Nearly half (44%) of UK travellers are now considering overtourism when choosing their holiday, almost double the number in 2022.
With this in mind, Intrepid Travel has revealed its annual Not Hot List featuring 10 lesser-known destinations that deserve more attention in 2026.
Designed to encourage sustainable exploration, the list highlights places where tourism can have a positive impact.
Each spot combines low visitor numbers with new investment, experiences, or infrastructure to make them ready for travellers.
Intrepid has launched brand-new trips to six of the destinations: Sierra Leone, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Türkiye, Romania and El Salvador.
Here’s a closer look at the 10 destinations and what to use as a selling hook.
Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone
- Why now: Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- What to do: Explore one of West Africa’s richest biodiversity hotspots, home to pygmy hippos, 11 species of primates, and over 135 bird species. Visit nearby villages to experience local culture and traditions.
Tien Shan Mountain Range, Kyrgyzstan
- Why now: The Kyrgyz Nomad Trail has been extended by 1,000km.
- What to do: Trek along dramatic alpine landscapes; stay in traditional yurts with nomadic families; ride horses through vast valleys; and discover Silk Road history in mountain villages.
Sierra Norte, Mexico
- Why now: Growing focus on community-based tourism.
- What to do: Hike through pine forests, stay in eco-lodges run by Zapotec communities, enjoy mezcal tastings, and explore colourful local markets.
Vis Island, Croatia
- Why now: Still less-visited compared to Split or Hvar.
- What to do: Swim in the famous Blue Cave, sip local wines at rustic vineyards, kayak hidden coves, and sample fresh seafood by the Adriatic.
Gaziantep, Türkiye
- Why now: Known as the culinary capital of Türkiye, yet often overlooked.
- What to do: Taste world-famous pistachio baklava, explore bustling bazaars, visit Zeugma Mosaic Museum, and tour nearby archaeological sites.
Arunachal Pradesh, India
- Why now: Remote Himalayan state opening up to more responsible tourism.
- What to do: Trek through pristine valleys, visit Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, attend tribal festivals, and marvel at snow-capped peaks without the crowds.
Via Transilvanica, Romania
- Why now: A new long-distance trail connecting 1,400 km across Romania.
- What to do: Walk or cycle past castles, fortified churches, and medieval villages; stay in homestays; and discover the folklore of Dracula country.
Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador
- Why now: Rising investment in tourism, plus colourful villages.
- What to do: Drive through mountain towns decorated with murals and flowers, sample gourmet coffee at plantations, browse weekend food festivals, and hike to waterfalls.
Oulu, Finland
- Why now: Named European Capital of Culture for 2026.
- What to do: Enjoy a lively programme of cultural events; try traditional Finnish saunas; cycle along Baltic Sea paths; and chase the Northern Lights in winter.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada, USA
- Why now: One of America’s least-visited national parks.
- What to do: Stargaze in one of the darkest night skies in the U.S., explore Lehman Caves, hike ancient bristlecone pine forests, and climb Wheeler Peak for panoramic views.
Intrepid’s new ‘Sierra Leone Adventure: History, Culture and Nature’ trip is priced from £2,180pp. The eight-day trip will spend a night on the newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tiwai Island, which is at the heart of the country’s 10-year tourism transformation. The price is based on a Thursday December 10, 2026 departure.
Erica Kritikides, General Manager of Experiences at Intrepid Travel said: “We know that 80% of travellers visit just 10% of the world’s tourism destinations and we recognise that we have a role to play in influencing that. The selection criteria for our Not Hot List reflects an approach to tourism that we’ve long championed.
“While some destinations receive millions – even tens of millions – of visitors each year, many lesser-known places go virtually unnoticed by travellers. A key consideration when we’re developing trips is how we can spread the economic benefits of tourism more widely and how our presence in a destination can positively impact the communities we’re visiting.”
The Not Hot List is backed by insights from Intrepid’s experts in 32 countries, plus data from travel trend agency Globetrender.
Destinations were chosen for being less-visited than similar locations, tourism-ready with new infrastructure and experiences, and relevant for next year thanks to cultural or environmental milestones.
