15 of the most underrated travel destinations of the year, so far

There are so many old and beautiful cities to visit in Europe that it's easy to just focus on the major ones, but there are tons of underrated spots worth visiting, including Krakow, Poland.

In the city's Old Town, visitors will find attractions like Market Square, which is filled with shops, museums, and historical statues.

Travelers can also check out Planty Park, one of the largest city parks in the area, or Florianska Street, a bustling spot that's perfect for shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, and drinking cheap beer. 

Those looking to immerse themselves in nature will want to check out Whitefish, Montana.

Depending on the season, this resort town in the Rocky Mountains offers great skiing or hiking — and it offers stunning views of the mountains year-round.

Visitors can also explore the nearby Glacier National Park, get cozy in an art gallery, or try rock climbing.

Mexico is known for hot spots like Tulum, Cabo, Cancún, and Puerto Vallarta, but Mexico City is a more underrated spot that's perfect for those who want to explore.

It may not be on the coast with the beaches Mexico is known for, but it is filled with plenty of culture-rich places such as archaeological sites and museums.

Art fans will definitely want to check out the Palacio Nacional, where tourists can view historic murals by the painter Diego Rivera.

Located in Southeast Asia, Laos has numerous popular cities to visit including Muang Xai, which has markets, waterfalls, and numerous museums.

Travelers can also visit Vang Vieng, which was once known as a party city but is now known as an "eco-paradise."

While in the area, explore caves and blue lagoons, small towns, and the lovely Nam Song River. Those looking for outdoor adventure can also try zip-lining, rock climbing, and hiking.

Those looking for an underrated and quaint spot may want to check out Mackinac Island.

The island sits on Lake Huron and has beautiful beaches, nature trails, kayaking opportunities, and carriage rides. Plus, the area has no cars or chain hotels, which can provide travelers with an even more relaxing atmosphere.

Italy has a ton of popular spots from Rome to Florence, but those looking for a more low-key trip with just as many delicious dishes and gorgeous views may want to check out Burano. 

The Venetian island is a small, colorful place that's known for its fresh fish, lace museum, and Via Galuppi, a main street of shops and restaurants.

Instead of returning to popular New York vacation spots like Montauk and the Hamptons, consider visiting an underrated gem called Greenport.

Located on the north fork of Long Island, Greenport features rocky beaches, plenty of shopping areas, vineyards, and great local restaurants.

Those looking for an even quainter experience can also take the town's ferry over to Shelter Island, a small area known for serving up delicious seafood.

The island of St. Lucia was one of the hottest destinations in the Caribbean this year — but those looking for a more low-key trip should consider checking out Grenada. 

In addition to enjoying the area's many white-sand beaches, be sure to spend time in St. George's, the country's capital, which has shopping, beautiful views, and even a natural reef. 

Crete is the largest island in Greece, with stunning beaches like Falarsana and Elafonissi, which is known for having pink sand.

The island is great for history buffs since it has plenty of archaeological sites, castles, and beautiful monasteries to explore.

It also has a range of beaches and towns such as Chania, a popular spot with plenty of hotels, bars, and restaurants.

In the US, the South is known for popular cities like Charleston and Savannah — but visitors looking for a more under-the-radar spot may want to head to Greenville, South Carolina.

The up-and-coming town offers a lot: authentic Southern barbecue, art galleries, and plenty of shopping.

Visitors can check out Falls Park if they want to attend festivals and concerts or Swamp Rabbit Trail if they want to bike through nature. Art Crossing is also a must-visit gallery for any art lover in the area.

Those wanting to experience Portugal's natural beauty beyond popular cities like Lisbon and Porto can check out the Azores, which are often called Portugal's "best-kept secret."

There, travelers can check out Azores' Faial Island for beautiful flora and greenery, Santa Maria for impressive beaches, or Flores for volcanoes and natural waterfalls.

While exploring South America, consider heading to Bogotá, Colombia. The vibrant capital city is known for its colorful colonial buildings and plentiful museums.

Don't miss out on La Candelaria, the colorful historical center that's filled with specialty shops, museums, art studios, and food. 

Mallorca, an island in the Mediterranean, is filled with coves, stone-built villages, mountains, beaches, and more. 

It's a favorite vacation destination for Spain's royal family and it has beaches like Playa de Muro, architecturally impressive buildings, and numerous historical churches. 

Nashville gets a lot of the hype when it comes to Tennessee, but nearby Chattanooga is not to be missed either.

The city has landmarks like the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, which will make visitors feel as if they're stepping back in time, and impressive nature-filled trails like the Tennessee Riverpark. 

Plus, the Bluff View Art District is a must for art lovers — it's filled with galleries, eateries, and more. 

Sure, Paris is a top destination city for many, but France is full of gorgeous spots like Lyon that are also worth visiting.

Lyon is one of France's largest cities, and it's filled with museums, churches, parks, and vineyards. While there, tourists can embark on numerous food-focused walking tours or even visit the area's botanical garden and zoo. 

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