John Bills

‘Overtourism’. It’s more than a buzzword – in the world’s most popular destinations, it’s a problem that affects almost every aspect of local life, from the environment to the cost of renting, transport and eating out. And when a place is overwhelmed by people, it’s not only locals’ quality of life that suffers; the quality of your trip does, too. But it’s not all bad. Destinations are coming up with ways to redistribute tourism from densely crowded hotspots to lesser-visited regions. Travellers are seeking cooler climes and embracing slow travel, allowing space to discover somewhere new. And they’re still riding the ‘destination dupes’ trend, where overrun holiday destinations are swapped out for less crowded, less expensive, but just-as-good alternatives. On our newly updated list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations, you won’t find your Bangkoks or your Balis, your Amalfis or your Amsterdams. What you will find is the hidden side of Yosemite, the French Riviera’s overlooked twin, a place where penguins outnumber people, and plenty more travel inspo where that came from.Why trust us? Because we’ve been to them all. Every spot on this list was picked by one of our expert editors and globetrotting travel writers, recommended because they offer great (or quiet) alternatives to the classics – and in many cases, because they’re places that actually want tourism. In other words, travelling to any of these 33 criminally overlooked destinations is a win-win situation.

​​Boutique hotels have been popping up around Malta’s historic capital of Valletta in recent years, returning dilapidated palazzos to their Baroque glory. If you’re looking for independent, design-led spots to rest your head, there’s a wealth of places to choose from. That does mean that sometimes trips err on the more expensive side, but you can also discover Asti Malta for mid-range stays and Gozo if you’re confined to a budget. For old-school grandeur, check out Mdina, the former capital which is now referred to as the ‘silent city’ for its nighttime calm. Conversely, the waterfront town of St Julian’s is unrestrained with its flashy local entertainment. Get a deeper look at the best hotels in Malta with our ultimate guide to them all here. 🛏️ RECOMMENDED: Where to stay in Malta Who makes the cut? Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 📍 The best things to do in Malta

There’s a reason why Krakow is Poland’s most visited destination – and one of the most visited in central Europe, too. From the atmospheric architecture of the Old Town to the historic properties of the Jewish district of Kazimierz, the city practically oozes grandeur and intrigue. And Krakow’s accommodation is more than up to the task of matching the city’s history and culture, covering all budgets across everything from hostels and hotels to guesthouses. Read on for our picks for the Krakow’s best hotels.  How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We may not have reviewed every hotel featured below, but any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Krakow🌍 Our ultimate guide to Europe

Trends come and go, but the combination of sun, sea, and sand remains undefeated. Nothing says ‘vacation mode’ quite like rocking up to the beach and spending the day in the sun, letting the rays wash over you as the world goes about its business. When it comes to holidays, the beach is best. That all sounds delightful, but there is a minor problem; everyone else seems to have the same idea. Beaches are brilliant, but a busy beach can be a less-than-brilliant experience. Luckily for intrepid explorers, there are plenty of special strips of seaside that remain off the tourist radar (for the time being). Europe has no shortage of underrated and hidden beaches, and this list could be a (nautical) mile long. For now, consider this your new beach bucket list. 📍 RECOMMENDED: Our ultimate guide to destinations in Europe John Bills is a writer at Time Out travel. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers and destination experts. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Europe is not lacking in jaw-dropping beauty. Its home to seven Wonders of the World, for one thing, as well as 34 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – and even that doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of the incredible things you can find across the continent. But even if we can’t list every single beautiful place in Europe, we can list our favourites. To put together this list, we asked our editorial staff team and travel writers based all over Europe for the most beautiful things they’d ever seen on their travels. The result? Stories of taking boats out on Germany’s hidden lakes, climbing up to vast sand dunes in France, afternoons spent strolling Art Nouveau streets in Latvia and childhoods spent clambering over jagged stones in Ireland. From solitary islands to well-trodden walking routes, here are the most beautiful places in Europe, picked by us. 📍 RECOMMENDED: Our ultimate guide to destinations in Europe Ella Doyle is Time Out’s guides editor. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Europe was once home to the perfectly temperate summer holiday – warm enough to bask in a balmy piazza, but cool enough to throw on an extra layer in the evenings. That was until the effects of global warming accelerated and sent popular holiday destinations across the Med and other parts of Europe into literal meltdown. This summer alone, countries throughout Europe have had ‘red heat’ weather warnings, from wildfires blazing in Spain, Portugal and Greece to severe high temperature alerts in France. But shade worshippers can breathe a sigh of relief, as the travel industry is now embracing a new kind of summer holiday: the cool vacation or ‘coolcation’. From breezy islands to crisp mountainous regions, here are the best places for a cool European holiday in August. 📍 RECOMMENDED: Our ultimate guide to destinations in Europe John Bills is a travel writer who has travelled extensively across Europe, with expertise in Eastern Europe. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

A small but mighty city built on a rich tapestry of heritage and tradition, Cardiff packs a punch when it comes to its diverse cultural offerings. I was born and raised in the Welsh capital, and though I moved to London at 20, I still return often. This pull on my heart is known in Welsh as ‘hiraeth’, a word likened to feeling a deep longing for the place where you grew up.  Within Cardiff’s many characterful suburbs, you’ll hear sing-song accents via the wild, humorous stories that tumble out of the city’s warm-natured people. You’ll try both local delicacies and global delights from its thriving food scene (check out our list of the best restaurants for the very best picks). Above all, you’ll see why it’s no wonder I feel so immensely grateful to call it my hometown. Here are the best things to do in Cardiff right now.  ✈️ The best weekend breaks from London How long do I need in Cardiff? While 48 hours may be enough to get a feel of the city, you could spend days traversing its rolling hills, historic castle grounds or Edwardian arcades and continue to unearth new discoveries and surprises, from local landmarks to the city’s best boozers (and beyond).  RECOMMENDED:🍽️ The best restaurants in Cardiff🏨 The best Airbnbs in Cardiff📍 The best things to do in Wales☀️ The best things to do in the UK This guide was recently updated by Sophie Williams, a writer based in Cardiff. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out.

There are some places that you just can’t appreciate to the max unless you don your walking boots and clamber there on two feet (with plenty of provisions and decent ankle support, please), and while you might think a trek must entail an arduous, multi-day journey, taking in the best this world has to offer doesn’t always have to be such hard work.  This list of the world’s very best treks includes coastal paths, mountain-top trails, journeys through canyons, forests, gorges and even over some rickety bridges, all of which will reward you with some of the world’s mightiest scenery – some of them you can commit to for days, some will can be enjoyed in smaller, beginner-friendly chunks. Read on for our roundup of this planet’s most glorious treks.  RECOMMENDED:🏔️The best hikes in the world🌌The best places in the world to go stargazing🚞The best luxury train journeys in the world✈️The most underrated destinations in the world At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

The best of the best that Cornwall has to offer? That’s a tough task. One of the most popular touristic regions in the UK, Kernow (Cornish for Cornwall, if you were wondering) is chock-full of idyllic gardens, expansive estates, history-heavy museums and forward-thinking projects, with some spots managing to tick all four of those disparate boxes. It’ll take some serious running around to touch all these must-see spots on one trip, but rushing is a fool’s game. Instead, use this list as an excuse to return to Cornwall, time and time again. The best of the best that Cornwall has to offer? Look no further. Recommended: the best Airbnbs in CornwallRecommended: the best hotels in Cornwall

Popular with travellers from the UK and from overseas, Cornwall is hands down one of the country’s most visited destinations. It’s enormous and contains a huge variety, from some of the UK’s most impressive beaches nestled between dramatic headlands to ‘gram-worthy seaside villages and even the odd castle or two.  It’d be impossible to pick the most beautiful spot – you’d be better off exploring them all for yourself as there’s just so much worth seeing. We recommend doing so by car: aside from a few trains, its public transport system is famously shoddy, and the hard-to-reach, remote spots and winding country lanes are easiest to access on four wheels (just watch out for locals speeding around those bends). So, whether you’re heading here for the first time or the twentieth time, fire up the engine and fasten your seatbelt – here are the best places to visit in Cornwall. RECOMMENDED:🎭 The best things to do in Cornwall🏕️ The best campsites in Cornwall🥧 The best attractions in Cornwall🏖️ The best beaches in Cornwall🏩 The best Airbnbs in Cornwall🏨 The best hotels in Cornwall This guide was updated by Time Out writer India Lawrence, who is originally from Cornwall. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

With its golden beaches braced by an Atlantic breeze, charming fishing villages and winding coastal walks, Cornwall is one of the loveliest counties in Britain – and it has some equally lovely accommodation, too. After a long day of sightseeing, adventuring and sunbathing (not to mention more fish and chips than your body might be prepared for), finding an idyllic spot to lay your head is vital. Cornwall’s lack of consistency on the hotel front might surprise some, but that shouldn’t be confused with a lack of quality. Far from it: this stunning slice of coastal confidence has some of Britain’s finest hotels waiting to welcome visitors. Take your pick from beach or countryside, activity or spa break, the dramatic north coast or the tranquil creeks of the south; all have first-class accommodation and make great bases for exploring. To help you narrow it down to one, we’ve rounded up the best hotels in Cornwall below. RECOMMENDED:🏡 The best Airbnbs in Cornwall📍 The best things to do in Cornwall🏖️ The best beaches in Cornwall🍲 The best restaurants in Cornwall Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

You’ve done the classics: the capital cities, the TikTok viral spots, the cities with their own Netflix show. And don’t get us wrong, we love the classics for a reason. But there’s a downside to these big, bustling, bucket-list-worthy travel destinations. If you’ve ever queued an hour for a pastry, spent your day’s budget on a coffee or had to book a museum three months in advance, you’ll know it as well as us: it’s the crowds.  And following a year of demonstrations and anti-tourism measures in European hotspots about overtourism, there’s never been a better time to think outside the box for your travels – especially when so many incredible European spots are getting overlooked. And hey, we’re not gatekeepers here, so we regularly update this list with places we think are being criminally overlooked, from culture-packed city breaks to under-the-radar national parks. So if you’re travelling on a budget, searching for quiet or just desperate to try somewhere new, these are the most underrated places to visit in Europe right now, according to Time Out experts.  RECOMMENDED:🏰 The best city breaks in Europe📍 The most beautiful places in Europe Ella Doyle and Grace Beard are Time Out’s travel editors. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our aff

Fundada en 1945, la UNESCO (Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura) se ha convertido en una especie de guía de la majestuosidad del mundo. La Convención del Patrimonio Mundial se sumó en 1972 y la organización se dedicó a elaborar un catálogo de las maravillas más increíbles del mundo, desde montañas y mares hasta obras de la arquitectura espectaculares hechas por el ser humano. Tras ser actualizada, esta lista impresionante incluye ahora 1.223 puestos de 168 países, desde Afganistán hasta Zimbabue, con mucha historia a sus espaldas. Incluso en una lista tan completa, ciertos sitios destacan, sobre todo si nos fijamos solo en su belleza. La UNESCO sabe lo que se hace y nosotros hemos cogido algunos de los espacios incluidos para elaborar el ranking de los 15 lugares más bonitos de la tierra declarados patrimonio de la humanidad por la UNESCO. 1. Islas Galápagos, Ecuador Foto: Shutterstock Si queremos empezar una recopilación de los lugares más extraordinarios del mundo, nada mejor que hacerlo por las islas Galápagos. Este fue el primer lugar inscrito en la lista del Patrimonio de la UNESCO y es uno de los lugares más increíbles del planeta. Las islas son más famosas por su única fauna, pero no podemos pasar por alto la espectacularidad de los paisajes. Las Galápagos son un mundo de aguas cian, vegetación exuberante y una atmósfera que no se puede encontrar en ningún otro sitio del planeta. 2. Venecia, Italia Foto: Shutterstock Venec

Fundada el 1945, la UNESCO (Organització de les Nacions Unides per a l'Educació, la Ciència i la Cultura) s'ha convertit en una mena de guia de la majestuositat del món. La Convenció del Patrimoni Mundial es va afegir l'any 1972 i l'organització es va dedicar a elaborar un catàleg de les meravelles més increïbles del món, des de muntanyes i mars fins a obres de l'arquitectura espectaculars fetes per l'ésser humà. Després de ser actualitzada, aquesta llista impressionant ara inclou 1.223 llocs de 168 països, des de l'Afganistan fins a Zimbàbue, amb molta història a les seves espatlles. Fins i tot en una llista tan completa, certs llocs destaquen, sobretot si ens fixem només en la seva bellesa. La UNESCO sap el que es fa i nosaltres hem agafat alguns dels espais que hi han inclòs per elaborar el rànquing dels 15 llocs més bonics de la terra declarats patrimoni de la humanitat per la UNESCO. 1. Illes Galápagos, Equador Foto: Shutterstock   Si volem començar un recull dels llocs més extraordinaris del món, res millor que fer-ho per les illes Galápagos. Aquest va ser el primer lloc inscrit a la llista del Patrimoni de la UNESCO i és un dels indrets més increïbles del planeta. Les illes són més famoses per la seva fauna única, però no podem passar per alt l'espectacularitat dels paisatges. Les Galápagos són un món d'aigües cian, vegetació exuberant i una atmosfera que no es pot trobar a cap altre lloc del planeta. 2. Venècia, Itàlia  Foto: Shutterstock   Venècia continua lluita

El món és un lloc terrorífic. Els esperits habiten tots els racons del planeta, perduts entre aquest món i l'altre, a la recerca de la pau, la serenitat o potser d'algunes persones vives per espantar (no tenim criteri per assegurar els motius dels fantasmes, després de tot). Els llocs més embruixats del món són una barreja de racons clàssics fantasmagòrics i alguns llocs menys previsibles; des d'antics hospitals i mansions fins a pubs de muntanya i pobles abandonats. Les celebracions de la temporada més esgarrifosa estan en marxa, però aquests cementiris i fortaleses aterridores poden fer que la por sigui massa real. Passes? Xiuxiueigs? Sanglots de vídues pretèrites? No sabem de què parleu... 1. Poveglia, Itàlia Foto: Shutterstock Venècia pot ser el lloc més romàntic d'Europa, però també és un dels més encantats. Podeu inserir aquí el vostre comentari sobre l'amor maleït, però sort per trobar la teva veu al fred de Poveglia. Aquesta illa abandonada es va utilitzar com a estació de quarantena durant més d'un segle abans d'acollir un hospital psiquiàtric, que va tancar el 1968. Fa tanta por que els visitants estan prohibits, presumiblement per por de... Bé, per por. 2. La Isla de las Muñecas, Mèxic Foto: Shutterstock La Isla de la Muñecas en realitat encara fa més por del que indica el nom. El propietari d'aquesta illa situada al sud de la Ciutat de Mèxic va començar a penjar ninots dels arbres a la dècada del 1940, aparentment per allunyar els mals esperits, i va acabar cr

El mundo es un sitio terrorífico. Los espíritus habitan todos los rincones del planeta, perdidos entre este mundo y el otro, en busca de la paz, la serenidad o quizás de algunas personas vivas a quien asustar (al fin y al cabo, no tenemos criterio para asegurar los motivos de los fantasmas). Los lugares más embrujados del mundo son una mezcla de rincones clásicos fantasmagóricos y algunos sitios menos previsibles; desde antiguos hospitales y mansiones hasta pubs de montaña y pueblos abandonados. Las celebraciones de la temporada más escalofriante están en marcha, pero estos cementerios y fortalezas aterradoras pueden hacer que el miedo sea demasiado real. ¿Pasos? ¿Susurros? No sabemos de qué habláis... 1. Poveglia, Italia Foto: Shutterstock Venecia puede ser el sitio más romántico de Europa, pero también es uno de los más encantados. Puedes insertar aquí su comentario sobre el amor maldito, pero suerte para encontrar tu voz en el frío de Poveglia. Esta isla abandonada se utilizó como estación de cuarentena durante más de un siglo antes de acoger un hospital psiquiátrico, que cerró en 1968. Da tanto miedo de que los visitantes están prohibidos, por miedo a... Bueno, por miedo. 2. La Isla de las Muñecas, México Foto: Shutterstock La Isla de las Muñecas en realidad aún da más miedo de lo que indica el nombre. El propietario de esta isla, situada al sur de la Ciudad de México, empezó a colgar muñecos de los árboles en la década de 1940, aparentemente para alejar a los malos

¿Dónde estaríamos sin el transporte público? Nuestro mundo está cada vez más dominado por ciudades que crecen día a día, y cada vez más está más claro de que el tráfico de automóviles en constante aumento es una mala noticia para nosotros y para el planeta. En este contexto, los trenes, autobuses y tranvías son los héroes anónimos que, literalmente, podrían salvar el mundo. Está claro que un autobús abarrotado en hora punta no es exactamente la experiencia de un viaje de ensueño. Pero cuando se trata de explorar alguna de las mejores ciudades del mundo, no hay mejor forma que coger un tren y descubrirla a través de los ojos de quienes las habitan. Y algunas de las mejores redes de transporte público del mundo funcionan incluso como una experiencia cultural en sí misma, con diseños y calidades sublimes. Para identificar las ciudades con mejor transporte público, encuestamos a más de 20.000 habitantes de 50 ciudades de todo el mundo. Simplemente preguntamos: ¿es fácil moverse por tu ciudad en transporte público? Y en las ciudades que se muestran a continuación, al menos cuatro de cada cinco habitantes tenían cosas buenas que decir sobre la red de transporte público de su ciudad.  Madrid, en el puesto número 12  La clasificación la encabeza Berlín, con un 97% de los encuestados satisfechos con su red de transporte público. A la capital alemana le sigue Praga y Tokio, con un 96% y un 94% de satisfacción respectivamente.  Para encontrar una ciudad española tenemos que bajar hasta

After years of working to meet requirements, Bosnia and Herzegovina is finally on the highway to EU membership. The European Commission has granted candidate status for the country – and the skies over Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar and the rest shine a little brighter (though the autumn weather might also have something to do with that).  What does that mean for travellers? Good things, hopefully. Having lived here on and off for the last 13 years, I’ve heard the term ‘undiscovered gem’ get drilled deep into the ground – but I’m more than happy to say that Bosnia and Herzegovina might just be the most underrated travel destination in Europe. EU status would likely bring improvements to infrastructure, road and air connections and the rest, while the possibility of Schengen status has clear benefits for friction-free border crossings. We’ll wait and see what happens, but there are plenty of reasons for optimism, both for Bosnians and travellers. So why should you be excited? Because Bosnia and Herzegovina is a stunning conveyor belt of beauty packed with history, culture, great food and great people. Sarajevo teems with history, while the Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar is one of the most impressive bridges on the planet; the nightlife in Banja Luka goes all night long, while the streets of Tuzla, Trebinje and Bihać are packed with charming cafes and romantic restaurants. On the subject of the latter, you haven’t eaten grilled meat until you’ve done so in Travnik, with the el