The “Not Hot” list highlights underrated destinations.
Intrepid journey
Overtourism has reached a crisis point, leading to overcrowded hotspots and pressure on local communities. There have been reports of locals throwing water on tourists in Barcelona, and Venice may be more cruise ship than culture.
Intrepid journey has released its annual “Not Hot” list, a refreshing take on “where to go” lists, highlighting underrated and underrated destinations. The list addresses the need for more responsible travel practices and helps reduce pressure on popular destinations. It inspires global travelers to discover different and unique experiences around the world, with communities that can truly benefit from more visitors.
Statistics reveal that 80% of travelers visit 10% of the world. So basically, the majority of travelers go to mostly the same places and the same times of year. It doesn't have to be that way. Destinations on the Not Hot list are alternatives to places subject to tourist taxes and frustrated locals. They help you move beyond the typical tourist traps, attracting those hungry for new experiences and more meaningful adventures.
This year marks Intrepid's most comprehensive “Not Hot” list to date, including third-party statistics, trends and local information on regions looking to encourage travel in 2025. The list includes alternative regions in popular countries like Morocco, where the Anti-Atlas Mountains are often missed by visitors, and emerging destinations like Pakistan, where neighboring countries have garnered attention. Unlike tourist taxes, crowded viewpoints and frustrated locals, travelers to these “not hot” destinations can expect trips that build meaningful connections far beyond the typical tourist experience.
Not hot list of 10 underrated gems for 2025
The nature is breathtaking, surrounded by icebergs and whales.
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Disko Island, Greenland (above Iceland)
While Iceland attracted more than 2 million visitors last year, Greenland welcomed fewer than 150,000. With new tours and an international airport planned for 2025, Greenland is becoming more accessible. Located off the west coast of Greenland, Disko Island is itself a volcanic island (the youngest in the Greenland) with magnificent mountains. Some of the nature is breathtaking. Surrounded by icebergs and whales, visitors can hike glaciers by day and relax by night at a local lodge overlooking Disko Bay.
Ghana is a rich mix of spectacular landscapes.
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Accra, Ghana (over South Africa)
Despite its rich culture and stunning landscapes, fewer than a million people visit Ghana each year, less than half that of South Africa. The Eastern Region of Ghana is a rich mix of spectacular landscapes, historical remains and traditional cultures.
Visitors can experience the local culture first-hand.
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Sainshand, Mongolia (about taking flights)
Tourist itineraries in Mongolia mainly head towards the South and Middle Gobi provinces to visit only the tourist hotspots. Eastern Gobi offers a unique insight into true Mongolian Buddhism. Visitors can stay in locally owned accommodations and sample regional specialties, such as buuz (steamed dumplings) and Zagsgal tea. If you have some free time, locals recommend the two- to three-hour hike to Khar Uul (Black Mountains), southwest of the city.
Australia's northern border is largely unknown to travelers.
Intrepid journey
Cape York, Australia (above Syndey)
The journey to Cape York (Pajinka), at the tip of Australia's northern border, is largely undiscovered by domestic and international travelers, with untouched landscapes and endless outdoor adventures such as fishing and hiking. camping. Home to more national parks than anywhere else in Queensland, the peninsula is home to a variety of landscapes, from lush rainforests to tropical savannahs and vibrant coral reefs.
A mountaineers' paradise awaits you in the Baltistan region.
Intrepid journey
Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan (over Nepal)
While Nepal attracts around two million trekkers each year, fewer than 20,000 people come to Pakistan for adventure tourism, despite being home to three of the world's largest mountain ranges: the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush. A mountaineer's paradise awaits you in the Baltistan region, often called Little Tibet. Hikers follow well-marked trails crossing streams and glacial pastures, staying in guest houses and enjoying the full support of local porters, guides and camp cooks.
The Adirondacks are home to charming towns and breathtaking mountains.
Intrepid journey
The Adirondacks (above the Smokies)
This vast six-million-acre gem is not a national park, but has charming towns and breathtaking mountains that will become especially magical in the fall. In 2025, a new rail trail will connect Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake, perfect for cross-country skiing in the winter and biking in the summer. Charming small towns dot the landscape, each with their own character and attractions – from craft workshops and caving adventures to museums and farm-to-table restaurants.
The country is home to breathtaking landscapes.
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Anti-Atlas, Morocco (on Marrakech)
More than seven million tourists traveled to Morocco in the first half of 2024, but unlike well-known regions, the Anti-Atlas region remains one of the least visited regions in the country. Home to picturesque villages and lush oasis valleys, its unique landscape of granite boulders, red lava flows and stunning palm groves makes it a hidden treasure worth exploring.
Ghana is home to breathtaking landscapes.
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Rupununi Savannah, Guyana (above Costa Rica)
Despite its natural attractions and unique cultural heritage, Guyana remains one of the least visited countries in South America. A vast grassland region in the southwestern part of the country. Safaris offer the chance to spot iconic species such as jaguars, giant anteaters and harpy eagles or explore the complex network of lakes and rivers that are home to giant river otters.
Oslo is a must-visit destination for visitors to Norway.
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Oslo, Norway (above Stockholm)
Most travelers to the Nordic countries miss Oslo, Norway's capital, en route to its famous Scandinavian siblings. Dubbed the “new capital of Nordic Cool,” this quirky city offers unique character with floating saunas, green spaces, museums, artistic communities, diverse architecture, international cuisine, wild swimming spots and nightlife dynamic. Just 30 minutes from the city, travelers can reach the Nordmarka Forest, offering superb hiking, cycling, skiing and sailing opportunities.
The hills are lined with olive groves and vineyards.
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Maldonado, Uruguay (over Portugal or Mexico)
The city of Maldonado presents one of the most varied and beautiful geographies in Uruguay. Artists, restaurateurs and winemakers are transforming the streets of Garzón, a once forgotten village. Beyond the dunes towards Garzón, a 30-minute drive north of José Ignacio, is a thriving new wine region whose rolling hills are lined with olive groves and vineyards reminiscent of Tuscany. The Dragons Headquarters is another important building that everyone should see. Its construction was completed in 1797 and it houses historical-cultural remains that take visitors on a journey through time.
To support the development of tourism in these destinations, Intrepid has launched all-new trips to four of the featured Not Hot destinations, a 10-day program Intrepid expedition to Greenlanda 15 days Adventure Benin, Togo and Ghanaa 11 days Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventureand an 11 day Cape York and Torres Strait Explorer. This all adds up to the 10 days of Intrepid. Trekking in Pakistan which took place for the first time in 2024.
