10 cities you haven't been searching for but should travel to

10 cities you haven't been searching for but should travel to

This article was originally published on the global travel search engine Skyscanner.

For your next trip overseas, try thinking outside the box to find a wonderfully surprising vacation destination.

Here are ten pretty amazing but still lesser-known cities from Skyscanner's data over the past year that aren't on many people's radars or search engines... yet.

1. Cancun - 1,001 searches from Singapore in 2014

Cancun, lying on the shore of the Caribbean, with warm waves lapping at its pristine beaches, has only been searched 1,001 times in the past year, despite being well-known to North Americans for its excellent resorts and exciting nightlife.

Their quaint and traditional downtown offers a nice contrast to the all-inclusive high-rise hotel and nightclub districts, so travellers of all stripes can find what they like. Its golden beaches and perfect climate provides spots for families seeking some solitude, and it also serves as the gateway to the ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza.

Another must-see attraction is the MUSA (Museo Subacuatico de Arte), an underwater contemporary museum of art. All of the sculptures are fixed to the seabed and made from specialised materials used to promote coral life.

Don't forget to sip some Margarita while you're there!

2. Basel - 1,040 searches from Singapore in 2014

Definitely one of Europe's most underrated tourist destinations, Switzerland's third largest city sits on the Swiss border where it meets France and Germany.

In 2014, only 1,040 searched for this city. It is scenically set on the gorgeous Rhine river and also known in the region for its wonderful winter carnivals and its yearly Art Basel festival, a celebration of some of the best modern art in the world.

Attractions include lots of galleries and museums, its medieval town centre, and as much fairy tale historical architecture as you could possibly wish for. Walk up cobbled streets and alleys, and check out Marketplatz for fresh fruit, vegetables, breads, pastries, and flowers.

Bask in the sun on the banks of the Rhine, and if you go in the summer, you can also take a dip. While in Basel, skip the restaurants and eat their street food!

3. Almaty - 1,048 searches from Singapore in 2014

The commercial and cultural centre of central Asia, Almaty, is the former capital of and largest city in Kazakhstan with a search count of 1,048.

It is also beautifully framed by rugged snow caps and gridded with easily navigable streets. It's a great winter destination, and serves as a good jumping-off point for eco-adventures in the steppes.

For those who prefer city life, Almaty has food, nightlife and a metro system that makes navigating the city a snap. Kök Töbe ("Green Hill") is a nice place to relax and enjoy the view of the city.

On top of the hill you can find an amusement park, a small zoo, cafes, souvenir shops as well as many benches from which you can enjoy the panoramic view.

Tourists can also visit Medeu, which is the highest Olympic-sized ice stadium. There is also a large mountain-water swimming pool just below the ice rink, that's open in the summer.

Make sure to try some Central Asian cuisine like manti and shorpa.

4. Havana - 1,110 searches from Singapore in 2014

Last year, 1,110 searched for Havana. It is Cuba's biggest city, the centre of everything on the island, and is still littered with Spanish colonial architecture of its 16th-century. Its narrow streets and colourful alleys still retain a strong sense of history and local culture. Ancient American cars still ply the roads, and music and laughter emanate from every block.

It's a town full of vigour and life. Visit a functioning cigar factory for a puff of some of the finest tobacco in the world. Stroll El Malecón running along the Havana waterfront and take in the amazing views.

Enjoy the glory of the UNESCO Heritage site La Habana Vieja (The Old Town) full of beautifully restored buildings yet still humming with life as the citizens of Havana go about their business. Try some streetside churros to satisfy your sweet tooth!

5. Hue - 1,225 searches from Singapore in 2014

Completely wiped out during the war with America, Hue has risen from the ashes to become a modern Asian metropolis, bursting with life and activity.

Its search count for 2014 was 1,225 and is totally worth visiting on your next holiday. Hue's landmark is the Perfume River, which has wisely been done up as a pleasant promenade and park dotted with unique sculptures. The climate is usually misty, drizzly or rainy.

Hue's main attraction is the Imperial Citadel, a sprawling yet serene complex of temples, pavilions, moats, walls, gates, shops, museums and galleries.

Nearby are the Tombs of the Emperors, a dramatic sight to see, especially on a misty day. The finest of them are the Tomb of Tu Duc, the Tomb of Minh Mang and the Tomb of Khai Dinh, all of which are excellent examples of Vietnamese Buddhist aesthetics and architecture.

Other options for visitors include blind massages and motorcycle tours of the countryside, led by knowledgeable locals who will take you off the beaten path. Some must-try dishes include banh loc tran, bun bo Hue and banh nam.

6. Dubrovnik - 1,453 searches from Singapore in 2014

Dubrovnik with a search count of 1,453, is known to travellers as 'The Pearl of the Adriatic'. It is a Croatian city perched on the rocky coast of the Adriatic Sea, and filled with beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains.

These days it's also filled with film crews making Game of Thrones, in which the city portrays King's Landing. Fans will find many of such Thrones-themed walking tours, though it's difficult to not just stumble across sights from the series as you wander around the old city.

People seeking a more peaceful side of the region can take a ten-minute ferry ride to Lokrum Island, a peaceful sanctuary off the coast. Mount Srđ is a nice hike that provides a great view of the town, atop of which sits a fortress containing a small yet fascinating history museum.

Try some Pag Cheese while you're there!

7. Cork - 1,920 searches from Singapore in 2014

Cork is one of Ireland's liveliest and friendliest towns. Last year, 1,920 searched for Cork. It is known for its university and also has a lively and thriving arts and music scene.

Drinking, dining, music and art are all available in this pleasant southern town. The Blarney Castle is nearby, home to the Blarney Stone, the legendary stone that grants all who kiss it the Irish gift of gab.

Cork is perfect for golfers as well; the area around the city is home to a number of courses open to non-members. A must-try here too is the black pudding!

8. Gothenburg - 2,127 searches from Singapore in 2014

Halfway between Oslo and Copenhagen lies Gothenburg, Sweden's second city, though it is first in the hearts of many.

Despite its low count of 2,127 searches in 2014, it's a city that's filled with art, fashion and music, and where old meets new. 17th century canals wind their way past modern architecture and hip cafes.

Many of Sweden's best musical acts hail from this remarkable city, and the shopping is top notch, with many hip local designers filling the racks of the boutiques. It also boasts a world-class science museum for kids. You don't need fancy restaurants for top class seafood in this city; it's a seafaring city so even streetside seafood is excellent.

9. Bacolod - 2,287 searches from Singapore in 2014

This friendly Philippine town is well ahead of its neighbours in terms of infrastructure and quality of life. It has a search count of 2,287 for the whole of last year. Visitors can learn about local flora and fauna at the Negros Forests & Ecological Foundation, and visit Mt Kanlaon Natural Park for a stroll through the local Jungle.

Historic Silay is a short ride away as well. And of course, being the Philippines, great beaches are just a hop, skip and jump away. Excellent food and friendly people make this an excellent, if rarely considered, tourist destination. There's lots to see and do in this surprising city that's famous for their barbecued food.

10. Mahe Island, Seychelles - 2,355 searches from Singapore in 2014

While not on as many travellers' radars as Maldives, this Indian Ocean jewel off the coast of Africa has plenty to offer all who visit. Mahe with a search count of only 2,355, is home to the capital city Victoria, and the biggest island out of 115 in the archipelago.

And as you'd expect, it's chock full of options for relaxing, pampering, shopping and of course, water sports. Victoria, home to a majority of the island's modest population, has a fun market for food and souvenirs, as well as a Big Ben replica for selfies.

You'll get to chow down on lots of fresh tuna and red snapper on Mahe Island too.

Click here for the original article or visit the global travel search engine site Skyscanner for more.

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