IF you have airline miles to use and don’t want to fall into a tourist trap, check out the 10 most underrated attractions.
From scenic Australian climbs to stunning Japanese gardens in Ireland, you can add plenty of stamps to your passport.
Travel experts have compiled a list of spots from all over the world that more than exceed expectations.
After diving into the depths of Tripadvisor, Wingie experts analyzed the top 50 attractions in each country.
They were able to assess which locations generated the most disappointment from visitors.
Travel professionals were also able to conclude which places left people pleasantly surprised.
Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden, Jamaica
The hillside gallery features paintings and local crafts in a terraced garden.
It also attracts lots of birds, making it an unofficial wildlife destination.
An impressed visitor shared his experience in a Tripadvisor review.
“The experience brought me to tears of joy. The views are spectacular, the garden is full of flowers, amazing plants, a waterfall and art scattered throughout,” they wrote.
Irish National Stud and Gardens, Ireland
Located in County Kildare, just outside Dublin, the Irish National Stud and Gardens was the second place to leave unexpected visitors with a stellar experience.
The thoroughbred horse breeding facility features Japanese gardens dating back to 1906.
The garden symbolizes the “Life of Man” through trees, plants, flowers, lawns, stones and water.
“We came here as a family and honestly didn’t have much hope for what was to come,” wrote one visitor on Tripadvisor.
“Well, how wrong we were! The stud was set on incredible land, the horses had plenty of space to run and play and were looked after beyond belief.
“The Japanese Gardens were beautiful. You could easily spend an hour sitting by the small rivers or admiring the wonderful trees and bridges.”
Al Noor Island, United Arab Emirates
Located in Sharjah’s Khalid Lagoon, Al Noor Island has shocked countless visitors with low expectations.
The area includes a butterfly house, literature pavilion, Technicolor art installations, giant cacti, bayside restaurants, playgrounds and dancing light shows.
It has received several awards for its inspiring and innovative architecture.
“Beautiful little island near a long lagoon walkway. Beautiful landscapes and scenery and the butterfly exhibit were also cool,” wrote a visitor on Tripadvisor.
Cabot Trail, Canada
The 185-mile loop located in Nova Scotia has received excellent reviews from travelers.
With picturesque views around every corner, the national park even contains a scenic highway for easy access.
“The Cabot Trail is incredibly beautiful,” wrote one impressed visitor on Tripadvisor.
“There are so many incredible views all along the trail, especially between Ingonish and Cheticamp.
“The mountains meet the sea, the windy roads hug the mountain and the drastic elevation change, it’s all [so] naturally beautiful.”
Stone Hall Castle, Canada
Originally built as a fortress for Francis Nicholson Darke’s mistress in 1926, the castle has attracted many tourists ever since.
Complete with stone roof and basement air-raid shelter, it was designed to withstand cyclones following the devastating events of 1906.
“We really liked Stone Hall Castle. The castle is beautiful and the furniture and decor are amazing,” wrote one visitor on Tripadvisor.
“You get an idea of what life might have been like back then.”
Another tourist called the castle “a fascinating place and an incredible collection of medieval artifacts.”
Stetson Mansion, USA
Built in 1886, the Stetson Mansion is Florida’s most historic home and the state’s only Gilded Age mansion.
It has been described as the largest, grandest and most innovative home ever built in Florida before 1900.
Also known as Christmas Mansion, the place is among the 10 best tourist attractions in the country.
“A beautiful piece of history in central Florida,” wrote one visitor on Tripadvisor.
“The restoration of this house was done with great attention to detail.
“The Stetson family history is evident throughout the home, while also showcasing the style of the current owners. It’s worth our hour-plus drive.”
Kiambethu Farm, Kenya
Located at 7,200 feet, Kiambethu Farm was purchased by AB McDonell in 1910.
A pioneer in the tea industry, McDonell was one of the first to manufacture and sell tea commercially in Kenya, now one of the country’s largest exporting countries.
Five generations of the family have lived on the farm, with McDonell’s granddaughter currently managing the facility.
“I loved it! The host is extremely friendly, the visit is very interesting, the place is beautiful, the staff is incredible and the food was excellent. I can only recommend it,” wrote a visitor in a comment.
Newcastle Memorial Walk, Australia
The war memorial was opened in 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli.
As well as commemorating the Australian soldiers who fought in the Great War, the date also marks the start of steel production in Newcastle.
Therefore, it was built with 64 tons of stainless steel on the city’s seaside cliff.
One visitor called the memorial a “pleasant walk along an elevated walkway along a cliff in Newcastle”.
They recalled the “glorious views both out to sea and inland to the city and beyond”.
SkyPoint Climbing, Australia
Located 270 meters above sea level, the open-air lookout offers panoramic views of the Gold Coast.
The tourist attraction is the tallest outdoor building in Australia and tickets start at $36.
“This experience is fantastic. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to do something a little different on the Gold Coast,” wrote one visitor.
They added that the experience is “great value for money”.
The Rooms, Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest public cultural space also left visitors pleasantly surprised.
The Rooms houses the region’s most extensive collection of artifacts, art and archival records.
One impressed visitor called The Rooms a “unique museum.”
“The Rooms offers history and art with great sensitivity,” they wrote in the review.
“I’ve been to world-class museums all over the world, but The Rooms stands out.
“They present their collections, focused on the history and people of Newfoundland, in an evocative and thought-provoking way.”
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