Let’s face it – the world is facing overtourism and the tourists are one of the victims of this phenomenon. Crowded streets, decreased quality of food and attractions, and even tourism taxes make traveling more costly and less enjoyable, especially in popular tourist destinations.
But traveling doesn’t have to look like crowded streets with food of mediocre quality. It matters where you go and how – and some places are just waiting to be discovered. Here we introduce you to three not-yet-crowded destinations that are worth visiting if you want to skip the crowds – and we recommend visiting these places sooner rather than later.
After all, a few years ago even Croatia was not a popular country to visit, yet today it’s full of tourists. Without further delay, check these three cities and plan your next trip.
Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis is the capital of Maryland, but its population is rather small by the US standard – only 40,000 people. Exploring things to do in Annapolis can be exciting and tricky, as it is less mainstream than some of the other cities of New England, but rest assured that there is plenty to do.
One of the city’s highlights is its historic district which was built in the 18th century, featuring some of the best examples of colonial architecture typical for the region at the time. After walking through the streets of the historic district, you can take a guided tour of the U.S. Naval Academy, visit the Annapolis Maritime Museum, or William Paca House and Garden.
If you are into something more active and less historical, head towards the shore towards the Chesapeake Bay Sailing, where you can rent a private tour or get a boat all for yourself. A 90-minute tour starts as low as $35 per person.
For lovers of hiking and picnicking, Quiet Waters Park would be an ideal getaway. It’s located between the South River and Harness Creek and is easily accessible from the city by bus or car.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is the capital and the largest city of Serbia, a country with a rich culture and distinct cuisine that is often less noticed by tourists due to the popularity of its close neighbor, Croatia. While Croatia is great in its own right and features some of the best coastline cities in Europe, Serbia is not to be missed.
You have to be aware that if you are a vegetarian or vegan, the trip will take a bit more planning. But if you are a meat lover, Belgrade can surprise you with cheap prices (as low as $3 per dish) and huge portions of traditional dishes. You must try burek, which is a meat pie that can be eaten for breakfast or lunch. There are vegetarian variations of this dish available with spinach and cheese. Or, go for cevapi, small pieces of meat usually served with traditional kajmak sources and a huge (and we mean it) loaf of home-baked bread.
Belgrade is also famous for its bars with live music, which in Serbian are referred to as kafanas. Kafanas are restaurants or bars that serve food and drinks but turn into nightclubs at night, with live Balkan music and traditional dances. Kafanas are a quintessential Serbian experience. But if you prefer more conventional nightclubs, be aware that in Serbia, you have to pre-book even a standing table in a club.
Lastly, Belgrade is not just about food – but also about its brutalistic, post-communist architecture. Take a walk by the Sava river, or visit one of the Austro-Hungarian neighborhoods such as Zemun. You won’t be disappointed.
Batumi, Georgia
Batumi is a coastal town in the Republic of Georgia (not to be confused with the state) that has recently seen a surge of tourists. You can get here by taking a 5-hour train from Tbilisi, or a short 2-hour bus ride from the Kutaisi International Airport. Batumi has an airport too, but the flights are more limited and expensive.
The most unique thing about Batumi is the rare combination of mountains and sea views. Hop on the local ‘marshrutka’ bus and head to the Botanical Garden – a place where different climates meet to create a rich floral landscape. Near the botanical gardens, you can access crystal clear water rivaling some of the best beaches in Greece.
Georgia has a rich cuisine, and each region has its specialty dish to offer. In Batumi’s case, it’s a cheese boat called ‘ajaruli khachapuri’ – a dish that took over the streets of New York for its funny shape and distinct taste. Well, this cheese boat originates from Batumi, so there is no better place to try it. We recommend pairing Georgian wine with this dish. If you haven’t tried Georgian grape varieties yet, some of the most popular sorts include kindzmarauli, saperavi, and rkatstiteli.