There is no question that particular destinations attract big numbers of tourists for a good reason. What most people do not realize though, is that equal or even better attractiveness remains out there with no one knowing it. In this piece, I will share with you at least 13 such cases to pick from the next time that you decide to travel.
Note too that the places highlighted below do not come with many of the compromises that one has to make when travelling to popular countries. There is no congestion for instance, to the inconvenience of both the natives and the tourists (Spain is a good illustration for this), or high prices for services.
And, I have ensured that I select locations across the world so every reader will undoubtedly have something that works for them.
13 Underrated Countries to Visit for Unique Adventures
1. Kyrgyzstan
Often referred to as the Switzerland of Asia, Kyrgyzstan stands at no.1 for a good reason. Mountain hikers will especially like it given that it overwhelming sits on highlands– 90% of the country is 1,500 meters above sea level. Its most famous mountain is Tian Shan. You should not travel to Kyrgyzstan and miss to step a foot there.
The country further promises to treat you to swimming in natural waters after which you can play and then rest on the breath taking beaches there. If you doubt it, google Issyk-Kul and see what you will find.
This destination also bears a nomadic peoples. Their culture is welcoming and spending with them a day can be a great way to forget the hustle and bustle of work in first world countries.
2. Albania
Neighboring both Italy and Greece, Albania is the first European country that we will explore today. Its blend of architecture from past civilizations with modernity (that is, the Ottoman Empire and Rome), is one rationale for why it ranks high on this list. To this, it adds a warm culture which treats visitors to local dishes, alcohol, and general beverages that can only be made in the country e.g. raki.
As for nature, there is no shortage of beautiful valleys to trek through or waters to relax in e.g. Ohrid and Shkodra. Not to forget, there is at least 400 km of coastline for you to do with as you wish especially the area of Saranda which has been further developed for this purpose.
In short, Albania would have been more popular than it is today but for its politics. This is the moment for you to take advantage before it is too late.
3. Ecuador
For its size, this Latin American country is such a tourism thrill that you do not want to miss out on. First, it is one of the countries in the region that share the world’s biggest rain forest (the Amazon). A visit there hence, guarantees you wonder into a kind of wild that you have never known with species of birds, animals, and vegetation that will leave you asking for more.
The country still has also kept intact the history surrounding the many years of colonialism that it had to endure during the 20th century among them the places of administration and tools used by her former Spanish rulers.
In contrast, you will find indigenous peoples and their traditions (medicine, dances, language etc.) too representing resilience.
4. Laos
Yes, this is not of a misspelling of one Nigerian city. Instead, I am writing about a country found in Asia that you should try out. Laos’ neighbors are much known (Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand) but even in its humble stature, you will be surprised the delights that it has to offer.
The Si Phan Don locale for example. It is made up of 4,000 islands (read the number again!) that make for such a gaze to look at and an adventure to walk through. They are also associated with a tradition of riding bikes that is nice to try out should you ever go there.
There is no shortage of other startling features to explore in Laos. From UNESCO heritage sites (Luang Praban is one of them) to surviving complexes from French colonialism, and from Buddhist temples, to waterfalls and caves.
5. Bhutan
Bhutan is the country with the least entry of tourists annually throughout Asia. This is no coincidence as the government there actually places a cap on this figure. The rationale for this is twofold i.e. give quality to the few people that make it in as well protect the nation’s traditions and wildlife.
Indeed, there is now success to show for this policy as the country is not just carbon neutral but negative i.e. it absorbs more carbon that it emits. It follows then, that Bhutan is your place if at all you have ever known is heavily polluted airspaces.
It is equally good for folks that work on climate change related projects or are simply passionate about the topic.
Buddhism is heavily present in Bhutan as well. Expect to see golden roofed temples and monks in red robes in several of her districts.
6. Estonia
If you stay in or not far away from Eastern Europe, then you should consider traveling to Estonia a beautiful country that we would undoubtedly know more about had it not been overshadowed by her neighboring Scandinavian economies. Famously, the old city of her capital has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
The walls, the terracotta domes, and the spires there will leave you gasping at what 13th century architects accomplished.
You can find more serenity in the country side by visiting wetlands, forests, and lakes to mention but a few areas.
If you are more of an outgoing person though, then Tallinn still has you covered thanks to its busy night life. You can schedule your visit to coincide with highly anticipated events e.g. Tallinn Music Week.
7. Uzbekistan
The country has not been frequented by tourists in part because of its restrictive rules inspired by its Soviet past. Gradually however, Uzbekistan has started to open up which is why you should take on the opportunity while it still lasts.
If at all you look for the natural when on tour, then some of your stopping points in Uzbekistan are; the Fergana Valley, deserts like Kyzylkum and Karakum, as well as Charvak Reservoir.
The culture there also provides an interesting parallel to the Christian west as majority of the populace is Muslim. Rather than meeting cathedrals like a person visiting Rome hence, you will instead come across mausoleums and madrassas.
Uzbekistan tourism equally has plenty of outdoor fun not least horse riding and desert travels.
8. Georgia
Georgia’s location i.e. the connecting point of Europe and Asia, is such a good one for tourism. Unfortunately, being neighbors with Russia has brought about political tension in some parts of the country e.g. South Ossetia there tainting the country’s hospitality image.
While there is validity to these concerns, it is crucial to note that there is still much that you can enjoy for the biggest fraction of the land.
The Caucasus Mountains are one thing to give a try and so are Georgia’s natural hot springs.
There is a lot to say too about what you can get from the traditional foods. The state is also said to be the oldest place make wine anywhere in the world by the way (going back 8,000 years).
9. Nicaragua
When one thinks of going on vacation, a picture of waterfalls coming down in the middle of think green cover comes to their mind. Well, going to Nicaragua turns that imagined reality into actuality. I mean, the country is accredited with 7% of the world’s biodiversity.
With four UNESCO heritage sites, this Latin American nation is also where you want to go if you intend to get immersed in history (learning as you enjoy yourself that is). Moreover, some of what you will discover is key to some of the contemporary political debates.
With colonialism for example, Nicaragua is home to cities that were at the center of outside rule e.g. Leon and Granada.
And, don’t forget to carry your board on the way. The Pacific coast will provide you with endless waters to surf.
10. Uganda
Most tourists going to Africa choose Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa. Uganda is however an unexplored gold mine that most of them would have picked on without thinking twice if only they had known. What is on offer there is varied and it comes at a very low cost.
For folks that swim, the Nile which is the longest river in Africa will be at your service. Hiking mountains is also an option thanks to Mt. Rwenzori.
Not to mention the many animals there is to watch in the country’s different national parks including; lions, elephants, zebras, snakes, leopards etc.
The people of Uganda also have a warm culture. Because of this, the country has consistently ranked in the top for happiest people on their continent.
11. Oman
If you have watched a movie with the wind blowing at massive sand dunes wishing that you could be there yourself, then look no further than Oman. This most eastern county of all on the Arabian Peninsula is also home to very lovely looking mountain ranges and it shares the Arabian Sea too.
We all know that the big dogs in the middle east have been heavily investing in modernizing their architecture. Though not in itself a bad thing, it is not to places like those that one wants to go if they want to connect with a culture outside their own.
Oman’s genius here has been to pre-serve historical sites as well build many of the tourist augmenting facilities e.g. hotels in Arabic designs.
Bonus Underrated Countries that Should Be On Your Travel Radar
- Jordan
- Madagascar