We asked 10 travel agents: What's the top under-the-radar destination? Here's what they said
Looking for travel inspiration for 2025 and beyond?
Look no further: CNBC asked 10 travel agents for their recommendations of the most underhyped destinations in the world. We compiled their written answers below, including can't-miss activities for each locale and the best times of year to visit.
You'll also find average round-trip airfare from U.S. airports. The data, provided by travel app Hopper, is based on average fares that were available to book from Jan. 15 to Jan. 22. Prices are for May-July 2025, when most Americans plan to take their longer vacations, Hopper said.
Travelers should aim to book over the next few weeks to score the best prices, it said.
Recommended by:Scott Abbott, managing director of Wilderness Travel
Why to visit: "The Albanian Alps, also known as the Accursed Mountains, are a mountain range very fewpeopleknow about, so are totally untouched by tourism. But have some of the most gorgeous and dramatic hikes in all of Europe. They also have guesthouses, mountain huts and hotels that feel like what the Alps were like 30-plus years ago, all owned by local families and run in a traditional way very authentic to the place and culture."
Can't-miss: Hiking in Valbona Valley National Park
Best time to go: June to September
Average flight price: $926 to Tirana, Albania
Recommended by:Allie Almario, South America and Galapagos expert at Premier Tours
Why to visit: "Most people think of Costa Rica when they think of cloud forest, but Ecuador also has the lure of the Galapagos Islands, so it's a terrific combination. About three hours from the capital city of Quito, Ecuador, the cloud forest feels primeval and otherworldly.
«I love the Mashpi Eco Lodge, which is on the cusp of the rain and cloud forest in
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