Go Somewhere New
Are you thinking about booking your next vacation? These overlooked travel destinations are hidden gems waiting to be found.
Wales
If you want to feel like the main character from your favorite historical romance novel, Wales might be the place to lose yourself. It has ruins galore, including Tintern Abbey and Caerphilly Castle. But beyond history's remnants, the romance of this destination goes even deeper.
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Stunning Vistas
Snowdonia National Park boasts stunning vistas of mountains and glacier lakes. You can even visit the nation's highest peak, Snowdon, by taking a train. The park has everything a hiker could ask for and many trails to undertake.
A Night At The Opera
Wales's capital is Cardiff. Here, you can immerse yourself in two delightful cultural traditions: You can take yourself to the opera or attend a raucous rugby match.
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Montenegro
These days, Croatia is a popular destination, but many forget that its neighbor Montenegro is equally stunning. Some may argue that it's even better because there won't be an overwhelming number of cruise ship tourists.
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Tailor-Made For Party Lovers
Montenegro may be a small nation on the Adriatic, but there is so much to do. Its beaches are not only beautiful, but they are also perfect for any traveler in search of a good party. Think: Cancun or Ibiza.
However, if you're not into the party scene, have no fear. There's more to discover.
Picturesque Towns Galore
If you begin in Montenegro, it will be easy for you to visit historical Venetian towns such as Perast, Kotor, or Budva. With restaurants right by the seaside and their charming red-roofed architecture, these towns are visual delights.
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Unbeatable Nature Sights
Montenegro even has something to offer nature lovers. Moving away from the beaches and toward the eastern interior, you can feast your eyes on lush forests, jaw-dropping mountain ranges, and tranquil lakes.
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An Adventurer's Dream
For those seasoned adventurers, one can visit the Tara River canyon, which offers white water rafting—or stop by the Biogradska Gora National Park for some hiking or skiing, depending on the season.
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Sint Eustatius
Have you ever heard anyone talking about jetting off to Sint Eustatius? Not me. It's always Barbados, Turks and Caicos, or the Bahamas. But if you want a Caribbean destination that's not stuffed with tourists, Sint Eustatius might be the curveball you need in your life.
The Caribbean Without Tourists
Locals call Sint Eustatius "Statia." The small island is essentially a national park with a sprinkling of wonderful businesses. It has excellent family-run establishments to visit and a pretty luxurious resort called Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort.
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Be Ready To Explore
Statia is best for anyone who wants to balance their relaxation time with some outgoing adventure. You can go snorkeling, scuba diving, and explore the reef by chartering a boat.
Let Loose With The Locals
In the evenings, there's ample opportunity to let loose. You can dance and drink to your hearts content at Bobbie's Beach Club or the Boardwalk Cafe.
Nepal
Nepal sits between China and India—and few realize that this is an enriching travel destination.
For those nervous about the culture shock, keep in mind that attitudes towards foreigners are quite encouraging, and that almost 50% of the locals speak English in Kathmandu, the largest city in Nepal.
Nourishing Your Spiritual Side
Nepal is mostly Hindu, but there are also many Budhhist pilgrimage sites. For those hoping to get in touch with their spiritual side, the city of Bhaktupar has a number of religious sites to explore.
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Perfect For The Avid Mountaineer
Nepal is also the perfect place for mountaineers. Not only can you visit the famously intimidating Mount Everest, but you can also get a front-row seat to nature's wonders by visiting Chitwan National Park. There, you can ride an elephant, and catching sightings of monkey, rhinos, tigers, and leopards.
Belize
Buckle up, because Belize is the tropical getaway you never knew you needed. Think: secret waterfalls, Mayan ruins, incredible hikes, and snorkeling expeditions.
A Must-See Sinkhole
While in Belize, you can also visit the Great Blue Hole—a massive marine sinkhole so distinct, it can be seen from space.
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Gorgeous Underwater Sights
If you're all about spending time in the water then visiting the small island of Silk Cayes is a must. You can even take a snorkeling trip there. You'll swim above the Belize Barrier Reef, which boasts the most stunning coral and tropical fish.
Georgia
Georgia has come a long way, overcoming its once negative reputation. Though its quite small, its sights are likely to become core memories for any visitor. From the mouthwatering cuisine to the magnificent Caucasus mountains, the nation's culture and nature are unbelievable.
A Breathtaking Trail
Hikers will be sure to appreciate Georgia's breathtaking Transcaucasian Trail, which leads visitors to some of Europe's highest places.
Memorable Meals
The variety of the food is refreshing—a delightful combination of the East and the West. There are herbacious salads and sumptuous soup dumplings, as well hearty stews.
One Of The Most Beautiful Chapels On Earth
One of the most jaw-dropping sights imaginable is undoubtedly Gergeti Trinity Church. Built in the 14th century, this chapel looks up to Mount Kazbek. The surrounding vista is enough to move anyone to happy tears.
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Uruguay
Many look to Brazil and Argentina as vacation destination and pass Uruguay by. The bustling capital of Montevideo is rich in design, cuisine, and art.
Calling All Wine Lovers
Outside of the city, one can also explore the region of Garzon, which is known for its wine. If you happen to be a voracious carnivore, the local meat dishes are on another level. After all, the cattle outnumber the people.
For A Wild Getaway
However, if you've chosen a vacation, hoping to find some crazy parties, then Punta del Este might be the beachy spot for you.
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For A Quiet Getaway
On the other hand, if you're looking for a relaxing, mellow time, José Ignacio will provide you with all the beach you need (minus the wild nights).
Finland's Excellent Saunas
Iceland has been all the rage over the past few years, but Finland is an excellent alternative for a Nordic destination. As a country known for its saunas, it's a spa-lover's dream. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Magical Winters
Finland's nature is something to behold. The scenery in Lapland is unbelievably magical, especially in winter. But if you're looking for a blend of country and city, Helsinki is very easy to bike around and is close to the water.
A Historical Fortress
If you're a historical buff, one of Finland's best cultural sites is Suomenlinna—a World Heritage fortress built in the 1700s. With its steep cliffs and beaches, it's not to be missed.
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Poland
When it comes to Central Europe, Poland also flys under the radar. But overlooking this country would be a mistake. Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Kraków are all exciting cities, while the nation's countryside has beaches along the Baltic Sea and the Tatra Mountains.
Historical Architecture
If you're an architecture enthusiast, Kraków is gold mine. In Central Europe, it was one of the rare cities to escape WWII unharmed. Its building are old and beautiful. For instance, Wawel Castle dates all the way back the 13th and 14th centuries.
An Underground Museum
Kraków also has a surprise lurking beneath its main square: an archaeology museum called the Rynek Underground.
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Estonia
When it comes to fantastic scenery and attractions, Estonia is Europe's surprising underdog. Looking for stunning architecture? No worries. There are fortresses, churches, and even hilltop castles. Want to get lost in nature? It's got you covered. You can visit old-growth forests and the Baltic islands.
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Attend The Festivals
Estonia also has a wonderful sense of community—and their festivals are a good representation of how celebratory they can get.
To steep yourself in tradition you can attend the Ancient Bonfires or the Song and Dance Festival. If you want to party it up with a modern crowd, make time for the Craft Beer Festival and Tallinn Music Week.
Museums And Galleries Galore
Estonia's capital, Tallinn, will keep any history lover on their toes. There are a whopping 60 galleries and museums for you to feast your eyes on.
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Cape Verde
Cape Verde is 350 miles from Senegal—an archipelago and island country with beaches and mountains like you've never seen. There are whales, and shipwrecks, and colonial towns to visit.
But perhaps its greatest selling point is its rich multiculturalism.
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A Multicultural Paradise
Cape Verde will give you access to a variety of cultures. You'll come to know Senegal's cuisine, Portguese history, French wine, Brazilian party life, and even Ghana's democratic spirit.
