Departure Airports
Travel Dates
Select your travel dates

2026

2027

2028

Beat the crowds – 8 unusual destinations for 2026

  • Home
  • Travel
  • Beat the crowds – 8 unusual destinations for 2026
Francesca WilliamsDecember 1, 2025

Sponsored content

Explore

As a new year rolls around, you might be thinking about your 2026 travel plans. While popular destinations like Spain, Thailand, Japan, and Italy remain in high demand, research has also revealed a rising interest in lesser-known countries.

According to tour operator Explore, bookings for areas like Mongolia, Laos, and Nicaragua have soared year-on-year, as people seek unique, more authentic travel experiences.

With this in mind, we’ve partnered with Explore to pull together these eight unusual destinations for 2026 – perfect for those looking for an off-the-beaten-track holiday.

As a leading UK provider of small group trips, travelling with Explore promises all kinds of unforgettable experiences and adventures. With an average group size of just 11, you can easily connect with like-minded travellers while getting to the beating heart of a country’s unique culture, cuisine, and history.

Explore’s upgraded tours also offer all the adventures of a regular tour, along with premium tours for added comfort.

1. Nicaragua

Nicaragua

Nicaragua, otherwise known as the ‘Land of Lakes and Volcanoes’, offers breathtaking views at every turn. With 19 active volcanoes, the largest freshwater lake in Central America, and swathes of dense rainforest, the diverse landscapes are a haven for nature lovers. Plus, with warm Caribbean waters and idyllic white-sand beaches, there’s plenty of opportunity for R&R.

Despite its draws, the largest country in Central America retains a strong off-the-beaten-path feel. In Granada, you’ll find picture-perfect plazas, ornate churches, and cobblestone streets lined with bright-coloured houses and romantic restaurants that remain quieter than many touristy cities. You can marvel at the striking yellow cathedral or indulge in Nicaragua’s national dish, a delicious mix of rice and beans.

A boat trip across Lake Nicaragua is also unforgettable. Picture journeying through a unique collection of over 360 volcanic islands before hiking up the crater trail of the dormant Mombacho Volcano, where climbers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views.

And if you love nature, you can look out for crocodiles, caiman, iguanas, and various bird species in the Juan Venado Nature Reserve; uncover unique flora and fauna in the cloud forest reserve of Selva Negra; and explore the unique volcanic fields of San Jacinto, where mud holes serve as breathing holes for nearby volcanoes.

2. Mongolia

Mongolia

With vast desert landscapes, endless blue skies, ancient history, and a warm nomadic culture, Mongolia is a country of intrigue. Plus, with only three million residents, it’s also the world’s least densely populated country, offering visitors a welcome dose of serenity.

Untouched by modern life, Mongolia’s countryside is home to one of the world’s last remaining nomadic cultures, founded on the products of just five animals (cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and horses). In the picturesque Orkhon Valley, you can try traditional nomadic practices, like herding, alongside a local family.

Hustai National Park, a protected area where vast mountains meet unforested grasslands, is also a great spot to glimpse rare Mongolian wild horses. And scenes of the mighty Gobi Desert, mesmerising 300-metre-high Khongor Sand Dunes and Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, where the world’s first-ever recorded dinosaur eggs were discovered, will take your breath away.

History and culture enthusiasts won’t want to miss the chance to explore Genghis Khan’s ruined capital of Karahorum, while in the lively capital, Ulaanbaatar, a buzzy, alluring atmosphere awaits. If you visit in July, the UNESCO-listed Naadam Festival promises art performances, colourful parades, singing and dancing, and unique tastes of Mongolian culture.

  • Mongolia Explorer

    Explore Mongolia Explorer*

    £200 off | Mongolia | 14 days | Accommodation Included

    Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!

    Includes taxes and fees

    From £2,700pp £2,900pp  

3. Laos

Laos

Home to beautiful mountains, emerald rice paddies, rushing waterfalls, and striking Buddhist temples, Laos’ lush landscapes and laid-back charm are enough to demand attention. Plus, often overlooked by its Thai, Vietnamese, and Cambodian neighbours, this lovely country arguably offers a quieter, more authentic Southeast Asian experience.

In the ancient Lanna kingdom capital of Luang Prabang, you’ll find some of the region’s most historically significant and untouched temples. Nestled in a valley of rolling hills at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, it’s the ideal place to grab a Lao coffee and watch the world go by.

In the pretty capital, Vientiane, lively night markets sit beside an eclectic mix of French and Asian architecture. And, comparatively less chaotic than other Southeast Asian metropolises, it’s a nice place to wander around at your own pace.

Immersing yourself in Laos’ incredible natural beauty, a scenic train ride will take you to Vang Vieng, where beautiful towering limestone karsts provide the perfect backdrop for a riverside stroll or gentle kayak along the Nam Song River. And, Don Khone, one of 4,000 islands in the Mekong River, is known for its stunning landscapes, rolling waterfalls, and laidback atmosphere – offering a glimpse into traditional Laotian life.

4. Bhutan

Bhutan

Nestled on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, between China and India, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan is shrouded in mystique. Having maintained a cautious approach to tourism and committed to its ‘Gross Domestic Happiness’, Bhutan is a country lost in time and relatively unaffected by the outside world.

Having only opened to tourists a few decades ago, Bhutan remains dedicated to preserving its traditions, heritage, and pristine natural beauty. While travellers face a daily fee to visit, the price of exploring this little-known land is undoubtedly worth it.

Proud to be the only carbon-negative country in the world, Bhutan is also the last Buddhist kingdom on Earth. Over 70% of the land is covered in lush green forest, and its beautiful landscapes are marked by cliff-hanging monasteries, sparkling temples, and trails and peaks lined with colourful prayer flags.

Plus, known locally as Druk Yul, the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, Bhutan is famous for its festivals, where streets come alive with beating drums, clashing cymbals, and monks dancing in colourful costumes.

5. Uzbekistan

From dazzling Silk Road cities to vast deserts, exquisite architecture, and warm, welcoming locals, Uzbekistan is a destination that both surprises and inspires.

In the ancient cities of Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, remarkably preserved Islamic architecture offers a glimpse into over 2,000 years of history; a stark contrast to Uzbekistan’s modern capital, Tashkent, famous for its beautiful metro system, which is often likened to an underground museum.

For those seeking adventure, the Gulkam Canyon, nestled in the heart of the Chimgan Mountains, is a fantastic hiking destination. And in the rural villages of the Nuratau Nature Reserve, local families open their homes to travellers. Set against the Nuratau Mountains, the reserve is a protected area home to unique wildlife, including ibexes and wild mountain sheep.

Lastly, no visit to Uzbekistan is complete without a taste of the country’s iconic dish: plov. A delicious mix of rice, lamb, onions, and carrots, plov is often cooked in huge cauldrons – making it the ultimate social food, popular for bringing people together.

6. Colombia

With beautiful wildlife, world-famous coffee, delicious street food, vibrant cities, and the dazzling Caribbean coast, Colombia has something for everyone.

As one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, Colombia has more bird species than any other country, including over 1,900 native and migratory species. In the gardens of Finca Romelia, home to one of the largest orchid collections in Colombia, you can spot hummingbirds, toucans, and tanagers, and Chingaza Natural Park is wonderful for catching glimpses of the Andean Condor, Colombia’s national bird.

Wandering the beautifully preserved colonial streets of Cartagena, you’ll pass brightly-coloured buildings featuring balconies draped with flowers. And in Medellin, the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, lively plazas are filled with markets and food stalls that sit against a musical backdrop of salsa and reggaeton.

Then of course, there’s the coffee. Perched at the foothills of the Andes, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pereira is famous for its cultivation of the high-quality Arabica coffee bean. Sip on specialist coffee and enjoy a coffee tour learning how to make the finest brews.

7. Slovenia

Slovenia

With alpine landscapes, ethereal lakes, and subterranean wonders, in Slovenia, beauty abounds.

In the Baroque capital, Ljubljana, you can wander beside the pretty Ljubljanica River that meanders through its heart, settle into one of the cosy cafes lining its banks, or explore the 13th-century castle in the nearby town of Skofja Loka.

In the resort town of Bled, situated on a tranquil lake, you can row across mirror-like waters, surrounded by swans, water lilies, and willow trees. Lake Bled’s island church and castle, perched atop a rugged cliff, look like something from a fairytale. Similarly, the naturally preserved glacial Lake Bohinij is nestled between looming mountain peaks at the edge of Triglav National Park, a haven for adventure-seekers.

As one of the oldest Alpine nature reserves, Triglav’s 82,000 hectares are perfect for hiking, passing mesmerising sights like Savica Waterfall on your way. Then, in world-renowned UNESCO-listed Skojan Caves, you can enjoy a guided tour of one of Slovenia’s amazing underground caverns. Plus, with plenty of free time dedicated to exploring beaches and coastal towns, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun on the Adriatic coast, too.

  • Alpine Lakes of Slovenia

    Explore Alpine Lakes of Slovenia*

    £150 off | Slovenia | 8 days | Accommodation Included

    Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!

    Includes taxes and fees

    From £1,720pp £1,870pp  

  • Walking in Slovenia

    Explore Walking in Slovenia*

    Slovenia | 8 days | Accommodation Included

    Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!

    Includes taxes and fees

    From £1,830pp

  • Balkans Rail Adventure

    Explore Balkans Rail Adventure*

    £150 off | Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo & 4 more | 16 days | Accommodation Included

    Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!

    Includes taxes and fees

    From £3,110pp £3,260pp  

8. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is known for its diverse landscapes, incredible wildlife, and authentic safaris, making it an obvious choice for nature lovers.

The country boasts one of Africa’s finest and largest concentrations of wildlife, and a safari through its impressive collection of national parks, many of which are home to the Big Five, is a magical experience. Plus, less visited than its other African safari destinations, tours here are often far less crowded and touristy.

Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest National Park, famous for its huge elephant population, as well as over 100 other mammals and more than 400 species of birds – including the African golden oriole and Crimson-breasted Shrike.

And Matobo, Zimbabwe’s oldest park, known for its unique rock formation, has the world’s densest leopard population. Here, intimate walking safaris allow you to get closer to wildlife in areas that otherwise can’t be accessed. Don’t worry, though – you’ll be led by specially trained experts!

Of course, no trip to Zimbabwe is complete without a visit to the thundering cascades of Victoria Falls – known locally as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ – one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. You can even enjoy a birds-eye view from a helicopter or get up close with a thrilling rafting trip on the Zambezi River.

Final thoughts…

As a new year rolls in, many of us will be thinking about our 2026 travel plans. While there’s good reason to flock to popular countries like Spain, Italy, and tropical destinations like Thailand, if you’re considering lesser-known destinations like Laos or Mongolia, you’re certainly not alone.

Beyond escaping the busyness of usual tourist hotspots, visiting these destinations usually offers a far more unusual and authentic travel experience.

With an average group size of just 11, on an Explore tour, you can connect with like-minded travellers while getting to the beating heart of a country’s unique culture, cuisine, and history.

Explore’s upgraded tours offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Travelling in style, you’ll stay in premium accommodation with spas and swimming pools and enjoy truly immersive tours and activities.

Browse tours
Francesca Williams

Francesca Williams is a senior lifestyle writer at Rest Less. She joined Rest Less in early 2021 after achieving a first-class degree in History at the University of Sheffield and qualifying as an NCTJ Gold Standard Journalist. Francesca is a qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer and writes across a range of lifestyle topics, specialising in health. In her spare time, Francesca likes to keep herself busy going to the gym, dancing, spending time with friends and family, and getting involved with her local church.

* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.

Continue reading...

Get the latest ideas, advice and inspiration

Useful and interesting recommendations, personalised to you, straight to your inbox. Covering travel, health, lifestyle, jobs and more.

By signing up you acknowledge you have read our Privacy Policy & Terms.

Enjoying Rest Less? Help us reach more people like you

Leave us a rating Want to tell us something?