While we are sheltering in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, we can still make plans and bucket lists! I know I am finding that even though I can’t quite visit my dream destinations, I can take this time to plan for the trips that I do want to take once I am out of lockdown! I’ve been virtually traveling all over the world via the internet and now I have a greater scope of places I want to see! Maybe that’s just the travel bug talking…
While there are popular destinations that flood tourism books, there are also many beautiful and underrated places that are SO worth visiting.
Here are 5 underrated countries to add to your bucket list:
1. Vietnam
Vietnam is known for its busy food markets (and incredible food), access to nature and a dependable network of high-speed trains. That is something I don’t see a lot of in Las Vegas. A current area of improvement being focused on in Vietnam is infrastructure, something that will benefit locals and residents as well as visitors. It is a small enough country that you can see a lot in one trip, but a big enough one where you can see different landscapes all in the same country.
2. Panama
I’ve always wanted to take a cruise down to Panama because I find it so fascinating that Panama connects two continents and two oceans. While it is a small country, it is rich in history, culture, and gorgeous landscapes. You’ll find coral reefs, remote islands, unbeaten paths through the forest, and remote mountain escapes. While it is also the business epicenter of Central America, you can be connected or as disconnected as you’d like from the ‘outside world’ in Panama.
3. Georgia
Not that state, y’all. Georgia reinvented itself in terms of tourism and development over the last decade. It dedicated money and time to improve roads, improve accessibility via new airports, and reduce crime rates. It is a place to visit if you love food and want to attend a traditional Georgian feast (a Supra), want to wind through the Transcaucasian Trail and visit a medieval land, and experience where the ‘old’ meets the ‘new’ (especially illustrated in the Old Town of Tbilisi, the capital city). They have some wicked old buildings that are bursting with history.
4. Tasmania
After my trip to New Zeland, I am obsessed with everything “down under.” While technically an island state of Australia, Tasmania is an island that has incredible natural food and a low-key vibe. Whether you are a foodie looking to experience non-GMO foods and incredible meat and seafood, or you are an adventurer who loves to be outside and exploring island life, this seems like the place to visit.
Popular things to do in Tasmania include: visit the Museum of Old and New Art, explore Hobart’s waterfront, visit Salamanca Market, head to the summit of Mt. Wellington, and explore Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs.
5. Anguilla
The island of Anguilla is home to white-sand beaches, turquoise water, a rich history, and laid-back island vibe. You can relax on the beach, explore Fountain Cavern National Park, check out the live music scene, head to the Heritage Museum Collection, and take your pick of accommodation style from luxury hotel, private villa, to authentic homestay. Visitors say it is paradise, and with the most efficient (and most affordable) way to get to the island being ferry from St. Maarten, you’ll be on island time in no time.
Popular places to visit here include Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay, Dune Preserve, and Shaol Bay East.
Have you ever been to any of the countries listed above? If not, would you like to go? Let’s chat in the comments below!
