Popular travel destinations usually have good reason why people love to visit, but sometimes you want to go somewhere a little more “off the radar”. Here are 5 emerging destinations that you should think about for your next adventure before everyone else discovers them (that’s code for “crowded”).

Cuba

Recently opened in a limited way to Americans and untouched by major tourism for 55 years, Cuba delivers an authentic experience that could change as more Americans start to visit. It has over 200 bays, 250 beaches and 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites plus unique colonial architecture, vintage America cars and friendly Cubans, proud to show off their island. Wi-Fi is scarce in Cuba which makes it a great place to unplug and unwind while enjoying the street food, the locals and experience the Viva La Cuba!

Iceland

Iceland has been an up-and-coming destination over the past few years for thrill seekers and explorers to have the time of their lives. It’s full of exciting outdoor activities such as exploring the new ice cave at Langjokull, visiting Snaefellsjokull National Park or embarking on the ultimate road trip down the iconic Ring Road. The Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights are some of the more well-known wonders you can experience there, but they aren’t the only things happening. Iceland is also known for several festivals and events happening throughout the year such as the Secret Solstice in Reykjavik, Iceland for music lovers.

Croatia

Being known as one of the locations where the hit TV show Game of Thrones is filmed is not the only reason why Croatia has become an emerging destination recently. Croatia is full of ancient columns, temples and unassuming but charming bars, restaurants, and shops that are just waiting to be discovered by you. While yes, Croatia is full of history and architecture, it also has some of the best beaches in the world such as Zlatni Rat, and has incredible national parks including the UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes and Krka, which are famous for their stunning lakes and waterfalls.

South Africa

Not only does South Africa have an abundance of exotic wildlife such as lions, elephants, and leopards, it’s also home to Cape Town which is one of the world’s best cities to visit. Cape Town is one of three capital cities in South Africa and offers a wide array of different cultures, cuisines and landscapes together to create this melting pot of individuals placed in the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. Also, something you might not know is that South Africa is an excellent place to go whale watching. Mark Cawardine, the wildlife expert, explains: "This is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to watch whales from coastal footpaths, restaurants, cafés and even from the comfort of your hotel bed…”

Japan

The remote Hokkaido Island in Japan is one of the world’s best kept secrets. The island is untouched from the country’s modernization, so it’s easy to immerse yourself into its natural beauty with its glacial lakes, clean air, rolling hills and low population-to-space ratio. You can go off the beaten path to experience Japan’s most famous pilgrimage, the 88 temple route, but if you want to head back to the city then Japan has a high-speed bullet train that makes it easier and faster for travelers to explore.

For help planning and booking a vacation to one of these emerging destinations, contact a AAA Travel Consultant. Our experts are there for you before, during and after your trip to make your vacation memorable.