▲Located between Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, it’s easy to see why this Southeast Asian nation is often overlooked. Though the country is poorer than its neighbors, its beauty is unmatched.

▲Why you should go: This tropical country has a long history of invasion, which has translated into fascinating influences from China, Malaysia, Europe, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

▲This North African nation got a bad rep in the post-2010 Arab Spring protests that kicked off there, before spreading to Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. But the country has since cooled off, and tourists shouldn't lump it together with its more volatile neighbors.

▲Why you should go: The country sits on the Mediterranean, and has the weather and beaches to show for it. But if you're not a beach person, you should still go for the beautiful combination of French and Arab influences, as well as its rich history.

▲Bordering Peru to the west, Argentina to the south, and Brazil to the east, this landlocked nation is sometimes forgotten about.

▲Why you should go: This South American country sits on the Andean Mountains, descends into the Amazon forest, and extends into the desert, so it has a little bit of everything. Don't skip the Salar de Uyuni (pictured), the world's largest salt flat, for other-worldly photo ops.

▲This United Kingdom nation garnered a bad rep in the 1990s due to violence between crown loyalists and the Irish Republican Army. But that stayed in the 1990s, and the country is safe to visit.

▲Why you should go: Northern Ireland offers both modern, cosmopolitan Belfast and the picturesque countryside. Don't forget to visit Giant’s Causeway, an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that resulted from an ancient volcanic fissure eruption.

▲This Southeast Asian country borders Thailand. The country is safe aside from the occasional pickpocket.

▲Why you should go: Separated by the South China Sea, Malaysia is located in one of the world's busiest crossroads, making it a melting pot of influences, including Chinese, Indian, Thai, as well as English and Dutch, the area's previous colonizers.

▲There are plenty of safe places to go in Africa, and Malawi is one worth checking out.

▲Why you should go: This sub-Saharan country's government has been investing in exciting developments in the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, making this the perfect safari country. Also, Malawi has great cell phone coverage, so you can buy a local SIM card at the airport to stay connected throughout your journey there.

▲This country, while just 30,355 sq km (11,500 sq miles) in size and home to 2 million people, is entirely landlocked by South Africa.

▲Why you should go: This mountainous kingdom is accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, and offers highland regions, panoramic views, and extreme adventure.

▲This autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark is desolate, cold, and icy (don't let the "green" in the name fool you). But the place is perfect for those in search of a quieter aurora borealis.

▲Why you should go: Few places beat Greenland in the natural beauty department, and it offers plenty to do, from dog sledding under the Northern Lights, to exploring glaciers, fjords, and mountains.

▲Since its government only started promoting tourism in 1992, foreigners can't really be blamed for not visiting more often.

▲Why you should go: But now that they can, tourists should take advantage of this unexplored country. Since it's remained relatively free from outside influence, the country is as authentic as they come.

▲This EU country doesn't get as much love as its fellow Nordic countries, but it offers just as much, if not more.

▲Why you should go: One of Finland's advantages is that it's just as great in the winter as it is in the summertime. From the Northern Lights to its peaceful and pristine beaches, it all just depends on what you're looking for.

▲Squished between the Atlantic Ocean and Spain, this tiny nation is easy to overlook. But you shouldn't.

▲Why you should go: Portugal has a long, complex history. It's one of the oldest European nation-states whose territory has been continuously settled, invaded, and fought over since prehistoric times. It established the first global empire, only to be completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. If you need more reasons, the food and wine are amazing.

▲This tiny Central American nation is often overshadowed by its northern neighbor, Mexico.

▲Why you should go: Belize offers the best from a Caribbean experience without the crowds and resorts. This is perfect for those seeking a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path beach vacation.

▲This landlocked South Asian country is protective of its culture and values. That's why its government advocates low-volume, high-quality tourism by charging visitors a daily fee, so keep that in mind. But oh, is it worth it.

▲Why you should go: Located in the Himalayas between Nepal, China, and India, this mountainous kingdom has preserved its rich cultural identity through years of isolation. Check out the Tiger's Nest (pictured) for a true Buddhist experience.

▲Central Asia is relatively unexplored by westerners. And Turkmenistan is by far the least visited of the region's "stans." This is likely due to the decades-long reign of the bizarre dictator, Saparmyrat Niyazov. However the country has been quickly modernizing since his death in 2006.

▲Why you should go: The nation is an ancient land of great spirituality, tradition, and natural beauty. Its most famous attraction is the Darvaza gas crater (pictured), also known as the "Door to Hell" or ''Gates of Hell." This natural gas field collapsed into an underground cavern when geologists set it on fire. It alone is worth the trip.

▲The last great wilderness on earth, this beautiful and pristine continent is the coldest, driest, and windiest environment found anywhere.

▲Why you should go: Wildlife that have made their home in this remote and hostile land include emperor penguins and Antarctic fur seals. Outdoor enthusiasts will be left open-jawed by the outstanding landscape.

▲This slither of a nation hugging the eastern Mediterranean coast has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Its capital Beirut (pictured) is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Middle East.

▲Why you should go: Cultural must-sees include Baalbek, known for the colossal Temple of Bacchus—one of the grandest and best preserved Roman temples in the world.

▲An island state of Australia, Tasmania's rugged landscape is a result of violent volcanic activity and glaciation, natural forces that lend this mountainous land an extraordinary beauty

▲Why you should go: Often overlooked by visitors who tend to remain on the Australian mainland, Tasmania's collection of natural parks and World Heritage Sites make it an alluring alternative to its bigger and better-known neighbor.

▲Anchored off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is one of the world's great biodiversity hot spots.

▲Why you should go: Over 90% of wildlife in this Indian Ocean island nation are found nowhere else on Earth. Lemurs are an especially iconic species.

▲Before the 1989 Romanian Revolution few westerners were familiar with this eastern European country. After the fall of communism however, the nation began welcoming tourists with open arms.

▲Why you should go: The country's Transylvania region is forever associated with the legend of Dracula and Bran Castle (pictured).

▲Emerging from the shadow of communism in 1990, this previously secretive country has since become one of the great tourism success stories of recent years.

▲Why you should go: Despite its diminutive landmass, this is a country of incredible climatic and geographic diversity. Its coastline enjoys a Mediterranean influence while subarctic temperatures characterize the Albanian Alps.

▲This huge landlocked East Asia country was formed by the nomadic peoples of the Xiongnu Empire in 209 BCE.

▲Why you should go: The Gobi Desert lies along the south of the country, but much of the country comprises grassland steppe, the domain of traditional mounted eagle hunters (pictured).

▲A speck of a principality wedged in the Pyrenees Mountains, Andorra is not an easy place to reach, with no airport, no railway stations, and a limited road network (some of which is unpaved).

▲Why you should go: Getting here may be difficult, but its first-rate ski and spa resorts make overcoming the logistical challenge worthwhile.

▲Did you know that this tiny country located on the Arabian Peninsula has the highest per-capita income in the world?

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Why you should go: Doha, the capital city, dazzles with its high-tech steel and glass skyline, but there vestiges of the country's past to be explored, a timeline that dates back 50,000 years or so.

Underexplored places you should definitely visit this summer

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30/07/24 por StarsInsider

TRAVEL Destinations

Most of tourists tend to go to popular destinations that feature on travel lists year in and year out. But what about the countries not featured heavily on must-see lists? There are some real gems out there that tourists have left untapped.

What are some amazing destinations abroad that travelers should start visiting? Click through the gallery to find out.