Gen Z is great at putting unexpected places on the map, and they’re often places that previous generations would have overlooked.
Thanks to TikTok, Instagram, and their love of off-the-beaten-path adventures, some truly unusual holiday destinations have exploded in popularity lately. These are spots that offer something a little different—a mix of natural beauty, quirky charm, and major photo opportunities. Here are some unusual holiday destinations that have gone viral recently, and are only getting hotter as time goes on.
1. Chefchaouen, Morocco
This tiny city, known for its bright blue-painted streets and buildings, has blown up all over social media. Gen Z travellers have fallen in love with its dreamlike atmosphere, affordable prices, and the chance to snap photos that look almost otherworldly. Instead of rushing through Morocco’s bigger cities, more travellers are heading straight for Chefchaouen’s colourful alleys, proving that smaller, lesser-known towns are officially on trend.
2. Faroe Islands, Denmark
The Faroe Islands used to be a hidden gem known mostly to hardcore hikers. Now, they’re all over TikTok, thanks to their dramatic cliffs, tiny turf-roof houses, and jaw-dropping waterfalls like Múlafossur. Gen Z loves that the islands feel untouched and a little mysterious. Plus, sustainable travel is a huge value for this generation, and the Faroe Islands’ eco-friendly tourism efforts make it even more appealing.
3. Matera, Italy
Rome and Venice will always be iconic, but Matera is the Italian destination that’s quietly stealing Gen Z’s heart. With ancient cave dwellings, winding stone streets, and a vibe that feels like stepping back in time, it’s wildly different from the touristy Italy most people expect. Social media tours showing candlelit restaurants tucked into caves and unbelievable sunrise views have made Matera a bucket-list stop for anyone wanting a more soulful, historic vibe without the heavy crowds.
4. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Forget city breaks—Gen Z is about nature now, and nowhere delivers wild beauty quite like the Isle of Skye. Thanks to countless viral reels showing misty landscapes, fairy pools, and epic hikes, Skye has become a must-see. What’s pulling younger travellers in even more is the moodiness of the scenery. It’s not glossy or manicured; it’s raw, dramatic, and deeply photogenic in a way that feels refreshingly real compared to over-filtered destinations.
5. Jeju Island, South Korea
While Seoul remains the classic choice for Korean holidays, Jeju Island has quietly become the next big thing, especially for Gen Z. It’s lush, volcanic, and full of quirky cafes and hidden beaches perfect for slow travel vibes. With the rise of K-culture around the world, Jeju’s mix of adventure, relaxation, and trend-setting food spots has turned it into one of the coolest island getaways without the typical tropical crowds.
6. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Gen Z is ditching expensive, crowded European cities for affordable, charming ones, and Ljubljana fits the bill perfectly. With its colourful old town, riverside cafes, and relaxed, artsy energy, it’s been popping up more and more in viral travel guides. It’s the kind of place where you can still feel like you’re discovering something, and that sense of “finding a hidden gem” is exactly what Gen Z travellers crave right now.
7. Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán
Instead of heading straight for big beach resorts, more young travellers are finding magic in places like Lake Atitlán. Surrounded by volcanoes and dotted with small villages, the lake has become a hot spot for mindfulness retreats, backpacking adventures, and slow exploration. It’s not just the stunning scenery; it’s the community vibe, the colourful markets, and the way every village feels like its own little world. Perfect for travellers who want to experience somewhere deeper, not just prettier.
8. Albania’s Riviera
Greece and Croatia have been go-to coastal spots for years, but Albania’s beaches are quickly becoming the new viral favourite. Thanks to TikToks showing crystal-clear water, budget-friendly resorts, and a welcoming, unspoiled vibe, the Albanian Riviera is on everyone’s radar. Gen Z loves a good underdog story, and Albania feels like the ultimate overlooked paradise—authentic, affordable, and still just rough enough around the edges to feel like an adventure.
9. Oman’s Empty Quarter
Instead of flashy luxury destinations, a lot of Gen Z travellers are getting drawn to remote, soul-stirring places, and Oman’s Empty Quarter (the world’s largest sand desert) is one of them. Viral videos of endless dunes, camel treks, and stargazing experiences have made it surprisingly trendy. There’s a growing hunger for authentic, unplugged experiences, and camping under the stars in the middle of the desert is about as far from a tourist trap as you can get.
10. Tbilisi, Georgia
With its colourful old houses, artsy cafes, cheap prices, and fascinating blend of cultures, Tbilisi has quietly exploded as a Gen Z favourite. Social media has been flooded with footage of its vibrant nightlife, thermal baths, and scenic hilltop views. It’s affordable, welcoming, a little gritty in the best way, and packed with the kind of character that makes every random corner feel photo-worthy. It’s the opposite of polished, and that’s exactly why younger travellers are obsessed.
11. Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Bali might still be beautiful, but Gen Z travellers are now chasing even more untouched adventures, and Raja Ampat’s remote islands and pristine coral reefs are taking the spotlight. Videos of surreal diving experiences, hidden lagoons, and almost eerie natural beauty have made Raja Ampat the dream destination for young adventurers who want something far beyond a basic beach holiday.
12. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
While Prague will always pull a crowd, Český Krumlov is the fairytale village that’s quietly stealing hearts. With its winding cobbled streets, ancient castle, and riverside cafes, it’s the kind of place that feels straight out of a storybook. Gen Z travellers looking for smaller, more enchanting cities with fewer tourists and more character are helping Český Krumlov go viral, especially for couples and solo travellers wanting a slower, more romantic pace.
13. Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni
The world’s largest salt flats have become a visual obsession online. The way the salt reflects the sky during the rainy season makes it look like you’re walking through the clouds, and the videos are as jaw-dropping as you’d expect. For Gen Z, who value once-in-a-lifetime experiences and unforgettable visuals, Salar de Uyuni has become a major bucket-list destination, and for good reason. It’s surreal, extreme, and absolutely unforgettable.
14. Tasmania, Australia
Instead of just flocking to Sydney or Melbourne, more Gen Z travellers are hopping down to Tasmania for its wild beauty, quirky towns, and laid-back vibe. Viral posts showing off the stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and fresh local food scenes have turned it from an afterthought into a dream stop. Tasmania feels like a true escape—close to nature, full of surprises, and still under the radar enough to feel like you’re part of the secret. It’s exactly the kind of low-key adventure Gen Z loves.
