We recently asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us the most underrated vacation spots outside the U.S. Here are the places you won’t want to miss.
1. Krakow, Poland
Reasons to visit Krakow abound: the history, castles, ghost tours, beautiful churches, and incredibly nice people. You can see almost everything the city has to offer on a free walking tour guided by wonderful people who know so much about their city. It's a small, historic city, and you can walk anywhere and feel safe doing so. The market square, surrounded by small shops and cafés, is the perfect place to sit and relax.
Submitted by Karen La Grega, Facebook
2. Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Everyone speaks English; the euro is weak, so it takes you a long way; and the Irish are some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Plus, the Ring of Kerry in the southwestern corner of the country offers truly stunning scenic views.
Submitted by Phil Lip, Facebook
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is ideal for budget travelers: Flights there are often less expensive than to other parts of Europe, and the country itself is relatively affordable. Lisbon is beautiful and diverse, with lots of picturesque squares and parks to explore. And, if you're looking to relax, the gorgeous beach towns of Cascais and Estoril are only a short ride away.
Submitted by Heather Martin, Facebook
4. Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An has the beautiful beaches, stunning sights, and interesting history you want in a vacation destination, but it really has so much more. For one, there's a great scene for custom-made clothing, so you can leave with some unique, reasonably priced pieces. In addition, the food is outstanding, making every meal a highlight. And finally, the people are incredibly warm and welcoming.
Submitted by Monica Baumann, Facebook
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Simply put, if you like history, architecture, beer, and amazing Christmas markets, Prague is the place to be.
Submitted by Raven
6. Fjords of Norway
The fjords of Norway are flat-out jaw-dropping, offering some of the best sights the world has to offer. Not going there once in your life would be a huge mistake.
Submitted by Bryant Oliveira, Facebook
7. Dalmatia, Croatia
The world needs to know about Croatia, a little gem of the Adriatic Sea. Its crystal clear waters and incredible history, both medieval and modern, will make it a favorite of beach bums and history buffs alike. Dubrovnik and Split are two must-see cities.
Submitted by Madeline
8. South Africa
Whether starting your vacation in Cape Town or in metropolitan Johannesburg, you're bound to fall in love with the country and its people during your visit. You can go on a safari in world-renowned Kruger National Park, and you can visit the vineyards of the Western Cape and leave the country as a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur. You can also enjoy fresh seafood and beautiful views of Tabletop Mountain while sitting on the docks of Cape Town. And, just off the coast is Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years.
Submitted by Sune'
9. Luxembourg
Bordered by France, Belgium, and Germany, Luxembourg is a beautiful country you should definitely visit. Luxembourg City was once a walled fortress atop a steep hill, and even though most of the wall is in ruins, the city is still breathtakingly lush and beautiful. The city center has many shops, from high end stores to small family-owned shops, and quaint side streets begging to be explored. Plus, the public transportation is among the best in Europe.
Submitted by Christine Marie Adler, Facebook
10. Newfoundland, Canada
Located in the northeastern corner of Canada, Newfoundland is beautiful and filled with things do. St. John's, the capital, is one of North America's oldest cities and is home to the street with the most bars and pubs per square foot of any street on the continent. Gros Mourne National Park is simply stunning, and you can even go whale watching if you you visit during the right time of year.
Laura Alexander, Facebook
11. Medellín, Colombia
Once a site of conflict and unrest, Medellín has cleaned up its act in recent years. It is filled with amazing culture, beautiful street art, and unreal nightlife. A funicular will take you up into the barrios if you're interested in a more localized experience. Tasty street food can be found throughout the city as well. For thrill seekers, Medellín is also building a reputation as a major hub for paragliding.
Submitted by Steven Ayyee, Facebook
12. Basel, Switzerland
Sitting along the Rhine between France and Germany, Basel is home to many great museums, a zoo, and terrific restaurants. It also hosts a huge carnival called Fasnacht each spring.
Submitted by Lee Caron, Facebook
13. Hampi, Karnataka, India
Imagine sacred ruins among boulder-strewn rice paddies with a river running through it, and that's Hampi. You can spend days wandering around, hiking to hilltop temples, bouldering and rock climbing, and eating some of the best food in the world. An added bonus: There's an elephant in the main temple that will bless you for donating a few rupees!
Submitted by Shannon Elizabeth, Facebook
14. Metz, France
Metz is a beautiful, quaint city in France with cobblestone roads, a beautiful cathedral, parks, and water sports. And, of course, the food is to die for.
Submitted by Berit
15. Indonesia
Specifically the Gili Islands, Raja Ampat, and Mount Rinjani. The Gili Islands and Raja Ampat have beautiful scenery both above and below water, and diving expeditions offer a glance at the beautiful creatures and corals under the sea. Mount Rinjani also has beautiful scenery, and sunrise and sunset views from the top are out of this world.
Submitted by Sharifa
16. Scandinavia
Scandinavia may be a region, but Denmark, Norway, Sweden are without a doubt the most underrated vacation spots in the world. The countries are among the safest, cleanest, friendliest, and happiest countries on Earth. The capital cities of Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm are all walkable, offering incredible charm, beauty, entertainment, and history.
Submitted by Bryant Oliveira, Facebook
17. Iceland
Anywhere in Iceland! Reykjavik is a beautiful and unique city, and you have to travel only a short distance in order to find spectacular natural wonders such as volcanoes and waterfalls, as well as breathtaking mountain views.
Submitted by Genevieve
18. The Azores, Portugal
The Azores, a group of nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, blend an island lifestyle and climate with European charm, language, and architecture. The vegetation, views, nature in general are simply breathtaking.
Submitted by Ganjwaow
19. Suriname
The unspoiled Amazon rainforest of Suriname is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Home to a unique mix of cultures and some seriously amazing food, this tiny South American country is sure to amaze.
Submitted by Isabella
20. Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg is an absolutely gorgeous city, and there's even a castle to explore. There's a canal running through the city, which is surrounded by hills. You'll fall in love with it!
Submitted by Kelsey
21. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
It's a quaint little village nestled against the southern Alps in the Veneto region of northern Italy. The scenery is beautiful all year round, but summers are particularly stunning, while the winter is great for skiing. And, of course, you can't go wrong with the food in Italy!
Submitted by Bethany
22. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is a city buzzing with energy. Myeongdong and Garosugil are shopping paradises, while Hongdae appeals to the artsy, college-aged crowd. If you need a break from the fashion and technology, the city's many temples, old palaces, and historical locations offer a perfect escape.
Submitted by Ar
23. Montreal, Canada
Considering it's a North American city, it has a very European feel: Old Montreal is full of cobblestone streets, cafés, buskers, and beautiful old buildings. The city is home to many creative types, a fact made evident by the gorgeous art installations and murals. It's also a great place to practice your French, as it is the primary language of most Montrealers.
Submitted by Alice
Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.