When it comes to travel, certain sites and destinations are visited far, far more than others. While these incredibly popular places plainly have a lot going for them, there's also good reason to venture off the beaten path a little more. There are significant advantages to visiting overlooked, less-visited places.

Here are the three big reasons that’ll have you rethinking your next travel plans.

1. It’s Less Crowded

If a site is popular, it's almost by definition crowded as well -- especially during the travel season. Too many tourists can greatly harm the travel experience, making it harder to have a good time and even inducing serious amounts of stress.

Plus, one of the best reasons to travel is to interact with the locals and experience their culture. In places with a huge number of outside visitors, this becomes almost impossible. While in these places the natives are often sick of tourists, those who live in other areas are more likely to welcome visitors happily.

Gatlinburg Too Crowded?

2. It’s Less Expensive

The more people flock to a particular place, the higher prices will go. Necessities like food and lodging can become absurdly costly. In contrast, in less-visited locations -- especially those in rural areas -- basic expenses are typically far more wallet-friendly.

The local sites and attractions also generally cost less as well. Lower costs allow travelers to stretch their money farther, thereby experiencing more without spending more.

3. It’s a Better, More Authentic Experience

The big problem with so many of the most visited traveling sites is how touristy they have become. Many of the world's most popular sites are absolutely infested with hokey, cheesy attractions. These tourist traps present only a bizarre caricature of local culture and are a major detriment to a truly meaningful travel experience.

Fortunately, most out-of-the-way areas are blessedly free of such nonsense and offer a much more authentic experience of local culture.

There is an incredible number of overlooked, nearly forgotten travel destinations out there. These underrated gems stand as proof that venturing off the beaten path is well worth doing. Any traveler who has become weary of the same old popular sites shouldn't be afraid to try a less-visited place instead.