Published on
September 11, 2025
Intrepid Travel has released its 2026 Not Hot List highlighting Sierra Leone, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Croatia, Türkiye, India, Romania, El Salvador, Finland, and the United States. These places, while still relatively unknown, are prepared to receive more visitors owing to new cultural ecological and tourism advancements. The list suggests itineraries where travelers can go beyond the heavily congested and over-commercialized locations while providing genuine support to the local population.
Looking for fresh travel inspiration in 2026? Intrepid Travel has unveiled its annual Not Hot List, naming ten destinations that often fly under the radar but are now ready to welcome more visitors. These places may not dominate social media feeds or appear on mainstream itineraries, yet each one offers something special: a mix of cultural depth, natural beauty, and tourism developments that make them ideal for travellers seeking meaningful experiences.
Unlike overcrowded hotspots, the destinations on this list have remained relatively undiscovered. The aim is to shine a light on communities that can benefit from tourism while giving travellers the chance to make a genuine impact.
Why the Not Hot List Exists
Tourism is far from evenly spread across the globe. Research shows that 80% of travellers visit only 10% of the world’s destinations, leaving countless regions underexplored. The Not Hot List is a deliberate effort to rebalance tourism by encouraging travellers to venture into new regions where their presence can make a positive difference.
The 2026 list was created with the help of experts working across more than 30 countries, in collaboration with travel trend specialists. Destinations were chosen using three clear criteria: they are less visited than comparable locations, they are prepared to welcome international visitors, and they carry a unique relevance in 2026.
The Ten Destinations to Watch in 2026
This year’s Not Hot List is a diverse collection of landscapes, cultures, and stories waiting to be discovered.
Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone – Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, this island is a sanctuary of biodiversity, home to rare primates and rich rainforests. It is poised to attract eco-conscious travellers looking for wildlife experiences away from the usual safari circuits.
Tien Shan Mountain Range, Kyrgyzstan – Known for its spectacular trekking, the region has just expanded its Kyrgyz Nomad Trail by 1,000 kilometres, opening fresh paths for hikers and adventurers seeking authentic nomadic culture.
Sierra Norte, Mexico – This mountainous region is celebrated for community-led tourism. Visitors can stay in eco-lodges, hike forest trails, and directly support indigenous communities preserving centuries-old traditions.
Vis Island, Croatia – A hidden gem in the Adriatic, Vis offers a slower, quieter alternative to Croatia’s busy coastlines, with pristine beaches and a rich history that rewards those who linger longer.
Gaziantep, Türkiye – Culinary enthusiasts will find heaven here. Recognized by UNESCO for its gastronomy, Gaziantep combines vibrant markets, ancient history, and some of the best food in the country.
Arunachal Pradesh, India – Tucked into the Himalayas, this northeastern state remains one of India’s most intriguing frontiers, offering dramatic scenery, tribal heritage, and emerging eco-adventure opportunities.
Via Transilvanica, Romania – A long-distance cultural trail designed to showcase Romania’s diversity, this route connects villages, landscapes, and heritage sites, encouraging slow, immersive travel.
Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador – Famous for its colourful villages and weekend markets, this route also introduces travellers to the country’s coffee culture, art, and lush mountain scenery.
Oulu, Finland – Recently named European Capital of Culture 2026, Oulu blends modern innovation with Arctic charm, promising a year of events and cultural celebrations.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada, United States – One of the least visited U.S. national parks, Great Basin offers stargazing under some of the darkest skies in America, alongside ancient bristlecone pine forests and striking mountain landscapes.
New Trips Designed to Support Growth
To ensure these destinations benefit from their moment in the spotlight, new itineraries have been launched across six of them. Trips are now available in Sierra Leone, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Türkiye, India, Romania, and El Salvador. Each itinerary is designed to connect visitors with local communities while spreading the economic rewards of tourism more evenly.
By taking travellers beyond the well-trodden paths, these trips help build awareness and demand for destinations that have long deserved recognition but lacked exposure. For communities, this means jobs, investment, and cultural preservation; for travellers, it means authentic encounters and fewer crowds.
A Conscious Approach to Travel in 2026
The Not Hot List is more than just a collection of ideas for adventurous holidaymakers. It represents a wider shift towards responsible travel, where decisions are guided by sustainability, fairness, and cultural appreciation. By encouraging people to look beyond the obvious, it highlights a new way forward for global tourism.
For those ready to rethink their next trip, the Not Hot List provides a roadmap: places where tourism dollars can have a real impact, where culture is celebrated rather than commodified, and where adventure still feels undiscovered. In 2026, the world is opening its doors a little wider — and these ten destinations are ready to welcome travellers willing to look beyond the usual icons.
