By Liam Isola There are 195 countries in the world but only 26 received more than 10 million tourists in 2024. Americans frequently visit Mexico, Canada, and European countries like Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. However, many beautiful and underrated countries fly under the radar of most tourists.
These countries often have untouched nature, fewer crowds, and lower prices. While there may be bigger language barriers in some of these places, it can make for quite an authentic experience.
So, today, we’ll cover 15 of the most underrated countries to consider for your next international trip.
15 Underrated Countries – 1. Laos
Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It receives fewer visitors than nearby countries like Thailand and Cambodia. Laos is the most heavily bombed country in the world, and full of resilient and friendly people.
I traveled to Laos in 2019 without any expectations. I was blown away by the hospitality of the people and the stunning natural scenery. Take the “slow boat” to Luang Prabang, Laos, from Thailand down the Mekong River for an unforgettable experience.
Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage city which is well worth a visit. Watch the sunset from Phousi Hill and grab food at the night market. The UXO Lao Center is heartbreaking but a necessary stop.
South of Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng is popular with backpackers. The Nam Xay viewpoint is outstanding.
I didn’t spend too much time in Vientiane, the capital. Instead, I did the Thakhek Loop, a famous motorbike route through the Laos countryside. I’d highly recommend it for an authentic travel experience.
After Thakhek, you can head to the Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) area in the Mekong River. Here, the pace of life is very slow. You’ll feel like you’re very far away from anything close to resembling a city.
15 Underrated Countries – 2. Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is not an easy place to get to, but it is a gem regardless. The Central Asian nation has incredible natural landscapes from alpine lakes to desert canyons.
The hike to Ala-Kul Lake made our list of the 10 most beautiful hikes in the world and it is accessible from the city of Karakol.
You’re never too far away from nature in Kyrgyzstan. Just south of the capital, Bishkek, you’ll find the Ala-Archa National Park, with waterfalls and glaciers.
In Bishkek, head to the Osh Bazaar and catch a game of the unique Kok Boru. It is sort of like football on horseback, except the ball is a goat carcass.
The region near Lake Issyk is particularly beautiful. There are canyons like Kok Moinok and Skakza. You can also see panoramic views of the lake from the mountains near Ak Say.
15 Underrated Countries – 3. Guatemala
Our first destination in the Western hemisphere is Guatemala, which I visited back in May. I wrote about how to spend one week in Guatemala, and most short trips to the country will probably look similar.
The beautiful colonial city of Antigua and Lake Atitlan are absolute must-visit places during any trip to Guatemala, one of the world’s most underrated countries. I also highly recommend paying for a tour to hike up to the summit of the Acatenango Volcano.
You will likely get to see the nearby Fuego Volcano erupting at night and the sunrise views are immaculate. A couple things I didn’t get to do in Guatemala were going to the island city of Flores and visiting the nearby Tikal ruins.
Tikal isn’t close to most other attractions in Guatemala, but you could easily combine a Belize trip with a stop there.
4. Namibia
Namibia is a little-known country in Southwest Africa that makes for a great visit. One of the most underrated countries, it has the largest cheetah population in the world. You may be able to see them in the wild at Etosha National Park.
The Namib Desert is a coastal desert that has stunning scenery. Skeleton Coast National Park is in the remote northwestern part of the country, with shipwrecks and whale carcasses.
Then, head down the coast to the former German colonial town of Swakopmund. The architecture is stunning, and it’s also surprising how many German restaurants there are in a town of just over 25,000.
A few other destinations to consider in Namibia include the capital, Windhoek, the “Big Daddy Dune” and Namib-Naukluft National Park, which has the highest sand dunes in the world.
5. Oman
Americans rarely consider visiting the Middle East, and we tend to have plenty of misconceptions about the region. One of the safest and most stable countries in the region is Oman, and it’s a beautiful one to visit.
The capital, Muscat, is notable for its Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Mutrah Souq bazaar. Outside of the city, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to reach the Jebel Akhdar mountain range, which has incredible landscapes.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Oman. Wadi Ash Shab is a popular canyon to hike into and swim in its crystal clear waters. The Sharqiya and Wahiba sands are popular places for camping and stargazing among the dunes.
Up north, you can also scuba dive in Zighy Bay. The Musandam Peninsula, even further north, is a popular place for dolphin watching.
6. Armenia
Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity. That religious heritage is on full display with the hilltop monasteries that characterize Armenia, one of the world’s most underrated countries.
Some of the most iconic monasteries in Armenia are Tatev, Sevanavank, Khor Virap, and Geghard.
Armenia is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, which certainly shows up in the cuisine, which has mediterranean, Persian and Turkish influences.
Lahmajoun is a delicious flatbread with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and spices.
Yerevan, the capital, is definitely worth your time. Learn about the Armenian Genocide at the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex. See rare manuscripts at Matenadaran Library and make sure to head to Republic Square and the Cascade Complex.
East of Yerevan, on the way to Geghard, stop at the 1st-century Greek-style Garni Temple. Then, check out the aptly-named Symphony of Stones, which is an unbelievable group of natural basalt columns formations.
7. Georgia
Another country that’s at the intersection of Europe and Asia, Georgia is Armenia’s neighbor to the north. It also has an excellent cuisine, with decadent dishes like khachapuri and dumplings.
The capital, Tbilisi, is lively with a good arts and music scene. It’s becoming an emerging spot for digital nomads for those reasons and it has an affordable cost of living. In Tbilisi, make sure to see the Narikala Fortress and Holy Trinity Cathedral.
There are also plenty of places to see within a two hour drive from Tbilisi. The towns of Telavi and Sighnaghi are historical and in Georgia’s scenic Kakheti wine region.
Meanwhile, Uplistsikhe is an ancient rock-cut archaeological site that dates back to 1000 BC. Vardzia is further away but it’s an incredible cave monastery site.
The Gergeti Trinity Church, near the Russian border, has unbelievable scenery. The same is true for the Sveneti mountain range in the northwestern part of the country.
If you’re more of a city person, check out the Black Sea resort town of Batumi.
8. Bolivia
Bolivia is one of South America’s two landlocked countries, along with Paraguay. It has a strong indigenous culture and is perched high up in the Andes mountains. Because it’s difficult to reach, Bolivia has become one of the most underrated countries.
Lake Titicaca, in both Peru and Bolivia, is the world’s highest-altitude lake that is navigable. On the Bolivia side, there’s Isla del Sol, an island with archaeological sites from the Inca civilization.
Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, is the world’s highest-altitude capital. You can watch the wild Cholitas wrestling matches, ride the cable cars, and go to the “Valley of the Moon” to see striking rock formations.
The Uyuni Salt Flats are another famous destination in Bolivia. There are opportunities to take surreal-looking photos at the largest salt flats in the world.
Other places to visit in Bolivia include the whitewashed city of Sucre, the Laguna Colorada, for its Flamingo population, and the nearby Eduardo Avaroa Reserve.
9. Albania
Albania is one of my favorite countries to visit, and it is becoming a tourist hotspot for Europeans. Americans are still behind the curve, but Albania might not be one of the world’s most underrated countries for much longer.
There are so many beautiful places to visit in Albania like Shkoder, Theth, Berat and Gjirokaster. The food is so good in Albania that I now seek out Albanian restaurants every time I’m in a place that has them.
Hiking the Valbone Pass is one of my favorites things I’ve done in all of Europe. The small town of Theth, where you start the hike, is incredibly charming. Guest House Rrakashdoli might be the best hostel I’ve ever stayed in. At the very least, it had the best views.
Berat and Gjirokaster are two UNESCO recognized towns and both pleasant to spend a few nights in. Berat Castle has great views of the entire valley and Gjirokaster’s Old Bazaar is like something out of a fairytale.
I’d also recommend venturing out to the Ali Pasha Bridge on the outskirts of Gjirokaster.
10. Algeria
Algeria, in North Africa, has an interesting mix of Berber, Arab and French influences and some otherworldly landscapes. You’ve gotta have couscous during your time there. It’s also very helpful to know some Arabic or French.
The most beautiful places in Algeria, which is the largest country in Africa, are in the Tassili n’Ajjer range in its Southeastern desert. There are beautiful red sands, awe-inspiring rock formations, and ancient rock art. The landscape looks like something from a completely different planet.
Most of Algeria’s other places of interest are relatively close to its Mediterranean coast. The coastal towns of Skikda and Jijel are relatively close to Constantine and are laid-back places to visit. Also make sure to check out the Roman Ruins of Djemila, which are under two hours from Constantine.
Annaba, further east, was the home of St. Augustine. Meanwhile, Algiers, the capital, and Oran are two other big cities to visit during your time in one of the world’s most underrated countries.
11. Ecuador
I will never forget getting stuck in Baños, Ecuador, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s certainly not the worst place to be locked down in, as it’s incredibly beautiful.
Perched in a mountain valley, it’s the adventure capital of Ecuador. I didn’t get to do any of these things during lockdown but there’s plenty of hiking, rafting and cycling. It’s also close to the Tungurahua Volcano.
I did, however, get to visit Quito and Otavalo. Quito is another high-altitude South American capital city with Spanish colonial architecture. Independence Square is beautiful, and so too is the cable car ride up to Ruco Pichincha. I climbed to the summit, at 15,400 feet, and was definitely starting to feel a bit lightheaded by the end.
Otavalo, in the northern part of Ecuador, is a hub of indigenous culture and handicrafts. Nearby Laguna Cuicocha is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to and hiking around the rim remains a very fond memory.
There’s of course the incredible biodiversity of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. Meanwhile, Cuenca has great architecture and Montañita, on the Pacific coast, is a great place to learn how to surf.
12. Lithuania
Lithuania is a great place for traveling on a budget in Europe and it’s a country with over 6,000 lakes.
The oldest national park in the country, Aukstaitija, contains over 125 of those lakes. It is beautiful in the winter and summer alike.
The Curonian Spit National Park is a long, narrow stretch of forest and seashore on Lithuania’s baltic coast. The sand dunes in this area are particularly beautiful.
You can also birdwatch at the Nemunas Delta Regional Park. It’s at the confluence of the Nemunas and Severnaya Rivers, right on the border with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave.
Lithuania’s most surreal-looking place is the Hill of Crosses. It’s a religious pilgrimage site where there are over 100,000 crosses.
The capital, Vilnius, has plenty of reasons to visit. Check out the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania and Vilnius Cathedral. Then, walk around Vilnius University and head to the somber Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights.
This museum is in the former HQ of the KGB and covers the Soviet occupation of Lithuania.
Perhaps the most beautiful castle in Lithuania is at Trakai, which you can do on a day trip from Vilnius. The castle is on an island, presenting great photo opportunities.
Meanwhile, Kaunas is Lithuania’s second city. Stroll down the long pedestrian street Laisves Aleja, then visit Kaunas Castle and the Historical Presidential Palace. The Nemunas and Neris Confluence Park is also beautiful.
The Ninth Fort, north of town, is a reminder of Lithuania’s dark past. It is a former fort turned Nazi execution camp during the holocaust and is now a museum.
13. Tanzania
Tanzania is an East African destination whose Serengeti National Park is obviously iconic. It’s an unforgettable experience to be there for the wildebeest migration.
East of the Serengeti, you can trek up Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. It can take anywhere from five to nine days to reach the summit. The fourth-highest mountain in Africa, Mount Neru, is also nearby and a popular climbing spot.
Further cementing Tanzania’s status as one of the best hiking and climbing countries in Africa, Ol Doinyo Lengai is another challenging dormant volcano climb. It’s also close to the Ngorongoro Crater, an unfilled volcanic caldera which has tons of wildlife.
Tarangire National Park is another excellent place for safaris, with zebras, elephants, baobab trees, and more.
Once you’re done trekking and viewing wildlife, head to Zanzibar, one of Africa’s most beautiful islands. Nakupenda Beach and Nungwi Beach are both incredibly beautiful and good places to wind down.
The waters surrounding Zanzibar are teeming with wildlife. That makes snorkeling a very popular activity around the island.
If you’re looking for a big city, head to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s capital. Dar es Salaam is home to 7.8 million people and the country’s National Museum.
15 Underrated Countries – 14. Indonesia
Indonesia is so much more than just Bali. One of the most underrated countries in the world, Indonesia has so many attractions to visit on its islands.
It’s challenging to grasp the size of Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic country. With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is the 14th-largest country in the world and is nearly the size of Mexico.
On Sumatra, quite close to Singapore, there are some great activities for nature lovers. At Mount Leuser National Park you can see orangutans and Sumatran tigers in the wild.
Climb Mount Sibayak and see its crater lake and thermal springs. Further down south is the impressive Muaro Jambi temple complex.
Java is another big island in Indonesia with some of its best attractions. The Borobudur Temple is apparently the largest Buddhist temple in the world. The royal complex in Yogyakarta is also one of Indonesia’s most-visited attractions.
Surabaya, the capital of East Java, has well-preserved Dutch colonial buildings. Meanwhile, you can hike both the Semeru and Ijen volcanoes.
Bali is most definitely not underrated but the town of Ubud is still worth checking out. Nearby Penida Island is home to Kelingking Beach, with its dramatic seaside rock formations.
Heading east to the island of Lombok, Mount Rinjani National Park has some incredible panoramas. The crater lake at the summit is nearly unbelievable.
Get up close and personal with komodo dragons at Komodo National Park. The best way to reach the park is to take a boat from Flores island, which has some cool attractions of its own.
On Flores, see the traditional cone-shaped houses in Waerebo Village. Kelimutu National Park is also gorgeous.
Sumba is a quieter alternative to Bali, with white sand beaches and plenty of waterfalls to hike to.
15 Underrated Countries – 15. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a very politically complex place but it is safe for tourists to enjoy. Last but not least on our list of underrated countries, Bosnia is incredibly beautiful. It’s well worth spending a week there and checking out some of its cities.
Mostar’s Old Bridge is one of the most iconic places in all of the Balkans and a must-visit. Mostar’s Old Town is incredibly charming and there are also some great day trips from the city.
Head to the semi-abandoned hilltop town of Pocitelj for beautiful views of the river below. The dilapidated buildings also have a fairytale-like quality to them.
Blagaj is notable for its Vrelo Bune spring and monastery and Stepan’s Fortress.
Next, Bosnia’s capital, Sarajevo, is often called the “Jerusalem of Europe”. You can find Orthodox churches, synagogues, and mosques all in close proximity to one another.
Get cevapi (grilled minced meat sausages) and burek (a flaky pastry) at Sarajevo’s Old Bazaar, the Bascarsija and enjoy all of the sights and sounds. I also enjoyed hiking up to the old Olympic bobsled track and seeing great views of the city.
Trebinje and Visegrad are two places worth visiting in the Republika Srpska. Visegrad’s Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic bridge is iconic and the subject of Ivo Andric’s classic novel “The Bridge on the Drina”. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.