Top 10 Countries to Visit in 2017

One more year has passed and made us all richer in new experiences. Just like in 2015 and 2016, based on our trips and journeys, I'd like to present yet another list of the exciting and adventurous destinations to see in 2017. It was tempting to feature some of the places from the previous two lists because I believe they are so awesome that should be visited anytime, but somehow I managed to include only new destinations. Do see, however, the lists from 2015 and 2016 as well and get inspired to discover amazing and off the beaten path places!

As these lists are made only of the places we've been to, and sometimes feature countries that popular travel sites wouldn't, they are a bit subjective, so treat them as fun and inspiration rather than taking them too seriously.


Watch the YouTube video or scroll down to see the list:

 

 

10. Cambodia

 

Cambodia: Angkor Wat Temple, Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, a street stand in Phnom Penh and Ta Phrom Pemple

Cambodia: Angkor Wat Temple, Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, a street stand in Phnom Penh and Ta Phrom Pemple

 

Cambodia is getting quite popular recently, although you won't find it as crazy as Thailand. The main thing attracting visitors from all over the world is the enormously large ancient city of Angkor Wat. It boasts unbelievably beautiful temples that were featured in some Hollywood blockbusters, like "Tomb Rider".

As in most countries in South East Asia, in Cambodia it's easy to fall for a scam. To learn how to avoid then and to find more info about Cambodia, click here.

 

9. Greece

 

Greece: the Shipwreck beach, the Acropolis, sunset in Santorini and a beach in Mykonos

Greece: the Shipwreck beach, the Acropolis, sunset in Santorini and a beach in Mykonos

 

Greece does not need any introduction. Lately, it's been infamous for the troubles during the recent recession but it's not something that would affect visitors. The Greek islands are spectacular, and in Zakynthos you can find the most beautiful beach we've ever seen - the Navagio (Shipwreck) beach. The coast and the little whitewashed towns are the reason we would recommend Greece to anyone. If you wish to experience it fully, however, visit it a bit later than in the summer, towards the end of the season because the huge crowds can easily destroy the idyllic atmosphere.

Find out more about the Shipwreck beach (it's tricky to get there), and other amazing places in Greece by clicking the link.

 

8. India

 

India: a beach in Lakshadweep, Lotus Temple in New Delhi, Taj Mahal in Agra and a bull in Araku Valley

India: a beach in Lakshadweep, Lotus Temple in New Delhi, Taj Mahal in Agra and a bull in Araku Valley

 

India was probably the most eye-opening country we've seen. The constrast, the noise, the smells - all this drills into your head making you believe you've just been sent to another planet. India is a land of adventure and contrast - so if you love to explore, discover and you're not afraid of challenges, it's perfect for you! If you prefer all-inclusive vacations, hotels and resorts, choose a different, cheaper destination. Nevertheless, if you're up for the beach adventure, choose Lakshadweep Islands - it's like Maldives but completely authentic - with local community, coral reefs, miles of white sand beaches, coconut forests and... virtually zero tourists and fenced resorts!

Find out more about India here.

 

7. Italy

 

Italy: village of Alberobello, town of Pitigliano, Siena and a beach in Cinque Terre

Italy: village of Alberobello, town of Pitigliano, Siena and a beach in Cinque Terre

 

Italy is really famous - especially the capital - Rome. I've prepared a guide on how to spend two days and visit everything on foot - have a look!

But here, I'd like to focus on the less known Italy - the ancient site Herculaneum which is as well preserved as Pompeii - it even boasts the original paint and wood from 2 millennia ago; beautiful medieval villages, amazing coast and the towns in the south. Our next stop in Italy will be the very north - Italian Alps! Take a look at the posts about Italy by clicking here.

 

6. Montenegro

 

Montenegro: Sveti Stefan, Blue Cave at Zajnice, Kotor Bay and Budva

Montenegro: Sveti Stefan, Blue Cave at Zajnice, Kotor Bay and Budva

 

Montenegro has everything that's needed for a perfect summer destinations - it has the beaches, dramatic coastline, beautiful mountains and charming, old towns covered with red tiled roofs.

In the Western countries, Montenegro is still considered a bit off the beaten path, however, when you visit it - you'll be surprised, it's far from idyllic and unpopoular places like Macedonia or Albania - the busy nightlife and numerous visitors make is as vibrant as Croatia or Italy. The only difference is, the visitors in Montenegro mostly come from the East. Visit it now while it's still quite cheap and before it becomes way too overcrowded - which won't be too long from now!

See the posts about Montenegro here.

 

5. Morocco

 

Morocco: Sahara, tanneries in Fez, blue town of Chefchaoeun, biblical town od Ait-Benhaddou

Morocco: Sahara, tanneries in Fez, blue town of Chefchaoeun, biblical town od Ait-Benhaddou

 

Morocco is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Perfect for adventurous holidays - especially in Sahara where you can camp in the desert - it's amazing! But Morocco is so much more than the endless sand dunes and red Berber villages - its colorful, vibrant towns, beautiful green hills covered with olive groves and snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains range will take your breath away.

However, in Morocco, just like in South East Asia, you must be aware of ubiquitous scams and con artists. You can see them everywhere - in the famous tanneries in Fez, in Marrakesh's maze-like streets in the old medina, in many restaurants.

To find out more about our adventures in Morocco, how to avoid scams and how to react to them, visit our about Morocco.

 

4. Portugal

 

Portugal: Seti Sidades in Azores, Nordeste in Azores, beach in Algarve and Porto

Portugal: Seti Sidades in Azores, Nordeste in Azores, beach in Algarve and Porto

 

Portugal is a small but very attractive European country, what's best - it's relatively cheap, comparing to its neighbors in Western Europe.

Lisbon and Porto (my favorite) are amazing, but here, I'd like to focus on less known Portugal - the spectacular islands - Azores. Cheap airlines offer amazing fares from Portugal, so it's easy to get there.

Azores is like a mix of Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand and the tropics. The green fields really makes you feel you're in Ireland with the exception of date and other tropical trees you can see here and there. The towns of Azores are a piece of art, absolutely beautiful - fully authentic and with zero crowds of tourists. The food is first class and the nature - breathtaking. You can admire the caldera lakes, cliffs, beaches and not only take a bath in one of the hot springs, but also cook your food in them!

Have a look at the articles about Portugal and Azores here

 

3. South Africa

 

South Africa: Penguin beach, view from Lion's Head mountain, safari in Kruger Park, diving with sharks

South Africa: Penguin beach, view from Lion's Head mountain, safari in Kruger Park, diving with sharks

 

South Africa is perfect if you love adventure travel. The coastline is beautiful, surrounded by amazing mountains. You can climb the famous Table Mountain or the Lion's Head nearby, you can surf the huge waves, swim with the penguins, dive with the sharks, do some bungee jumping and go for a safari with wild animals. The experience is one of a kind.

Have a look at the adventures we had in South Africa.

 

2. Russia

 

Russia: Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, beach in Sochi, Sochi Theme Park and Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg

Russia: Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, beach in Sochi, Sochi Theme Park and Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg

 

Russia is an unpopular country and is generally disliked, due to the bad reputation it's given in the Western Media. Politics are blame for it. But when you visit a country - see the real people, not the politics. Don't be a puppet of the media.

What we saw in Russia, defied most of the things we'd heard about it in the media. The cities were extremely clean and we felt way safer than in London or Paris, they were also beautiful: Moscow at night looks like a fairy tale, a Disney film set. We also went down south to the beach town of Sochi which was charming and had a perfect summer vibe. Even though the Olympics 2014 are in the past, Sochi was still busy and full of life, the local people were very friendly and helpful, even though the language was a barrier. Next stop in Russia is the far north and east - Siberia and Altai Mountains.

Take a look at the posts about Russia.

 

1. Norway

 

Norway: Oslo, Haukland Beach, Kvalvika Beach and Pulpit Rock

Norway: Oslo, Haukland Beach, Kvalvika Beach and Pulpit Rock

 

Norway is famous for its natural wonders - like the Pulpit rock and for the extremely high prices in the capital - Oslo. However, here I'd like to talk about the most beautiful place we've seen not only in Norway, but in the entire world - Lofoten islands.

Lofoten Islands in the Polar Circle don't seem real. You might think you're in one of the computer games or virtual reality software.

White sand beaches with perfectly clear turquoise waters that are as beautiful as the tropical ones, surrounded by high snowy peaks of the mountains that look like Alps rising straight from the sea. In Lofoten, it seems that all the natural wonders were mixed into one landscape. Not to mention the cozy fishermen villages and the 24 hour daylight in the summer when the sun never sets...

Lofoten is rarely visited by tourists and it retains all the authenticity and beauty. It's one of the most inspiring and unbelievably wonderful places on our planet.

Take a look at the posts about Norway here.

A little tip: as you travel through the world, in order to save money while holidaying you can always have do that through Travelodge online offers from Dealslands UK.

 

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