15 Underrated Countries You’ve Been Sleeping On – Time to Add Them to Your Bucket List!
In 2019, the world recorded more than 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals, according to the World Tourism Organization. Indeed, attractions like France, the United States, and China are popular in tourism, with several less popular destinations neglected and yet to be fully explored.
The world has plenty of beauty beyond the top ten tourism hotspots, accounting for nearly half of all international visitors to the country. These countries are truly underrated because they all have equally breathtaking landscapes, traditions, and unique experiences that can easily match those of the classic favorite countries, if not excel. Everyone loves to wonder about what’s behind the dusty doors; it’s time to flee the path of those in the travel rut and trek down the roads few dare to walk.
Mongolia – Discover Untamed Wilderness
Mongolia is a dream destination if open spaces and raw natural beauty are your things. Much different than what I’d pictured was the vast Gobi Desert, sprinkled with mountainous dunes, rugged cliffs, and ancient fossils.
Stay with nomadic families in gers (traditional yurts), spend nights riding horses across endless grasslands, or just be one with the camaraderie of a more straightforward way of living. Pro tip? Come July, and arrive during the Naadam Festival to see traditional wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
Paraguay – South America’s Hidden Cultural Treasure
Overshadowed by its larger neighbors, Paraguay is a quiet sanctuary to history, culture, and natural wonders. See colonial history at UNESCO-listed Jesuit Missions of La Santisima Trinidad and Jesus de Tavarangue.
In the north, the Pantanal wetlands provide a unique opportunity for wildlife spotting, jaguars, and giant anteaters.
Sri Lanka – A Small Island Packed with Big Adventures
With such incredible geographic diversity, Sri Lanka is an incredible island. You can sip tea there, trek alongside elephants at Udawalawe National Park, or relax on the unspoiled beaches of Tangalle.
History buffs will be left awe straddled by a visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and there are plenty of classic Buddhist temples dotted around, like the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, to calm the most spiritual souls. It’s no wonder Sri Lanka is dubbed a “microcosm” of climates and ecosystems.
Taiwan – Where Tradition Meets Modernity
Taiwan manages to blend its past with its future perfectly. See Taroko National Park’s marble gorge, feast at Taipei’s night markets, and munch on stinky tofu with bubble tea.
Traditional and modern mingle within its high-tech cities and tea-growing regions and its first-class hiking. With more than 15,000 Buddhist temples, it does not lack cultural enrichment.
Bosnia and Herzegovina – An Architectural Time Machine
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a balance of East and West. Walk the cobbled streets of Sarajevo amidst minarets and shared places with Austro-Hungarian architecture. The crown jewel is, however, Mostar’s Stari Most bridge, a magnificent masterpiece of Ottoman design.
It would be unwise to skip reading those places because this country has such a rich history—and it has often been so somber: from WWI to the Balkan War, the country continued to be resilient.
Georgia – Where Hospitality Is a Way of Life
Surrounded by the Caucasus, Georgia is a paradise for wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Tours of century-old vineyards occur in Kakheti, the world’s oldest wine region. On the other hand, the mountain climb to Gergeti Trinity Church offers dramatic and breathtaking views.
The vibrant city of Tbilisi is a fine blend of old-world charm along with cosmopolitan flair, promising to explore sulfur baths supported by cobblestone streets.
Oman – Arabian Nights Without the Crowds
Oman has it all for an authentic Arabian adventure. Red sands, wadis (valleys), incredible sky. Snorkeling and vibrant coral reefs are attractions in the coastal Daymaniyat Islands, and people visiting Muscat are stunned by the sparkling Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. But it’s the cherry on top: there is nothing more hospitable than the Omani people.
Madagascar – Unique Wildlife Galore
Madagascar is famed for its baobab trees and the lemurs, and it is a dream come true for nature and wildlife lovers. You can watch the sunset at Baobab Avenue and take a sleep-eluding hike in the Andasibe Mantadia National Park rainforests.
Sailors fortunate enough to be looking at marine life will find abundant tropical fish and sea turtles bathing among the coral reefs near Nosy Be.
Albania – Affordable Beaches and Ancient Castles
Some of the most stunning Mediterranean coastlines are found in Albania, and the prices are much less exquisite than in Greece or Italy. If you consider yourself a sun seeker, then the Albanian Riviera is perfect for you, or you can be a history buff and take in Albanian’s ancient hilltop ruins like Gjirokastër Castle.
Tirana, the capital, is a buzzing, accessible, and slightly unpretentious hub of art, culture, and food.
Armenia – Where Ancient Meets Biblical
The religious and cultural significance of Armenia’s breathtaking landscapes and historical sites is of noticeable importance. Awe-inspiring views of Mount Ararat can be seen from Khor Virap Monastery, the basalt columns of Garni Temple can be climbed, or the splendor of Lake Sevan can be observed.
Don’t leave without sampling the robust flavors of Armenian cuisine, including khorovats (barbecued meat) and lavash.
Kyrgyzstan – Nomadic Culture and Scenic Adventures
For the brave seeking untouched landscapes, Kyrgyzstan is where you can conquer it. There are also countless camping experiences beside high-altitude lakes (Issyk-Kul or Song-Köl), with nights spent in yurts immersed in nomadic customs.
A Central Asian gem, this is full of horse trekking, Soviet-era mosaics, and eagle hunting.
Dominica – The Untamed Caribbean
Dominica offers none of the resorts of the Caribbean but rather a chance to connect with nature. Known as the “Nature Island,” it’s home to the world’s second-largest boiling lake and some of the best-preserved rainforests in the region.
The opportunities here for sustainable tourism are to swim with sperm whales or explore secret hot springs and waterfalls.
Tunisia – The Land of Star Wars and History
Walk down Tunisia’s ancient medinas or desert sceneries dreamed up by Star Wars. What’s more, Dougga’s Roman ruins are almost equal to much busier historical sites in Europe, but the azure villages of Sidi Bou Said inspire an image of Santorini for a fraction of the price.
Finish up your trip by visiting the Sahara and its rugged dunes.
Sao Tome and Principe – Africa’s Little-Known Paradise
This two-island nation lies off the coast of West Africa and feels like an untouched Eden. Their lush rainforests, deserted beaches, and some of the finest coffee and chocolate in the world take place on the islands of Sao Tome and Principe.
Stay for an unforgettable time as you enter Obô Natural Park or spend your time on Bom Bom Island.
Nicaragua – Volcanoes and Vibrant Cities
Natural beauty and soulful charm are something Nicaragua has. Explore the untouched beaches of the Pacific coast by surfing, hug the twin volcanic islands of Lake Nicaragua by kayak, and hike the lava fields of Cerro Negro.
Colonial jewels such as Granada can easily be added to balance your adventure perfectly.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Disclosure: For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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