The 5 spots topping Intrepid Travel’s ‘Not Hot’ List (and why you need them on your radar)

Did you know that 80% of tourists visit the same 10% of places? Wild, but not really surprising.

Over the last few years, overtourism has become a very real problem in certain parts of the world, which has led to many of us seeking out lesser-known destinations that fulfil our sense of adventure while still supporting a slower, more ethical travel ethos.

In response to this and in line with its commitment to responsible travel, Intrepid Travel has curated a ’Not Hot’ List – a call to action for travellers to explore the beauty of unsung locations and spread the positive impacts of tourism more evenly. 

From untouched landscapes to immersing yourself in local culture, these destinations and experiences are guaranteed to fire up our wanderlust (and have us reaching for our backpacks) in 2026. Plus, let’s face it, nothing beats getting ahead of the curve and visiting a dream destination that’s not already saved on our social feeds.

Ready to feel inspired? Here are our top five must-visit destinations from the list, along with the Intrepid trip to help you get there…

You won’t find queues and crowds of travellers in Sierra Leone – instead, you’ll be met by rare wildlife, untamed landscapes and a genuine warmth from the local communities. 

Intrepid travellers are among the few visitors to experience the island on its new eight-day Sierra Leone Adventure: History, Culture & Nature trip. 

Travellers spend a night on Tiwai Island – a UNESCO World Heritage site – enveloped by rainforest where you will then join a local guide on a walk through the town, before heading out on a night walk through the forest and taking boat rides down the Moa River. 

This immersive, multi-layered journey also takes travellers to Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, before visiting Boma Community Village to meet one of the few female chiefs in the country visiting and heading to Banana Islands to unwind on their secluded beaches.   

With over 90% of the land cloaked in mountains, Kyrgyzstan offers unparalleled opportunities for alpine adventure, yet it remains largely undiscovered by the global travel community. 

Dominating the landscape, Tien Shan Mountain Range stretches across China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. But here, hiking means more than just spectacular scenery – it’s an immersion in local nomadic life, with nights spent in traditional yurts and warm exchanges shared with shepherd families along the way.

The trekker’s paradise is unlikely to stay hidden for much longer, with Kyrgyzstan’s cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes becoming a hot topic with travel insiders.

Trekkers on Intrepid’s new 2026 Kyrgyzstan: Trekking the Tien Shan Trails trip will hike these high-altitude routes, winding through remote valleys, passing glacial lakes and staying in community-run yurts along the way. 

The 10-day trip follows nomads’ trails and puts community connection at the heart of the experience, giving travellers the opportunity to share meals and stories with local nomadic families whose way of life has endured for generations.  

Deep in the Sierra Norte mountains of Oaxaca lies one of the most compelling examples of indigenous-led tourism in the world: the Pueblos Mancomunados. 

This cooperative of eight self-governing Zapotec villages has been quietly building a blueprint for sustainable travel for more than 30 years. Yet its remote location and limited infrastructure have (so far) kept it well off the tourist map.

Intrepid’s new five-day trip, Hiking in Mexico: Zapotec Villages of Oaxaca, offers an off-the-grid adventure into these remote communities, with pristine trails, ancient forests and epic sunsets there for the taking. Travellers will hike the remote Benito Juarez, La Neveria and Latuvi villages in the Pueblos Mancomunados, while absorbing the rugged beauty of this overlooked part of Mexico and falling in love with its people.

With Intrepid, expect to sleep in ecolodges and experience the Sierra Norte not as outsiders, but as welcomed guests in a region where tourism is a force for good. Enjoy a home-cooked meal and a gastronomic workshop at a local farmstay in a small highland village.

In response to growing crowds in Dubrovnik and Hvar, Croatia is turning the spotlight on Vis Island, a serene refuge poised to welcome travellers in 2026. 

Shielded from tourism for decades by its past as a Yugoslav military base, Vis has had the rare chance to observe and learn from the overtourism challenges faced by its neighbours. This has helped shape an approach to tourism grounded in small-scale, local experiences that celebrate the island’s unspoiled charm and slower pace.

As part of Croatia’s ‘Find Your Pomalo’ campaign promoting slower, more meaningful travel, Vis offers rare breathing space along the busy Adriatic coast.

Intrepid recognised the lesser-known island’s allure and added it to their seven-day Explore Croatia trip – one of their top-selling Croatia trips – for 2026. The trip now includes an overnight stay on Vis, giving travellers a chance to explore the island at its own unhurried pace and without the crowds. 

When not swimming or snorkelling by the island’s secluded coves and caves, travellers get the chance to quietly wander through the traditional villages and enjoy a taste of the local food and wine at a family property.    

While Turkey has 59.8 million international arrivals per year, Southeastern Anatolia offers a quieter, more immersive alternative steeped in tradition, flavour and hospitality. 

The region is dotted with UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cities like Şanlıurfa and Gaziantep are deeply invested in attracting more visitors while also preserving their cultural heritage. 

The birthplace of baklava, Gazientep is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Visitors can spend time visiting the many shops, adorned in green and gold, selling this flaky sweet treat. Acres and acres of pistachio groves surround the city, while sculptures of the distinctive green seeds line curbs outside the terminals. This really is a destination for the foodies.

Intrepid’s new 11-day Eastern Turkey Explorer trip invites travellers to explore this often-overlooked region. Travellers will dive into its world-famous food culture – learning to make baklava from local artisans and eating their way around the city during a street food tour with a local leader. Travellers are offered the warmth of Anatolian hospitality at a time when slow, community-based travel has never mattered more.

Taking travellers around the globe and connecting people from all walks of life since 1989, Intrepid Travel has been visiting new places and old friends, and creating countless, unforgettable moments for over 30 years. As one of the world’s largest travel B Corps, its aim is to be the best tour company for the world, through responsible travel that respects people and places. Intrepid Travel is also the Which? Recommended Provider for Escorted Tours, December 2024.