Sometimes, the trickiest part of planning a vacation is nailing down the right location. With so many factors to consider, the process can get downright stressful. Luckily, as editors, we get to travel quite a bit and have visited some of the most underrated but amazing destinations.
A few places have really stuck out to us as extraordinary. Sure, it’s hard to have a bad vacation, but sometimes there are just places that take your adventure to the next level. Whether it’s a relatively unknown spot that isn’t filled with tourists or a place so beautiful you absolutely have to visit it at some point in your life, we’ve got you covered. Our editors have shared some of their favorite places and what makes them so special. So, check out some of our top picks and get your credit card ready — you’re going to want to book a flight to one of these spots ASAP.
Corfu, Greece
“In 2011, I spent four months on this tiny island. It’s hard to describe, but there is truly something magical about it. Even the light looks different in Corfu. The super-salty but crystal-clear Ionian Sea is the most amazing shade of teal, and every inch of the island is steeped in rich history. The whole island has a very laid-back and relaxed vibe, and the food is absolutely incredible. If you ever get the chance to visit Corfu, don’t think twice. Just go.” — Kenzie Mastroe, lifestyle editor
Belgrade, Serbia
“I love feeling like I’m the only tourist in town, and visiting Belgrade in January definitely has that vibe (that’s also when Serbian Orthodox Christmas occurs, so festive bonus). There is so much great food and music in Belgrade, and it’s an easy train ride from Croatia and Ljubljana and other Eastern European gems. It really feels like most travelers haven’t truly “discovered” Belgrade yet — but it’s only a matter of time, so get on it.” — Amelia Edelman, senior parenting editor
Prince Edward Island, Canada
“Yes, I was initially drawn to Canada’s smallest province because I love L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables books, but that’s just the beginning of PEI’s many charms. They have the best, freshest seafood I’ve ever tasted, remarkable beaches, history galore and very little traffic (even at the height of tourist season).” — Elizabeth Yuko, health editor
El Calafate, Argentina
“My husband and I took epic, two-week vacations every year before having a child, so narrowing down my absolute favorite spot was a bit of a challenge. But when I close my eyes and try to recall the most awe-inspiring place we’ve been, Patagonia flashes first before my eyes. Its raw, majestic beauty smacks you in the face from the moment your plane lands, and while El Calafate proper isn’t much to write home about, it serves as a base for some pretty unbeatable sights: ice trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier, bird-watching in the Laguna Nimez reserve and horseback riding with a gaucho in the incredibly remote Estancia Cristina.” — Cristina Velocci, director of editorial operations
Banff, Canada
“Banff is the ultimate adventure destination. You can hike, ski, mountain bike, rock climb, swim. There really isn’t an activity that Banff isn’t perfect for. The mountains are insanely beautiful and there are so many glacial lakes to explore. I have only been there once so far, but it was definitely one of the best and most beautiful places I have ever visited. I can’t wait to go back.” — Kenzie Mastroe, lifestyle editor
St. Lucia
“I’d heard from friends about the epic beauty of this mountainous, mango-shaped island located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, but experiencing it for myself was another thing. Upon arriving at the breathtaking Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina located in a sheltered part of the northwestern side of the island, we were served spiced ice tea spiked with St. Lucian rum, which quickly took the edge off after a long journey.
“From there, we went on to tour a St. Lucian rum distillery, Soufriere Bay and its panoramic views of the Petit and Gros Pitons, wildly beautiful rainforest botanical gardens and waterfalls and volcanic hot springs (complete with an all-natural mud bath). If I could relive that trip again, I’d do it in a second!” — Hannah Hickok, deputy editor
Montego Bay, Jamaica
“Last year, I treated myself to a solo trip just before my birthday. I stumbled upon one of those impossibly cheap flight deals and decided to take the plunge. I think what made my trip to Jamaica so special was that I didn’t stay at a resort in a super-touristy area. Instead, I opted for a small family-owned bed and breakfast just outside Montego Bay. Of course, there’s the beach and palm trees, but I loved being tucked away in the mountains too. Every day, our driver (the owner’s close friend) would take us to a new destination, from Dunn’s Falls all the way out to the beach clubs in Negril. My favorite stop was a tiny rum bar somewhere between Greenwood and Montego Bay. I wish I could remember the name, but it was run by the friendliest Rastafarian I’ve ever met, and he made the best brown stew fish I’ve ever tasted!” — Nikki Brown, beauty editor
Boulder, Colorado
“Pearl Street is an adorable downtown walkable area with live performers every weekend. Plus, it’s minutes away from tons of outdoor activity and a short drive to the incredible Rocky Mountain National Park.” — Colleen Stinchcombe, general editor
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