The world’s 10 least-visited holiday destinations that should be on everyone’s bucket list
These off-the-beaten-track destinations will allow tourists to truly experience life as locals during their holiday.
Many tourists love to head for their holidays to areas famous for their beauty, attractions and food. Others, however, prefer to explore destinations off the beaten track to gain a more authentic insight into the country they have travelled to.
Market research company Euromonitor International has tracked the visitor numbers of more than 700 cities in 135 different countries - allowing travellers who want to visit under-explored urban areas to find the destination just for them.
Express.co.uk has looked into some of the least-visited cities in the world tracked by the organisation.
1. Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Samarkand used to be one of the most important cities in the world due to its location on the Silk Road, the ancient trade route linking China to the Mediterranean. The arrival of the railway in 1888 boosted once again its international profile, as it became a key centre for the export of wine, dried and fresh fruits and other products including leather.
Despite being now snubbed by many tourists, Samarkand remains a melting pot of cultures, home to stunning mausoleums and the beautiful Bibi Khanum, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia.
2. Bodden Town, Cayman Islands
Most people who visit the Cayman Islands head to the archipelago's capital, George Town. However, just 20 minutes away from the city lies Bodden Town, often overlooked despite having a lot to offer to visitors, including rustic beaches and historical sites.
3. Lichinga, Mozambique
The capital city of the Niassa Province in north Mozambique, Lichinga is a paradise for tourists seeking natural beauty thanks to its azure lakes, picturesque mountains and pine tree plantation. Among Lichinga's top attractions are the stunning Chingoma Falls, waterfalls located just a short drive away from the city holding cultural significance to the local Makua tribe.
4. Banja Luka, Bosnia-Herzegovina
The second-largest city in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Banja Luka is full of fascinating sights. Among them is the Orthodox Rebrovačka Church, which meshes several architectural styles, a medieval fortress known as the Kastel and the former hydro electricity factory - a true gem for people loving to explore abandoned buildings.
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5. Liepaja, Latvia
Located on Latvia's west coast, Liepaja is known throughout the country as the city "where the wind is born" due to the constant sea breeze grazing it. One of the best sights in this port city is its unbroken sandy beach overlooking the Baltic Sea. Much like Lichinga, this city is a paradise for tourists who like to explore natural areas, as they cover about one-third of Liepaja's territory.
6. Solo, Indonesia
Solo, also known as Surakarta, offers a unique insight into the traditions and identity of Indonesia thanks to its historic architecture and authentic markets. The city is also home to the Jaladara Steam Train, a traditional steam train dating back to the colonial era that takes tourists on a unique tour through Solo. Moreover, an hour drive away from the city, tourists can find an old Hindu temple, Sukuh, famous for its rock relief focused on sexuality and life before birth.
7. Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
Despite being the capital of Myanmar since 2005, Nay Pyi Taw barely has any tourists. In fact, to be a capital city where the rulers have built grandiose buildings to showcase its importance, it also seems to be lacking residents. Visitors heading here can expect to see a mix of lavish mansions, massive monuments and car-free highways.
8. Karak, Jordan
Locally known as al-Karak, this city is best known for the Karak Castle, one of the largest crusader fortresses in the east. Best to visit as part of a guided tour so as not to miss out on anything, the castle is set across seven levels and still includes guardhouses and barracks among other parts that can be explored.
9. Rotorua, New Zealand
Nature-loving tourists heading to Rotorua will have the chance to explore otherworldly geothermal parks as well as the stunning Whakarewarewa Forest, and will be able to choose between 18 lakes to explore. But the city is also perfect for those seeking to rest and refuel - as well as for travellers who want to learn more about Māori culture.
10. Concepción, Chile
The least visited city in the world according to the report, Concepción is a hardworking port city famous for its universities and large student population. However, it is also popular for its music scene, with many Chilean rock performers known to have kickstarted their careers here. While it is the many skyscrapers that catch the eye of visitors at first, Concepción is worth a visit due to its stunning black-sand beaches.
