TAMPA, Fla. — The Louve is a very popular attraction.
Ten million people visited the home of the Mona Lisa in 2018 making it the most visited museum in the world. It is also the third most visited cultural site in Paris.
You do not need to be overwhelmed by a crowded museum to enjoy a great vacation.
The website Travel Lemming says there is lot more worth seeing around the world than famous sites. Many great destinations are nearly untouched by crowds.
A panel of judges made up of experienced travelers just voted on Travel Lemming's 2020 Emerging Destination Awards. Each of the thirty winners is an underappreciated destination deserving of your tourist dollars.
Four U.S. cities made the list, including one in Florida.
GEORGIA
The number one ranked destination is the country of Georgia. Travel Lemming says European country may be "the world's greatest hidden travel gem" thanks to gorgeous mountain scenery, great wineries and cool cities. The best part? It's very affordable.
NOVA SCOTIA
The Canadian maritime province of Nova Scotia ranked second. You can explore over 8 thousand miles of coastline and remote hiking trails. Some of the country's oldest buildings and best seafood restaurant are located in Nova Scotia.
THE COOK ISLANDS
Eco-tourists wanting to get away from everything will want to visit the Cook Islands in the South Pacific. The archipelago, ranked as the third best Emerging Destination, features powdery white sand beaches and pristine waters. The country announced its setting aside 425,000 square miles for a marine conservation area.
COLORADO SPRINGS
Colorado's second largest city is the highest ranked U.S. destination (#17) on Travel Lemming's list. The judges believe the natural formations in Garden of the Gods Park is worth a trip to Colorado Springs. Sports lovers will also want to check out the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and Hall of Fame which is opening in early 2020.
PASO ROBLES
Love wine? Travel Lemming says you no longer have to visit Napa Valley. Paso Robles, ranked as the 24th Emerging Destination, has hundreds of wineries to explore. The best part? There are fewer crowds in central California. The 15-acre Field of Light at Sensorio by artist Bruce Munro is an experience not to be missed.
NAVARRE BEACH
The only Florida city to make Travel Lemming's list is located about 40 minutes from Pensacola in the Panhandle. Navarre Beach is "the perfect destination for families" wanting a quieter to unwinds. There is plenty of water activities like surfing, fishing and snokeling to enjoy. Plus, the sunsets are spectacular. That is why it is considered "Florida's best kept secret."
You will want to visit Travel Lemming's entire list of Emerging Destinations to see best times of year to visit and the top attractions to check out in each city or country.
