15 Lesser-Known Countries Worth Exploring Before They’re Overcrowded with Tourists
Have you wanted to travel away from the tourist masses onto the hidden streets? The soaring popularity of global travel is exhausting popular destinations to the point of overcrowding and environmental problems.
Worldwide, the number of international tourist arrivals has soared; 1.5 billion tourists visited destinations internationally in 2019.
Before they become tourist hotspots, a list of lesser-known countries is waiting to be explored. Plenty of hidden gems around give you enchanting landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and a sense of discovery. Here are 15 underrated countries that should be on your travel bucket list.
Montenegro: Discovering Europe’s Best-Kept Secret
Montenegro, along the Adriatic coast of the former Yugoslavia, lies between Croatia and Greece and has dramatic mountains, untouched beaches, and medieval towns as pretty as Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Relatively under the radar, the Bay of Kotor and Durmitor National Park are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
In the last decade, international arrivals have risen, helping Montenegro become one of Europe’s fastest-growing travel destinations. Come soon to enjoy its mellow, crownless charm.
Bhutan: The Land of Happiness and Sustainable Travel
Bhutan measures national success in terms of Gross National Happiness, not GDP; you’ll feel it in its monasteries and pristine landscapes.
A mandatory daily fee sustainably controls tourism, allowing for conservation and cultural preservation. Come in time for the Paro Tshechu festival, which celebrates traditional dances and spiritual ceremonies.
Georgia: A Hidden Gem at the Crossroads of Europe and Asia
Georgia, situated on the edge of Europe, features ancient villages, snow-capped peaks in the Caucasus Mountains, and a wine culture going back 8,000 years. Tbilisi is the capital and a vibrant interplay of history and the modern.
These days, Georgia is becoming a leading culinary destination and becoming a massive hit with budget travelers.
Uruguay: South America’s Overlooked Paradise
If we turn away from its more famous neighbors, Brazil and Argentina, we will see that Uruguay is pretty good at subtlety; its sophisticated capital, Montevideo, the easygoing beach town of Punta del Este, and rolling vineyards make it a breathtaking destination. Cabo Polonio is a coastal village lacking electricity, yet it has excellent stargazing and animal sightings.
Oman: Unveiling the Arabian Peninsula’s Natural and Cultural Wonders
When you think of Oman, you might imagine desert dunes, lush oases, ornate mosques, and lush souks. Musandam’s coastlines are mesmerizing fjord-like, and Jebel Akhdar has rugged peaks.
With nearly 3 million visitors in 2022—far less than its neighbors—Oman became a peaceful retreat uncluttered by tourists.
Namibia: A Safari Destination Less Traveled
Home to the world’s oldest desert and thriving wildlife in parks like Etosha, Namibia, is a photographer’s dream.
Sossusvlei is home to the towering red dunes you will remember. Namibia has the world’s largest free-roaming population of black rhinos and is a pioneer in sustainable tourism.
Laos: The Untouched Jewel of Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is dominated by Thailand and Vietnam when it comes to tourism. Still, Laos has peace and serenity, with picturesque waterfalls, breathtaking limestone karsts, and the old town of Luang Prabang, which is UNESCO-listed. Kayak the peaceful waters of the Mekong River and skip the crowds.
Papua New Guinea: Exploring One of the World’s Most Culturally Diverse Countries
Papua New Guinea is unsurpassed in cultural richness, with more than 800 indigenous languages. Adding to its dense rainforests and vivid coral reefs, it eventually became a haven for divers and adventure seekers. Because it is so remote, only small aircraft or boats can get there.
Rwanda: Beyond Gorillas, a Country of Remarkable Resilience
Legendary is Rwanda’s gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, but there’s so much more. Lake Kivu is perfect for a tranquil retreat, while the capital is vibrant and creative and is undergoing more innovation than ever.
But in recent years, Rwanda has emerged as a model of sustainable travel in Africa, reaping the benefits of initiatives and efforts to promote eco-tourism and conservation.
Kyrgyzstan: Trekking Through the Heart of Central Asia
Kyrgyzstan is known as a paradise for trekkers, with towering peaks and a nomadic culture. Awe-inspiring sights include the Ala Archa National Park and the remote Song Kol Lake.
Check it out during the World Nomad Games, an Olympic-style event in which nomadic traditions are the center of all action.
Malawi: The Warm Heart of Africa with Pristine Beaches and Wildlife
Malawi’s most famous attraction is Lake Malawi, often called the “Lake of Stars,” thanks to its shimmering waters.
From quiet shoreline drives in the sunset to up-close and personal big cat sightings, Liwonde National Park has plenty of safari options without the crowds. In 2022, Lonely Planet ranked Malawi among its “Best in Travel” destinations.
Moldova: Europe’s Least-Visited Country with Rich Wine Heritage
Although Moldova is tiny, its wine culture is significant. The Guinness World Record for the most extensive wine collection belongs to the underground wine city of Mileștii Mici. Carved into cliff faces at Orheiul Vechi, explore a fascinating archaeological complex.
Suriname: A Melting Pot of Cultures in South America
Cuisine, language, and traditions coexist as a fusion of African, Indian, Chinese, and European cultures. A biodiverse gem, it has nearly 95% of its land under tropical forests. Over 90% forest cover makes Suriname one of the greenest countries in the world.
Palau: Diving into the Beauty of Micronesia
This Pacific paradise is a diver’s paradise, with crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and even the iconic Jellyfish Lake. To preserve its natural beauty, Palau requires visitors to sign an “Eco Pledge.“
Armenia: Unspoiled Landscapes and Ancient Heritage
Armenia is home to Mount Ararat and ancient monasteries, making it a hidden history and nature haven. Near Garni, the Symphony of Stones and Natural Wonder mesmerizes visitors.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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