We've long focused on the best and worst parts of the travel industry. Prime examples include the business class layout with “coffin seats” and the first class meal selection. But this week we revealed our picks for the world's most underrated destinations…but how do we define “most underrated”?
Well, you can always count on Reddit to provide a wide range of travel stories told with unabashed honesty. And that's exactly what we got when someone asked the following question on the famous r/AskReddit page. Actually, this is a wonderful place, isn't it? ” The answer is unpredictable, debatable, and equally surprising. Let's get straight to the point.
Which country has a bad reputation, but is actually very nice?
byu/YoungTex inAskReddit
Just a short distance away, the destination with the most upvotes is a South American hotspot that has only garnered controversy in recent decades, with healthy skepticism once again rising thanks to Netflix's hit series. Ta narcos. But are we misunderstanding it?
“Colombia. They have come a long way since the days of Pablo Escobar. Medellin is a beautiful city and Colombians are generally very warm and friendly people. I have never met a Colombian in a bad mood. I'd like to say there is no (just don't spell it “Colombia”).
10 years later
Next on the list is a beautiful spot in Eastern Europe that has received very harsh reviews from many EU member states (particularly one country that recently left the EU).
“Romania. Despite its bad reputation, especially in the Western EU, it is a beautiful country with generous and down-to-earth people (who generally have a great sense of humor). The country itself is truly beautiful, especially Transylvania/Ardelia and the Danube Delta. It's a great wine. That's a little secret.”
full throttle jazz hands
Next came the Asian entrants, but given the country's growing political power in the world and the dismissive tone it received from the media and Western politicians, it did not have a fair chance, at least as far as its potential as a tourist hub was concerned. It has not been done. Are concerned:
“China has some of the world's most unreal and underrated landscapes that are little known around the world. Of course, there's also a lot of history and culture.”
Turonno-416
For those who like island vibes, this will be a welcome addition. This place, which still has a decidedly bad American reputation from the Cold War era, gets a bad rap when it comes to food, but otherwise it's highly recommended, especially for rum lovers.
“Cuba: The people are nice and the beaches are beautiful. Don't expect too much from the food. It's fine. Bring the condiments…but the people, the culture, the music…the rum. None. wonderful.”
amazonary
After the top five, we head back to Eastern Europe. Another once beleaguered EU ally is now a largely overlooked spot of history, art, natural beauty and culture. Write it big…
“Poland. Krakow is my favorite city in Europe.”
Drew De Dale
We've discovered the five most criticized, ignored and under-visited countries in the world. Please use this as a reference when planning your next trip. Not only do they promise a cultural legacy far beyond their unrecognized reputation, but you might be able to use that overlooked quality to reap a travel bargain. I have a secret suspicion that this is not the case.
