The travel industry has long spotlighted already overrun destinations like Barcelona’s beaches, Kyoto’s temples, or the Serengeti’s plains. In 2026, however, a different ranking surfaced: the Not Hot List, a compilation by Intrepid Travel and Globetrender identifying locations with low visitor numbers but strong potential to become top destinations by 2027. The criteria focus on sites with underdeveloped tourism infrastructure, compelling attractions, and capacity to grow sustainably—whether through major events, improved transport, or conservation programs.
Jenny Southan, CEO of Globetrender, emphasized the need to distinguish between overlooked destinations and those lacking basic tourism readiness.
This year’s list features remote environments, historic sites, and cultural centers that offer unique experiences without the usual crowds. One standout is Chile’s Carretera Austral, a 770-mile route through Northern Patagonia that passes fjords, glaciers, and rainforests. Unlike the more famous Torres del Paine to the south, this area remains largely untouched by mass tourism.
The road, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2026, includes paved and gravel sections, with ferry crossings replacing traditional roads in some areas. Conservation efforts by NGOs like Rewilding Chile have reintroduced native species such as guanacos, pumas, and rheas, while gauchos in Alto Palena now integrate protection into their livelihoods.
Johanson’s favorite stop is Caleta Tortel, a village where wooden walkways replace streets and a milky-green fjord serves as the main road.
Jordan’s Hidden Highlands Offer Ancient Wonders
Jordan’s Northern Highlands presents a different appeal: history, culture, and a quieter alternative to Petra and Wadi Rum. The region spans from Umm Qais to Amman’s outskirts, featuring Roman ruins, forests, and community-led tourism initiatives.
Madeline Croad, an Amman-based freelance journalist, recalls wandering into Zoubia Forest near Jerash and being guided by a local to Roman and Byzantine-era wine presses. Nearby, the town of Umm Qais sits beside the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gadara, where black basalt buildings and a Roman theater showcase Jordan’s layered past.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Samburu National Reserve in Kenya offers a more intimate safari experience than the country’s busier parks. Harriet Akinyi, a Nairobi-based travel journalist, highlights the reserve’s “Special Five”—reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, gerenuks, Somali ostriches, and East African oryx—species rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya. Beyond the animals, the reserve supports local tourism through Moran warrior performances and Samburu women selling beadwork and handicrafts directly to visitors.
The reserve’s remoteness, about 220 miles from Nairobi, ensures fewer crowds and opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural state.
Timor-Leste’s Dili Blends War History and Wetlands
In Southeast Asia, Timor-Leste’s capital, Dili, is entering a tourism renaissance after joining ASEAN in 2026. Upgraded infrastructure, new flight routes, and community-led programs are making the city more accessible. Jonty Crane, a travel writer who volunteered there for a year, portrays Dili as a city of contrasts, a gleaming Ministry of Finance tower standing beside makeshift homes, with a Second World War pillbox in someone’s front yard.
Beyond the Cristo Rei statue and Tais Market, Crane was drawn to the coastal wetlands of Tasi Tolu, where migratory birds gather around reflective lakes. Nearby, a series of white Stations of the Cross leads to panoramic views of the city, framed by hills and the Wetar Strait.
The list also features Alonissos, Greece, an island in the Sporades archipelago known for marine conservation and rare Mediterranean monk seals. Heidi Fuller-Love, a travel writer based in Crete, recalls snorkeling in clear waters and spotting the seals near Piperi Island.
Liepāja’s Soviet-Era Revival as Europe’s Cultural Star
Another highlight is Liepāja, Latvia, set to become the European Capital of Culture in 2027. Though often overshadowed by Riga, Liepāja boasts a distinct identity shaped by its maritime history, Soviet-era architecture, and a thriving arts scene. The city’s designation follows years of investment in cultural spaces, including restored theaters, galleries, and public areas hosting festivals, exhibitions, and performances.
A key venue is the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, which performs in the historic Great Hall of Liepāja University, a neoclassical building that once served as a military hospital during World War I. The coastal location also attracts birdwatchers to the Lielupe River estuary, where rare species like the Eurasian curlew and common crane appear during migrations. Unlike Riga’s polished aesthetic, Liepāja retains a lived-in charm, with faded Soviet-era murals alongside modern street art. The Windmill District, a cluster of 19th-century grain mills, offers a glimpse into the city’s industrial past.
For Arctic adventurers, Whitehorse, Yukon, serves as the gateway to Canada’s northern wilderness. As a hub for the Arctic Canada Tourism Network, the city attracts travelers seeking Indigenous culture, wildlife, and rugged environments. Unlike crowded national parks, Whitehorse provides a slower pace, with experiences like aurora borealis viewing, guided dog-sledding tours, and visits to the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Center, where local artisans teach traditional storytelling and carving.
The city’s proximity to Kluane National Park, home to North America’s largest non-volcanic mountain, Mount Logan, makes it ideal for multi-day treks and glacier hikes. Winter brings additional appeal through events like the Yukon Winter Festival, featuring ice sculptures, snow art, and Indigenous games in downtown streets. Whitehorse’s compact size allows easy exploration of its mix of cafés, vintage shops, and historic sites like the SS Klondike National Historic Site, a sternwheeler once used to transport gold seekers along the Yukon River.