Not Hot List | Intrepid Travel US

Our annual Not Hot List spotlights 10 lesser-known destinations that are ready for – and deserving of – more visitors, where tourism can create meaningful change for local communities.

1. Samburu National Reserve

Working to share the benefits of Kenya’s safari tourism, Samburu National Reserve offers a quieter alternative for those seeking wildlife experiences that support conservation and local livelihoods.

Samburu offers a different kind of magic – fewer vehicles and wilder landscapes, all wrapped up in a community conservation model.

Samuel Karani, Intrepid GM, East Africa

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Georgia

2. Mestia

Improved access and tourism investment are positioning Mestia as a year-round gateway to the Caucasus, with dramatic peaks, traditional villages, and exceptional hiking, skiing and outdoor adventures.

3. Northern Highlands

Jordan

Expanding tourism beyond Petra and Wadi Rum, the Northern Highlands reveal a greener side of Jordan, with Roman ruins, forest reserves and mountain trails beyond the desert.

As travellers increasingly seek meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experiences, the Northern Highlands is where nature, heritage and local hospitality come together.

Salam Shaqdeeh, Intrepid GM, Jordan & Egypt

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Canada

4. Whitehorse, Yukon

A new Arctic tourism initiative is setting up Whitehorse as a hub for community-led cultural, wildlife and adventure tourism in the Yukon.

Greece

5. Alonnisos

While many travellers flock to Greece's best-known islands, Alonnisos remains a quieter corner of the Aegean, with pristine turquoise waters and far fewer visitors.

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Timor-Leste

6. Dili

Home to pristine reefs and eye-popping mountain ranges, new flight connections are making Timor-Leste, one of Southeast Asia's least-visited destinations, easier to explore than ever before.

7. Pekoe Trail

Sri Lanka

With eased visa rules, new international flights and a responsible tourism strategy, the newly designated Pekoe Trail offers a slower, community-led alternative to the world's busiest hiking routes.

The Pekoe Trail showcases breathtaking beauty, warm hill-country communities and a more thoughtful way to experience the land.

Pramali Fernando, Intrepid Sri Lanka Destination Product Manager

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Latvia

8. Liepāja

As the European Capital of Culture 2027, Liepāja is taking centre stage as Latvia diversifies tourism beyond Riga, with white-sand beaches, cultural heritage and military history on the Baltic coast.

Chile

9. Carretera Austral

Known as one of South America’s great overland journeys, Carretera Austral is a 1240 kilometre epic route through Chilean Patagonia, featuring fjords, glaciers and rainforest landscapes.

This part of Northern Patagonia isn’t very well known, but for adventurous travellers willing to venture off the beaten path, it’s completely worth it.

Camila B, Intrepid GM, Chile

Sweden

10. Dalsland

A new rail link has made it easier than ever for travellers to explore Sweden’s ‘Lake District’, with kayaking, hiking, wild camping and epic gravel biking all on offer.