The “must-see” destinations that inevitably wind up on every traveler’s bucket list are classics for a reason. They often house some of the world’s most iconic attractions and become synonymous with one another — Rome with the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain; Paris with the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre; London with Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. While these sites warrant their own special moment on the itinerary, some visitors may be in search of experiences that go beyond the touristy stops. For those adventurers, check out these underrated excursions in some of the most popular destinations around the world.
In The Caribbean and Mexico
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
With idyllic temperatures and gorgeous scenery, there’s no better place for a walking tour than Playa del Carmen. However, this isn’t any old stroll through the local streets, it’s interactive. An app-guided tour hosted by Let’s Roam, the Playa del Carmen Scavenger Hunt takes visitors on an exciting journey through some of the area’s most significant attractions, including ancient Mayan ruins, vibrant markets, Main House and the Tequila Museum. Visitors learn about Playa del Carmen’s history, art and hidden gems through the scavenger hunt, solving clues, cracking codes and answering trivia questions along the way. A city-wide leaderboard adds an element of competition, while different challenges keep the tour engaging for travelers of all ages.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Sitting on a white-sand beach with a tasty bev in hand is certainly one way to soak up Punta Cana's landscape, though travelers who aren’t afraid of getting dirty may find a spin in Macao buggies to be more their speed. Hosted by Punta Cana Tours, this excursion takes visitors on the adventure of a lifetime, tearing up the Dominican backroads. Visit a plantation for an introduction to some of the country’s most sought-after produce, including cacao, coffee, tobacco and mamajuana; head to a secluded cave with a subterranean river to cool (or wash) off; then finish the day at Macao Beach. The dirt roads along the way are known to get muddy, and Punta Cana Tours encourages its guests to revel in the scenery and embrace the rugged journey.
Europe
Barcelona, Spain
History isn’t only found in preserved buildings or buried artifacts — in Barcelona’s case, it’s found behind hidden doors and unmarked alleys. Visitors interested in exploring the city after dark can step back in time with a tour of some unique speakeasies, learning about Catalan culture, traditional cuisine and Barcelona’s nightlife along the way. A local guide will take small groups from place to place, sharing stories on the history of speakeasies, the influence of prohibition culture and the development of the city through time, all while guests dine on authentic tapas and sip classic drinks like Spanish wines, cava or sangria.
London, England
Afternoon tea and visiting London’s iconic sites in one excursion? Yes, please! Visit London combines two fan-favorite activities with Brigit's Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, taking travelers on a 90-minute ride around the city on a traditional double-decker bus. Over the course of the tour, passengers can dine on an assortment of delicate eats, tasty finger sandwiches, decadent cakes and a hot beverage while taking in the unparalleled views of Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the House of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and more. The Afternoon Tea itinerary is a classic, though Brigit’s Bakery also offers specialty experiences such as the Bombay Sapphire Gin or Paddington Afternoon Tea Tours. Travelers visiting this timeless destination around the holidays should keep their eyes peeled for a Christmas-themed option of the excursion as well.
United States
New York City, New York
A thriving metropolis where resilient residents pursue their futures while the legacy of its founding immigrants endures, New York City embodies both the past and present forms of the American Dream. As such, the part of the city that truly started it all is often overshadowed by neon signs and sparkling attractions: Ellis Island. The first primary immigration processing station in the U.S., Ellis Island houses some pivotal pieces of history, including those found in the hospital. With Untapped New York, this three-and-a-half-hour tour takes visitors around the island, exploring abandoned buildings not accessible to the public and offering guests a different look into America’s heritage.
Miami, Florida
Many visitors are aware of Florida’s Everglades, but their importance is lesser known. The area is home to dozens of threatened and endangered species, also acting as a key contributor to Florida’s economy — the Everglades not only encourage biodiversity but also financially support the locals. So, for the brave souls who don’t mind getting up close and personal with an 800-pound reptile, the Everglades Airboat Tour is the perfect opportunity to explore this underrated element of the Miami area. Visitors can book for a one, one-and-a-half or two-hour timeslot, navigating the swampy waters to observe the native critters. Alternatively, airboat tours at night are available, showing travelers the Everglades’ nocturnal activity underneath glowing stars.
Asia and The Pacific
Tokyo, Japan
Perhaps not the cultural component most travelers associate with Japan, the Tokyo Samurai Experience is a riveting four-hour tour exploring an overlooked element of the country’s identity. Offered by the local agency Magical Trip, the excursion is perfect for visitors interested in samurai culture, martial arts or Japanese history. The tour begins with a walk through the Kagurazaka neighborhood (where many samurai residences were built), then moves into a beginner-friendly samurai fighting class. Professional instructors teach travelers the basic movements, with a chance to practice their newfound skills at the end. After working up an appetite, visitors are treated to a meal at a nearby 70-year-old traditional Japanese house.
Bali, Indonesia
Wellness is at the crux of many Bali itineraries, though exploring spiritual tradition can be an equally formative experience for visitors. The Uluwatu Sunset, Kecak Dance, and Jimbaran Dinner private tour offers exactly that. First, guests tour the Uluwatu Temple to learn about Mpu Kuturan’s spiritual influence on the local people before moving on to watch a kecak dance. Kecak is a traditional Balinese experience, combining drama, dance and vocal music to tell a story (often based on the Ramayana epic), with the male dancers acting to a rhythmic “cak-cak” sound. After the captivating performance concludes, travelers finish up at Jimbaran Beach, where they can explore some of Bali’s eclectic cafes and night markets.
Latin America
San José, Costa Rica
While adventure awaits around every corner in San José, it’s important that visitors take a moment to slow down and explore Costa Rica from another perspective. The Hacienda Doka Coffee, Grecia & Sarchí Tour is one way to do that, taking guests right outside the city to Hacienda Doka, one of the largest coffee plantations in the country. Visitors will learn about the “golden beans” grown on the estate, which are considered some of Costa Rica’s best, and then fuel up with a traditional lunch of salad, rice, beans and meat. In the second phase of the eight-hour tour, travelers embark on a journey to Grecia, nestled in a picturesque mountain range, and take some time to wander the historic streets and unique sites. The tour concludes in Sarchí, birthplace of the traditional art form of the same name and home to many local artisans who continue to make the craft. From farm to photo ops, this excursion is sure to showcase Costa Rica’s rugged beauty.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hang ten, dude! Surfing is a popular sport in Rio de Janeiro, attracting locals and visitors alike from all over the world. Not only is visiting Rio the perfect opportunity to check off a bucket-list item, but the prevalence of surfing culture provides travelers with a glimpse into Brazilians’ everyday life and their communities. A private lesson with Rio Adventures is a great place to start — the one-hour session takes place at Barra Beach (ideal for beginners) and opens with an introduction into the basic movements of surfing. Once travelers are feeling confident, they can hit the water and try their hand at catching a wave or two.
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