Every year, millions of tourists flock to well-known national parks, iconic landmarks and dreamy islands. But while many head to the main sites and key attractions, there are plenty of lesser-known destinations that are equally worth the time and money. Intrepid's 2027 Not Hot List identifies the underrated spots that are ready to welcome more travellers next year. Independent research, destination experts and local leaders helped to select ten locations for the list based on three key criteria. The location had to be 'less-visited' with 'low awareness and visitor numbers compared with nearby or similar destinations'.'Tourism readiness' was also considered, referring to its 'ability to welcome growing visitor numbers responsibly through strong infrastructure, community alignment, and sustainable destination planning'.The destination also had to offer something 'new in 2027' such as 'new initiatives, improved connectivity, major events, launches or infrastructure developments that give travellers a compelling reason to visit in 2027'.Here, we unpack this year's 'Not Hot List', according to Intrepid Travel. 1. Samburu National Reserve, Ewaso Ng'iro, Kenya The Samburu National Reserve can be found in northern KenyaLocated in northern Kenya, the Samburu National Reserve is 'one of East Africa's most ecologically unique protected areas'.Here, visitors are able to see first-hand lions, leopards and cheetahs.The 'Samburu Special Five' also roam the land, including giraffes, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, East African Oryx and long-necked antelope.Between 30,000 and 40,000 visitors head to the reserve each year – equating to one-tenth of the number of travellers the popular Maasai Mara National Reserve sees. Astrotourism is also taking off in Samburu, with its undisturbed skies and unique landscape offering a clear view. Meanwhile, the local Samburu people – a semi-nomadic community – work with tourism operators in the area to ensure that any income generated by holidaymakers to the region is invested back in the local communities.'Samburu offers a different kind of magic – fewer vehicles and wilder landscapes, all wrapped up in a community conservation model that directly supports livelihoods and wildlife protection,' Samuel Karani, Intrepid Travel general manager, East Africa, said. 2. Mestia, Georgia Mestia, in Georgia, offers a range of hiking routes suitable for all skill levelsOver in Mestia, Georgia, travellers can find 'unparalleled hiking, skiing and outdoor adventures'. The region boasts a range of hiking routes suitable for all skill levels, with plenty of history to check out along the way, such as medieval tower villages. It's a great spot for skiers too; the region sees around 400in of light, dry snow every year to be enjoyed across its 5000-metre-high peaks.Mestia has seen increased investment into its local infrastructure recently, and isn't as busy as more popular mountain regions such as Kazbegi – thus offering a more peaceful experience for visitors.3. Ajloun, Northern Highlands, JordanThe Northern Highlands in Jordan has 'abundant hiking trails'After some challenging years politically, Jordan is picking up the pace and hoping to draw in visitors with its green spaces. Travellers can find 'community-led tourism initiatives' as well as 'abundant hiking trails' in the beautiful Northern Highlands.Birdwatching, wildlife experiences and a chance to immerse oneself in rural communities are just some of the things visitors will find in Jordan's remote landscape. For most tourists, the deserts of Petra and Wadi Rum come to mind when thinking of Jordan, but the Northern Highlands offers something different. Tourism in the area is more dispersed and Intrepid Travel described how 'it's ready to receive more travellers'.4. Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Whitehorse, Canada Whitehorse, in Canada, boasts impressive mountains and glacier-fed lakes Acting as the 'gateway' to Yukon Territory, Whitehorse, in Canada, is en route to becoming a hub for Arctic tourism, boasting impressive mountains and glacier-fed lakes. The area is located on the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council territories and has over 700km (435 miles) of marked trails ripe for exploration.The new Arctic Canada Tourism Network aims to bring visitors in year-round, rather than just the peak season, and promotes supporting local, Indigenous-owned businesses. Amber Berard-Althouse, a Tlingit woman and Kluane First Nations citizen said: 'The Yukon has wilderness that is vast and looks pristine because of the stewardship here by the Yukon First Nations people. 'It is very important to know that this land has been travelled and cared for since time immemorial. Visiting here means stepping into history and feeling the land in a very meaningful way.'5. Alonnisos, Greece The Greek island of Alonnisos is a 'leading example of responsible island tourism'The Greek islands attract hordes of holidaymakers each year, with many currently battling the myriad challenges associated with overtourism. However, Alonnisos, in the northwestern Aegean Sea, is a 'leading example of responsible island tourism', according to Intrepid.The dreamy island provides a safe home to the largest marine protected area in Europe: the National Marine Park of Alonnisos and Northern Sporades, and is only accessible by ferry or private yacht – which helps to limit tourism numbers.In 2024, the island saw just 70,000 visitors, while nearby Skiathos brought in a whopping 500,000.The island also has a distinct focus on low-impact and nature-based tourism.Divers can explore the fifth-century BC Peristera shipwreck – the only one of its kind in Greece – and there is an old town, ruins and a museum to check out on land. Alonnisos is one of five destinations being piloted by the LIFE CEI Greece circular economy programme, which is investing in 'recycling, biowaste management, desalination plants and renewable energy'.6. Dili, Timor-Leste Timor-Leste, in Southeast Asia, has new flight routes and a modernised airport One of Southeast Asia's least-visited destinations is Timor-Leste, with under 100,000 tourists a year.There are lots of reasons, though, to visit the overlooked nation, and new flight routes and a modernised airport in the capital of Dili could make this even more possible. Timor-Leste has also been accepted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which will help improve local infrastructure and use tourism to help boost the economy. 'Tourism here is still young. We are not a destination where everything has been built or polished for tourists, and I think that is one of our biggest strengths,' said Anas Madeira, Intrepid Travel Tour Leader in Timor-Leste.'You need to come with an open mind and a heart for adventure – but that is also where some of the best experiences come from.'7. Pekoe Trail, Nuwara Eliya Area, Sri Lanka The Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka is the country's first long-distance walking trailThe Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka takes visitors along a 300km (186 miles)-long route through cloud forests, rivers, remote villages and tea estates. As the country's first long-distance walking trail, it was 'developed as a community-led tourism initiative' and the nature of the route means visitors slow down and appreciate their surroundings. The trek isn't heaving with crowds either, despite gaining recognition worldwide and being shortlisted for the Trail Tourism Award at the World Trails Awards. Indeed, according to Intrepid, only 9,589 trail passes were sold in the past year.There are new flight routes to Sri Lanka making it easier to reach for international visitors, including a direct service by Jetstar between Melbourne and Colombo. 8. Liepāja, Latvia Liepāja, in Latvia, is often dubbed the 'Baltic alternative to the Mediterranean'The port city of Liepāja is set to become a European Capital of Culture next year, and it's easy to see why the destination has garnered such appeal. Liepāja's new title from the European Union will put the city into the spotlight and transform it into a bustling cultural hub, with more than 500 events planned in the area and nearby Kurzeme and Kuldīga. It is often dubbed the 'Baltic alternative to the Mediterranean' and boasts 8km (five miles) of sandy beach.Other attractions include the Seaside Park, which is one of the largest planted parks in Latvia, at 3km (two miles) long. The Great Amber Concert Hall opened in 2015 and is eight storeys tall. The venue hosts a range of musical acts and performances. Visitor numbers to the city totalled 119,840 in 2024 – much lower than Dubrovnik, which is similar with its offerings and brings in a million tourists a year – making it a perfect destination for those wanting to explore without the crowds. 9. Carretera Austral, Chile The Carretera Austral is 'one of South America's best-kept secrets'Intrepid calls Carretera Austral, a 1,240-kilometre road through Chilean Patagonia, 'one of South America's best-kept secrets'.Referred to as 'Route 7' by locals, the highway passes by thrilling landscapes such as the Chaitén Volcano, the Pumalin National Park and General Carrera Lake – there are endless stop-off points to choose from. Visitors won't struggle to find somewhere to stay either; the road has family-run guesthouses and campsites along the way as well as small hotels and cabins. The route takes between seven and ten days to complete and can mostly be done in a normal car if driving carefully – although Intrepid Travel recommends a four-wheel drive.Improvements to the road and infrastructure are going ahead with backing from the government. 10. Dalsland, Sweden Dalsland, in West Sweden, is the country's answer to the beloved Lake DistrictOften considered Sweden's version of the Lake District, Dalsland has over 2,000 lakes set within forests, greenery and hills. Only 320,000 visitors explored the area last year, and a brand new rail link between Malmo and Oslo makes the West Sweden destination more accessible than before. Perfect for thrill seekers, Dalsland has more than 850km (528 miles) of gravel roads and 17 circular routes. Wild camping is also permitted for those wanting an authentic experience in the wilderness. Or, if you're after a more comfortable stay, there are plenty of local small-scale accommodation options to choose from too. 'When people find their way to Dalsland, they are often surprised by how much there is to experience in a place that still feels so unspoilt and unexplored,' said Lotta Edin-Johansson, CEO of Visit Dalsland AB and Dalslands Canal AB.