In today’s world, we are constantly “bombed” with photos and videos, and if you’re a travel-lover, chances are that your social feeds are already clogged with travel pictures from all over the world.

Said that, if you look at it with a critical eye, you’ll easily notice how algorhytms tend to favour what’s already popular and famous (more hashtags, more quotes etc.) instead of giving space to novelties.

Let’s make a test to prove my point:

• How many times in the last month have you seen a picture of the tour Eiffel or Paris?
• And how many of your friends have visited Rome in the last month and share a photos of their yummy Roman dishes?

Chances are, at least one each month!

The same goes for several popular destinations around the world, that right now are just so well-known, sought-after, visited and photographed that even if you haven’t visited them, you already know most of what to expect.

Think about the Taj Mahal or New Dehli in India, the heart of Manhattan in NY, the wildebeest migration safari in Kenya and Tanzania, Tokyo and its flashy night lights… I could go on for hours…

On one side, living in today’s world is cool, as traveling is cheaper than ever and we can have all information at our fingertips.

On the other side, sometimes I do feel that having too much information, takes a bit away the feeling of discovery and adventure (one of the main reason why we travel!).

Said that, in this blog post, I will bring you to explore five lesser-known and incredibly underrated countries, that offer stunning landscapes and unforgettable cultural experiences and more to explore than what’s already been seen or done – so get ready to add them to your dream travel list! 😉

Are you dreaming of traveling to somewhere new and exciting, away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life?

Are you the type of traveller who looks for unique experiences off the beaten tourist path?

Then look no further, let’s dive right in!

 Let’s Start!

5 Underrated Countries

You Will Love to Visit! 🙂

1. Brunei: the Abode of Peace

Off the coast of South-East Asia, nestled between Malaysia and the Ocean on Bormeo island, Brunei is the country you don’t expect to find in Asia!

Brunei, nicknamed “the abode of peace”, is a tiny Muslim sultanate, where very few tourists travel to, maybe because it’s very far off the popular routes, maybe because of the alcohol ban in all the country.

Despite the religious restrictions (no dancing, no alcohol, no pubs), the country is gorgeous, clean, and safe and locals are extremely friendly. The local culture is a mix of Asian heritage and Muslim traditions, an extremely unusual mix that sparkles a country that seems straight out of the One Thousand and One Night Book!

Golden Mosques, a breath-taking tropical jungle with a canopy walk, and the craziest most lavish sultan of all, Brunei is undoubtedly a country where you will find something entirely different from what you’re used to seeing 🙂

If you’re interested to know more about this tiny country, you can read my complete guide to Brunei too!

2. Buthan: the Land of the Thunder Dragon

Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan is a unique and enchanting country that has managed to preserve its ancient traditions and culture despite the influx of modernization.

Country mostly known for measuring its progress with the Gross National Happiness Index instead of GDP, Bhutan has placed importance on well-being, conservation, and sustainability.

This small nation is home to picturesque landscapes, stunning architecture and vibrant culture.

You can experience the country’s rich history in the numerous dzongs (fortresses) that dot the countryside or sample the delicious local cuisine while starring at the giant Himalayas.

Bhutan’s peaceful atmosphere, stunning natural scenery and friendly locals combine to create an unforgettable travel experience.

3. Belarus

Belarus, not being part of the EU nor the Schengen Area, despite its position in the heart of Eastern Europe is probably one of the most snubbed countries in the whole continent.

Despite often being overshadowed by its larger neighbors and not hitting often the news, Belarus offers a unique and fascinating travel experience, away from the tourist masses.

From the bustling capital, Minsk, to the serene countryside dotted with quaint villages and stunning lakes, Belarus is a great option for a relaxing getaway.

Rich in history, culture, and cuisine, visitors can indulge in traditional dishes such as draniki (potato pancakes) and kholodets (meat jelly) while admiring the country’s diverse architecture, including the UNESCO-listed Mir Castle.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Belarus will keep you entertained for the duration of your trip.

4. Faroe Islands: the Sheep Islands

Nestled between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

With a population of just over 50,000, this collection of islands lost in the Norwegian Sea, boasts picturesque landscapes that are sure to take your breath away.

Here life feels slow, rural and follows the seasons and the power of nature.

From rugged cliffs and towering mountains to picturesque villages and pristine beaches, the Faroe Islands have something for everyone.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking to hike the trails of the Vikings, bird-watch or fish, or just seeking a peaceful escape in a rural location, this remote archipelago is the perfect destination. A break here will certainly be anything but dull and ordinary.

A quick tip: be sure to bring your jacket as the islands are very windy almost all year round! ;D

5. Kosovo

The least visited country in Europe, the most underrated of all. 

Kosovo is a place where either you love it or you hate it (I am sure you will love it!).

Coming from several years of civil war, Kosovo is today a completely safe country to visit, especially if you are traveling through the Balkan region.

The country is a gorgeous natural plateau, with incredible natural sights (such as the Sharr Mountains National Park) and a local culture that is a mix of European/Balkan traditions and Muslim religion, a mix hard to find anywhere else in Europe!

The development process of the country is in plain sight today, as well as the social and natural challenges that the country is currently facing (mainly unemployment and rubbish). If you’re looking to witness how Europe might have been 50 years ago, in Kosovo you can still experience it in first person.

Last but not least, prices in Kosovo are dirt cheap (you can get hamburgers for 1 Euro, or a traditional Cevapi -aka mountain of tasty meat- for the same price!), which makes the country very affordable also for a low-budget holiday. 

If you are interested to know more about Kosovo, check out my article about its most beautiful city Prizren.

Conclusion

These were 5 places that I would recommend you to visit if you’re looking for something OUT of the ordinary 😉

Of course, the journey of discovering the world’s most interesting places doesn’t end with just these five.

Many more exist that offer fascinating cultures, immersive experiences, and incredible journeys of exploration.

Whether it be a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, there are numerous sites located all over the globe that can provide something new and exciting.

So, now it’s your time to shine!

Was this article useful to you? Can you recommend other unknown/underrated places that you believe others should visit? Let us know in the comments below! (We love to hear from others and exchange ideas! 🙂 ).

Hereafter I will leave you a few articles that you might be also interested to check out:

•  7 World-Class Museums You Never Heard Of
• Destinations of the World: Discover More Cool Destinations!
• Travel Italy: All you Need to Discover the Bel Paese!

Thank you for reading, and see you in the next article!