The 3 Most Underrated Destinations I’ve Been To
Hidden gems, unforgettable experiences, and the kind of places that stick with you long after your suitcase is unpacked.
Travel has a way of humbling you. You set out for one place—probably the one that’s been trending on Instagram for the past six months—and you end up falling for somewhere that wasn’t even on your radar. These three destinations didn’t just surprise me… they completely stole the show. Quietly. Without trying too hard. And that’s kind of the magic.
Let’s talk about the most underrated destinations that’s I’ve visited.
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
The first time I saw Lake Atitlán, I stopped talking. (A rare occurrence, for the record.) It’s one of those places that feels almost too perfect—volcanoes rising from the lake like some kind of mythical painting, tiny villages clinging to the hillsides, and water that shifts color depending on the time of day and how good your coffee is.
Each village has its own personality. San Marcos is the crunchy yoga haven where you can sip cacao with someone named Moonbeam and then do breathwork next to a crystal. San Pedro leans more backpacker-friendly, San Juan is all about art and textiles, and Santiago is the most traditional—and the least concerned with tourists.
I spent my days jumping between villages by boat, stopping for coffee so strong it could file your taxes, and soaking in the slow rhythm of the lake. There’s no rush here. No checklist. You just… exist. And somehow that’s enough.
Local Tip: Bring cash (ATMs are limited), layers (mornings are chilly), and a healthy curiosity. And don’t be afraid to wander down tiny paths—they often lead to views you’ll never forget.
Fes, Morocco
If Marrakech is the cool, curated version of Morocco, Fes is its raw, unfiltered sibling—the one with no chill, but somehow all the soul. It’s a maze of narrow alleys, ancient doorways, and sensory overload in the best way.
The Fes medina isn’t just old. It’s ancient. And it doesn’t feel like it was made for you, the tourist—because it wasn’t. That’s what makes it so fascinating. You’ll likely get lost (and then lost again), but in between you’ll stumble across artisans hammering copper by hand, spice merchants whose stalls smell like heaven and heat, and cafés that serve mint tea strong enough to make you sit down and rethink your life.
One afternoon, I found myself tucked away in a tiny workshop watching mosaic tiles being hand-cut with ridiculous precision. No tour guide, no sign—just a friendly man who motioned me in and let me watch. That’s Fes. It gives, if you slow down long enough to receive it.
Local Tip: Don’t trust Google Maps in the medina. Hire a local guide for your first day or two, then embrace getting lost. And bring your bargaining A-game to the souks—you’ll need it.
Missoula, Montana
Missoula might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of incredible travel spots—but that’s exactly why it’s on this list. Tucked between mountains with a river running through the center of town like some kind of Instagram prop, Missoula is a blend of nature, art, good food, and even better people.
You can float the river, hike a mountain, buy locally made ceramics, see live music downtown, and still be back in time for a sunset that makes you want to quit your job and move there immediately. But I’m going to be honest—the main reason I keep coming back? Lake Missoula Tea Company.
This is not just a tea shop. It’s a full-blown obsession. I still order their tea regularly (and have zero shame about the size of my stash). Their blends are complex, delicious, and somehow exactly what you need at any moment. Their decaffeinated chai? Life-changing. The minty ones? Perfect for calming down after a day of playing “which hiking trail are we doing?” roulette. The people there are also just lovely—they’ll make you feel like you’re a regular even if it’s your first time.
Local Tip: Walk downtown, pop into the independent bookstores and boutiques, eat at The Notorious P.I.G. (yes, that’s the name), and please, I beg you, try the tea. Then buy some for your suitcase. And your friends. And future you.
And There You Have It.
These places aren’t flashy. They’re not trending on TikTok (yet). But they’re layered, textured, and full of moments that feel like yours alone. That kind of magic is rare.
So next time you’re itching to plan something new, maybe skip the obvious. You never know when a lake, a maze of alleys, or a small town tea shop will end up being the place you can’t stop thinking about.
