16 Countries That Americans Rarely Travel To But Should!
Many Americans follow the same playbook when it comes to travel. They’ll head to Mexico for a beach vacation or hit some classic European spots, such as France and Italy if they’re looking for a more extended vacation. While these are incredible destinations, there are plenty of other destinations Americans should consider! Read through our list below of 16 countries that US tourists rarely travel to but should, and see if you’d add any of these to your next travel itinerary!
1. Montenegro
Although it is often overshadowed by its much-visited neighbor, Croatia, the nation of Montenegro is a country that deserves more US tourism than it receives. This small country captures many of the best parts of Europe: small towns with Venetian roots and stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites together. Spend time dipping in the Adriatic Sea, wandering around the towns, or simply getting out of town to explore the surrounding national parks. Whatever you decide to do there, you won’t regret visiting Montenegro!
2. Nepal
Nepal doesn’t get much US tourist traffic compared to other countries nearby. Travel experts attribute this to Nepal’s land-locked nature, which limits some of the activities visitors can partake in. However, Nepal is brimming with interesting things to see and do, such as hiking and appreciating the nearby mountains, making it well worth the visit. Since it doesn’t receive as many tourists, Nepal is also a more budget-friendly option for tourists who want to make their dollar stretch further or work harder.
3. Jordan
While many US tourists flock to Morocco, Jordan remains under the radar for many. This is an enormous shame, considering just how beautiful the country is. You’ve likely seen photos of Petra, the gorgeous and historic city carved in rock, on social media or must-see lists, or Wadi Rum, the imagination-capturing dessert of the country. It’s an incredible country, offering cultural vibrancy at every turn, and it should be a more top-of-the-list country for US travelers.
4. Colombia
Over the past few years, Colombia has gotten a bad reputation in the US media due to popular culture. However, Colombia is a stunning country that should be more frequented by Americans. From the exciting, seaside city of Medellin to sections of the Amazon, to the exciting city life of Bogota, Colombia has plenty to offer US tourists. Don’t let the media scare you. It’s a perfectly fun, safe country to visit.
5. Georgia
Georgia rarely makes this list when Americans plan their European vacations, but it definitely should! This often-forgotten nation along the Black Sea is absolutely stunning. From the pristine coastline to the impressive mountains, Georgia is a natural beauty. In addition, Georgia has the wonderful, old-world feel and beautiful architecture you’d expect from a European country. Consider putting Georgia on your next trip list instead of heading to one of the more-traveled European countries.
6. Uruguay
Often forgotten because it is sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay doesn’t receive many US tourists. In fact, when Americans go to Uruguay (if they do), they’ll only spend a few hours in Colonia del Sacramento, a convenient ferry ride from Argentina. That’s an enormous shame since Uruguay is a great destination in its own right. Offering far fewer crowds, beautiful beaches, excellent wine culture, and friendly people, Uruguay makes a great vacation destination!
7. Kyrgyzstan
Nestled between China and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan is not a country most Americans have heard of, much less considered visiting. However, this country in Central Asia is certainly worth a visit. You’ll find plenty of natural scenery, from the Tien Shan mountains to the Issyk-Kul lakes, to marvel at. The area is also rich in Soviet-era history, which you can clearly see in the buildings, cultural heritage, and customs. More US travelers should visit this nation and experience the unique culture there.
8. Finland
If Americans are considering a Nordic country to travel to, chances are they first think of Iceland. However, Finland is also a spectacular choice that more US travelers should take advantage of. Often winning the distinction of the happiest country in the world, Finland offers an incredible combination of natural beauty and upbeat city life. You can go from eating in a five-star restaurant to chasing the Northern Lights in the same evening. You never have to worry about running out of fun things to do in Finland, since city-life and the natural wonders are both very compelling!
9. Argentina
Most Americans will never make it farther south than Mexico, but we think that’s an enormous shame especially when there are places as beautiful as Argentina! Argentina sits at the bottom of South America, east of Chile and borderingBrazil to the north. While city lovers will be thrilled to explore the cosmopolitan scene of Buenos Aires, outdoors-loving travelers will be thrilled by all the natural wonders the country has to offer, such as Iguazu Falls, Patagonia, and the lakes of Bariloche. Trust us, Argentina has it in spades when it comes to beauty!
10. Slovenia
Sitting between Italy and Croatia, Slovenia is often forgotten by US tourists who are planning their eastern European itineraries. However, Slovenia definitely deserves a trip. Since it is less visited than the neighboring countries, you can still find good deals and fewer crowds than other European destinations. The capital city, Ljubljana, is stunning and quaint. Beyond that, there are towns where you can visit the Alps and pristine beaches without hoards of tourists to contend with.
11. Wales
Relative to the rest of the United Kingdom, Wales is certainly under-visited by US travelers. While most people don’t think of Wales as separate or distinct from the rest of the United Kingdom, it is its own magical spot. In fact, it has its own language and cultural heritage. Full of hearty, pub-style food and adventure-filled landscapes, Wales is for people who want to explore natural scenery and see wildlife. Next time you’re considering a trip to London, think twice. Wales can offer a different kind of adventure most Americans don’t experience!
12. Belize
Americans are all over destinations in the Caribbean, though they don’t tend to go to Belize as often. But they should! Sitting just east of Guatemala with an impressive Caribbean coastline, Belize is an incredible destination. It has plenty of top-rated resorts if you don’t want to worry about trip-planning or nice towns where you can stay closer to the locals. Either way, Belize combines excellent beaches with historical charm in a memorable way you won’t want to miss!
13. Slovakia
Another Central European gem US travelers tend to miss is Slovakia! Featuring the gorgeous Tatras Mountains, Slovakia has a nice mix of cultural attractions, outdoor splendor, and history. See some impressive castles dotted around the landscape, wander from one charming village to the next, or enter the natural scenery. One bonus here: you won’t have to worry about being one among many since Slovakia receives far fewer tourists than the surrounding countries!
14. Estonia
Despite a surge of popularity in recent years, Estonia still isn’t a heavily visited destination for Americans. But it should be! Estonia is full of historical charm, with castles, cobblestone roads, and architectural wonders. For those who like outdoor adventuring, Estonia features plenty of national parks with forests, wetlands, and natural habitats to appreciate. That isn’t even to mention the Estonian cuisine, which features delicious local foods from seafood and meats to forest products such as berries and mushrooms.
15. New Zealand
It is so far away from the United States that many Americans never make it out to New Zealand. And that’s a big shame. New Zealand is an absolute paradise, especially for travelers who love being outdoors. New Zealand has plenty of top-rated hiking, skiing, and adventure-sports. If you’re less excited about the great outdoors, maybe you’d want to get a tour of some of the Lord of the Rings filming areas. No matter what you do, New Zealand is bound to make an impression! You’ll also want to pack your camera, as the views there are stunning!
16. Chile
Just to the west of Argentina, Chile is another South American gem that most Americans miss. However, Chile is an amazing place to visit. Whether you want to explore the metropolitan hub of Santiago or head out into the natural landscape, Chile will welcome you. We recommend spending at least a few days in Santiago before moving on to see some of the natural beauty in San Pedro de la Atacama, the Patagonia region, or Easter Island. No matter what you choose to do, you’re bound to have an incredible time in Chile. More US travelers should go!
The Path Less Traveled
If it’s time to plan your next adventure, consider one of these 16 countries US tourists don’t visit often but should! They are all wonderful destinations in their own right. Plus, visiting one of these lesser-visited spots will give you some unique stories to tell back home!
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