2026 Travel Trends: Underrated Destinations Yet to Be Crowded by Tourists

As 2026 draws near, more travellers in Singapore are starting to dream up fresh adventures and scroll through feeds for inspiration. Instead of returning to the same beach or city views, they’re craving destinations that promise fresh experiences – places that haven’t yet hit the mainstream but are quietly stealing the spotlight.

And let’s be honest: we all want that perfect blend of authentic discovery and scroll-stopping photo moments, the kind of travel moments that feel too special to gatekeep. 

Beyond the familiar weekend getaways, a new wave of destinations is quietly calling, from Europe’s edge in Türkiye to the soaring mountains of Almaty, and even the vibrant soul of Tashkent. These places aren’t just about ticking off landmarks; they’re about stepping into moments that feel authentic, surprising, and just right for your next set of travel stories.

Ready to travel somewhere different before it goes viral? Here are our top picks for 2026. 

Istanbul, Türkiye

Few cities can rival the charm of Istanbul when it comes to memorable photos and experiences. It’s not just where East meets West – it’s where the ancient and modern dance side by side in a city that constantly surprises you.

Start your day under the towering domes of the Blue Mosque, where the call to prayer fills the air. It’s a moment that stays with you, especially when the marble glows in the evening sun. Just across the square is the Hagia Sophia, an icon of architecture and history that’s as striking in photos as it is in person.

But Istanbul’s magic goes beyond the landmarks. No trip is complete without wandering through the Grand Bazaar, where lanterns hang from the ceiling, spices add splashes of colour, and every turn brings another photo-worthy scene. Meanwhile, down by the Bosphorus, ferries glide across the water, locals sip tea in small cafés, and fishermen cast their lines from Galata Bridge. For the perfect sunset, head up to Pierre Loti Hill and watch the Golden Horn turn shades of pink and gold.

Karachi, Pakistan

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Often left off the usual travel lists, Karachi offers a raw, authentic energy that is as refreshing as it is unexpected. It isn’t the sort of city that tries to win you over with polish, but give it a chance, and you’ll find that this bustling coastal city is alive with street life and endless opportunities to capture the soul of Pakistan. 

Head to Clifton Beach in the early morning, where pastel skies meet the Arabian Sea and horse-drawn carriages move slowly along the sand. In the city centre, Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum and Mohatta Palace show off Karachi’s layered history, their white marble and detailed arches catching the light throughout the day.

But it’s in the markets where Karachi truly comes alive; markets are an adventure in themselves. Step into Empress Market and you’ll be swept up in the sounds of vendors, the colours of fruit and spice stalls, and the bustle of daily life. As night falls, Burns Road comes alive with sizzling kebabs, aromatic biryanis, and cups of chai that locals linger over late into the evening. Karachi may not be curated for tourists – but if you’re looking for something honest, immersive and wildly photogenic in its own way, this is it. 

Almaty, Kazakhstan

If you’ve ever dreamed of a city framed by mountains so close it feels like you could touch them, Almaty will catch you completely off guard – in the best way possible. It starts with a cosmopolitan hub, with leafy boulevards and cafés buzzing with young creatives, but head just a little beyond and you’ll find yourself surrounded by alpine stillness and natural wonder. 

Head up to Kolsai Lake where the water glows a surreal shade of turquoise, surrounded by rugged peaks that make the place look like a living painting. In winter, you may carve your way down the slopes of Shymbulak, a ski resort that rivals more famous places with fewer crowds and unforgettable views. With well-kept slopes, mountain views, and plenty of après-ski charm, it’s one of the region’s go-to spots for skiing and snowboarding!  For something truly unique, skate at  Medeo, the world’s highest ice rink, tucked between forested valleys – it’s like stepping into a winter fairy tale.

Back in the city, marvel at the candy-coloured Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park, then dive into local culture at the Green Bazaar, where you’ll find stalls stacked high with dried fruits and wild honey. Almaty has that perfect blend of urban chic and natural grandeur, making it one of those rare destinations where every backdrop is a keeper.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tashkent may not be on most travellers’ radars, but that’s what makes it exciting. This capital city mixes everyday life with historic gems that reflect its Silk Road heritage. 

At its heart is the Hasrati Imam Complex, the spiritual face of the city. With its shimmering turquoise domes, intricate mosaics, and sunlit courtyards that feel both sacred and striking. It’s a striking reminder of Tashkent’s Silk Road heritage and a must-see for anyone wanting to understand the city’s character. Just a short walk (and a world away in atmosphere), the Chorsu Bazaar buzzes with life. Beneath its giant blue dome, you’ll find rows of melons, golden flatbreads, and colourful spices, and locals bartering. It’s as photogenic as it is immersive. 

If you want to see the city from a different angle, head up the Tashkent TV Tower for a bird’s-eye view, watching the mix of Soviet-era blocks, green parks, and new developments unfold below. Come evening, the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre glows warmly, its graceful facade reflected in the fountain in front, offering a touch of old-world grandeur. There’s a quiet dignity to Tashkent, one that rewards a slower pace and a curious lens.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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Riyadh may surprise you, and that’s the point. Nestled in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, the capital city is quickly becoming one of the Middle East’s most Insta-worthy, yet undiscovered gems.

The Kingdom Centre Tower is a modern icon, with its iconic Sky Bridge, which delivers jaw-dropping views over the urban sprawl, especially magical at dusk when the horizon glows in layers of amber and gold. 

But the real story of Riyadh unfolds in its heritage. At Al Masmak Fortress, thick mud walls and quiet courtyards offer a glimpse of the rich history of the city. Meanwhile, Diriyah, a UNESCO-listed treasure, feels like a living museum with its narrow lanes and mud-brick palaces glowing in the late afternoon light.

For a shift in pace, escape to Wadi Hanifah, a winding valley framed by cliffs and palm-lined streams, an oasis just beyond the city. 

Chiang Rai, Thailand

If you’ve ever felt like Bangkok is a little too busy and crowded, Chiang Rai is the gentle reset you didn’t know you needed. Tucked away in Thailand’s far north, this quiet city offers a more reflective, artistic and slow-paced side of the country, one that hasn’t yet been swept up by the tourist tide.

Its temples alone are worth the trip. The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), with its sparkling, otherworldly façade, feels almost dreamlike under the sun. A short drive away, the Blue Temple dazzles with its deep sapphire interiors, while the Black House Museum offers a stark, artistic counterpoint that’s as thought-provoking as it is unusual.

Beyond the temples, tea plantations stretch across mist-covered hillsides, and life along the Kok River moves at a pace dictated more by nature than by time. There are no mega shopping malls and neon party strips, and that’s exactly the point. Chiang Rai feels like Thailand before the crowds, and visiting now means you can enjoy its magic without having to share it with too many others.

Labuan Bajo, Indonesia

If you’ve heard whispers about Labuan Bajo, chances are it was in connection with Komodo National Park. But this tiny harbour town on Flores Island is more than just a gateway, it’s an emerging destination in its own right, with a laid-back charm and natural beauty that hasn’t yet hit the mainstream.

The town’s waterfront is dotted with colourful boats, perfect for a slow evening stroll as the sun sinks behind the surrounding hills. A short boat ride away, Padar Island delivers one of Indonesia’s most jaw-dropping views: a rugged, cinematic landscape of ridges and bays that looks like it belongs on another planet. Pink Beach, with its rosy-hued sand, is just as magical in person as it sounds.

And then there’s the water itself. Diving and snorkelling here put you face-to-face with manta rays, sea turtles, and corals in neon shades. While Bali and Lombok may already feel crowded, Labuan Bajo still has that frontier spirit, like you’ve arrived just before everyone else finds out.

Making the most of your journey

Wherever your 2026 adventures take you, remember that the most powerful travel photos don’t just show where you’ve been; they capture how it felt to be there. 

What makes these destinations exciting is not only their beauty, but also the sense of discovery they bring. These are places where history and modern life collide, where cultures layer on top of one another, and where your feed will feel fresh because not everyone has been there yet. 

So whether you’re chasing domes and bazaars in Istanbul, sipping chai on the streets of Karachi, exploring Central Asia’s hidden gems, or drifting through the tranquil charm of Chiang Rai, 2026 might just be the year your travels take on a whole new glow.

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