10 Countries You Never Thought To Travel To

You've dreamt about climbing the Eiffel Tower, a baguette in hand. Getting legless at a full moon party in Thailand. Hiking for days in Machu Picchu... So it's fair enough why you'd flock to these places.

But what about the destinations that aren't on everyone's radar as much? The off-the-beaten-track destinations that aren't chockers with tourists... 

1. Bosnia 🇧🇦

This is what comes to mind when thinking of Bosnia:

Located in southeastern Europe, Bosnia is a country of medieval villages, incredible views, stretches of coastline, and enchanting forests. Travellers around Europe will always say that the cities of Sarajevo and Mostar were highlights!

2. Tonga 🇹🇴

Why go to Tonga? 

• Tonga is one of the only places in the world where you can not only see humpback whales, but swim with them! 🐋
• Tonga has unspoiled beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water.
• It's the only Pacific nation that has never been colonised so it's a kingdom. With fewer foreigners in the country, it can feel more culturally authentic than many other tropical countries which cater to tourists.
• The lack of mass tourism means that it's easy to connect with local people.
• Tonga is a fascinating destination for historical and natural sites. Blowholes shooting water 30m into the air, natural archways, spectacular limestone sea caves that you can swim inside (it's giving Mako Island)...

 3. Panama 🇵🇦

If you're looking for a rich cultural experience when it comes to food, music, and lifestyle (fun fact, Panama blends African, Native Panamanian, and Spanish influences), adventure every day from scuba diving, zip-lining, hiking up volcanoes or exploring jungles, and natural landscapes that'll make your Insta followers swoon, Panama needs to be on your radar!

4. Jordan

I hate to make this about me but Jordan is one of my favourite countries in the world. Ancient monuments and desert adventures... It's giving Indiana Jones.

Oh no wonder. That was filmed in Petra, Jordan, believed to date back to 9000 BC... Huge!

Jordan has insane holy sites, delicious food, the Red Sea, and the Dead Sea (where there's so much salt that you just float). Not to mention, the people are beautiful. You need to go to Jordan.

5. Bolivia

In the south, it's giving “Wild West”. Rugged canyons, dry winding dirt roads, deserts with bizarre dream-like scenery like red and green lakes filled with pink flamingos, surreal rock formations, smoking hot springs and an abandoned train graveyard.

In the north, you'll find the Bolovian Amazon and be blown away by the ecological diversity - jaguars, pumas, macaws, monkeys, pink river dolphins...

Anywhere you go, you'll find warm and welcoming locals, delicious food, history and culture on every street and wild adventure. 

6. Myanmar

Formerly Burma, this South East Asian country gives tourists a glimpse of a society before modernisation.

What do I mean by that? Myanmar holds strongly to its cultural traditions, seen even in simple day-to-day activities involving skincare and fashion. The coral reefs, beaches, coastlines, and isolated communities are basically untouched by tourists. With about 90% of the population practicing Buddhism, golden temples, pagodas and nuns and monks walking down every street and alley, there's still mysteriousness, mysticism and spirituality. 

7. Albania

Sure, everyone wants to go to Greece, but what they don't tell you is it costs the price of Jesus' tears there. 

Take a squiz at Greece's neighbour, Albania. It's super affordable, easy to get around, less packed with scat, drunk tourists and full of natural beauty. My favourite beaches are found in Himare! not to mention, the mountain ranges offer some red hot hikes. 

8. Mongolia

Nature-lovers will be in heaven in Mongolia as there's an array of stunning natural landscapes, from the Gobi Desert and the Mongolian steppe to the Altai Mountains. The nomadic tribes are also so welcoming - Mongolians take a lot of pride in their country, so they're happy to show travelers around. 

 9. Taiwan

This island country has an immensely rich cultural and spiritual heritage, jaw-dropping food, insane hot springs and stunning scenery. Fun fact, Taiwan is the most mountainous island in the world.

10. Faroe Islands

Not technically a country (it’s owned by Denmark) but holy heck is it beautiful! The Faroe Islands might be small, but they pack a punch. Exploring these remote islands will have you hiking up smooth mountains or plunging sea cliffs, marvelling at 'floating' lakes and waterfalls, or kayaking through deep fjords.

It’s also right by Iceland, so two birds with one stone right?