I’ve Visited 80+ Countries—These Are My Top Picks for a Fulfilling One Month Journey

I’ve always been incredibly curious about the world. I’ve spent the last 15 years traveling the world, living on four continents, and visiting over 80 countries. While I have loved almost every travel experience I have had, there are some obvious standouts.

Over the years, I have visited a few countries I describe as “mini-worlds.” Countries that have so much diversity within them that you feel like you are on a world trip.

You can hike in the mountains, relax on the beach, try amazing foods, and experience unique cultures and vibrant cities. Some places really do feel like they have it all, and these are the places that I will recommend for a one-month trip.

Planning a one-month trip is different from other types of travel. It is long enough to want a bit of variety within the destination, but not so long that you’ll experience burnout. And let’s face it: affordability is always a consideration when traveling for that long.

This is why I recommend the following destinations if you plan to take a one-month trip! They all offer a great variety of experiences, so you’ll never be bored, and you’ll get great bang for your buck.

Colombia

Colombia (Liza Naysmith)

Colombia is my go-to recommendation for people looking for a fun time. While you could still enjoy a shorter visit, one month will give you the chance to really appreciate how diverse this beautiful country is.

Colombia (Liza Naysmith)

From the party cities and stunning beaches of the Caribbean coast to the colorful towns of the coffee region, the vibrant Communa Trece in Medellin, and the depths of the Amazon in Leticia—a month in Colombia will keep you on your toes.

I lived in Colombia for a year in 2013. I loved my time there and always recommend it to adventurous travelers. I returned for the first time in 2023 and was amazed at how quickly the country became an unmissable tourist destination.

Colombia (Liza Naysmith)

Now, I recommend it to everyone. No single person could go to Colombia and not be completely entranced by all it has to offer.

Türkiye

Türkiye (Liza Naysmith)

Türkiye is one of the first countries I visited, and it gave life to my mini-world concept. There is so much to do in Türkiye; it is a choose-your-own-adventure of bucket list experiences.

Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents. It is a fascinating fusion of East and West, which can be felt in its culture, architecture, food, and lifestyle.

Start your trip with an action-packed few weeks exploring Istanbul, visiting the ancient ruins of Ephesus, hot air ballooning over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and marveling at the thermal pools of Pamukkale.

When you start running out of steam, head south to the Turquoise Coast. This stretch of coastline is named for its impossibly blue water and is dotted with beaches that rival those of the Greek islands.

Hiring a car and road-tripping tiny towns with ancient ruins, indulging in world-famous cuisine while watching the sun set over the sea; It’s the dream!

Brazil

Brazil (Liza Naysmith)

One month is the perfect amount of time to spend in Brazil. Brazil is an incredibly large and diverse destination and home to one of the best parties on earth.

If you want the ultimate Brazilian experience, you really have to visit during Carnival. Although it has been on my bucket list forever, I attended my first Carnival in Rio de Janeiro last year, and all I can say is, “Wow!”

It feels like the biggest, most vibrant celebration on the planet. Everything about it is so elaborate and extravagant. Although I had seen lots of footage of street parties and the samba parade, nothing can prepare you for the way the entire country pulses to the beat of the drum for an entire month. The energy of Carnival needs to be felt to be understood.

Brazil (Liza Naysmith)

One month in Brazil will give you time to explore other destinations, such as the paradisiacal Ilha Grande and other gorgeous destinations along the coast.

Of course, no trip to Brazil is complete without a visit to the Amazon rainforest. Your month in Brazil will be action-packed and unforgettable!

The Stans

Central Asia (Liza Naysmith)

The Stans refers to the five Central Asian countries of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. This part of the world might not immediately spring to mind when planning a holiday. Still, if you’re after an emerging tourism destination with unique and exciting experiences, the Stans might be your answer.

Central Asia (Liza Naysmith)

Starting with just two countries in the region, you will get the best balance in one month. Uzbekistan is a must for first-time travelers to the area.

Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are incredibly beautiful Silk Road cities, each with its own unique and fascinating history. Much of the architecture has been preserved or restored and will leave you awe-struck. Uzbek food is also an unexpected highlight. 

Central Asia (Liza Naysmith)

The perfect complement to Uzbekistan is Kyrgyzstan, a country filled with stunning natural beauty, mountainous terrain, and rugged terrain. We hired a 4×4 and drove around Kyrgyzstan; it was one of my favorite travel experiences.

Central Asia (Liza Naysmith)

If you plan a trip during summer, you can witness nomad games festivals, where local teams compete in sports like kok boru and horse wrestling.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka (Liza Naysmith)

Sri Lanka was one of the most surprising destinations I have visited. The culture is colorful, the nature is picturesque, there is so much to see and do, and it is worth going for the food alone. Although it looks small on a map, one month is the perfect amount of time to do this unbelievable island justice.

Spend some time exploring the beaches of the south coast. This part of the country is experiencing a tourism boom and has been described as similar to Bali thirty years ago.

Sri Lanka (Liza Naysmith)

Head to the center of the country to explore cloud forests, take the famous blue train from Kandy to Ella, and visit the awe-inspiring Sigiriya rock.

Hot tip: Take a food tour early on in your trip. I did one when I flew into Colombo, and it enriched my food experience for the rest of my time in Sri Lanka.