24 Underrated Countries That You’re Missing Out On

Our world is getting smaller, thanks mostly to Trip Advisor and hordes of travel influencers. It appears most of the world’s “greatest” destinations are far from that. Overtourism has rendered some countries almost inaccessible in peak season.

Furthermore, it means hotel prices are sky-high, lines to visit famous attractions are dense, and locals’ patience is low. The relentless influx is forcing some countries to add new levies, laws, and local-only zones to alleviate the problem.

The paint-by-numbers travel ethos isn’t for everyone; therefore, we’ve compiled a list of countries that more discerning travelers should consider.

Hungary

A country often left alone on a European road trip is Hungary, sitting between the Asian and European continents. It may be a step too far for anyone with a tourist-trap bucket list; however, for others, Hungary offers incredible value and a dose of old-European romanticism.

Capital Budapest alone has five thermal hot springs, making for wonderful multi-season dips. What’s more, the country has some of the best-kept medieval architecture in Europe, even outside its cities.

Sri Lanka

While India has an assortment of historical and cultural monuments to enjoy, neighboring Sri Lanka visitor rates are nowhere near. That said, Sri Lanka is a peaceful alternative to India’s enjoyable chaos.

The country, once tethered to its large neighbor by a land bridge, is known as India’s Teardrop, though this is a misnomer. Sri Lanka has some of the friendliest locals one can meet, ancient Buddhist temples, and miles of white sandy beaches. Better still, the country’s diverse wildlife makes for a nature lover’s paradise.

Comoros

This island nation sits off East Africa’s coast and gives visitors a different tropical island experience from the obvious Caribbean or Asian choices. This one is for divers, snorkelers, and watersports enthusiasts.

Most appealing to others could be the blend of French, African, and Arabic culture that has embedded itself into the land’s tapestry. Nicknamed “The Vanilla Islands,” the Comoros archipelago’s unspoiled beauty is harder to reach than >Aruba but entirely worth the effort.

Cambodia

Most people thinking of a Southeast Asian adventure might choose Thailand or Vietnam, though sandwiched in between is Cambodia. The country is less developed, though no less beautiful, and the economy is growing fast.

Cambodia has hostels from $5 per night; better still, travelers can access its incredible natural wonders easily with cheap transit. For those tired of globalization, Cambodia has no McDonald’s restaurants — anywhere.

Panama

Central America is a comparative stone’s throw from the United States, so it is surprising that some places there are overlooked. Many who venture to that region opt for Costa Rica instead.

There are many reasons to visit Panama — 400 in the San Blas Archipelago, which is roughly the number of coral islands the region has. The country is stable, relatively safe, and has some of the world’s coolest swimming spots.

Seychelles

Seychelles is a pin-dot on the globe in the Indian Ocean, 1,000 miles from the nearest capital city — in this case, Mogadishu, Somalia. Nonetheless, don’t let its size deter you; Seychelles has one of the world’s biggest collections of perfect beaches.

The archipelago has 115 islands, though Seychelles has more dry land to enjoy than the Maldives, making cycling or even driving possible on some. Seychelles beaches harbor some of the clearest and most biodiverse tropical waters in the world.

Scotland

Let’s be honest: most American tourists like to fly to London, stay in London, and fly home from London. The issue with this approach is not that they miss out on England; they lose their chance to see its neighbor, Scotland.

For outdoors lovers, Scotland is a true paradise; some would say it has the last vestiges of wild land in the United Kingdom. Scotland’s population density in 2022 was only 70 people per square kilometer — the figure for London was over 5,600.

Romania

The Eastern part of the European continent is an unknown quantity for many American tourists. This relationship is partly due to instability that threatened the region during the ’90s and the allure of more famous European lands.

Much like Hungary, Romania’s traditionalist culture has preserved stunning architecture across the land. BalkanTrails lists all the reasons to visit such an underrated vacation spot, where welcoming people, epic medieval cities, and incredible wildlife await.

Ghana

Africa presents a daunting continent to visit for some; for others, it represents unbridled beauty and wonderful people. However, there is a safari-shaped monopoly that prevents tourists from going to places like Ghana, which is a shame.

The country was the first to gain independence from British colonial rule, which left behind endless monuments and museums to study. Now, the country enjoys a proud African heritage. TravelessenceMag offers a guide to Ghanaian culture  —  with a diverse ethnic makeup, great street food, and adventure activities, to name a few.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the world’s smallest places, with a square mileage less than Anchorage, Alaska. Most Europeans have never been there; they might drive around it en route to the Alps, though.

Europeans are losing out; Luxembourg might be small, but it punches well above its weight in beauty. In its old quarter, The Grund, you will find postcard-perfect European towns. Think perfectly cobbled streets, ornate bridges, and gothic facades — all within a short journey.

Estonia

Another lost corner of Europe is the Baltic states, including Estonia. The Scandinavian nations overshadow their Baltic neighbors, which is such a shame because Estonia is truly stunning.

Capital city Tallinn’s old quarter looks like a drawing from a Shaun Tan graphic novel. This UNESCO World Heritage city has well-preserved walls, spires, and terracotta domes sprawled across leafy streets. What’s not to love?

Sardinia

It is technically Italy, though Sardinia is one of Europe’s most striking locations, with miles of rugged mountainous landscape steeped in history. It also possesses some of the region’s clearest waters and most unspoiled beaches.

One of the coolest reasons to visit is explained by Sardinia Island Tours, which operates day trips to Tavolara. This minute islet once laid claim to the world’s smallest kingdom, recognized as a sovereign state in 1836 by King Carlo Alberto di Savoia.

Laos

Another contender for an alternative Asian odyssey is Laos, pinned between several countries: China, Vietnam, and Thailand. Economically, Laos sits below all three, and although it is relatively unspoiled by tourism, the nation is developing rapidly.

Therefore, there is no better time to see Laos’ diverse country, full of charming townships, dozens of diverse ethnic cultures, and magnificent natural wonders. For example, the Si Phan Don region boasts 4,000 islands sitting in the Mekong Delta. This network is perfect for kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking.

Cabo Verde

Americans are familiar with Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Lesser Antilles, but how many have seen Cabo Verde? One of the world’s best-kept secrets was once a Portuguese colony, gaining independence in 1975.

The national website explains how the archipelago represents a blend of African, Creole, and Portuguese heritage. Moreover, Cabo Verde has a fitting national slogan: “No stress.” While it may cost a little more to achieve, visitors are rewarded with epic island views, hikes to extinct volcanos, and endless water-based fun.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu is another volcanic archipelago, though getting to its South Pacific location isn’t easy. If anything, it’s worth making the visit to Vanuatu for the world’s most accessible volcano, Mount Yasur.

If adventure isn’t your thing, there are plentiful resorts for lounging in the infinity pool, ranging from $40 per night to over $4,000. Amazingly, Vanuatu has over 100 native languages (though three official tongues), which is rather impressive for only 23,000 inhabitants.

Nepal

Quite simply, if you love mountains, you must visit Nepal. No other place in Asia is so well equipped for hikers, trekkers, and mountaineers. It’s hardly a surprise when you have 14 peaks over 26,247 feet — Nepal is a firm mountain-lovers’ destination.

Though seeing the Himalayas is an almost religious experience in itself, there is plenty for those who prefer lower altitudes. Cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumini have incredible world heritage-status temples, gardens, and monuments to impress the most demanding history buff.

Lesotho

South Africa deservedly receives the lion’s share of the region’s tourists. It’s hard to compete with its natural wonders and wildlife. Meanwhile, it houses a rare phenomenon, only seen in several countries across the world — an enclave country.

Known as the “Kingdom in the Sky,” Lesotho’s entire, landlocked body sits above 3,200 feet, and it has a distinctly isolated culture. The Atlantic shares how Lesotho’s height means it has something for snow lovers: one of Africa’s few ski resorts.

Suriname

Former Dutch colony Suriname is on South America’s Northwestern coast, north of Brazil and the Amazon Delta. The mostly low-lying country is 93% rainforest, making Suriname a biodiversity and ecotourism goldmine.

Of course, there are five-star resorts and a beach culture to enjoy, too. Like many former European colonies, Suriname also has several well-preserved colonial monuments and forts to complement its other attractions.

Morocco

American tourists who have seen Europe already can visit North Africa just as easily, namely Morocco. While it differs from a European vacation, Morocco has a timeless charm that warms the soul.

What’s more, few African countries can offer beach resorts, desert camping, and skiing all at once. The more adventurous explorers can enjoy Morocco’s Atlas Mountains throughout the year. Meanwhile, others at sea level can sip mint tea in its bustling souks or its marvelous UNESCO World Heritage imperial cities.

Taiwan

We can safely ignore all the saber rattling about Taiwan. While superpower leaders use it for political gain, the people living there just get on with life — and what a life. Taiwanese people enjoy a comfortable living standard, great cuisine, and a love of the outdoors.

Perhaps the coolest thing about Taiwan is that it gave the world cat cafes, with more than a dozen in the capital, Taipei, alone.

Kyrgyzstan

A country’s hard-to-spell name surely damages its hopes of attracting tourists, which may explain why few people consider Kyrgyzstan for holidays. Sadly, its distance from most major cities means most visitors have a job even getting there.

Those who do take the plunge will find reward in its awe-inspiring landscapes of huge mountains, lakes, and high desert plateaus. WorldPackers calls Kyrgyzstan one of the best-undiscovered adventures out there. This one is for the Bear Grylls aficionados.

Nicaragua

Another jewel in the American continent is Nicaragua, sitting somewhere in between its giant continental cousins. Similar to other Central American countries, the country has everything a surfing, backpacking, hostel-hopping reveler would need.

The birthplace of the father of Hispanic modernism has something for all, with smart resorts dotted up its Pacific coastline. VisitNicaragua advertises its four UNESCO World Heritage sites and seven percent of the world’s biodiversity.

Greenland

Summer vacation vibes are best found on the beach for most, but sometimes, a change of pace and latitude is in order. Greenland is close enough to the North American continent to warrant a look, and those who make it come back gushing with enthusiasm.

There are good reasons for this — Greenland is a true wilderness, covered mostly in ice and snow. However, there are many fantastic — and partially uncharted — hikes to enjoy in Greenland’s vast interior.

Oman

The Arabian Peninsula’s easternmost country, Oman, deserves a mention as a holiday destination. It’s a blend of rugged desert and mountain ranges tumbling down to the Arabian Sea. In between are well-preserved historical sites, beach resorts, and old minimalist Arabic architecture, unlike its neighbors’ opulent displays.

The Middle Eastern hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi receive a healthy number of visitors, all after a dose of luxury Gulf life. The sad part about this is that many travelers will disregard Oman, which means not meeting the lovely Omani hosts.