While there are a lot of big cities like Rome, Paris, New York that top your bucket list for traveling, there are a lot of underrated places that are totally worth visiting. Especially during this time of the pandemic, you need to avoid the big places and get a chance to explore the little ones which are filled with art, history, and great nature.
Bergen, Norway
Even though Bergen is quite overshadowed by Oslo, this country has plenty to offer. From the vibrant buildings that dot Bryggen, a historic harbor district and UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the spectacular views from Fløyen Mountain, which is accessible by the funicular, charm and natural beauty abound. An ideal destination for watersport fans, visitors can also go kayaking and rafting through Norway’s famous fjords.
Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
Most travelers think of Punta Cana when considering a trip to the Dominican Republic, but Bayahibe offers local charm with more secluded beaches and some of the country’s best places to scuba dive. When you want to take a break from water activities, Bayahibe has ranches where tourists can go horseback riding and a jungle river tour that lets tourists visit the locations of famous films like “Apocalypse Now” and “Jurassic Park.”
Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman, Montana, is full of fun, with some of the best doughnuts in America and one of the most popular ski resorts, but it’s also a cute, quaint destination with something for everyone. Dubbed the Gateway to Yellowstone, Bozeman’s most iconic attraction is its Museum of the Rockies. The museum has an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, including an entire T. rex skeleton.
Kyrgyzstan
If you’re in Kyrgyzstan, you’re probably on top of a mountain. A range called Tian Shan (“Heaven Lake” in Mandarin Chinese) covers about 80% of the country, and most of it is at least 1,000 meters above sea level. Its geological features vary from peak to peak, but the landscape is tied together by its exquisite, swoon-inducing beauty. You can traverse the country by foot or by horse, embracing the nomadic life by staying in yurts and feasting on stews.
Sarandë, Albania
Sarandë (also spelled Saranda), a resort in the Albanian Riviera, is equally known for its archaeological ruins and its beaches.
While you’ll find the remains of a 5th-century synagogue in the town itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates to prehistoric times is located about 12 miles outside Sarandë. The site, Butrint, has in the course of its storied history functioned as a Greek colony, a Roman city, and a bishopric.
