While most of us go to the big-name cities and sites, there are so many underrated places with fewer crowds, more authentic culture and untouched nature that — in my opinion — make for better trips. These underappreciated jewels offer so much to see and do off-the-beaten path that you won’t miss the tourist traps at all. Here are seven under-the radar places that should make your travel bucket list.

1. Colmar, France – A Fairytale Village Come to Life

Colmar is often overshadowed by Paris and Nice, but it’s one of Europe’s most enchanting towns. With colorful half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes and flower-lined canals, it looks like something out of a storybook. Old town and quiet morning walks in a few tens of meters: This can travel through other charming markets for gourmet discover the real Alsatian typical dishes. It’s an ideal destination for slow, romantic travel far from the bustle of metropolitan life.

2. Tbilisi, Georgia – Culture, Cuisine, and Warm Hospitality

Tbilisi is becoming a more popular destination but still flies under the radar as far as European capitals go. Its distinct blend of contemporary buildings, old sulfur bathhouses, and centuries-old Orthodox churches makes it an unforgettable place. Tourists can sample Georgian fare such as khachapuri and khinkali, while taking advantage of the low cost of living and lively nightlife. The city is a mix of history and culture, so it provides visitors with something novel and yet-to-be fully discovered.

3. Hallstatt, Austria – A Quiet Alpine Dream

Tucked between a tranquil lake and the soaring mountains, Hallstatt is a secret heaven for nature enthusiasts. It’s a picture postcard of a village and one where visitors can enjoy lakeside walks, scenic boat rides and panoramic viewpoints without the teeming masses. Thanks to its peaceful ambience, those looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life can find respite here with a slower pace of live, natural beauty and alpine charm sans hordes of tourists.

4. Chefchaouen, Morocco – The Blue Pearl of North Africa

Chefchaouen is notable for the vivid blue-painted streets that make for a stunning setting to explore and photograph. The town has a laid-back feel, artisan stores and picturesque mountain views. For visitors it’s an opportunity to wander the medina, feast on traditional Moroccan food and hike the nearby Rif Mountains. It is a tranquil choice compared to busier Moroccan cities and a well-kept secret for authentic cultural experiences.

5. Kotor, Montenegro – Medieval Charm by the Sea

Kotor itself is a small coastal city nestled away in the Bay of Kotor and is home to beautiful medieval architecture and some incredible seaside views. Back to Basics Lord Item: Essential Yet Simple in Design What you get: A reimagining of London’s city centre from fairy-tale Middle Ages. Trek up to the Kotor Fortress for stunning panoramic views. The town pairs history, beauty and calm without the crowds of better-known European coastal cities.

6. Ninh Binh, Vietnam – Limestone Landscapes and Tranquil Rivers

Frequently overshadowed by Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh is a beautiful area of limestone karsts, rice paddies and winding rivers. Just like in days long past, visitors can float along calm waterways in boats, visit aged temples and cycle amid verdant countryside. The region also boasts stunning landscapes and tranquil vibe to make it a worthwhile destination for nature enthusiasts or photographers looking for hidden spot in Vietnam.

7. Matera, Italy – Ancient Cave City

Matera, an ancient city carved into a limestone hillside in southern Italy. Famed for its cave dwellings known as Sassi, it is a rare look into life from the ages past. The city abounds with narrow streets, quaint cafes and astounding architecture. A visit to Matera is like taking a step back in time, and yet it is far less overrun than Italy’s more popular destinations, offering those who travel there an equally evocative and memorable journey.

These lesser-known spots of the world provide culture, beauty and adventure — without the tourist throngs. Venturing further afield enables the traveller to see and experience less touristy places, to live like a local, but also can make stronger feeling memories.