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Cambodia - 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.

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Cambodia - 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.

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Tunisia - This North African nation got a bad rep among Americans 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 Americans shouldn't lump it together with its more volatile neighbors.

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Tunisia - 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.

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

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Bolivia - 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.

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Cuba - After 50 years of embargo, it's easy to understand why Americans don't often go to this Caribbean nation. Now that they can, this will hopefully change.

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Cuba - Why you should go: Contrary to what many Americans might believe, Cubans love Americans and America. The country boasts a beautiful mix of Caribbean, African, and Spanish cultures, which gives Cuba its unique charm.

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Northern Ireland - 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.

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Northern Ireland - 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.

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Malaysia - This Southeast Asian country borders Thailand, the region's most popular destination for Americans. Also, the country is majority Muslim, which puts off many Americans, though the country is safe aside from the occasional pickpocket.

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Malaysia - 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.

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Malawi - Americans don't really visit Africa in general, expect for South Africa and Morocco. But there are plenty of safe places to go, and Malawi is one worth checking out.

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Malawi - 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.

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Lesotho - This country, while just 11,500 sq mi in size and home to 2 million people, is entirely landlocked by South Africa.

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

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Greenland - 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. 

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Greenland - 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.

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Myanmar - Since the country only opened its doors for tourism in 2012, Americans can't really be blamed for not visiting more often. 

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

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

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Finland - 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 just depends on what you're looking for.

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Portugal - Squished between the Atlantic Ocean and Spain, this tiny 35,560-square-mile nation is easy to overlook. But you shouldn't.

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Portugal - 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.

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

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Belize - 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.

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Bhutan - 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.

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Bhutan - 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.

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Turkmenistan - 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.

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Turkmenistan -

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.

See also: New York City: the best city to experience international Christmas spirit

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