Get cracking into 10% off travel insurance* Limited time only
 

 

10 Countries You Haven’t Been To (But Really Should)Hat

The Secret Traveller

Person sitting on a mountain

google

By The Secret Traveller

So you’ve been to Thailand. You’ve probably been to Bali too, and the USA, and the UK, and maybe France or Italy or Spain as well.

But it’s time to look further afield. It’s time to look past the obvious destinations for your next trips and try something a little bit different. You won’t regret travelling to these seldom-visited destinations.

1 Iran

Iran

Not so long ago it was officially part of the “Axis of Evil”, an enemy of the West, but in reality Iran is one of the friendliest, most welcoming countries you could ever visit. There are beautiful sights here – mosques and bazars, bridges and gardens – but the real attraction of Iran is all of the great people you meet when you’re there.

2 Colombia

Colombian

This is another of those countries that used to be dangerous, but is now open for tourism business. Back in the 80s and 90s this was Pablo Escobar’s territory, a country ruled by the gun, but things have changed dramatically since those bad old days. Colombia is now safe and welcoming, a great place to sightsee, or dance the night away in a sweaty salsa club.

3 Bolivia

Bolivia

It’s often overlooked in favour of neighbours such as Brazil, Peru and Argentina, but Bolivia has plenty to offer lovers of adventure. From its wild main city, La Paz, which clings to a mountain slope high in the Andes, to the huge expanse of the Uyuni salt lake, to Lake Titicaca, to patches of Amazon jungle down in the lowlands, you could spend a long while in Bolivia and not get bored.

4 Namibia

Namibia

Namibia is huge, and yet only a few million people live in the entire country. Most of it is wide-open space, from desert plains in the south to rolling, barren hills in the north. There’s wildlife there too, particularly in Etosha National Park. And in the town of Swakopmund, you have one of Africa’s main centres for adventure tourism.

5 Albania

 Albania

OK, Albania is a little strange. It’s pretty close to places like Serbia and Montenegro, and other Eastern European hubs, and yet the feel of Albania is completely different. It’s far less developed, but that doesn’t mean it’s less attractive. The beaches here are stunning, as good as any on the Med, and the capital, Tirana, is extremely good fun. Find out more about travel to Europe here.

6 Tunisia

Tunisia

Like Mediterranean beaches? You’ll find plenty of them in Tunisia. Like Roman ruins that could rival almost anything you’d find in Rome itself? Then once again, Tunisia is your destination. Like culture that’s a mix of Arab, Moorish, African and European? Then you know where to go.

7 Mongolia

Mongolia

Mongolia pretty much only has one major city, Ulan Baator, and it’s extremely unimpressive. In fact I’d even go so far as to say it sucks. But as soon as you set foot outside that smog-laden town you arrive in another world, a place of nomadic families living in yurts, of rolling green hills, rocky outcrops, and endless plains. Mongolia is a serious adventure, and it’s loads of fun.

8 PNG

Papau New Guinea

Australia’s closest neighbour is a country plenty of people have never seen. That’s because parts of it are dangerous – but there are plenty of parts that aren’t. Spend time in places like Milne Bay, or Kokopo, and you get to see PNG at its best: culturally rich, friendly, affordable, and boasting some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.

9 Guatemala

Guatemala

If you need one reason to visit Guatemala, in the middle of Central America, it’s Lake Atitlan: a huge expanse of water surrounded by three live volcanoes. And if that’s not spectacular enough, or enticing enough, then how’s this: some of the lakeside villages worship a god called Maximon, who is officially the god of rum and cigars. What’s not to love?

10 Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan

Stuck in the middle of Central Asia, almost completely unknown to the wider world, is Kyrgyztan, a country that will heavily reward anyone daring enough to pay it a visit. This is high, mountainous country, where you can hike or ride horses through spectacular, rustic scenery with barely another tourist around. You’ll feel like the first Westerner to ever set foot in some parts of Kyrgyzstan – and it a few cases you’ll be right.

 

Share With Your Travel Buddies

google

 

Recommended For You

 

 

More From The Secret Traveller

Top 10 Travel Lessons

planeThere are certain things that a long stint overseas will inevitably teach you.

Worst Hostel Mates

dormStaying in a dorm room? Here’s how to really annoy the people you’re sharing with.

10 Challenging Foods

foodThink you’d try any food put in front of you? Then grab your knife and fork.

Where To Party

crowdThese are the best places in the world to get loose and have a good time.

Further Reading

Bali Guide

Have a fun, safe & enjoyable holiday with our guide to staying safe in Bali. 

 

UK Guide

1Cover’s UK Survival Guide is packed full handy hints, tips and tricks from those in the know. 

Related Articles