In a world increasingly dominated by the concept of "overtourism," the global travel landscape is undergoing a significant shift. For years, iconic cities and famous landmarks have been a magnet for millions, leading to overcrowding, strained resources, and a diminished experience for both visitors and locals. But one trailblazing company is looking to change that narrative. Intrepid Travel, a leader in small-group adventures, is actively encouraging travelers to venture beyond the usual hotspots with its newly released "Not Hot List" for 2026.
This meticulously curated list serves as an antidote to the well-trodden path, showcasing hidden gems and lesser-known destinations ready to welcome visitors. These aren't random selections; they're places with new investments and improved infrastructure, ensuring they can sustainably support tourism. By spotlighting these emerging destinations, Intrepid aims to redirect the flow of travelers, distributing the economic benefits more widely and preserving the authenticity that draws people to a place in the first place.
This approach is rooted in a philosophy that prioritizes meaningful travel and community impact. As Erica Kritikides, Intrepid Travel's General Manager of Experiences, explained in a statement, "We know that 80% of travelers visit just 10% of the world's tourism destinations and we recognize that we have a role to play in influencing that. The selection criteria for our "Not Hot List" reflects an approach to tourism that we've long championed. While some destinations receive millions – even tens of millions – of visitors each year, many lesser-known places go virtually unnoticed by travelers."
Tired of crowds? Where can you go instead?
Why the world's best destinations aren't famous yet
Topping the 2026 list is Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone, a remarkable example of a hidden gem ripe for discovery. Known for its rich Gola Forest and diverse primate population, the island was recently inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2025. This prestigious designation solidifies its standing as a critical biodiversity hotspot and signals a new chapter for the country's ecotourism. Intrepid, which offers an immersive 8-day tour in Sierra Leone, notes that the country welcomed only about 60,000 international overnight visitors in 2024. This number stands in stark contrast to the millions who flock to conventional destinations, highlighting the immense potential for conscious travel to make a difference. The tour allows travelers to experience the island's untouched natural splendor, providing a much-needed boost to local communities and conservation efforts.
Coming in at number two is Kyrgyzstan's rugged Tien Shan Mountain Range. Described by Intrepid as a "trekker's paradise," this region is home to the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail, a vast and expanding network of routes. This year, the trail saw a significant expansion, making it a truly epic adventure for hikers. Intrepid's 10-day tour takes travelers on an authentic journey, navigating high-altitude trails and staying in traditional, community-run yurts. This immersive experience offers a genuine connection to the local nomadic culture, far from the crowds of more popular trekking destinations.
Ranking third on the list is Mexico's Sierra Norte, located in the country's lesser-visited highlands. This area is home to the Pueblos Mancomunados, a cooperative of 8 self-governing Zapotec villages. The region's tourism model is based on community-led initiatives, ensuring that the benefits of visitors are shared equally among residents. The area's appeal has grown even more with the recent opening of the Barranca Larga-Ventanilla highway, making these highlands more accessible than ever before. This new infrastructure connects the mountainous region to the bustling coast, creating new opportunities for sustainable tourism.
The power of purposeful travel
Source: Wade Lambert/Unsplash
The criteria for selecting the "Not Hot List" destinations were threefold: they had to be less-visited with lower awareness, demonstrate tourism readiness with new initiatives, and have a particular relevance in 2026. This thoughtful approach ensures that Intrepid's trips not only provide an incredible experience but also contribute positively to the places they visit.
"A key consideration when we're developing trips is how we can spread the economic benefits of tourism more widely and how our presence in a destination can positively impact the communities we're visiting," Kritikides emphasized.
This commitment to responsible tourism is a core part of Intrepid's brand, and it's a message that resonates with a growing number of travelers. By choosing these destinations, visitors aren't just taking a vacation; they're making a conscious choice to support local economies and preserve cultural and natural heritage.
For those planning their next big adventure, this list offers compelling alternatives to the usual suspects. And for travelers considering their pre-flight logistics, remember that finding affordable solutions can be part of a budget-friendly trip. Websites like ParkingNearAirports.io can help you save money on airport parking and even find cheap parking website deals, offering park and fly weekly rates that make the start of your journey stress-free. With logistics taken care of, you're free to focus on the truly important part of your trip: the experience itself.
Ultimately, Intrepid's "Not Hot List" is more than just a list of places to visit. It's a call to action – an invitation to be part of a movement that values exploration over exploitation and a reminder that the world is full of incredible, undiscovered places waiting to be explored. By choosing to go off the beaten path, you can have a powerful, positive impact on the places you visit and the people you meet.
