My ‘Anti-Overtourism’ Swaps: 11 Underrated Travel Destinations in 2026

It is hard to deny the negative impact of overtourism, not only on the communities and countries it is happening in, but also for the people it is happening to, which is why it is more important than ever to open up to some more underrated travel destinations for your next big adventure.

If you are anything like me, the last thing you want to be doing on holiday is being stuck in line for hours or jammed up against a wall of humans all trying to get the same photo. That is where we, the ‘Anti-OverTourism Swaps’ come into action.

Look, I get it, some places are always going to be iconic/viral spots we all want to check off our bucket lists, and I am not here to tell you to avoid them completely. In fact, I have a few handy tips in here of how you can visit them safer, smarter and more sustainably!

However, don’t let that stop you from seeing what else is out there is this big, wide world. You may be surprised to find something that fuels your travel fire even more.

What Is Anti-Overtourism Travel?

To understand the new wave of anti-overtoursim, we must tackle the issue of overtourism on its own. And it’s not just a new thing, yet our post-pandemic travel habits definitely escalated it as broken down by Nat Geo and Sustainable Travel International. (highly recommended reads)

Don’t get me wrong, tourism as a whole can be an incredibly positive and beneficial thing for both travellers and locals, yet when the number of tourists starts to outweigh the infrastructure and overall capacity of a destination, things start to deteriorate.

This is where ANTI-overtourism travel comes in as a way to re-disperse tourism to more sustainable destinations that allow for a better experience for both traveller and local.

Why Overtourism Is Changing How We Travel in 2026

There are two key sides to this conversation (at least in my expert opinion).

1. If anything, its driving more overtourism and it has become the norm.
   
2. More and more people are feeling those negative effects of overtourism that have actually rewired the travel patterns of many generations around the world

Funnily enough, I feel like the social media travel falls on both sides due to the chase for virality. From those wanting the iconic shot that has flooded their feeds for years to those wanting to be the pioneer of the next best thing.

Even I can admit that while my intentions as a travel creator and tourism strategist are to bring a more sustainable balance through education around unique and underrated destinations and experiences, I very much acknowledge that it still impacts overtourism.

So now what?

The Rise of Travel Swaps and Underrated Alternatives

Understandably, a lot of people find overtourism off-putting and simply want to respect the locals demanding more restrictions around their damaged destinations.

Leading many of us to hunt for travel vibes rather than a specific destination. Think of colourful cities to tropical paradise, where many places fit the brief.

And with more information and demand than ever for this type of sustainability in travel, these swaps are easier to make than ever!

My Anti-OverTourism Swap Criteria

⚠️ Crowd Levels and Visitor Pressure

Obviously, anything already at the point of overtourism is OUT but we must also take into consideration those on a similar trajectory.

⚠️ Accessibility Without Mass Tourism

Tourist hubs are often set up for the ease of the tourist experience, so I completely understand why it gets picked time and time again over the ‘hidden gem’ alternatives.

With the acknowledgement that it is incredibly privileged to have flexibility and the general ability to access various destinations. So my goal is to find a balance of both realistic and remote options for every type of traveller to find their perfect ‘destination dupe’.

⚠️ Sustainability and Long-Term Impact

Similarly to our earlier consideration of the crowd levels, this is really about how the local community and infrastrcure could handle an influx in tourism of any level.

⚠️ A Unique Flare

As your unofficial unique travel expert it is no surprise that I am a sucker for something a little different, unexpected, underrated or simply funky.

10 Anti-Overtourism Travel Swaps for 2026

1. Solomon Islands – The Tropical Swap

SWAP: Hawaii, Fiji, Bora Bora
PRICE: $$
VIBE: Untouched, raw, remote

Where is the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands is the underrated island paradise of the South Pacific. A remote archipelago made up of almost 1,000 islands, sitting northeast of Australia and just east of Papua New Guinea.

What Makes the Solomon Islands a Smart Swap?

The Solomon Islands currently only gets around 30,000 tourists A YEAR (that’s about the same as the Louvre Museum has in a DAY) making for a truly untouched and raw experience. Think of it like going to Bali 20-30 years ago.

Despite its brutal WWII history that has now added to the unique landscapes and experiences, the water is pristine and jungles are lush rivalling that of iconic places like the Maldives or Vanuatu – just without the crowds.

Best things to do in the Solomon Islands

and if that wasn’t enough for you, dive a little deeper with my list of my fave 26 Unique Things to Do in the Solomon Islands.

Best Time to Visit the Solomon Islands

There are two distinct seasons in the Sollies, however, I would say 3 date ranges you should note:

🌧 WET SEASON – November to April
☀️ DRY SEASON – May to October
⭐️ BEST TIME TO VISIT/PEAK – July through to September

Why I won’t shut up about the Solomon Islands as an Underrated Travel Destination

Don’t get me wrong, the Sols does not compare on a 5 star luxury hotel level, in fact, there are no major chain hotels in the country at all.

Instead here you will find a more rustic experience in some of the worlds cheapest overwater bungalows and unique eco lodges yet that is what I love about it.

When thinking of Underrated Travel Destinations, the Solomon Islands comes to the top of my list every single time so much so I wrote a whole post just about it.

2. Port Lincoln, South Australia – The Animal Encounter Swap

SWAP: Cape Town, Baja Mexico, Galápagos Islands
PRICE: $$
VIBE: Wild, Fresh, Flavourful

Where is Port Lincoln

Port Lincoln is on the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
About 650 km west of Adelaide with direct flights available.

What Makes Port Lincoln a Smart Swap?

For the most part Australia Tourism gets overshadowed by the major cities or the Great Barrier Reef yet down the south of down under is the hidden gme of the Eyre Peninsula that gives you a little bit of everything and more of all of the above.

With ridiculously wild adventures like Shark Cage Diving and Swimming with Sea Lions (my fave) to luxuruy wine tastings and oyster farm experiences.

Best things to do in Port Lincoln, South Australia

Best Time to Visit Port Lincoln

October to April is the best time to visit Port Lincoln, with warm weather and ideal conditions all around but especially for the Sea Lions as the tours do NOT operate all year around for satefy reasons. Check Calypso Charters for more detailed information.

In saying that for those chasing Great white shark cage diving – it operates year-round, with particularly good sightings often reported in the opposite, between April and October.

My Thoughts on Port Lincoln as an Underrated Travel Destination

I had heard good things about the Eyre Peninsula but nothing could have prepared me for the magic this region brings.

With water so insanely blue and sand dunes that seem to go on forever (yes, we even had a race with an emu as we were 4WDing), to the best day of my life swimming with sea lions. I don’t even like seafood all that much and had a blast putting the waders on for our Coffin Bay Oyster extravaganza.

A place that no amount of photos or words could ever do justice.

3. Taxco, Mexico – Charming Town Swap

SWAP: San Miguel de Allende Mexico, Cusco Peru, Spain
PRICE: $
VIBE: Colourful, Artsy, Steep

Where is Taxco, Mexico?

Taxco is a beautiful colonial mountain town on the hills of Guerrero, Mexico. Within the famous silving mining region – the silver capital of the WORLD!

Surprisingly only 2.5–3 hours from Mexico City making it way more accessible than many realise.

What Makes Taxco a Smart Swap?

If you are like me and love the colourful streets and historic charm of Mexico City, the dramatic clifftop setting of Ronda, or even more specifically the iconic landmark of christ the redeemer in Rio, Taxco delivers a similar wow factor with fewer crowds and a more intimate atmosphere.

Perched high in the mountains, this silver-mining town combines creative colonial architecture, winding cobblestone lanes and panoramic viewpoints that feel worlds away from a big city.

Taxco if the total package helping many scratch the itch of more famous destinations, just at a slower pace and often for a lower cost.

Best things to do in Taxco

Best Time to Visit Taxco

The best time to visit Taxco is between November and April, when the weather is warm, dry and ideal for taking on those steep streets.

NOTE: Taxco hosts some of Mexico’s most famous religious processions, most notably Semana Santa (Holy Week). Taking place in the week leading up to Easter Sunday, so the dates change each year.

My Experience of Taxco as an Underrated Travel Destination

I’ve already said the key points about why I fell in love with Taxco above but the biggest point that deserves expanding on is the FOOD! I spent 6 months roadtripping through Mexico and sveral of my top emals were from this particular town, especially the Poozoles and Totopos.

One thing to note is those damn hills, they can be brutal and easy to get lost in.

4. Taoyuan, Taiwan – The Adrenaline Swap

SWAP: New Zealand, Switzerland, Philippines
PRICE: $
VIBE: Jungle, Waterfalls, Adventure

Taoyuan is a city in northwestern Taiwan, located just 40 minutes from Taipei. Most people don’t realise Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the country’s main international gateway yet never explore beyond the big city.

What Makes Taoyuan a Smart Swap?

If you’re drawn to New Zealand’s adventure playgrounds or the waterfall canyoning of the Philippines, Taoyuan is a surprisingly accessible alternative right from Taiwan’s main international gateway.

Within easy reach of the airport, you’ll find river tracing, waterfall hikes, mountain trails, cycling routes and outdoor adventures that feel far removed from the busy terminals.

Then combined with traditional old streets, tea plantations and access to big city vibrance, you have a recipe for an epic trip or even ideal stopover destination.

Best things to do in Taoyuan, Taiwan

Best Time to Visit Taoyuan, Taiwan

The best time to visit Taoyuan is October to April, when temperatures are comfortable, rainfall is lower and conditions are ideal to maximise the region’s outdoor adventures.

I would try my best to avou typhoon season that typically runs from July to September, bringing higher humidity, heavy rain and the possibility of travel disruptions (from personal experience)

My Review of Taoyuan as an Underrated Travel Destination

I am not an adrenaline junkie yet I do keep finding myself in those situations and my time in Taoyuan was no different.

Mind you it was on a trip with GoPro so you would expect nothing less. And while overcoming fears to take on a 40m waterfall canyonering mission to picking tea leaves in the field, I was able to overcome fears and discover a side to this country I never would have expected that more people should too!

5. Finnish Lapland – The Season Swap

SWAP: Winter
PRICE: $-$$$
VIBE: Bucketlist, Aurora, Adventure

Where is Finnish Lapland

Despite what many believe, Lapland is not a single country. It actually consists of Sweden, Norway, Russia AND Finland.

With Finnish Lapland being the Northernmost region of Finland, in the Arctic Circle.

What Makes the Autumn in Lapland a Smart Swap?

Now I wrote a compete Lapland in Autumn Guide that goes into the nitty gritty of well, just this but to give you a quick rundown…

With the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, even more unique experiences and bucketlist glass igloos without the crowds AND at a fraction of the price. I am baffled by how underrated it is.

And you won’t completely freeze your nips off, its a win all around if you ask me!

Best things to do in Lapland Autumn

Best Time to Visit Finnish Lapland

While most rave/dream about Lapland Winters with snowmobiles and pink skies over white landscapes, the most underrated time to visit is AUTUMN.

Autumn in Finnish Lapland typically runs between late August into October.
It is a sweet spot between the midnight sun of Summer and little to no sun during Winter. The ideal conditions for colourful foliage and yoru best chance of aurora hunting!

My hot take on Finnish Lapland as an Underrated Travel Destination

I can’t lie, autumn may not have been my first pick but I am grateful that it was my first experience of Lapland and I have become some what of an advocate for the season. It felt like the ideal (both for me and my bank account)

Given our main goal was the see the Northern Lights for the first time, October was PERFECT for us and I highly recommend planning your own Autumn Lapland adventure.

6. Patea / Doubtful Sound, Aotearoa  – The Fjord Swap

SWAP: Milford Sound, Alaska Inside Passage, Iceland
PRICE: $$
VIBE: Untouched, raw, remote

Where is Doubtful Sound

Patea Doubtful Sound is in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island.

Accessible via a cruise across Lake Manapōuri followed by a scenic drive over Wilmot Pass, it’s one of the country’s most spectacular, remote and untouched natural destinations often overshadowed by its little sister Milford.

What Makes Doubtful Sound a Smart Swap?

If you’re considering Milford Sound, an Alaskan cruise, or maybe the dramatic fjords of Iceland, Doubtful Sound boasts the same towering landscapes and incredible wildlife but with far fewer people and far more animals.

Often called the “Sound of Silence,” this remote fiord feels wilder and more untouched, with overnight cruises, kayaking, dolphin encounters, seals, penguins and glassy sunrises surrounded by rainforest-covered peaks.

Best things to do in Doubtful Sound

Best Time to Visit Doubtful Sound

The RealNZ overnight cruise typically operates in the warmer months, roughly from October to April, when conditions in Fiordland are more stable with longer daylight hours, calmer waters and better chances for wildlife encounters.

Why I won’t shut up about Doubtful Sound as an Underrated Travel Destination

This was a once in a lifetime experience so good, I had to do it twice! And oh boy were they wildly different. One pristine glassy conditions with abundant wildlife and the second with winds so strong that waterfalls were going UPwards.

It is a place you really feel the power and magic of mother nature and disconnect from all other noise.

7. Todra Gorge, Morocco – The GORGE-ous Swap

SWAP: Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Jordan
PRICE: $
VIBE: Adventurous, Dramatic, Rugged

Where is Todra Gorge

Todra Gorge is located in the eastern High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, near the town of Tinghir.
It is a long windy mountainous 6 hours by road from Marrakech, along the route toward the Sahara Desert and the Dades Valley.

What Makes Todra Gorge a Smart Swap?

Oh you want dramatic scale of U.S. national parks, the canyon landscapes of Peru, or the desert cliffs of Jordan, well the mars-like landscapes of Todra Gorge are calling.

Feel like an ant as the towering limestone walls rise up to 300 metres, squeezing the river below into a narrow ribbon of crystal turquoise filled witha. surprisingly amount of fish too!

Unlike more remote canyon destinations that require long hikes or multi-day trekking, Todra Gorge is easily explored from the road with short walks, local guesthouses and nearby desert routes to the Sahara.

Best things to do in Todra Gorge

Best Time to Visit Todra Gorge

It is hard to imagine but it does actually snow here and on the other extreme summer gets insanely hot so your experience can greatly vary throughout the year depending what you want to actually do while you are here.

They say March to May and September to November are best for all around comfortable expereinces and adventure opportuntities like the via ferrata.

My Inside Scoop on Todra Gorge as an Underrated Travel Destination

There are specific tour group hot spots along the Todra Gorge Route that can get really busy during parts of the day yet can be completely empty most morning and evenings.

I am so glad I was able to spend multiple nights here to experiences both sides and more importantly, get to learn more about the community and the other unique landscapes and experiences it has to offer that most people would never have the time to even notice around around – like rock climbing, picking fruit in the riverside farms and having homecooked meals with locals.

8. Chiapas, Mexico – The Waterfall Swap

SWAP: Costa Rica, Bali, Croatia
PRICE: $
VIBE: Whimsical, Lush, Expansive

Where is Chiapas, Mexico

Chiapas is the southernmost state in Mexico, bordering Guatemala. Snuggled between and its much more famous neighbouring state Oaxaca and the Yucutan Peninsula.

What Makes Chiapas, Mexico a Smart Swap?

Chiapas has some of the best parts of Mexico from cenotes, Mayan ruins, jungles, waterfalls, FOOD and colour yet remains overlooked for most tourists visiting the country.

Its more accessible than ever with more on offer than ever. It has a nice balance of tourist ready infrastructure and untouched gems to discover off the beaten path.

Best things to do in Chiapas, Mexico

Warning, this is a big one because there is truly so much to do in this underrated Mexican State that deserves way more love…

Best Time to Visit Chiapas, Mexico

Again it depends what youa re looking for as dry season runs from November to April for more accessibility, availability and comfortable adventuring vs rainy season (May to October) bringing lush green landscapes and powerful waterfalls, but also heavier downpours that can affect access to some rural areas.

For the best balance of weather and accessibility, December to March is usually ideal.

Behind the Scenes of Chiapas Underrated Travel Destinations

I spent a month roadtripping here and it still wasn’t enough.

We came duringrainy season so we may have missed some of the more idylicc glowing green waterfals but oh my they were pumping and we had a blast

9. Semporna, Malaysia – The Island Life Swap

SWAP: Indonesia, Philippines, Fiji
PRICE: $$
VIBE: Idyllic, Tropical, Bio-diverse

Where is Semporna, Malaysia?

Semporna is an island paradise in Sabah, on the island of Borneo, Malaysia.

What Makes Semporna, Malaysia a Smart Swap?

If you’re drawn to the overwater bungalows of the Maldives, the island-hopping of the Philippines, or the world-class diving of Indo, Semporna delivers the goods in one compact, far less commercialised gateway to the Celebes Sea.

From here, you can reach some of the most pristine dive sites, hikes and island viewpoints with coral reefs, sea turtles and vibrant marine life on par with (or even exceeding) better-known island destinations.

Best things to do in Semporna, Malaysia

Best Time to Visit Semporna, Malaysia

March and October has generally calmer seas and visibility is at its best for diving, snorkelling and island-hopping around Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai.

My time in Semporna the Underrated Travel Destination

I’ve never seen so many turtles in my LIFE… need I say more.

10. Mauritius – The Luxury Travel Swap

SWAP: Maldives, Seychelles, Bora Bora
PRICE: $$$
VIBE: Island Life, Vibrant, Unexpected

Where is Mauritius?

Mauritius is a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean, 2,000 km off the southeast coast of the main African continent just east of Madagascar.

And the closest to Australia only a 8hr direct flight away from Perth!

What Makes Mauritius a Smart Swap?

Mauritius has the same turquoise lagoons, luxury resorts and postcard-perfect beaches as its more viral comparisions but with even more adventure and unqiue landscapes beyond the resorts.

Alongside five-star stays, you’ll find waterfalls, hiking trails, wildlife parks, vibrant local culture and some of the best food in the Indian Ocean.

Yet I know what you’re here for… seeking a luxury escape. Well, Mauritius is packed with exceptional value, world-class beachfront resorts, private villas and gourmet dining at a lower price point than many of its more famous island counterparts.

Best things to do in Mauritius

Best Time to Visit Mauritius

Again, dry season is your best friend here from May to November.

And AGAIN, beware of cyclone season from January to March.

My Mauritius Underrated Travel Destinations Review

Considering how insanely accessible Mauritus is with direct fligths everywhere from Africa, Europe and Australia, I can not believe it doesn’t get more attention.

Definetly worth making the most of the resort life here as it is truly top notch. Yet be wary of some unethical expereinces if you do plan to explore beyond – like the Safari Park (that is a story for another day where a friend got bitten by a Zebra)

11. Aizu, Japan – The Snow Swap

SWAP: Hakuba/Nieseko, Switzerland, New Zealand
PRICE: $
VIBE: JaPOW, Culture, Fun

Where is Aizu, Japan?

Aizu is a historic region in western Fukushima Prefecture, about 3hrs north of Tokyo.

What Makes Aizu a Smart Swap?

Best things to do in Aizu, Japan

Oh it is your lucky day, I have ANOTHER juicy guide of my favourite things to do in Aizu if this teaser list isn’t enough for you (understandably, Aizu has SO MUCH on offer)

Best Time to Visit Aizu, Japan

Funnily enough, Cherry Blossom Season and Autumn are peak here in Aizu but it is the Winter snow between December to March that deserves more hype.

Why I fell in love with Aizu as an Underrated Travel Destination

I finally learnt the true meaning of JaPOW here in winter. With heavy snow blankets and underrated ski resorts that haven’t been overrun by bogan Australians (coming from an Aussie), PLUS unique snow festivals, and enjoying magical outdoor onsen.

I even got to train like a samurai here – you can watch that in our Aizu Youtube Video

Best Time to Visit Underrated Travel Destinations

How Timing Can Reduce Crowds More Than Location

Look I get it, some tourists destinations are popular for a reason and it makes sense why people keep going to check it off – take the world wonders for examples.

Season Swaps

Yet many don’t realise that a simple season swap can make those spots more sustainable and a enjoyable. Seriously, you can often find underrated pockets in many destinations.

Japan Cherry Blossom Season is probably the most controversial that coems to mind yet visiting only a couple of weeks after the peak you will have accomm at a quarter of the price with more availability!

Redefining Peak Season

And when it comes to underrated travel destinations, you have a lot more flexibility on when to visit and peak is more in relation to when works best for you and the actual weather.

Say Goodbye to Day Trips

My most underrated tip though is actually extending your day trip to overnights or ideally a couple of days in these popular regions and destinations.

You’ll experience a whole different side while actually supporting the local communities. A really interesting read here about this if you are interested in exploring more insights behind the negative impacts of day tours and qucik trips.

My Brutally Honest Thoughts on Anti-Overtourism Travel in 2026

Ultimately, I am a massive advocate for anti-overtourism travel, if you couldn’t tell already.

However, I am not perfect as most people are (except for you superstar! haha). Seriously, I understand the yearning for a place you saw on instagram and the itch to scratch something off your bucketlist. While we can be offered all the alternative in the world (literally), over-tourism is sticking around for a while whetehr we like it or not.

But this is where my passion for showcasing and educating around the unique and underrated from the remote to more realistic swaps we can do that can make a major impact long term.

Yes, they may come with trade-offs but you will find they also come with a range of unexpected bonuses and positives too

You can travel more consciencely without sacrificing experience, respect or enviornmental impact.

Lot of Love, Dana
– your unofficial unique travel expert and tourism strategy nerd