If you are flooded with the usual names and need some inspiration with planning your next vacation then we have a list of some really cool vacation destinations. We will be talking about some of the most underrated destinations and countries packed with an array of natural wonders and touristy delights. So pack your bags and board the next flight to a vacation that will be so epic you won’t be able stop gushing about it.

1. Svalbard, Norway

The lure of the north and the magic of the aurora borealis have drawn many travellers to the far reaches of Norway and further afield to Svalbard in the winter months. Located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is an archipelago of untouched arctic wilderness but is easily reached by air. Unique and dramatic landscapes and the spellbinding polar night make this a trip to be remembered.

2. Croatia

If you want to sit on a relaxing beach and enjoy some incredible food, while at the same time not shelling out a small fortune to enjoy such a vacation, forget the traditional European destinations of Italy and Greece. Head to Croatia instead; a country that is overlooked by many vacationers yet thoroughly enjoyed by those who venture there on a regular basis. Many adventures can be had in the country, including extensive hiking and off-roading trails, numerous rivers that are suitable for rafting and even opportunities to take a sailboat out onto the Mediterranean Sea for a completely different outdoor experience. One of the most unique events in the country is the annual Opatija Coffee Festival, which draws in visitors from all over the world.

3. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Paris is beautiful, London is full of incredible history, but Amsterdam offers the best combination of fun, history and culture in Northern Europe. From its infamous Red Light District to its coffee shops, Amsterdam has a huge amount of amazing sights. Add to that an incredible canal system that makes the entire city look like a work of art, some of Europe’s best museums & the fantastic nightlife and you have one of the best cities in Europe to work, relax, and play.

4. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Given Puerto Rico’s stunning beaches and coastal highlights, including the Bioluminescent (phosphorescent) Bays and El Yunque Rainforest, people wrongly assume the capital doesn’t have much to offer. There’s the dramatic El Morro Fortress, high above the sea, and the cobbled streets of Old San Juan, with their 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial buildings. From chic new hotels to nightspots, boutiques, dance venues (salsa rules here) and art galleries, urban sophisticates will find much to whet their appetites.

5. Israel

Israel has been a destination of pilgrimage for millennia, but in recent years this place has also made a mark with adventure travelers. Outdoor activities span hiking Masada and the Galilee, floating on the salt water of the Dead Sea and water sports on the Mediterranean beaches of Tel Aviv (where, if you need a break from adventure travel you can also find a happening nightlife). If you thought part of the “adventure” in Israel might include worrying about your personal security, the experts say not to. Despite the volatile security situation, Israel is considered safe by both adventure travel enthusiasts and experts.

6. Darwin, Australia

In the shadow of big sibling Sydney, Darwin is a balmy, tropical city, with a relaxed vibe. It’s just four hours by air from Singapore, and two hours from Bali.You’ll learn about aboriginal history and culture, bush tucker and plants. Mindil Beach has some great open-air markets; open from April to October, from sunset till late. Here you’ll find a range of food stalls serving global fare and everything from indigenous art to pottery. There’s live music, too. Harbor cruises and, if you’re a fan of the late Steve Irwin, the Cage of Death (an underwater crocodile viewing cage) at Crocosaurus Cove, are parts of the experience.

7. Hoi An, Vietnam

It’s not technically a city, but this seaside heritage spot on Vietnam’s central coast is such an enchanting contrast to hectic Hanoi that it’s worth a mention. It’s already a recognized spot in the Vietnamese tourist trail.The former trading port is known for its historic architecture, a mix of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and European styles. Visitors rave about its fairytale lanterns, Vietnamese silk and custom tailoring. it’s a great place to revamp a wardrobe. A Japanese-designed bridge, old canals, art galleries and great street food — local specialties include “white rose” seafood dumplings — make this town memorable.

8. Puebla, Mexico

If you are a big fan of Mexican food, Puebla is an excellent choice for a vacation. But you don’t have to be a foodie to appreciate the vibrant and iconic food scene in the city. Unlike popular tourist areas like Cancun, Puebla does not have pristine beaches and a number of resorts where people can get away from the surroundings. Instead, the city of Puebla is rich in history with more than just ancient Mayan ruins for visitors to explore. The city actually houses well over 2,600 historic buildings that are still in existence today, making Mexico’s past a fairly easy venture to see.

9. Chile

Flanking the southwestern coast of South America – at 2,880 miles it’s longer than the distance from Boston to Los Angeles – Chile is abundant in natural resources, relatively small in population and features a variety of landscapes from the high Atacama Desert to the famous fjords, mountains and lakes of Patagonia, home of the Torres del Paine National Park. Among Chile’s far-flung territories is Easter Island (aka Rapa Nui), almost 2,200 miles west in the South Pacific and, apart from the Moai (massive statues of stone heads), one of the world’s least inhabited places. The ATDI also scored Chile high for sustainable travel.

Know of other destinations that aren’t very popular but you think are super cool, let us know!

Shubhra

After spending almost 3 years creating buzz around brands, I decided to quit the world of PR and pursue my true calling which was all about traveling and yoga. If not planning my next trip then I could be found cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Though born and raised in the hillside town of Dehradun I am a beach bum at heart.