Top 12 Seriously Underrated Tropical Vacation Destinations To Visit Right Now
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Are you hoping to holiday somewhere tropical yet want to avoid the crowds? The great news is there are hidden gems all over the globe! Pick one of these dozen hot destinations to feel like you’re entering uncharted territory.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
The volcanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, off Brazil’s northeast coast, is an ecologist’s paradise. Head here, and you can experience wild beaches, a national marine park rich in underwater life, and excellent scuba diving and snorkeling.
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Read also: Visa-Free Caribbean Destinations for Americans
The Cook Islands
Compared with Fiji and Tahiti, the Cook Islands are a hidden gem of the South Pacific Ocean. Whether you want to venture into the jungle, unwind on a paradisiacal beach, or devour your body weight in fresh seafood, the 15 islands will never disappoint. Thanks to direct flights from LA, it’s not too difficult or expensive to get here, either.
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Read also: Tips For Last-Minute Holidays
Mayreau, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
A tropical paradise hidden in plain sight is what you can expect from this Caribbean highlight. It’s under half a square mile in size and the smallest inhabited Grenadines island. Get there by boat, and you’ll be rewarded with pretty beaches, photogenic bays, and a network of hiking trails.
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Read also: Visa-Free Countries
Palawan, the Philippines
The Philippines already offers relatively undiscovered tourist territory compared to other Southeast Asian hotspots like Thailand and Indonesia. But head to Palawan to enjoy the perfect peace of the country’s least populated area. Those making the effort will be rewarded with clear, azure waters backed by limestone cliffs, native wildlife, colorful fish, and more.
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Read also: Top Tropical Destinations
Koh Rong, Cambodia
If you find Thailand’s ‘Kohs’ a little too crowded for your taste, try Koh Rong in Cambodia. The island is characterized by bone-white sands, swaying palms, and warm, azure waters. The local food scene and hiking trails are reasons to visit, as well as the incomparable coastline.
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Read also: Phuket with Kids
Pemba Island, Tanzania
Zanzibar in Tanzania is known for its spices, so you can expect clove-scented air when visiting Pemba Island off the East African coast. The Pemba Channel divides the island from Tanzania and is awash with colorful underwater life and coral reefs. Historic forts and rolling green hills are also seen here.
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Read also: Warm February Destinations
Vanuatu
Located north of New Caledonia, Vanuatu was once known as the New Hebrides. The Vanuatu archipelago comprises around 80 little islands. A warm welcome from the locals, incredible underwater life, gorgeous resorts, and glorious, unspoiled landscapes are just some of the reasons to add this to your bucket list.
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Read also: Underrated Destinations in the Mediterranean
The Andaman Islands
Head to the Bay of Bengal to reach this tropical Indian archipelago. Some of the 300 or so islands are off-limits. Those you can visit offer superb diving and snorkeling, beautiful white sand beaches, and various vegetation, including rainforests and mangroves. The Andaman Islands are the more peaceful, adventurous alternative to the luxurious Maldives.
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Read also: Tropical Destinations To Visit in Your Lifetime
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is pinned firmly on the tourist map when it comes to unparalleled wildlife and lush landscapes. While the Nicoya Peninsula is just as biologically diverse and breathtakingly beautiful as anywhere else, it’s also more tranquil than other coastal parts. Expect to find stunning surf beaches, sea turtles, and thriving wellness facilities.
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Read also: Exotic Beaches for Your Bucket List
Gili Islands, Indonesia
The Gili Islands lie off the northwest coast of Lombok and have been a backpacker favorite for a few decades now. Join those heading to idyllic Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno, and you can explore coral reefs, shipwrecks, and beaches backed by swaying palms. With speed boat services from Bali now operating and hot new resorts popping up, get here before mainstream tourist hordes do.
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Read also: Bali with Kids
Palomino, Colombia
Like the Gili Islands of Indonesia, Palomino in Columbia is something of a hotspot among independent travelers. This compact town on the Caribbean coast offers relaxing beaches, river tubing, surfing, and extreme sports. Visitors can also enjoy hiking the trails or exploring the local arts scene.
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Read also: Visa-Free Countries
Bocas del Toro Province, Panama
The Panama province of Bocas Del Toro offers a plethora of delightful islands to discover. Snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, surfing, and sailing are all deservedly popular here. You can also see rare tropical birds, shop for crafts, or explore attractive Bocas Town.
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Read also: Hidden Beaches Around the Globe
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She has been featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
