Overlooked Countries You Must Visit

For newly-minted travelers, it is understandable to start out by hitting all the regular tourist destinations. However I would see your Paris, Hawaii, and Amsterdam and raise you a different path, or rather many paths - the ones less travelled. The overlooked gems in the travel world offer a deeper look into the natural beauty of the world and the diverse cultures that call that place home. Some of these gems are hiding in plain site. Some you may have never heard of or even considered.

These destinations are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many overlooked countries to visit and I suggest you try and find them all. You can always hit the usual suspects - the Eiffel Tower isn't going anywhere - and are enjoyable in their own right. But to truly appreciate the amazing beauty in this world, you need to head out in a different direction from the crowds. Real travel is about being bold and exploring places you have never witnessed. I hope you bear in mind this list of overlooked countries to visit, but more so I hope you add a few of your own. Safe travels, friends.

Cuba

Cuba should be on the top of any list. After a 55 year travel ban for Americans, Cuba is now open to United States citizens, which means it won't be long before it becomes a tourist trap. Going to Cuba is like going back in time; as you stand on the corner of a busy Havana street you see classic car after classic car, but this isn't a nod to vintage style as much as it is genuinely outdated. It is a scene from a 60's movie. Cuba also boasts beautiful beaches, great people and rock bottom prices (again, at least for now).

One word of advice for American tourists: exchange your American dollars for euros before you go. The Cuban government charges an additional 13% fee when exchanging American dollars. I guess they are still holding a bit of a grudge, but don’t let that stop you. It is a wonderful vacation spot.

Colombia

Most people associate Columbia with drug lords and drug wars. However in the past decade, Colombia has really stepped up and built an amazing and safe tourist industry, and it's one that shouldn't be overlooked. The capital city of Bogotá is in many regards reminiscent of New York City. You can keep plenty busy outside of the major cities, too; visit one or many of Colombia’s pristine beaches or head inland to Medellín and experience the vista of a breathtaking city on the rise against the stark background of green jungle mountains.

Belize

If you love nature and landscapes of all kinds, Belize features spectacular diversity. While in this country sandwiched between Mexico and Guatemala, you can hike through lush tropical rainforests and explore ancient Mayan ruins. If you do visit, though, you mustn't leave without experiencing The Great Blue Hole which sits 43 miles off the coast. This is truly a natural wonder of the world and a scuba diver’s paradise. Measuring just over 1000 feet wide and 400 feet deep the cavernous sinkhole offers amazing unexplored underwear landscapes with an astonishing variety of marine life.

Vietnam

Vietnam is the second largest producer of coffee worldwide, so if you love coffee, do not overlook this java gem. It has a dramatic landscape of alternating terrain. Mountainous peaks, deep valleys and amazing jungle foliage blend together to take your breath away. Vietnam is also one of the oldest countries in Southeast Asia, its culture steeped in history dating back over 4000 years. It is also one of the most affordable places to visit on the planet; room and board can be as low as 7 dollars a day.

Guatemala

Located just below Mexico, Guatemala is often overlooked as an option for tourists in its own right and gets lost among its southern brethren. The beaches are pristine and many are virtually uninhabited; you can spend an entire day and not encounter another soul. The beauty and serenity of witnessing a sunset alone on a deserted beach make this trip worthwhile. Don’t forget to check out the volcanos - Guatemala is home to hundreds of active and dormant volcanoes. Standing on a ledge and peering into the soul of a volcano will change your perception of nature and humble you in the process.

Russia

Russia, especially lately, doesn’t jump off the map as a tourist destination. Still, it is a worthy trip and a memorable experience. Visit St. Petersburg where the locals claim that there is something for everyone; actually, they're telling the truth! St. Petersburg is an architectural marvel. There are hundreds of cathedrals, bridges and archways that merge gracefully into waterways. You'll feel like you are walking into 16th century Europe. Spend a the week visiting museum after museum, basking in the art, opera and architecture. You will not be disappointed and most certainly return home well rested and even more culturally rounded.

Greenland

Greenland is one of the most overlooked countries to visit, but one you should most certainly consider. It has an arctic climate with a summer high of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) and is much, much colder the rest of the year; I mean that not as a warning but as a selling point. It is an arctic paradise with virtually endless snow-covered terrain to explore. There are no crowds to contend with and the locals are among the friendliest you will come across. In fact, the quietest moment I've ever experienced in my life was while standing in the arctic wilderness and looking up at the northern lights. It is a surreal feeling that will stay with you long after you return home.

Canada

Canada is another cold weather destination, but a much closer commute for Americans. Don’t overlook our Northern neighbor as the attractive vacation destination that it is. You can pick any one of the major cities like Toronto or Montreal and have a blast exploring, but I recommend British Columbia. This Canadian province is home to the Glacier National Park. Try flying into Vancouver and drive up the scenic sea to sky highway until you hit Whistler. You can then race down perfectly manicured ski slopes. There are endless bike and hiking trails to explore allowing you to witness nature untouched by man.

Mexico

Mexico is a popular destination, but many stick to tourist beaches like Cancun and leave without checking out the countless Mayan ruins and cenotes (sinkholes). My personal favorite Mayan ruin is Tulum. Party-harders will be comforted to know that Tulum was actually considered the beach resort in its heyday and originally built in honor of the Mayan wine god, Acad. Vintage sunbathers used to perch themselves on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. After spending the day sunbathing and touring Mayan ruins, travel to one of the local cenotes and immerse yourself in the haunting beauty of a world you didn’t know existed. Cenotes are underwater caves, often open at the top, letting in the perfect amount of sunlight. You can swim, free dive and scuba dive among the tropical fish and even sea turtles, all against the backdrop of a submerged cave.

I know, I know. If you live in the U.S. you're probably wondering why you would stay here for vacation. Because, my friend, we often overlook the diamonds in our own backyard. Answer me this: Have you hiked rim to rim through the Grand Canyon? Witnessed the sun setting in the middle of the Colorado Rockies? Stood back back in awe as Old Faithful erupted? If you have, you are ahead of the game, but many well-travelled Americans I've encountered have never been to the best the U.S. has to offer. Not only might a domestic trip be less expensive (though not necessarily), but it's silly to keep venturing far away for adventure when you haven't yet seen all the places foreigners come here for.