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(Does not include microstate or island nations)
One of the greatest features of air traveling is the accessibility that it brings to people for them to explore our vast planet. Before and even during the early stages of the plane, travel was much more limited. Nowadays, we can travel around the planet at a much more accessible rate than ever before.
Now that there is a newfound accessibility to travel, many people desire to travel the world. But there is just way too much to go and see around our vast planet for you to say that you have truly seen and experienced everything. So instead of going places that are generally well known and visited, we curated a list of some countries that are lesser-known but not any less of an experience to travel to.
With careful consideration of things such as safety, availability, and generally how interesting the culture and food is, we picked out five different countries that you probably don't hear much about. If you are wondering where a good place to travel to is and are interested in exploring the different cultures and cuisines worldwide, then without further ado here are our top five recommended countries that you should travel to.
#5. Uruguay
Tucked between Brazil and Argentina, it's easy to understand why this country is overlooked. Being relatively safer than a lot of neighboring countries, this small South American nation has unique cultural aspects that distinct it from other Spanish-speaking countries. With superb historical sites, unbelievable cultural landmarks, and astir tango clubs, there is much to do for those who are history buffs to those that are party animals.
Popular cities to go to in Uruguay include Montevideo. One of the root cities of the Tango, the city is filled with clubs and night bars. Not to mention that the architecture makes the city an attractive place to visitors. There are two main airports in Montevideo. The Carrasco International Airport(MVD) and the Angel S. Adami Airport (SUAA). Overall, this city gives a welcoming vibe with its lively night scene and beautiful infrastructure.
Don't miss out on your opportunity to indulge in popular Uruguayan food such as Chivito (sliced beef with lettuce, tomato, bell peppers, ham, bacon, olives, mozzarella, pickles, and fried egg), and Choripán (smoky chorizo sausage in a baguette roll topped with tomatoes, onions, and chimichurri sauce), while enjoying the bright sun and beautiful bright blue waters of the southern Atlantic.
#4. Namibia
We know traveling to Africa can often bring up the question of where to travel to. Chances are that you have never been to Namibia. If you have however, then you know that the vast country is covered in gorgeous landscapes throughout. From the Kalahari Dunes in the south to the Etosha National Park in the north, there are many sites to visit that will blow you away with fascination.
The airports we recommend flying in and out of are the Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH). This airport being 45 minutes east of the capitol, Windhoek is one of the countries best airports, and with it being near the center of the country, you can go anywhere in the country you want out of the airport. Another popular airport is the Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB). Walvis Bay is a beautiful coastal city in Namibia with stunning architecture and a Flamingo Lagoon that is as intriguing as it sounds.
The extensive amount of places to see and things to do during your stay in Namibia will make it a visit that keeps you mingling with Namibian society. Plus, with roughly 11 different ethnic groups in the country, you can truly never experience everything about this compelling country from a single visit as the extensive amount of cuisines and customs offer an almost limitless amount of activities to partake in.
#3. Georgia
Ranking amongst some of the safest countries in the world, Georgia could not be any less of a tourist friendly nation. While we suggest exercising caution around the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the southern region of the country boasts many different activities to do and places to go.
Since gaining its independence in 1991, the former soviet-satellite country has lived through several civil wars and invasions. Despite the hardships Georgia has faced for centuries, it has become one of the most trendy travel destinations to go to in 2024.
Hikers will fall in love with this country, as Georgia contains hundreds of world-class hiking trails throughout. The most renowned hiking areas are Tusheti, Svaneti, and Khevsureti. Walking along some of these trails such as the Omalo Loop will have you passing by traditional villages with intricate medieval designs, while also getting impressive views of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range. With many peaks above 5,000 meters, the Georgian Greater Caucasus Mountain Range stands as one of the most formidable mountain ranges in the world.
#2. Djibouti
Alright, alright, we know we've been talking about places to go that involve being on your feet often. We didn’t forget about those of you who like to travel simply to relax and enjoy the sandy beaches and soothing ocean breeze. You don’t need to go to the Caribbean or South Pacific to vacation in a tropical location. Djibouti has the pink sand beaches as Bermuda has, the doum palm trees as Aruba has, and the all year round warm weather as Cuba has. Because we are talking about continental countries that you couldn’t point out on a map, we are sticking with Djibouti.
Since Djibouti's coast is the choke point of the red sea, significant amounts of trade has allowed the country to integrate many different cultures into a melting pot. The diverse amount of customs, languages, religions and cuisines that have been introduced to Djibouti because of it makes the small country feel boundless.
It's worth pointing out that while Djibouti is the third smallest country in Africa, it contains an expansive variety of unique animals that most people wouldn’t see in their home countries. Djibouti is home to many antelopes, gazelles, hyenas, leopards, donkeys, and camels. There are even endangered species that the country is working on to protect such as the francolin and red river hog. Safari tours are offered for tourists who are interested in getting to see these unique animals.
#1. Finland
Now chances are that most likely you have heard of Finland. It's common for the countries of Scandinavia to have good representation, thus making them premier tourist destinations. However, Finland doesn’t get nearly as much tourism as its Scandinavian counterparts. Don't let the differences in numbers of tourists deceive you though because Finland is a hidden gem.
Finland is one of the coldest countries in the world during the winter, but during the summer the weather is just perfect. Its geographic location makes it one of the best places in the world to observe the northern lights. Finns make perfect use of the environment around them too. While much of the country is vast forests with tons of lakes, daytime activities include dog sledding, frozen lake ice skating, and the floating experience where you put on a rubber suit and float in a frozen lake in darkness while looking up at the night sky. Remember Finland has northern lights, and since the country is not densely populated at all, the little amount of light pollution makes the sky appear so much more beautiful in Finland.
Another unique amenity that shows off the natives' use of their environment is the ice hotels and glass igloos. Staying in a hotel where everything is constructed out of ice is not for everyone. Getting to experience one however will be a once in a lifetime experience, especially as Finland is renowned for their complex yet beautiful structures carved of ice.
Finland will surprise you with their cuisine too. Most people don't expect much since they never hear about the food being a captivating aspect of the country compared to other places such as Italy and India. Many tourists who go end up being surprised with how good the food can be. National dishes include the likes of blood dumpling soup, sautéed reindeer, and creamy salmon soup. Don't knock it till you try it.
Nobody can truly know every culture, cuisine, or place that lies throughout the globe. Your accessibility to travel the globe is now at an easier time than ever before seen. The amount of places to go and sites to see will show you undoubtedly how much there is to experience in our vast world.
At The Flight King, we can assist in planning your luxury getaway and securing discounted business and first-class airfare that includes access to these top airport lounges. Book a flight today, and experience what flying truly has to offer.
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