20 Countries You’ll Want to Visit Before Everyone Else Does

2 months ago 4

Going to lesser-known countries allows you to see places not filled with tourists. Most of these hidden destinations offer rich cultures, unique activities, and lovely landscapes waiting to be discovered.

Exploring these off-the-beaten-path countries lets you connect genuinely with the locals, find untouched nature, and dive into traditions preserved for many generations. These places give you a genuine look into different ways of life and provide you with a fresh perspective.

That said, here are some of the hidden countries you’ll want to visit before everyone else does.

1. Georgia

Found between Europe and Asia, Georgia is well-known for its wine-making traditions and rich history of art and literature. Here, locals still use clay vessels called qvevris to make wine, which makes the experience more memorable. Besides the wine, Georgia also has many great places to visit.

Upon arrival, you’ll notice how the landscapes change from rolling green hills to ancient stone churches that sit high in the mountains. You can walk through the cobbled streets of Tbilisi, where you can feel the mix of old and new architecture, with colorful balconies, lovely cafes, and lively street art all around you.

2. Armenia

Sevanavank Monastery on the shore of Lake Sevan, Armenia

Armenia is another country worth visiting. It’s still off the beaten path, but I’ve had quite some friends visit Armenia over the last few years. It is known for its culture, unique architecture, and ancient monasteries, such as Geghard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which shows its rich history and unique architecture.

The beautiful mountains of the country will leave you seriously breathless. Then there is the Cascade — a beautiful complex of art and sculptures in Yerevan. Travel across Armenia, and you come across rugged mountains and dramatic cliffs, as if entering some ancient world from a book.

3. Kyrgyzstan

Ancient Burana tower located on famous Silk road, Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is another place you should not pass. It houses the stunning Issyk-Kul, which is the second-largest mountain lake in the world. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation. When you stand by the shore, you’re greeted with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains that reflect in the clear water.

The best time to visit here is during summer, which runs from June through September. It’s very high on my list of countries to visit, and I’m currently booking my trip to go in 2025.

4. Moldova

The main attraction for tourists is the city of Soroca and the country of Moldova. 15th century fortress built by Stefan cel Mare

Tucked between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova is one of the less-visited countries in Europe. It is where you can find the largest wine cellar in the world, Milestii Mici, which also has huge underground galleries.

As you explore the country, you’ll see how peaceful and lovely the countryside feels, with stretches of vineyards as far as your eyes can see. You can walk through the vast underground wine cellars, where you can relive the history of winemaking passed down through many generations.

5. Uzbekistan

Another place that’s less-visited but should certainly be on your bucket list is Uzbekistan in Central Asia. The country has been awarded in the Best in Travel by none other than Lonely Planet. Here, you can visit the Silk Road city of Bukhara, where you can explore ancient buildings and busy markets.

As you walk through the lively streets of Bukhara, you’ll be stunned by the intricate designs of old buildings. When you reach the markets, you’ll feel the energy of the locals, smell the different spices, and love the colorful fabrics and handmade items.

6. Madagascar

Baobab Trees in The Avenue of the Baobabs

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, located off the southeastern coast of Africa. The country is well-loved for The Avenue of the Baobabs, which presents these unique, gigantic upside-down trees, also known as The Tree of Life.

As you walk through the Avenue of Baobabs, you’ll be amazed by the massiveness of these trees that seem to reach the skies. The landscape itself feels so untouched and ancient, making you feel so many good emotions.

7. Zambia

Victoria Falls and surrounding area in National park

Zambia in Southern Africa is well-known for the mighty Victoria Falls, which is deemed as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

The place is a literal paradise for thrill-seekers, especially if you love bungee jumping. The country is also perfect if you are traveling with your family. You can go on family safaris in its wildlife-filled national parks.

8. Tajikistan

River along the Pamir Highway, taken in Tajikistan

If you love road trips, you should visit Tajikistan. Its Pamir Highway passes through some truly spectacular mountain scenery.

You can also visit Iskanderkul, a remarkable mountain lake surrounded by welcoming locals and beautiful hiking trails. Here, you can see the glow of its bright blue waters against the backdrop of the rugged mountains.

9. Bhutan

Tiger's Nest Monastery or Taktsang Lhakhang in Paro, Bhutan

Found in the eastern ridges of the Himalayas, Bhutan is most famous for its Tiger’s Nest Monastery, located outside Paro. It is also well-known for its incredible landscapes and focus on happiness, which made news. As you explore the mountain villages in the country, you may encounter some scents that fill the air and hear some hum of prayer flags in the wind.

When you want to visit the country, keep in mind that Bhutan has a very selective tourism policy, and you’ll need to pay a sustainable development fee that’s currently $100 per day.

10. Mozambique

Breathtaking sandbanks on an island with turquoise water

You can find Mozambique on the southeastern coast of Africa, a dream place for beach lovers. Besides that, you can head to the Bazaruto Archipelago if you love to snorkel or dive in the untouched coral reefs of the country.

Beneath the water surface, you can spot colorful fishes and vibrant corals. That said, you should not miss Mozambique’s fresh kinds of seafood at the local restaurants.

11. Lesotho

Known as the Kingdom in the Sky, Lesotho houses the impressive Maletsunyane Falls. It is among the highest waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere. When you stand at the edge of the falls, you’ll see the sight of the water plunging into the valley below.

You’ll feel the cool and refreshing air while you appreciate the surrounding mountains that make you feel like you’re on top of the world.

12. Laos

Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls at Luang prabang

Known also as the Land of a Million Elephants, Laos is the place you would wish for a stopover. Among the many wonders that it possesses is the Kuang Si Falls, which is a multi-layered waterfalls with pools. You can swim here in bright turquoise waters, surrounded by the very bright green of the tropical forest. You feel the fresh mist of the falls and water all around you, seriously soothing.

Besides that, Laos has so much more to offer. I was lucky enough to visit Laos last year, and it’s a truly unique country that doesn’t have the overtourism that a lot of other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand have.

13. Nicaragua

Mombacho Volcano landscape Granada Nicaragua

In Granada, Nicaragua, the bright colors of the colonial buildings pop against the backdrop of volcanoes and lakes. The city’s lively markets and friendly locals make it a welcoming place, while the thrill of volcano boarding in Mombacho Volcano adds a dose of adventure.

When visiting Nicaragua in 2019, we had such a good time, and the locals were extremely happy to see us. They mentioned that tourism was great but that protests and unrest in the country years before still affect tourism today.

Ometepe was one of my favorite places to visit on the island, where you can do beautiful hikes and rent a motorcycle to explore the island more.

14. Mauritania

Chinguetti mosque , one of the symbols of Mauritania

Another country you should not miss to visit is Mauritania. In particular, Chinguetti is one of Mauritania’s ancient towns and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It has truly dramatic desert landscapes, where you can wander through history and nature on the Adrar Plateau.

You can also walk through the ancient manuscripts and stone buildings as old as Chinguetti. Once you’re here, it is as if time itself had stopped somewhere here.

15. Guatemala

One of the top places to visit in Guatemala is Lake Atitlán, we spent more than 2 weeks there when we visited the region in 2019. You can cliff jump into the lake, paraglide, or explore the nature reserve.

There are a lot of cute little towns surrounding the lake, where each town has its own atmosphere. From Lake Atitlán, you can easily visit Antigua, which is surrounded by volcanoes you can explore. You can also find the cobbled streets, lively markets, and charming architecture interesting.

16. Mongolia

Mongolia. Gobi Desert. Natural boundary Hermen-Tsav

When I first heard about Mongolia, I thought to myself that it was the land of the warriors. I had a very specific image in my head with people on horses hunting with eagles. Turns out, that’s just a very small part of the country.

There is so much culture in Mongolia that you definitely can’t skip this destination. When you visit the country, you should not miss the Gobi Desert. Here, you can find ancient dinosaur fossils and ride camels through the dunes. You can also head to the capital, Ulaanbaatar, which is filled with historical sites and traditional performances.

17. Albania

View of main street of historic town Gjirokasteron in Gjirokaster

History buffs will enjoy a good time in Gjirokastër, Albania, with the well-preserved Ottoman architecture and ruins. Beaches along the Adriatic coast are simply outstanding. Walk through cobblestone streets in Gjirokastër and take a step back in time.

Around every corner stands an old stone building, ancient castle ruins, or a mountain view for you to enjoy.

18. Eswatini (Formerly Swaziland)

Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, is famous for the Mantenga Cultural Village. It is where you can see local dance, hear their local music and observe the local customs.

You can also trek around the reserve and spot wild animals like baboons and monkeys. Local craft and tradition are prominent in Eswatini (Swaziland). This destination is very often overshadowed by South Africa, but please take Eswatini into account as well.

19. Namibia

Another less-visited place to visit is Namibia, which you can find on Africa’s southwestern coast. Here, you can find the red dunes of Sossusvlei or the wildlife at Etosha National Park. Just above the dunes is a stretch of infinite deserts in every direction.

If you want another activity, you can drive up Skeleton Coast to see shipwrecks and far-reaching hunting yet beautiful scenes.

20. Eritrea

Ruins in Keskese archeological place, Eritrea

Eritrea located in the Horn of Africa offers a mix of historical treasures and natural beauty. The capital, Asmara, is known for its unique Art Deco architecture, while the Dahlak Archipelago along the Red Sea offers breathtaking coastal views.

You can also find wide boulevards with three to four-story pastel-colored buildings, creating a retro vibe. Down by the Red Sea, the sparkling water and untouched beaches of the Dahlak Archipelago make for a perfect getaway.

Featured Image: Curioso_Travel_Photography/depositphotos

Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.

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