novelty in 2027 will be the launch of new initiatives, improved transport accessibility, the holding of major events, the opening of new facilities, or the development of infrastructure.
10 best little‑known destinations to visit in 2027
- Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.
- Small town of Mestia, Georgia.
- Northern Highlands, Jordan.
- Whitehorse, Canada.
- The island of Alonnisos, Greece.
- The city of Dili, East Timor.
- The Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka.
- Liepaja city, Latvia.
- The Carretera Austral, Chile.
- The province of Dalarna, Sweden.
You can read more about each of them by following the link.
Want more underrated destinations beyond this 2027 shortlist? Compare our roundup of 10 underrated European cities before the crowds with a deep dive on Mestia in Georgia’s Svaneti mountains — one of the places named here. The Not Hot List comes from Intrepid Travel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Not Hot List 2027?
Intrepid Travel’s collection of 10 lesser-known destinations ready to welcome more travelers in 2027. The goal is to steer people toward places where tourism benefits local communities, the economy, and culture.
How were the destinations chosen?
Selection used three criteria: low popularity compared with neighboring or similar places; preparedness for visitors (infrastructure and local residents); and novelty in 2027 such as new initiatives, better transport, major events, new facilities, or infrastructure development. Intrepid’s local guides and experts and Globetrender research fed the list.
Which 10 places made the list?
Samburu National Reserve (Kenya), Mestia (Georgia), Northern Highlands (Jordan), Whitehorse (Canada), Alonnisos (Greece), Dili (East Timor), the Pekoe Trail (Sri Lanka), Liepaja (Latvia), the Carretera Austral (Chile), and Dalarna province (Sweden).
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