Travel expert gushes about ‘underrated’ country a short flight from Birmingham

A travel enthusiast has hailed what she calls “the most underrated country in the world”.

She says the destination is full of activities that won’t break the bank, costing less than £500 for an unforgettable experience.

Hannah, a seasoned traveler who shares her Trotmund adventures on her TikTok account @hannahshols, is no stranger to discovering hidden gems. She gave her followers tons of travel tips, from places to visit to cultural etiquette, pricing details, and more.

Of all the places she was captivated by, Malta stands out as the best recommendation. Nestled beneath Italy and hovering above Tunisia, this Mediterranean paradise is just a three-hour flight from the UK.

On a recent trip to Malta with friends, Hannah discovered they could enjoy a lavish holiday without the hassle. They spent just over £400 each on flights, a five-night stay at a hotel with a rooftop pool, including breakfast, along with luggage and transfers.

Her TikTok video of their Maltese adventure went viral, garnering over a million likes. She enthused: “Malta is by far the most underrated country I think I’ve ever visited.”

Moreover, she noted: “Even though Malta is the tenth smallest country in the world, it certainly gives energy to a large country.”

The clip highlighted Malta’s appeal, from its mesmerizing sea views and bustling shops to its historic landmarks and stunning gardens.

Reflecting on her trip in September, Hannah shared why Malta left such a lasting impression: “One thing I loved about Malta was that it was like nowhere else I had ever been. It has such strong Arabic and Roman influences.”

She concluded with heartfelt praise: “It was just absolutely beautiful and everyone I met seemed so proud to be Maltese.”

The travel content creator advises visitors to head to the capital Valleta. The group walked around the city most of the time or traveled by bus, which was “super convenient and cheap,” Hannah said.

She added: “Just spend a day in Valletta walking around, eating on the street, going to the boutique shops, wondering in and out of the gardens, seeing the guns firing the battery salute and checking out the front the port”.

Hannah also suggested booking the Gozo, Camino and Blue Lagoon cruise. The day trip by boat departs from Sliema and allows you to visit both islands in one day and take in the sights. Hannah said it cost her and her friends “around £29 each”.

More than 1,000 people rushed to comment on Hanna’s video, with many agreeing with her passion for the country. “I’m from Malta and I’m so happy you loved our little island,” said one local.

“Malta is stunning, I’d go back in a heartbeat,” added another. Another person commented: “Truly one of my favorite European destinations, never gets boring.”

Another said: “Omg I live in Malta it’s so underrated.”

How to get to Malta

Air Malta, Easyjet, British Airways, Ryanair and Jet2 offer direct flights to Malta from the UK. The most popular route to get there is via London Heathrow to Malta International Airport in the capital Valletta.

Flights are also offered from Bournemouth, Liverpool, Norwich, Belfast, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham and Glasgow.