It’s always fun to discover something before it’s cool. Whether it’s having seen a popular band in a tiny venue, trying out a restaurant before it blew up on Insta, or getting ahead of the travel trends, there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing that you were there first.
Luckily, has just released its list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations, perfect for visiting now and bragging about in a few years’ time.
Our team of experts have travelled across the world and handpicked each entry on this list. They know where is really worth your time, from Europe’s hidden beaches and buzzy little cities – including a remote mountain in Wales – to far-flung corners of Central America.
If you’re more into chatting to the locals at a bar than sleeping in the jungle, Filandia, a small town in western Colombia which came fourth in our list, could be the place for you.
This little village is often overlooked in favour of nearby Salento, which is bigger and much more touristy. However ’s Luis Gomez, who lives in Colombia, is sure that you’ll have a better time in ‘this charming small town with multicoloured balconies and rolling green hills’. Sounds like a dream, right?
You’ll find the best of Colombia compressed into Filandia, thanks to it being home to ‘the same colourful architecture, better countryside views… and one of the region’s more innovative restaurants in Helena Adentro’. Quick tip about Helena Adentro – book in advance or risk missing out on some delicious yucca and cheese croquettes.
Filandia is four and a half hours from Medellín, or five and a half from the capital Bogotá, so it’s worth spending a couple of days here if you’re on a longer trip around the country.
Although Filandia is more than worth the trip, the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica topped our list of the world’s most underrated destinations. Its wildlife and tropical beaches just can’t be beaten; you read more about the peninsula now if you’re planning a visit.
ICYMI: These are the best destinations for slow travel, according to a new Index
Plus: I tried map-based orienteering in Finland – here’s how ditching my phone awakened my senses
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.
