Travel Guide: 5 Underrated Countries You Should Visit
#1. Albania
Description: A relatively small, incredibly mountainous country full of castles and architecture; it is archeology located on Southeastern Europe’s Balkan Peninsula. Albania is bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian Sea, inside the Mediterranean Sea.
Attractions:
Albanian Riviera: Spanning from the Cape of Rodon to Sarande in the capital city Tirana, it is filled with sandy beaches with beautiful blue waters, admirable small towns filled with flowers, and churches with intricate artwork.
Castle of Gjirokastër: This is a castle that represents both beauty and history. It over-looks the city on a hill that is approximately 1100 feet tall. Its name is dedicated to the princess, Argjiro, who leap from a great height so that the Ottomans couldn’t capture her. It also served as a shelter for residents of the city during World War l and ll.
Theth National Park: This is a national park located in northern Albania, centered among the Albanian Alps, and is made up of mainly two sectors: Jezerca and the Accursed Mountains. One of its rivers, called the Black River, is known as “The Blue Eye of Theth,” due to its extravagant, almost magical, blue color surrounded by bright nature.
Best Time To Go: Spring and summer: Best for swimming and hiking
May: Great for sightseeing archeological and historical sights, and hiking in the mountains. Temperature: 60.7°F
Fall and winter: Indoor sightseeing (museums) and winter activities
February: Great for skiing. Temperature:
35.6°F
Want to learn more? Here are our sources:
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/albania/articles/20-must-visit-attractions-albania/
https://www.intoalbania.com/attraction/theth-national-park/
#2. Slovenia
Description: Slovenia is a country located in Central Europe and is small but filled with four different landscapes of Europe: European Alps, Dinaric Alps, Pannonian and Danubian hills, and the Mediterranean Coast. In the north, it is bordered by Austria and Hungary, and to the east and south, it shares a border with Croatia.
Attractions:
Predjama Castle: Located in the village of Predjama, and filled with an entertaining history, this castle was the house of a knight named Erazem Lueger. Interesting fact: This castle was built out of a cave! It’s filled with secret tunnels, where Erazem would set out on his journeys. Lots of tours are available to further learn about this structure’s ancient history.
Lake Bled: The combination beautiful waters of the lake along with the island it encompasses is a great reason to travel to Slovenia, specifically Lake Bled. It’s located in a region in Northwestern Slovenia. It’s a great place to wind down and relax, or get exercise on a hike, jog, even a bike ride. It’s recommended that to take a pletna, or a traditional boat in Slovenia, to the Bled Island.
Postojna Cave: These caves were “carved” by the Pivka River, filled with cave formations called karsts. This magnificent cave allows you to gaze at the bright, white-colored stalagmite known as “Brilliant,” which serves as a symbol to the Postojna cave, and even hear about the legend of baby dragons actually existing, and even a train ride through the walls of this mysteriously beautiful cave.
Best Time To Go:
June-August: It’s the summer season of Slovenia! It’s the best temperature to wear shorts and a shirt, go sightseeing outside, and try out some adventure sports or hiking. Temperature: Ranges from 53°F – 75°F
January: Best for winter activities, but you’ll need to bundle up! Temperature: 29°F
Want to learn more? Here are our sources:
https://www.treksplorer.com/best-time-to-visit-slovenia-weather/
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/slovenia/articles/15-must-see-attractions-in-sloveni/
https://www.postojnska-jama.eu/en/postojna-cave/
#3. Sri Lanka
Description: Sri Lanka is an island country located in South Asia. It’s in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, and southeast of the Arabian Sea. It is officially known as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. It’s full of beaches, national parks, wildlife, train routes, and tea plantations.
Attractions:
Ravana Falls: These falls are part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary. These falls are great for hot summer months. During the journey, their are lots of caves to stop by and take a look at. In trees nearby, you can even see some adorable monkeys and even on the road eating some fruit.
Nuwara Eliya: This is a city in the tea country hills of Sri Lanka. If you’re looking for a cleanse or escape from reality, then you should definitely visit Nuwara Eliya. Full of gardens, bungalows, and hills, this city proves to be very rejuvenating and relaxing, as well as scenic and aesthetic. Nuwara Eliya also hosts golf courses, temples, and train tours.
Best Time To Go:
April-September: Best Weather on East Coast
December-March: Best Weather on West and South Coast
Want to Learn More? Here are our sources:
https://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-sri-lanka/
#4. The Philippines
Description: The Philippines is a group of islands in Southeast Asia. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, it’s home to about 103 million inhabitants and consists of over seven thousand islands. This country is best known for being tropical, rich in biodiversity, and having tranquil nature scenery.
Attractions:
Banaue Rice Terraces: The Banaue Rice Terraces are terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines over 2,000 years ago by the forefathers of the native people. Being very beautiful and scenic, it’s occasionally called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Boracay: Despite being a tiny island, Boracay is known for being very fun, yet relaxing. Although it’s most famous for its beaches and resorts, it also consists of restaurants, bars, boat tours, volcanic caves, scuba diving, and so much more. In fact, Boracay was named the best island in the world in 2012 by the travel magazine “Travel + Leisure.”
Palawan: If you are only in The Philippines for a short amount of time, Palawan should be at the top of your list. This province is simple yet extravagant and has a numerous amount of activities and attractions within itself. It contains caves, beaches, lakes, and parks, as well as delicious authentic food like rice, seafood, and stew. From its white sandy beaches to its clear blue waters, Palawan is definitely one of the best places to visit in The Philippines.
Best Time To Go:
November-April: The most popular time to go and when tourism is highest. The country and its attractions are all fully available at this time
March-April: The hottest time of the year at around 90°F. It’s best to go later on when it cools down, unless you like hot weather and lots of sun
December-February: Cooler temperatures and a better time to go because the weather is warm but not extremely hot at around 70°F.
Want to learn more? Here are our sources:
https://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-the-philippines/
https://www.audleytravel.com/the-philippines/best-time-to-visit
#5. Belize
Description: Despite being both safe and beautiful, Belize is actually the least visited country in Central America. However, this is better for tourists because it’s like other popular tropical countries, but more peaceful and relaxing.
Attractions:
Actun Tunichil Muknal: A beautiful cave in Belize that was actually voted as the most sacred cave in the world by “National Geographic”. Although this cave tour can get a little pricey, it’s worth it because you’ll get your own professional tour guide and a thorough tour of the cave. In addition, there are many other natural landmarks and tours to check out in Belize.
Private Island: During my visit to Belize, we went to a private island where we snorkeled, swam, and relaxed. This was the highlight of my trip and I would highly recommend going to a private island, or any remote island, in Belize. As well as the excursions offered at the island, there was also a bar and restaurant, and overall, the island was peaceful and relaxing.
Best Time To Go:
Late November to mid-April: The dry season in Belize, and therefore the best time to go. Overall, however, the country’s temperatures only range from 70°F to 90°F so you could essentially visit Belize any time of year.
Want to learn more? Here are our sources:
https://eternalarrival.com/travel-blog/north-america/belize/things-to-do-in-belize/
https://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-belize/
Photo courtesy of writers.
