These Under-The-Radar Travel Destinations Will Be Huge This Year

Traveling and exploring a new destination is consistently among the top 10 most popular New Year's resolutions, according to data.One of the most difficult tasks is deciding where to go because many landmarks are not as well-known as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Colosseum in Rome. But offbeat gems offer stunning architecture, rich history, bustling local culture, lively entertainment, and adventure opportunities – minus annoying crowds.

This beautiful Polynesian kingdom in Oceania will charm you with more than 170 islands full of wonder and untouched splendor. The country's history stretches back over 3,000 years and many ancient traditions continue through to present day, and tourists love to know more about them. Visitors enjoy going on fishing expeditions and sea kayaking, and exploring the Pacific Ocean by snorkeling as well as swimming with whales and turtles.

Look beyond the crowded Thailand or the Philippines for an amazing vacation with stunning beaches, swimming in clear turquoise seas, and trying unique and delicious foods. You can even start as soon as you land because the Bogmalo Beach is just about 15 minutes away from the airport. A vacation here will be a mixture of beach life, European culture, neon nightclubs, and thrilling hikes.

Iran, a culturally diverse country with rich history, is quickly becoming an 'it' destination for trend-setting travelers, thanks in part to British Airways launching direct flights to Tehran. G Adventures' sales to Iran have doubled in the past year. European hospitality brands are making plans to open new hotels to capitalize on, what the Wall Street Journal calls an "uptick in tourism." Hike to the country's most notable volcano, Damavand, which lies in the highest mountain in the Middle Eastern region.

Cuba will continue to grow in popularity as long as the restrictions on visiting the Caribbean island remain loose. It is by now a hot spot for American adventurers. Cave diving in the country is superb – you can't dive and explore the depths of a cave that reaches 70-feet deep in many places. Scuba diving and zip lining are popular, too. Sign up for the Havana Marathon, go rock climbing, and visit in time for a carnival, which are usually in the summer.

The Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth, has an arid land stretching 600 miles down the Chilean coast. It offers travelers a unique look at desert life. Home to natural features like salt flats, hot springs, and geysers, the region has been called other-worldly. It's a spectacular place to go stargazing as there are few clouds and no pollution. Go sandboarding in the Valle de la Muerte, located 1.2 miles from San Pedro de Atacama, where local agencies provide sandboards, guides and transportation to gigantic dunes of fine sand.

Adventurous tourists are always looking for an offbeat spot to explore while most people visit hot spots such as Auckland, Rotorua offers an exciting mix of adventurous, cultural and geological experiences. Try ball rolling down lavish green hills – this is the latest craze in the country. The Original ZORB New Zealand has been operating for over 19 years and is the iconic Rotorua adventure activity. Enjoy the many hot springs, and go hiking and biking in the Whakarewarewa Forest. Make tie to see the stunning Orakei Korako geotermal valley, nestled in the Taupo Volcanic Zone between Taupo and Rotorua.

This beautiful city in Japan is now on itineraries of people going to Tokyo and Kyoto. There is now a high-speed train connecting it to the capital for easier access. Kanazawa is where you go to see a mixture of traditional Japan with gardens and geisha villages and modern art. Tourists spots include the 21st Century Museum, the Castle Park, Omi-cho Market, Higashi Chaya District, and Oyama Jinja Shrine.

This National Park is open year-round. It is comprised of stunning lakes, waterfalls, and caves. Go on a panoramic train tour, take an electric boat ride or go for a hike on one of their numerous hiking trails. Also, look out for wolves, bears, and rare bird species. Bonus: They also have two educational trails.

The Lofoten Islands is a group of islands within the Arctic Circle. This is a postcard-perfect fisherman's little paradise on Earth. Reine, for example, is one of the most isolated small communities in Europe. The beautiful village will take your breath away with its natural splendor. About 300 people live there and they take very good care of their homes. Camping under the stars on beaches is another favorite activity.

Sail through Kotor Bay for a unique experience or walk from Kotor old town to enjoy the Kotor bay. Stop off and grab a bite to eat at one of their delicious restaurants, and then visit other Kotor landmarks. Some of these include, Kotor's Castle of San Giovanni, City Walls, St. Tryphon Cathedral, and Piazza of the arms.

This is a natural paradise with pristine, unspoiled beaches, an oasis of palm and fruit trees, fields of agriculture, and wildlife. Tourists and locals enjoy visiting this town for its recreational opportunities, some of which include mountain hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

The majority of people flock to Cinque Terre, but the peaceful fishing village of Tellaro is just as stunning. Some may even say it's better because you don't constantly bump into tourists – you get to witness authentic Italian beauty. Get lost in the narrow colorful alleys, cool squares, and admire the gorgeous seafront area on a small rocky peninsula.

Greenland's epic fjords and remote arctic tundra remain under the radar. With 300 clear nights, its visitors might have the magical Northern Lights all to themselves. The discovery of a 372-year-old shark in 2016 will intrigue nature lovers. This could be particularly true, as winter travelers look for ways to push the envelope and experience the "next Iceland." Touring by expedition vessel improves comfort and accessibility. A 15-day Arctic Highlights trip onboard the G Expedition ship starts in Longyearbyen, Norway and finishes in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Whether you're seeking peace and quiet or are looking to embark on an adventurous getaway, you will find what you desire in the Yukon. In the winter make sure you go skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and ice fishing. Make sure that you dress warm; Yukon made the list as one of the coldest places in the world. Go canoeing, hiking, and camping in the summer.

Although the city of Dublin itself is not necessarily "under-the-radar," there are many unique places and exciting things to do that are often overlooked. With Dublin's 5-day St. Patrick's Day Festival approaching, the Guinness Storehouse will attract roughly 33 million people. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn how to pour the perfect pint at the Guinness Academy, enjoy a private tasting hosted by a beer specialist, and admire spectacular views of the city from the Gravity Bar – a floor-to-ceiling glass space that is located on the top floor of the Storehouse.