Underrated destinations that deserve your bucket list this year

Are you prepared to have the best year yet in 2025? Many people think that seeing the world can be very expensive, but this could not be further from the truth! 

Here are ten inexpensive and underappreciated places to visit in 2025 if you are itching to visit some more places this year and your travel bug has struck again!

1. Ghent, Belgium

I have been all over Europe, so I know what it is like to be completely amazed by a city that, to be honest, I did not expect much from, and I know the anguish of being disappointed.

Ghent, Belgium, is one city that blew me away because it is so underappreciated. 

No one mentioned the small town charm and big city excitement of Ghent, Belgium, even though everyone told me to enjoy the cultural delights of Brussels or the charming beauty of Bruges.

2. Astrakhan, Russia

A prosperous city of roughly half a million people, Astrakhan was once a major trading hub along the Silk Road. It is now known for producing the best Russian Caviar.

 The city is located approximately 100 kilometers from the Caspian Sea on 11 islands that line the Volga River.  More than 100 different nationalities and 14 different religions coexist peacefully side by side.

3. Almaty, Kazakhstan

In one of the world’s most underappreciated regions, Almaty is arguably one of the most underappreciated cities. Despite Kazakhstan’s breathtaking beauty, very few would think of it as a vacation spot.

Almaty is no longer the capital because Astana, which is new and shiny but lacks soul, has taken its place. Almaty is still the center of Kazakhstan, though. A city that exudes natural beauty, history, and Kazakh friendliness.

4. Omis, Croatia

On vacation in Croatia, most people go to Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik, but they do not visit Omis, which is one of my favorite towns there. There is so much to do in Omis that you could easily stay for a week.

5. Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Once again, Jaffna is on the rise. Despite decades of civil war, this underappreciated and culturally diverse city has a lot to offer visitors, having reopened to the public a few years ago. 

It is uncertain how long this will last because Jaffna is becoming more accessible by train to the rest of Sri Lanka. So go now!

To explore, rent a bike, moped, or tuk-tuk. Much of the city still stands as a testament to its tenacity, despite the crumbling remnants of years of conflict. 

These tracks serve as a visual representation of Jaffna’s historical timeline in areas where recorded history is lacking.

6. Oman

Although Oman’s tourism industry has been expanding recently, most people still do not know much about it or even recognize it on a map. 

I still have a ton more to tell about our road trip through Oman, which was one of the highlights of this year and included endless orange sand dunes and the whitest beaches with the clearest water!

Conclusion

So, will 2025 be the year you visit some of the major places on your bucket list? If you visit any of the aforementioned locations, please share your experience in the comments!