Are you tired of the same old sights or seeking a different travel experience? Here are five travel spots that may be just what you’ve been looking for.
Intrepid Travel, an adventure travel company, has released its new “Not Hot” list, featuring overlooked travel destinations around the world.
The company’s annual list aims to combat over-tourism by helping travelers “beat the crowds and … inspire them to seek out different and unique experiences around the world in communities that can truly benefit from visitors,” according to Matt Berna, president of the Americas at Intrepid Travel, as featured on CNBC Travel.
For 2024, the list highlights two destinations in Asia, two in Europe and one in Central America.
Corsica is a mountainous Mediterranean island and territorial collectivity of France, known as the “Island of Beauty.”
Corsica, France.
Source: Intrepid Travel
Unlike Italy’s busy Positano, Corsica offers travelers a chance to “enjoy a more authentic, tranquil, and immersive experience … without the overwhelming crowds,” as stated in a press release by Intrepid Travel.
However, Corsica’s appeal goes beyond its coastlines. The island is renowned for its 180 kilometer (112 mile) hiking trail — the GR20 — and numerous historic landmarks, as highlighted on France’s tourism website. Additionally, Corsica is home to six nature reserves, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Scandola Nature Reserve, that is famous for its red volcanic rocks.
Intrepid Travel states that Corsica’s “unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance … sets it apart from popular destinations like Positano.”
Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul were the three most visited Asian cities in 2023, according to market research company Euromonitor International.
Seoul, Korea.
Source: Intrepid Travel
In 2019, Tokyo welcomed 31.8 million international tourists, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. In the same year, 17.5 million international tourists visited Seoul, Korea, statistics by the Korea Tourism Organization showed.
“Tokyo has been a popular travel destination for a long time, so its product offerings are more varied, attracting a larger spectrum of audiences especially families and more mature travelers,” Nick Lim, Asia CEO of The Travel Corporation, told CNBC.
While Tokyo’s bookings have risen by 234% from January to November 2023, Seoul’s popularity is also on the rise. This year, flight bookings to Seoul increased by 191% — double that of 2022, according to a representative at Trip.com speaking to CNBC Travel.
“Younger travelers may choose Seoul over Tokyo because the city offers a mix of traditional and modern culture,” added Lim. He mentioned that the rise of Korean pop music and dramas has also contributed to the city’s increasing appeal.
Nonetheless, Seoul and Tokyo remain vastly different. According to Lim, both cities are “culturally rich with authentic and unique experiences … the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences and interests.”
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