There’s Bali and Thailand, London and the USA – four destinations that need no introduction nor convincing to visit. But then what of other places in the world that are as equally deserving of more tourists?
Here are five countries that are currently flying under the radar, but yet offer the intrepid traveller a new and exciting range of experiences to add to their travel bucket lists.
1. Armenia
Source: http://discovery-travel.am/
Situated in the mountainous Caucasus region between Asia and Europe, Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion back in A.D. 301, and therefore has some of the best-preserved ancient churches in the world. The country is also worth visiting for its excellent hiking and outdoor activities, as well as its spa towns nestled amongst nature.
Make sure you visit the villages of Old Khndzoresk, as well as the 9th-century mountaintop stone monastery of Tatev, which was once a capital of Armenian culture and learning, and accessible by one of the world’s longest cable cars.
2. Uzbekistan
Source: www.gadventures.com
This former Soviet Republic in Central Asia may not be as popular as it once was, but back in the day, Uzbekistan was the epicentre of the legendary Silk Road and was probably about as well-known and well-trodden as Bangkok is today!
With a warm and welcoming national attitude to foreigners, and fabulous mosques, medressas and mausoleums – many of which have been recently rennovated – this is a country that oozes the kind of appeal that draws intrepid travellers over like bees to a honey pot.
3. Romania
Source: www.romaniatourstore.com
Forget what you think you know about Romania. Far from being a country of gypsies or the home of Dracula, this southeastern European nation surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains is actually full of ancient monasteries, gorgeous nature, dynamic university cities and quaint European villages and towns – all held together by a relatively well-educated local population who respect their long-held traditions whilst enthusiastically embracing everything shiny and new.
Add to all this a relatively low cost of travelling, and Romania is a greener, more rustic and far cheaper Europe, well deserving of more travellers.
4. Georgia
Source: www.feratel.com
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and its brief war with Russia in 2008, Georgia has never looked so good, with wave after wave of foreign investment helping to rapidly transform the country into a beacon of development.
Newly built ski slopes have popped up through the country’s mountainous regions; crumbling buildings have been meticulously restored; and Tbilisi, its capital, is now one of Eastern Europe’s most innovative cultural capitals. Make sure you go now before Georgie becomes overrun with tourists and overwhelmed with obtrusive tourist constructions.
5. Guatamala
Source: www.guatemalatoday.net
If there’s one destination that somehow manages to insert itself into nearly every conversation based around travel recommendations, it’s definitely Guatemala. This is a country that should be world-famous.
Yet it’s not, making it worthy of a few more extra tourists methinks. Home to ancient Mayan sites, imposing volcanoes, and well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, Guatemala is a little secret of the travelling world – but it won’t be for long!
