24 Destinations That Surprised Us This Year, According to T+L Travel Advisors

Travel is full of surprises — even for the pros. From the wild beauty of Namibia’s surreal landscapes to the architectural wonders of Castilla y León in Spain, and the stillness of Norway’s mountaintop hideaways, these are the 24 spots that wowed even these travel experts. Whether it’s emerging culinary scenes, secret luxury lodges, or timeless charm rediscovered, these destinations reminded us why exploration never loses its spark — and why the best trips often defy expectations.

Lazio, Italy

“Lazio, the region surrounding Rome, holds many surprises. For example, Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola is a stunning pentagonal palace with beautiful artworks by Renaissance and Mannerist painters. Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, who would go on to become Pope Paul III, owned it for a time, and it’s always worth visiting.” — Fulvio De Bonis, Imago Artis Travel

Bogotá, Colombia

“Bogotá boasts a vibrant culinary scene, from traditional food markets to innovative restaurants like El Chato and Leo. Art enthusiasts are captivated by the city’s workshops,  art galleries, and its Museum of Modern Art. Additionally, the colorful street art in neighborhoods like La Candelaria adds a dynamic layer to the cityscape.” — Boris Seckovic, Amakuna Travel

Panama

“From the lush rainforests and pristine beaches of Bocas del Toro to the charming colonial architecture of Casco Viejo, Panama offers a rich blend of natural beauty and history. Clients are often amazed by the incredible biodiversity, vibrant indigenous cultures, and the serene, untouched islands that make this destination stand out.” — Carly Patane Moss, Black Tomato

Valencia, Spain

“When I visited Valencia in the winter, I found an elegant city with plenty of sunshine, flowers everywhere, smiling faces, and 70 degree days. My favorite activities included visiting the Arts & Sciences Museum and making paella in the Albufera, where rice is grown.” — Gary Portuesi, Authentic Explorations

Qatar

“Qatar has world-class hotels and dining, stunning architecture and museums, and a lively souq (open air market). Clients often expect a highly-sanitized place, but they find a destination that goes much deeper with a fascinating history.” — Catherine Heald, Remote Lands

Brisbane, Australia

“Brisbane is a cosmopolitan city, but it’s only a short ferry away to Tangalooma Island Resort where you can hand feed wild dolphins. The opening of Bluey’s World also makes it a great choice for travel with a young family.” — Corinne Goodman, Down Under Endeavours

El Chaltén and Salta in Argentina

“El Chaltén and Salta are two mountainous areas in Argentina that aren’t easy to get to, but they’re so special. The former is a picturesque small village, while the latter is a larger city. If you’re interested in hiking or outdoor experiences, these are great choices.” — Eric Sheets, Latin Excursions

Uganda

“Uganda is rightfully famous for gorilla treks, but visitors are amazed by how many other activities the country offers, such as safaris, boating and fishing on the Nile, and hiking through high-alpine mountains and lush forests full of butterflies.” — Cherri Briggs, Explore Inc.

Antarctica

“Antarctica never ceases to amaze, no matter how much visitors have read and seen videos of it beforehand. After nine Antarctica expeditions, the joy and wonder it brings to every guest is beyond description.” — Eric Goldring, Goldring Travel

Donegal, Ireland

“Donegal, long nicknamed “The Forgotten County,” remains Ireland’s best-kept secret. Visitors leave enchanted by a rural area where Irish is spoken with pride, traditions are fiercely alive, mountains and cliffs beckon adventurers, and fresh seafood is always on the menu. Properties like Lough Eske Castle pair luxury with rugged beauty.” — Louise Kavanagh, Wilderness Ireland

Lima, Peru

“When travelers arrive in Lima, they’re delighted to find a cosmopolitan hub with world-class cuisine, vibrant museums, and creative studios run by emerging talents. Guests always tell me they wish they’d added an extra night.” — Marisol Mosquera, Aracari Travel

Uzbekistan

“Most travelers visit Uzbekistan expecting Soviet leftovers, but they come back raving about the jaw-dropping architecture of Samarkand and Bukhara, the warmth of the people, and the vibrant and safe culture. Its history remains alive while also pointing forward.” — Kristin Winkaffe, Winkaffe Global Travel

Friuli, Italy

“Friuli, Italy—located between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea—offers a mix of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences that make it feel like a country within a country. There are snow-capped mountains, vineyards that produce award-winning white wines, and a cuisine that reflects the diverse crossroads.” — Matteo Della Grazia and Daniela Mencarelli, Fuoritinerario – Discover Your Italy

Akagera National Park, Rwanda

“Akagera National Park in Rwanda is rarely crowded despite having the Big Five, over 480 bird species, and some of the most dramatic landscapes in East Africa. With private camps like Magashi and Ruzizi, it feels like a secret gem that shouldn’t still be under the radar.” — Elizabeth Gordon, Extraordinary Journeys

Castilla y León, Spain

“My clients went to the Spanish region of Castilla y León expecting a cosmopolitan experience. What they discovered instead was a land steeped in tradition, with charming medieval towns like Salamanca and Segovia, incredible architecture, and a gorgeous countryside.” — Nina Aquino and Pablo Argüelles, Bravo Luxury Travel

Tangiers, Morocco

“Tangiers, Morocco seems to have secretly revived itself and is now a charming seaside city.  Several  hotel chains have opened, and we’re also seeing homes being renovated into luxurious boutique near the medina. ” — Teresa Sullivan and Casey Hermansen, Mango African Safaris

Kent, England

“Known as the Garden of England, Kent isn’t on the typical traveler’s route. But if offers lush gardens, stately homes, attractions like Port Lympne Safari Park and Simpsons’ Wine Estate, and its close enough to London to be a day trip.” — Nicola Butler, NoteWorthy

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

“Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay is a place frozen in time with beautiful cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and antique doors. Slow down and enjoy a sunset over the Rio de La Plata with a glass of Uruguayan Tannant wine in hand. ” — Olivia Schellenberg, Extraordinary Journeys

Alsace, France

“Alsace, France, stunned our clients who were expecting a quiet, pretty region. They didn’t anticipate the fairytale architecture, deep history, world-class wines, and a rich culinary tradition influenced by both France and Germany.” — Philip Haslett, French Promise

Hallstatt, Austria

“Hallstatt, Austria offers a hidden fairytale retreat with peaceful, almost magical vibes and stunning alpine scenery. The Dachstein Ice Caves are a highlight and the local traditions feel truly genuine.” — Sofia Markovich, Sofia’s Travel

Finse 1222, Norway

“Finse 1222 is the highest point on the Bergen Railway. Many expect it to be a practical stop on their transit, but it offers a remarkable stillness and natural beauty. The silence, glacier views, soft light, and communal atmosphere leave guests with a deep sense of calm and connection.” — Torunn Tronsvang, Up Norway

New Zealand

“Clients often don’t know about New Zealand’s alpine adventures—heli-skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice caving. Uncrowded shoulder seasons also deliver, with wine harvest festivals and  scenic drives in  autumn (March, April, May), and spectacular flowers and hikes in spring (September, October, November).” — Sarah Farag, Southern Crossings

Namibia

“Namibia is full of amazing experiences: driving along sand dunes that drop straight into the Atlantic Ocean, walking beside flamingos in Walvis Bay, and tracking desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland. Shipwreck Lodge and andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge offer comfort and style in remote settings.” — Ruchi Harnal, Harnal Travel

Montenegro

“Travelers often don’t realize that Montenegro is a beautiful coastal country, with the picturesque Bay of Kotor, and a coastline dotted with historic towns like Budva and Sveti Stefan. I typically add this to a longer trip through Croatia as a surprising finale.” — Rachael Mendizabal, Scott Dunn

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