The words ‘hidden gem’ get thrown around a lot.
As a travel writer, it can be a tough line to walk. On one hand, true hidden gems are a question of audience. Locals, after all, are often aware of spots that travelers might have only recently discovered. Backpackers usually get the tip off before traditional suitcase-haulers, too.
In short, there’s rarely an objective hidden gem.
On the other hand, hidden gems are subject to trends. If a new hidden gem is uncovered, it might not last long, especially as word spreads. Within a year or two, a hidden gem might transform from a refuge for curiosity-driven travelers to yet another tourist trap.
In other words, hidden gems aren’t always about the unknown. Sometimes, they’re a reminder to return to a place, a new way of thinking about and approaching travel, or an invitation to explore a place you had previously written off.
If you’re looking for true hidden gems, luggage vendor Eminent has suggestions. A recent study published by the company compared factors like Instagram hashtag counts, Google search volume, visitor numbers, average hotel costs, and more to finalize a list of the top ten Instagrammable destinations that don’t get enough attention.
You might recognize a few of them from a recent piece I did on the top islands in Europe to visit this year.
Top 10 Instagrammable Locations That Are True Hidden Gems, according to a recent report
Here’s the finalized list of the world’s most Instagrammable hidden gems from Eminent, along with images (below). Most are located in Europe, but there are a few exceptions in Japan and Mexico.
Top 10 best international hidden gems:
- Puglia, Italy
- Okinawa, Japan
- Sardinia, Italy
- Busan, South Korea
- Gdansk, Poland
- Turin, Italy
- Cappadocia, Turkey
- Nara, Japan
- Menorca, Spain
- La Paz, Mexico
