Tourists reveal the most underrated holiday destinations – including a US region with ‘world-class museums you can visit yourself’

Do you want to escape the tourist crowds during your next holiday?

We think we know the answer – so we delved into a Reddit thread in which the contributors share destinations that they think are vastly underrated – yet free from large numbers of visitors.

‘Ice_Creamz992’ kicked off the discussion by asking: ‘What are some countries that you think weren’t nearly as touristy as you might think, given how much they have to offer?’

From the underrated American region to Australia’s hidden gem and a country that is ‘naturally and culturally beautiful’ but free from crowds… scroll down to discover where you can escape for a holiday with less crowds.

Laos

Tourists say Laos has everything, except crowds. Pictured above is Tad Yuang Waterfall, close to the southern city of Pakse

It seems Laos has everything, except crowds of tourists.

‘Auximines_minotaur’ says: ‘Laos has absolutely breathtaking nature, lovely people, delicious food and very reasonable prices.

‘Yes, people definitely go there, but I feel like it doesn’t have the same tourist draw as its neighbors. But that’s fine, more for me!’

‘Spiritsandstories’ adds: ‘I loved Laos when I went in December! I thought the southern part (Pakse) was really beautiful and not overrun with tourists.’

Bolivia

Commentary ‘BradMtW’ was overwhelmed by Bolivia.

They noted: ‘Bolivia has so much to offer for its size. Mountains, jungle, swamplands, desert, salt flats, volcanoes, huge lakes. Beautiful country.’

Rwanda

Rwanda is described as ‘a wonderful place’ with many activities, including gorilla trekking

Rwanda is known for its gorilla trekking, but tourists also feel safe there.

‘Grizzleizzlie’ says: ‘Very safe, beautiful, lots of tourist activities such as safari and gorilla trekking.’

‘Chafe3232’ adds: ‘It was such a beautiful place and so safe and welcoming.

‘I really hope to go back one day. The roads in Rwanda were also fantastic and it was easy and cheap to travel between cities by bus.’

Suriname

Suriname has ‘beautiful rivers, waterfalls, swimming spots and super interesting villages’, says one traveler. Pictured above is the Brownsberg Nature Park

Suriname is difficult to reach – but worth it, say tourists.

‘Mcwobby’ reveals: ‘It’s annoyingly hard to get to from the neighbors and it used to be super hard to get a visa because there were relatively few embassies.

‘However, it is a country that is quite rich in things to see and do. The capital is a great little colonial town, architecturally interesting, with a very diverse culture, which in turn means some pretty tasty food.

‘Beautiful rivers, waterfalls, swimming spots and super interesting villages. Great wildlife spotting opportunities. And a rich history.’

Slovenia

Go for Lake Bled, but stay for the mountains.

That’s the message from the Redditors in the discussion.

“The land is more than Lake Bled,” notes “Starter_fail.”

Slovenia is described as ‘beautiful’ with a ‘less touristy feel’

While ‘Stunning-Dig-5378’ adds: ‘Slovenia is beautiful. Lake Bled is really amazing, together with the Julian Alps. [It’s a] more authentic Europe [with a] less touristy feeling. The houses all have vegetable gardens in their front garden and [the locals] are very friendly.

“I can’t wait to go back and get off the beaten path even more.”

Taiwan

Commentators are adding to the excitement about this road trip paradise.

‘ClumsyGuy’ says: ‘Taiwan is naturally and culturally beautiful. I spoke to so many friendly people who were so excited to see me and happy that I loved their island.”

And ‘Phazar989’ adds: ‘Just got back from Taiwan and was about to say this! I was surprised to see how empty the roads outside the big cities were. It was a real pleasure to ride around on the motorcycle.’

Romania

Are you tired of the everyday? Try Romania.

‘Laowailady’ says: ‘I recommend Romania to anyone who wants to be somewhere “different” in Europe.

‘The people are so friendly and helpful, the number of people who speak good English was a big surprise, the history is very interesting, the food is delicious, beautiful old towns and beautiful scenery!’

‘Platitudinarian’ adds: ‘The salt mines were amazing. I visited Salina Turda (with a salt lake and a small amusement park in it) and Slanic Prahova (with a planetarium in it) – they were both breathtaking. The scenery was beautiful, the accommodation was great.’

The Midwest, USA

One traveler ‘can’t get enough’ of the US Midwest, including cities like Cincinnati (above)

Forget the coasts and head inland for a trip you will never forget in the US, the advice goes.

‘RainbowCrown71’ says: ‘Cities like Cincinnati, Detroit, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh and St. Louis had fantastic food, great architecture, friendly locals and I had world-class art museums all to myself.

“Everyone is flooding the coast, but I keep coming back to the Midwest.

“I especially like to combine it with baseball games or state fairs, when the cities are the most vibrant and fun.”

Tasmania, Australia

Here are ‘lots of beautiful nature walks, wineries and coves’, plus ‘a few old historic towns’, according to ‘Greyhounds1992’, who adds: ‘Yet no one goes there.’