Several European destinations, particularly in Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, have been actively discouraging or managing the high volume of British tourists due to overtourism. Protests in Barcelona, Majorca, and the Canary Islands target overcrowding, while Amsterdam has specifically campaigned against rowdy, young British tourists.

But some countries are crying out for more British tourists in 2026. These 2026 travel destinations are actively welcoming visitors to boost their tourism economies, often offering crowd-free, authentic and sustainable experiences. These under-visited holiday destinations boast clean sandy beaches, ancient sites, unspoiled nature, fascinating cities and off-the-beaten-track experiences with welcoming locals. According to Time Out, five particular countries are ready to welcome British tourists with open arms this year. They say: “With community-led adventures, unique homestays and crowd-free sites, these incredible countries are ready to welcome you ASAP.” So where in the world are they?

Last year, 1.1 billion tourists ventured abroad between January and September, up 5% from the same nine-month period in 2024. Yet, according to Time Out, research shows travellers are conscious about the impacts of tourism.

In Booking.com‘s Travel and Sustainability recent report, 84% of people surveyed said sustainability was an important consideration when planning holidays, while 73% wanted their spending to benefit communities.

Sam Bruce, co-founder of Much Better Adventures, said:  “These places offer a rarer kind of adventure – you get an authentic experience… without the tourist traps, and the impact of your presence still genuinely matters.”

 “When visitors arrive with curiosity and respect, in manageable numbers, they can help local economies thrive while also experiencing cultures and landscapes that aren’t overcrowded.”

First up for 2026 is a tiny little country which holds the title of  ‘Europe’s least visited country’. However, last year, 480,000 people visited Moldova, a 6.5% increase on the previous year.

For travellers looking for an off-the-beaten-path European destination, Moldova offers world-class, affordable wine, rich Soviet history, and unique, uncrowded, and authentic experiences. Wine buffs must visit the massive underground wine cellars, the world’s biggest, Milestii Mici, founded in 1969, along with the historic Orheiul Vechi monastery complex

In the capital Chișinău (pronounced: ‘Ki-shi–naw’), visitors should head to the National Museum of History to understand Moldova’s pre-Soviet life.

The gardens of Stefan cel Mare Central Park showcase local literary greats in the form of sculptures. Traditional coffee kiosks are ideal for people watching.  Beyond the capital of Chișinău, visitors can explore the cave monasteries of Orheiul Vechi, Tipova, and Saharna. Best of all, for those on a budget, Moldova is one of the cheapest countries in Europe.

Tourism has become a vital economy in the  Gambia, and UK travellers have been coming here since the 1970s, when package deals were all the rage.

Time Out writes: “Now, the country focuses on a more community-led genre of tourism, where local people and businesses have become the cornerstone of immersive travel experiences.

“Although the silky-white sands of the west coast shouldn’t be missed, the best way to experience the real Gambia is to embark on the beautifully-named Ninki Nanka Trail.”

This guided route takes you on foot and by boat into the lesser-explored interior of the country, along the Gambia River and its villages, where you can see and experience the country’s traditional way of life. Accommodation comes in the form of lodges, homestays and riverboats.

Jordan is another country keen to welcome back tourists after visitor numbers dropped due to the conflicts in the Middle East in recent times.

The country’s iconic sites, such as Petra, can now be seen without the hordes of tourists that used to flock there. In the meantime, Jordan has been quietly building up its tourism industry by focusing on more community-based experiences, such as walking sections of the 675km Jordan Trail. Visitors can stay with Bedouin families in the central desert and spend their evenings stargazing.

Next up there is Paraguay, Brazil’s little sister. Paraguay is much less touristy than other South American countries, offering genuine interactions with locals and a chance to see a less-developed side of the continent. Over half of the country is blanketed by the Chaco, an expanse of dry forest, wetland and agricultural land.

Time Out reveals: “Here, Guaranís (Paraguay’s Indigenous peoples) and gauchos live side-by-side, with the Guaraní language spoken widely, even in non-Indigenous communities. The Chaco is also home to over 500 species of birds, including flamingoes. If you’re lucky, you might spot the iconic armadillo or tapir and the elusive puma.”

For those seeking human life, head to the lively capital, Asunción, and indulge in its colourful street food market by night. Asunción also offers colonial architecture, museums, and a growing foodie scene, with a relaxed vibe.

The Museo de las Memorias is the best place to learn about how this humble country overthrew its radical dictator, Alfredo Stroessner, in 1989.

Paraguay is generally inexpensive, making it great for backpackers and budget travellers and in 2025, it was noted as one of Latin America’s safest destinations, with low crime and political unrest.

And finally there is Central Asia’s smallest country, Tajikistan. Surprisingly, it isn’t as tricky to reach as you might think with regular flights from the UK via Dubai or Istanbul to its capital, Dushanbe.

For adventure travellers seeking epic mountain landscapes, this is your place, not to mention its rich history involving Alexander the Great and its Soviet past. Although not for the faint-hearted due to the rugged conditions and limited infrastructure, hikers and adventurers will love the stunning scenery and experience a true off-the-beaten-path experience.