Traveling is the favorite pastime of many people from all over the world. Tourism remains a fast-growing and high-performing industry that generates trillions of dollars in revenue every year, accounting for about 10% of the world’s total GDP. The fact that, in general, the average person has more disposable income has been one of the largest drivers of the sector because many people choose to use their money to see other parts of the world. It’s also easier to find cheaper flights and the visa processes are simpler and more straightforward. Likewise, an ever-growing number of people are prioritizing leisure and experiences over goods nowadays.
However, there are some pitfalls when it comes to travelling. One of them is that people tend to flock to a handful of destinations which end up buckling under the strain of overtourism as a result. Social media has exacerbated the phenomenon, with many people visiting several popular spots because they want to take pictures of the same areas they’ve seen pictures of online. It’s a pity as well because there are so many other interesting places to see.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a small island nation located in the Atlantic Ocean, similar in size to the US state of Rhode Island. It is a great place for hiking, with some of the most impressive spots for long walks being on the island of Santo Antão. The stunning volcanic landscapes, music-filled streets, and extensive coral reefs make Cape Verde one of the best places you could visit, whether you want to socialize and spend time amongst people or would rather enjoy natural landscapes, wildlife, and a bit of peaceful solitude. If you’ve been thinking about taking a trip next winter, Cape Verde is great because it maintains its balmy temperatures even when back home it gets cold and dreary.
Bulgaria
Not many international travelers are aware of Bulgaria and all that it has to offer. However, it has become fairly popular among digital nomads, who see it as a beautiful and affordable place to live. It’s true that internet is fast and really affordable here, and there’s an official visa for digital nomads too, which makes things even easier. If you plan to work a little during your trip make sure to choose a professional mail option that keeps your data private and avoid using public Wi-Fi networks even for small, quick tasks. Cybersecurity rules apply everywhere regardless of the speed of the internet.
Some of the most popular towns to see in Bulgaria are Bansko, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains; Sofia, the capital, filled with modern cafes, museums, art galleries, opera and ballet, gardens, and numerous shopping centers; Plovdiv, home to ancient ruins such as the Roman Forum and Theatre.
Albania
Admittedly, Albania is steadily becoming more popular among global travelers, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve its spot on this list. The village of Ksamil, with its beach and deep blue waters, went viral on social media a few years ago, and since then the number of tourists has continued to grow. If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, make sure to visit the Albanian Alps. Gjirokastër, a city in the southern part of the country, has become part of the UNESCO World Heritage due to its unique architecture that earned it the designation of “museum city”.
Bolivia
Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America and the perfect place to visit if you want an adventure. The Salar de Uyuni are located here, the largest salt flats in the world that are almost 11,000 square kilometers large. Biking alongside the Yungas Road is another favorite for thrill-seeking tourists, since it is considered dangerous due to the potential fog, rain, and landslides. Horseback riding in Tupiza, a desert town in the highlands, allows you to take in the beautiful local landscapes, including the dramatic canyons and the blue, wide skies in the background. The Torotoro National Park will give you the unique opportunity to see more than 3,500 preserved dinosaur footprints from about 120 million years ago.
Estonia
Estonia is situated in Northern Europe and has been inhabited since at least 9000 BC. One of the most interesting things you can do here is visit a bog at sunrise. If it sounds uninspiring, you’re in for a surprise. These ancient ecosystems were formed more than 10,000 years ago and still feature acidic waters, pools, carnivorous plants, and stunted pine trees. Estonia is also home to many spas that provide mineral baths, wellness rituals, and therapeutic mud treatments. If a simple massage just doesn’t do it for you anymore when it comes to relaxation, this might be just the thing you need. Pärnu is one of the best places to experience this, as it is known as the country’s spa capital.
Mongolia
Mongolia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Its capital, Ulaanbaatar, is home to about 50% of the country’s total population and is the coldest capital city in the world by yearly temperature. Founded in the 1630s as a nomadic Buddhist monastic center, its location has changed almost 30 times. Today, you can visit the Mongolian National Museum here, see the Genghis Khan statue in Sükhanbaatar Square, and the Choijin Lama Monastery. The country’s natural landscapes are incredibly beautiful and anywhere you go, you’ll have the chance to see something stunning. The Yolyn Am gorge is particularly interesting, being home to many species like the wallcreeper, Mongolian finch, monk vultures, pika, mountain sheep, Siberian ibex, and snow leopards.
Greenland
Speaking of sparsely populated countries, Greenland is also part of the list. It is also the largest island in the world and has most of its energy derived from renewable sources. Greenland is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights and explore glaciers and icebergs. It has a lot of pristine wilderness you can see, and depending on when you visit you’ll also have more daylight available to do it, thanks to the midnight sun. Many types of whales call the sea home here, and if you’re lucky you might be able to spot a bowhead, humpback, or fin whale when they hunt for krill. Some of the other wildlife species here include musk oxen, walruses, birds such as puffins, herring gulls, and kittiwakes, Arctic hares, and polar bears (whom you definitely want to observe from a safe distance).
There are many places out there that are worth visiting, and while the ones that are very popular with tourists definitely have their charm, the destinations that are often overlooked might surprise you as well.