No crowds or tourist traps: 5 countries that are particularly in need of travelers in 2026

Global tourism is breaking records, but more and more people are looking for alternatives to popular destinations. Find out which 5 countries are particularly in need of tourists in 2026 and offer authentic travel experiences without the crowds

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

BUY

Global tourism is rapidly recovering and is already reaching record levels. According to analysts, 1.1 billion tourists traveled abroad from January to September last year, which is 5% more than in the same period in 2024. The number of international trips is expected to reach a record high in 2026. At the same time, more and more people are thinking not only about their own comfort, but also about the impact of travel on the places they visit.

According to the Booking.com Travel and Sustainability 2025 report, 84% of travelers consider sustainability to be an important factor when planning a vacation, and 73% want their spending to actually support local communities. That is why experts advise paying attention not to cities overloaded with tourists, but to countries that are in particular need of visitors today. Analysts at Worldwide have named five such destinations where you can see unique locations, experience authentic culture, and travel without crowds.

Why choose lesser-known destinations

Choosing lesser-known countries helps reduce tourist pressure on popular locations while supporting the economies of regions where tourism is just developing or experiencing a decline. As Sam Bruce, co-founder of Much Better Adventures, explains, responsible travel in moderation allows local communities to earn income and preserve their identity.

When choosing less popular destinations and traveling off the beaten track, it is important to take care of your own safety in advance. Ukrainians traveling abroad will need medical insurance that covers treatment, hospitalization, and emergency care. You can purchase a policy online at Visit Ukraine — quickly and taking into account the requirements of different countries, which is especially important when traveling to lesser-known regions.

Moldova: wine cellars and history without haste

For years, Moldova was considered the least visited country in Europe, but the situation is gradually changing. From January to September 2025, about 480,000 tourists visited the country, which is 6.5% more than a year earlier. This result was made possible after decades of reconstruction — up to 70% of the country's territory was destroyed as a result of World War I and World War II.

In Chisinau, it is worth starting with the National Museum of History to better understand life before the Soviet period, as well as taking a walk through Stefan cel Mare Central Park with sculptures of prominent Moldovan writers. Outside the capital, tourists can visit the world's largest wine cellar, Milestii Mici, founded in 1969, a true symbol of the country.

Gambia: tourism that supports communities

Tourism has become a key industry for The Gambia amid climate change, which has severely affected agriculture. Although the first tourists arrived here in the 1970s, today the country is focusing on community-based tourism, where local residents are the main participants in the tourism process.

In addition to the white beaches of the west coast, travelers are advised to take the Ninki Nanka Trail, a combination of hiking and boat trips along the mangroves of the Gambia River. Here you can see the traditional way of life with salt making, weaving, and blacksmithing.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Jordan: iconic sights without the queues

Over the past two years, tourist flows to Jordan have declined sharply due to events in the Middle East. Now the number of visitors is gradually increasing, and this is a rare opportunity to see such iconic places as Petra without the mass influx of tourists.

Jordanian tourism is closely linked to local communities. One of the best ways to experience the country is to walk part of the 675-kilometer Jordan Trail. Highlights include the pine forests of Ajloun with local guides, home-cooked meals of maghloobeh, overnight stays with Bedouin families, and stargazing near the Dana Biosphere Reserve.

Tajikistan: mountains, lakes, and true wilderness

Tajikistan is the smallest country in Central Asia, but traveling here is easier than it seems. Flights to Dushanbe are available several times a week via Dubai or Istanbul. In the capital, it is worth visiting Victory Park and the Mehrgon Bazaar, but the main attractions await in the mountains.

The Fann Mountains, with their juniper forests and glacial lakes, offer routes for trekking enthusiasts, while the Pamir Mountains provide access to the traditions and cuisine of local communities. Tour operators work with small groups, which minimizes the impact on nature and makes the trip more authentic.

Paraguay: slow pace and living history

Paraguay has a complex history of colonization, dictatorships, and wars, which is why peace and a measured way of life are particularly valued here. More than half of the territory is occupied by the Chaco region — an area of dry forests, swamps, and agricultural land, where the indigenous Guaraní and Gaucho peoples live side by side.

The Chaco is home to over 500 species of birds, as well as rare animals such as armadillos, tapirs, and even pumas.

In the capital, Asunción, it is worth visiting the municipal market during the day and the street food courts in the evening. The country's history is best revealed by the Museum of Memory, dedicated to the fall of the dictatorship in 1989.

We remind you! The authoritative publisher Fodor's has published an anti-rating of tourist destinations for 2026. Read about the 8 places in the world that experts advise to avoid due to excessive tourist traffic.

Photo: saiko3p / Shutterstock

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.