Are you looking to add some hidden gem destinations to your bucket list?
Find inspiration in this list of some places around the world, that travellers were unexpectedly blown away by when they visited.
Reddit user ‘Jmes_C’ kicked off the conversation by asking forum members which destination had ‘completely shattered [their] expectations’.
From an ‘otherworldly’ Scottish island to an ‘affordable’ Central American city, we reveal some of the world’s most surprisingly spectacular places…
The Polish coastal city of Gdansk beats all expectations, according to several tourists.
Conversation starter, ‘Jmes_C’, writes: ‘For me, it was Gdansk in Poland. I only went there as a layover for a few days before going to Paris as it was cheaper than flying direct.
‘Ended up loving it. Affordable, great public transport, history, museums, old town and day trips.’
Reddit members have revealed the destinations that completely ‘shattered their expectations’. One user says Gdansk, Poland, pictured above, is ‘fantastic’
Slovenia’s Postojna Caves (pictured) are ‘incredible’, according to one traveller
‘Tacksettle’ agrees, adding: ‘Gdansk is fantastic. So much interesting history and the old town is a joy to walk. One of my favourite cities.’
Slovenia
Plenty of travellers feel Slovenia is one of Europe’s best hidden gems, including ‘Dariusdreams’, who says: ‘Slovenia exceeded expectations by a mile.’
For ‘MitziPinto’ it was the country’s Postojna Caves that impressed the most.
‘Meshuggas’ agrees, saying: ‘Those caves are incredible, still some of the best I’ve ever visited.’
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Scotland’s Isle of Skye is ‘truly incredible’, according to Reddit user ‘Bethoftheburgh’.
‘CauliflowerLove415’ was also impressed, explaining: ‘I was flabbergasted and amazed at the beauty and serenity.’
Crete, pictured above, was described as ‘awesome’ with ‘great weather’
‘Akw329’ adds: ‘ I knew I would enjoy it, but I had no idea how much we would love it. The environment completely blew my mind. It felt otherworldly.’
San Sebastian, Spain
The coastal city of San Sebastian, in Spain’s Basque Country, is worth adding to your bucket list, according to ‘Wizdomeleven’, who adds: ‘Blew us away.
‘The food, old town, great hiking. Clear ocean waves on a beautiful scallop beach.’
For ‘Zefirama’, the whole Basque region is worth a visit.
They reveal: ‘The coastline is insane in the Basque country.
‘Loved hiking on the cliffs on the shore, on low tide there are so many water pools with the most interesting and versatile wildlife, like little aquariums just under your feet with an abundance of all types of sea creatures and algae.’
Crete, Greece
The ancient city of Petra in Jordan, pictured above, is ‘uniquely stunning’ according to one traveller
Crete can’t be beat for several travellers – and not just in summer.
‘Ooo-ooo-oooyeah’ explains: ‘We went to Crete in January. It was awesome, weather was great, everything was open and everyone was extremely friendly.’
‘Zefirama’ adds: ‘We went in early May and it was amazing! Everything was so green and lush, amazing wildflowers everywhere, hills covered in wild tulips.’
Jordan
Middle Eastern Jordan exceeded expectations for one traveller, ‘Dennis_R0dman’, who explains: ‘The hospitality of the locals was so inviting and warm.
‘Not to mention visiting Petra, the Dead Sea and Jerash all were uniquely stunning.
‘Listening to the daily prayer calls was fascinating too.’
Tanzania
Tanzania is a tantalising destination, according to Reddit user ‘Shockedpikachu123’.
They add: ‘Tanzania blew my expectations out of the water.
‘Incredible experience. Food, animals, hot air balloons, people. I loved every moment.’
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan will blow you away, says one traveller who spent some time living in the country’s capital.
‘Chavez_ding2001’ says: ‘I lived in Tashkent for three months while working on a construction project. I knew very little about the city before going there.
‘Absolutely loved it. Great people and great food. After my work was done, I took a little train trip to see other cities. I was absolutely blown away by the architecture.’
Mexico City, Mexico
Mex-cellent adventures await in the Mexican capital, says ‘Guerrerov’.
Mexico City (pictured) is a ‘vibrant and rich’ destination with ‘affordable’ food, reveals one tourist
They add: ‘For me, it was Mexico City. The city was so vibrant and rich. The food was amazing and affordable.
‘The neighbourhoods were so lush and green, the parks and plazas were gems. And the history and culture was seeping from every nook and cranny.’
Donegal, Ireland
Don’t miss Donegal, urges ‘MainCartographer4022’, who adds: ‘It’s so underrated, even Irish people don’t seem to venture up there.
‘Ireland’s best kept secret in my opinion.’
Cornwall, England
Cornwall was an unexpected delight for Reddit user ‘Foosw’ who says: ‘[It’s] probably one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been and I didn’t expect it.’
Cornwall (pictured) has a ‘beautiful turquoise sea’ says one traveller. They add: ‘I’d never smelled such fragrant flowers before’
‘Coffeewalnut05’ adds: ‘Food and coffee were excellent. The sea was a beautiful turquoise, gardens, beaches and cliffs were impressive.
‘I’d never smelled such fragrant flowers before.’
Paris, France
The French capital has a reputation for disappointing expectations but that wasn’t the case for several tourists, including ‘Rco8786’, who says: ‘Paris. I didn’t want to like it but I really, really did.’
‘RedditisavirusIknow’ offers up a tip, adding: ‘The secret to Paris is to go to any of the major sites, turn around, and walk 45 minutes in the opposite direction.
‘Paris becomes absolutely lovely.’