Page 6 | What is the most underrated destination you have ever been?

Rushie1234 · 2023-09-05T21:03:34+00:00

Following on from the very interesting previous thread of most overrated destinations, what do you think is one of the most underrated or unexpectedly good destinations you’ve been to?

Almahart · 07/09/2023 08:45

Adding Korea to my bucket list too!

I agree re Venice, I went twenty years ago and still remember seeing the grand canal for the first time, it absolutely took my breath away.

I once did a flop of an AI in Tenerife and it was lovely

Almahart · 07/09/2023 08:46

I mean I went there to flop!

AffIt · 07/09/2023 08:52

malboroughwhite · 06/09/2023 18:02

I'm from Korea, and I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time here. While I might be a bit biased, as a seasoned world traveler, I believe Korea is incredibly underrated. Perhaps its distance from Western countries like Europe and North America plays a role in this. Korean people, while a bit reserved, are genuinely friendly, remarkably polite, and always willing to assist if needed. Interestingly, Koreans often seem more helpful and welcoming to foreigners than to their fellow Koreans.

Korea may not be the cheapest destination, but dining out remains relatively affordable and offers an extraordinary culinary experience. We have a profound love for food here. Safety is a strong suit, and getting around is a breeze thanks to our excellent public transportation system. Our country boasts beautiful mountains with decent ski slopes (yes, we even hosted the Winter Olympics) and picturesque beaches.

But what truly sets Korea apart is its unique drinking culture, unlike anything you've ever experienced, I assure you. We are way worse than Brits LoL. I sincerely hope more people get the chance to visit my homeland.

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I lived in Korea briefly (for about four months!) for work a few years ago and I absolutely LOVE it - I went out on a whim knowing absolutely nothing about the country and I'm so glad I did!

Absolutely fascinating place, with stunning scenery in the countryside and fabulous, dynamic cities - Seoul is one of the best cities in the world, I think.

I found Korean people to be very kind and extremely hospitable, coupled with a 'no-nonsense' / get the job done attitude that I really liked.

I hope to return very soon!

irregularegular · 07/09/2023 09:41

Yes to the Azores, particularly Terceira, which we preferred to San Miguel (not been to others). Particularly if you want a fairly cool, mild summer climate - not if you want hot! Lush, green, beautiful, friendly, fantastic cheap seafood and steak. Definitely feels undiscovered.

risefromyourgrave · 07/09/2023 10:50

Maddy70 · 06/09/2023 22:57

You don't need any. Just wander around. The medival town at the top is the best bit , the castle at night has light shows on. Beautiful. Try if you can tu stay at the top. It's quite a walk-up . (But pleasant ) avoid the restaurants in the square , except for a drink. The rest are all without exception good

You'll love it

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Great, thank you!

DanielsDancingMonkey · 07/09/2023 11:04

@malboroughwhite I also worked in Korea for some months, and agree with your description. The public transport is brilliant, and there is so much to see.

I did experience the drinking culture. Gosh, those young women could put it away. 😂

DanielsDancingMonkey · 07/09/2023 11:09

The beaches on the coast of the Netherlands are amazing.
Norway is beautiful. Such a range of geography.

AffIt · 07/09/2023 12:26

@DanielsDancingMonkey

Gosh, those young women could put it away.

Hell yes! I'm Scottish (so theoretically at an advantage straight away!) and considerably taller and of a bigger build than most Korean women, and they had me on my backside more than once. Great fun, though. 😂

malboroughwhite · 07/09/2023 12:50

AffIt · 07/09/2023 12:26

@DanielsDancingMonkey

Gosh, those young women could put it away.

Hell yes! I'm Scottish (so theoretically at an advantage straight away!) and considerably taller and of a bigger build than most Korean women, and they had me on my backside more than once. Great fun, though. 😂

"I appreciate how it explores the drinking culture in Korea! 😄 I'm curious how many of you have enjoyed a night of drinking accompanied by delicious fried chicken." It's alway "go to" dish for "one for the ditch"

DanielsDancingMonkey · 07/09/2023 12:56

@malboroughwhite To my shame, I cannot remember what I ate.

or how I got back to my hotel…

Original poster

Rushie1234 · 07/09/2023 18:43

TotalOverhaul · 06/09/2023 14:49

@TreatYoBookShelf and@Howtohandl I came on to say the same. Slovenia is one of the most beautiful countries I've visited. Ljubliana is such a cool city with castle and funicular, huge market square with gorgeous archway cafes along the river, and loads of quirky bits like the graffitied revolutionary artists' quarter and the lovely flea markets. very green with the trams and the bird hotels everywhere.

And Lake Bled and Bohinj are stunning - jewel-coloured water. The local wine is delicious too.

Slovenia has been on my ‘list’ for a few years now. Definitely going to make sure I go after all these fab reviews

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katscamel · 07/09/2023 19:43

@jolaylasofia I have to agree with Erbil. I 'popped up' on a weekend break from Baghdad and loved sitting in a cafe in the square with my tea people watching.

I would also suggest Oman, though it's been a while, Ljubljana, Istanbul and Khiva in Uzbekistan. @Endlesssummerof76 , nice to see Almaty on your list. I lived there for a while and loved seeing how the mountains changed throughout the year.

Endlesssummerof76 · 07/09/2023 19:51

@katscamel The mountains are stunning - the views of the snow when it's ridiculously hot down in the city. Gorgeous!

Tisfortired · 07/09/2023 19:55

Kalamata on the coast of Greece mainland. Absolutely stunning, amazing food, people, things to do and the waters are crystal clear. But it was so quiet and we met no other English tourists in the 10 days we were there (bingo) it obviously doesn’t have the same pull as the trendy islands but I can’t see why not.

RampantIvy · 07/09/2023 21:36

That sounds like my kind of holiday destination @Tisfortired.

For the Bradford doubters - this is Waterstones in Bradford.

What is the most underrated destination you have ever been?

Yellowshirt · 07/09/2023 21:43

@feralunderclass . 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂

Nyhaben · 09/09/2023 23:02

Copenhagen (Denmark).

It's not a place I've been to previously even though I travelled a lot, however we just came back from a 5 day trip there and we absolutely loved it. It helped that they had amazing sunny weather now but it's just such a pretty city, super clean, people are very friendly and chilled and we feel there is so much more to do and see so we can't wait to go back.

🎵 Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen 🎵

Nyhaben · 09/09/2023 23:07

Almahart · 06/09/2023 16:02

Malaysia, I can't understand why it isn't a super popular holiday destination, beautiful countryside and beaches, amazing food.

Belgium - we had one of the best city breaks ever in Antwerp, really beautiful, lots to do

I agree with Malaysia, amazing country, Kuala Lumpur is very clean, super food, super people. I know a few Malaysians living in the UK and I always ask them Why?

noctiscaelum · 09/09/2023 23:11

Guam. I've been there for work. Not as a choice for a holiday. Best sunset ever. it was just unreal scenery. No one talks about it, never heard anyone recommend it.

But that's the place I really want to go with my loved one, if I ever had a chance.

Foxesandsquirrels · 10/09/2023 00:20

@noctiscaelum I watched a mini doc about how insanely expensive everything is there.

Kucinghitam · 10/09/2023 07:35

Nyhaben · 09/09/2023 23:07

I agree with Malaysia, amazing country, Kuala Lumpur is very clean, super food, super people. I know a few Malaysians living in the UK and I always ask them Why?

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Shhhh

Gymmum82 · 10/09/2023 07:41

Agree with Korea. It’s a really lovely country with amazing food.

Also Iceland. I went thinking it would be insanely expensive and not really knowing much else but it’s the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen. It also wasn’t particularly expensive if compared to london. Absolutely loved the place and am desperate to return

Takoneko · 10/09/2023 07:52

Taiwan- Taipei is an amazing city. Great museums, temples and landmarks. There’s a seaside vibe in Dansui, a Harajuku-like vibe in Ximending, Taipei 101 for those who want high end shopping, night markets for street food. It really has it all. All on an island that is just breathtakingly beautiful. Even in the centre of the city you can always see the lush green mountains and Taroko gorge in the south of the island is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Cannot recommend it highly enough.

Also Aachen- had very few expectations but it was a really lovely city for Christmas markets.

Carpediem15 · 10/09/2023 16:05

Did you find the Lindt factory shop in Aachen - what a treasure trove that was. We could smell chocolate when we were going back to the coach and my husband asked a lady in a shop why and she pointed us to the factory where the chocolate was so inexpensive - we bought loads.

HumanBurrito · 10/09/2023 17:01

My friend said Albania was utterly amazing, gorgeous scenery, fascinating history and Roman ruins around every corner.