Dreaming of virgin jungles where orangutans roam, charming Eastern European villages untouched by the shuffle of tour buses, or snow-capped peaks that promise solitude, not hiking hordes?
As travel continues to grow and increased flights make jet-setting easier than ever for Australians, award-winning travel insurance provider Insure&Go has unveiled the top 10 destinations to visit before the influencers and crowds descend.
By analysing emerging travel patterns, newly launched flight routes, and sustainable tourism initiatives Insure&Go has unearthed underrated gems that span Albania’s charming countryside, Ladakh’s snow-capped Himalayan adventures, Indonesia’s unspoiled Lombok and the lush jungles of Sarawak. Sri Lanka, thanks to its newly opened Pekoe Trail,1 graces the list, as well as Kyrgyzstan and its wild landscapes framed by yurts, peaks and wild horses.
David Mayo, Insure&Go’s Director of Commercial and Marketing, says: “Perennial travel favourites like Bali, Auckland and Bangkok absolutely dominated the departure rankings for Australians last year and given their accessibility and visitor-friendly offerings it’s easy to see why.2 3
“But 2025 offers fresh horizons thanks to airlines such as Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin all expanding their networks and new tourism programs and upgrades.
“Jetstar has ramped up direct flights to Bali this year, with Adelaide alone gaining an extra 240 additional direct flights.4 Lombok is just a ferry ride from Bali and while its popularity has grown, it is yet to become a mass tourist destination.”
The expansion of Qantas’ network with 220,000 more seats added this year5 is further fuelling ease of travel to new travel hot spots, alongside green tourism initiatives such as the Azores in Portugal, which is on track to achieving Gold certification by EarthCheck for sustainable tourism.6
Insure&Go’s top 10 destinations to put on your travel list:
1. Lombok, Indonesia7
Forget Bali. Lombok is where pristine beaches, world-class surf, and rich cultural traditions converge. It’s also the perfect antidote to for anyone tired of Bali’s Bintang-soaked crowds.
Why now? With new direct flights to nearby Bali making the island more accessible, Lombok is an unspoiled treasure waiting to be discovered. Its dramatic Mount Rinjani adventures offers breathtaking views and fewer crowds.
2. Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
The cultural heart of Borneo, Kuching is a hub for eco-tourism and biodiversity. Here, you’ll find orangutans in their natural habitat and charming riverfronts rich with history.
Why now? With more than 117 flights per week to Kuala Lumpur from Sydney alone and frequent connections to Kuching,8 Sarawak has never been easier to reach. Conservation initiatives have also made it beacon for nature enthusiasts.9
3. Ladakh, India
Dubbed the ‘Land of High Passes,’ Ladakh is a Himalayan dreamscape of towering peaks, serene monasteries, and colourful festivals.
Why now? Ladakh’s capital, Leh, now boasts improved airport facilities, making this once-remote region more accessible.10 Nepal’s tourist-heavy trails. Skip Nepal’s crowded trails and immerse yourself in Ladakh’s unique culture.
4. Salalah, Oman
Salalah’s verdant valleys and monsoon-fed landscapes offer a surprising oasis in the Arabian Peninsula. Add pristine beaches and frankincense-filled souks, and you have a destination unlike any other in the Middle East.
Why now? Oman’s billion-dollar investment in its tourism sector11 is transforming Salalah into a hot spot – yet its authentic charm remains intact. It’s also increasingly accessible through Doha or Dubai.
5. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s allure has always been its mix of stunning beaches, wildlife, and ancient ruins, but the new Pekoe Trail brings another layer of adventure to its highlands.
Why now? Opened just last year, the Pekoe Trail offers immersive, sustainable travel through tea plantations and rural villages. It’s poised to become a top attraction, so beat the rush.
6. Bohol, Philippines
Home to the iconic Chocolate Hills and Panglao Island, Bohol remains an underrated gem in the Philippines’ stunning archipelago.
Why now? Expanded flight routes to Manila now make it easier than ever for Australians to access this idyllic island, which offers unique natural wonders without the crowds.
7. Azores, Portugal
Move over Mallorca, this volcanic archipelago has emerged as a fast-growing magnet for travellers by offering unspoiled beauty and eco-tourism that spans new hiking trails and a focus on sustainability.
Why now? The Azores have seen a surge in tourism over recent years. Visit now to hike its pristine trails and soak in its hot springs before it becomes an influencer playground.
8. Albania
From its crystal-clear beaches along the Albanian Riviera to ancient UNESCO sites like Butrint, Albania offers Europe’s charm without the price tag or crowds.
Why now? With a 15 per cent hike in foreign visitors in 2024 compared with 2023,12 Albania is no longer flying under the radar. Go now to experience untouched beauty and affordability.
9. Jeju Island, South Korea
Often called the ‘Hawaii of South Korea,’ Jeju has become increasingly accessible due to new direct flights from major Asian hubs and its growing reputation as a wellness and adventure destination.
Why now? Jetstar has launched new flights to Seoul13 – and given Jeju’s UNESCO-listed volcanic landscapes and serene beaches it’s only a matter of time before the tourism masses catch on.
10. Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan mountains, alpine lakes, and yurt-stay experiences transport travellers to a world of rugged adventure and nomadic heritage.
Why now? Turkish Airlines’ new Sydney-Istanbul flights bring Australians closer to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital.14 With growing adventure infrastructure, it’s ripe to explore.
