This Muslim country is extremely welcoming with tourists. It spoils you with Arab inspired cuisine, sandy beaches, sea turtles families which can be seen all year long. Here can also be spotted the endemic fruit bat. However, this is not a typical tropical destination, so besides your bathing suit, snorkelling goggles and sunscreen, pack a pair of comfy shoes and take a hike through the virgin forests or up the active volcano (Mt Karthala).
Do not ignore its cultural heritage dating from the 10th century, the Ancienne Mosque du Vendredi. Dress simply, be respectful to the locals and enjoy a quite holiday, in the Perfume Islands.
Rwanda - The Singapore of Africa
Also known as the "Land of thousand hills" due to its landscape, Rwanda is still underestimated by many westerners. I like to call it the Phoenix, as it rose from the ashes, after the 1994 genocide, the modern world biggest tragedy, and it became the "Singapore of Africa". The country is well developed, it is a world business hub, with a modern capital city, business centers and skyscrapers.
For tourists it is best known for the mountain gorillas, and the animal enthusiasts come here to trek through the rainforest just to see these marvelous creatures. But is has much more to offer. It is the place to be if you want an active holiday. Rwanda offers the landscape for outdoors: trekking through the Natural Parks, hike its peaks or kayak on Congo Nile.
Here are some top activities which you must do in Rwanda:
- Hike the Mt Karisimbi, the volcano which stands as natural border with DRC. It is a 2 days hike, but from the top you can take a glimpse of Congo too.
- Hike, bike and kayak on Congo Nile Trail, enjoy the scenery and biodiversity
- Kayak on Lake Kivu, the largest in Rwanda. It is a popular destination and tourism is well developed here
- Trek on the footsteps of mountain gorillas and see them closely
- Look for the Chimpanzees from the hanging bridges around the Nyungwe Forest National Park. After a long day of trekking, enjoy a local tea from the nearby plantations. Rwanda is known as one of the world's best tea producer
- Explore Kigali and enjoy the life of a modern city
Eritrea
Many did not hear about it, others know a few things, but this country takes you back in time, shocks you with its diversity of language, ethnicity, architecture. It is a relatively new country, it only became independent from Ethiopia in 1991. Travelling to Eritrea will make you feel like you are in Italy, Cuba and North Korea at the same time. So let me explain this :)
It was an Italian colony, therefore you can see Italian colonial buildings around you. Especially the capital, Asmara looks just like an Italian city. The locals, especially the elderly, speak fluent Italian, the cuisine is based on pasta and pizza and there is always a gelato shop around the corner. It takes you back in 1960s, with old cars passing by.
(Massawa: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Historic_centre_of_Massawa.JPG)
Getting a Visa can take a while, and then you also need permits if you wanna get outside of Asmara, from here the reason why it is called the North Korea of Africa. The country is not totally open to foreigners.
However, if you made it to Eritrea take a trip to explore Massawa, the former capital, with a totally different vibe, it will remind you of Stone Town in Zanzibar. This city was ruined during the Civil War and with the help of UNESCO some buildings were restored. Some attractions of this port city are the ruins of the Imperial Palace and the St Mary's Cathedral.
It might not be a popular destination, but it is a country which deserves your interest, so colorful and friendly, you will fall in love with it forever.
Kazakhstan
Following the old Silk Road, you will get to Kazakhstan, a country we all know, but few pay a visit. I will give some reasons why to add it to your list. Normally, people would choose Kazakhstan for its nature and they won't be disappointed. It offers a variety of landscape from lakes, mountains to sand dunes.
Lake Kaindy is maybe the most popular one with its clear blue water and tree trunks spiking out of the cold lake. Locals call them "the Guardians". Underwater, the branches are still intact while at the surface the trees lost them all. For the most adventurous ones you can dive in and enjoy the underwater wonder of this place, otherwise enjoy the view and take many pictures, your friends will be jealous.
Kazakhstan hosts one of the new world wonders, the Moon on Earth in the Bozjyra mountains. The grey stones are uniquely shapes attracting people to this extraterrestrial landscape.
(Kaindy lake: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IMG_9366-Kaindy-e.jpg)
But this country hides more gems. The Singing Dunes (Akkum Kalkan) are high sand dunes which in the wind make sounds like a melody. The Inder Lake, or the Salty Lake is known for its health benefits, so join the locals and take a mud bath. Afterwards, wash it out in this lake covered in chunks of salt.
Pink Flamingo in Kazakhstan? Yes, that is right! The Korgaljyn Lake it's a pink lake surrounded by pink flamingo walking gracefully.
If you are more of an adrenalin seeker, Kazakhstan offers Rafting tours on its fast rivers nearby Almaty.
However, if you wanna see some city life, eat out and do some shopping, Almaty or Nur-Sultan are only two of your options. If you would like to learn more of its culture, get outside the city and sleep a night in a traditional yurt. Visit the Mausoleums and admire their painting and architecture.
No matter what you are looking for, Kazakhstan has something to offer you!
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is most of the times overlooked by tourists, but if you want an unique experience in the Asian green-jewelry the locals will be very welcoming. Friendly, curious and generous, the Bangladeshis would make your trip unforgettable.
While the capital, Dhaka, would probably remind you of India, being crowded and dusty, the countrysides will uncover for you a green paradise. Full of culture, luxurious nature and spicy food, Bangladesh must be your next destination. Though the food is similar to the Indian gastronomy, Bangladeshi cuisine is taking spices to the next level, surprising you with a rainbow of tastes at every bite.
For an outdoor experience, you can visit Srimangal. You can hike around the forest, take the route to the Hum Hum Waterfall, bike your way around the countryside and admire the green hills covered in tea plantations. At the end of the day, relax with a cup of hot local tea.
Discover the floating market by boat from Barisal. Walk around the small town along the river and try some sugarcane sticks. You can get to Barisal from Dhaka by overnight boat. You can choose between a modern boat, which is faster, or take the 100 years old Rocket Steamer, slower, but cheaper and more unique. You might not have a great room, but the experience will stick with you.
(Sonargaon https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sonargaon_Folk_Art_and_Craft_Museum_(31000427270).jpg)
For more cultural and historical tours you must visit Sonargaon. A beautiful historical town where time seemed to have stopped long ago. Also Bangladesh has since 1985 two UNESCO cultural heritage sites which deserve a visit: the Historic Mosque city of Bagerhat and the Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur.
Visit it and let yourself be surprised :)
Myanmar
Even though Asia attracts many tourist every year, not many of them visit Myanmar. This country has a special halo. Since 2019 its main attraction received the well-deserved UNESCO status of cultural world heritage - the Old Bagan. Located in the region of Mandalay, the site is a vast Buddhist site of more then 5000 ha, with 3595 temples, pagodas, statues and stupas. Despide its authenticity it is not yet one of the most visited heritages, so it will not be crowded like Angkor Wat. You will have space to move, take pictures and admire the scenery and quietness. Since it is a large domaine, you can rent a bike, or moto to go around and see as much of it as possible, on your own. Most tourists visit it in a horse carriage. It is recommended to stay for the sunset.
Another must-see is the Inle Lake, rent out a boat, take a guide and explore the floating villages. The landscape around you is very picturesque.
(by Shucky- https://pixabay.com/photos/the-old-temple-ayutthaya-measure-2867255/)
The best way to travel around Myanmar and see as much of it as possible is by boat. Check out the River Cruises available and see if it suits you.
Guatemala
If you are looking for a Latin American adventure both cultural but also for leisure, Guatemala is that hidden gem, tour operators might have missed to promote. Not as popular as its neighbour Mexico, Guatemala is a budget friendly destination and less touristy.
No matter what is your main reason to visit Guatemala, you should not miss the UNESCO heritage of Tikal National Park. Recognised as a cultural heritage since 1979, the park hosts more than 3000 structures. While some cannot be climbed, others take you to their top, including the tallest one, Temple IV. Working your way up to the top on wooden ramps and stairs, the view atop offers you a perspective over the park's high pyramids and the jungle around. Make sure to spend a night, so in the morning you can be the first on site to have it for yourself.
(https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Temple_of_the_Great_Jaguar.jpg)
You can challenge your fitness and get an adrenaline rush hiking a volcano. You can go as high as you wish, but the summit is for the adventurers. If you are more of a watersport person, El Paredon will greet you with its dark sandy beach and wavy waters, just perfect to surf on.
Nevertheless, the Semuc Champey is some bumpy roads away, but is worth a visit. The natural pools are perfect to cool yourself down after a hike to the view point.
Slovenia
This Central European country is not enough appreciated, but every visitor falls for it and recommend it to everyone. Small and colorful Slovenia is known for its winter sports resorts and impressive underground wanders. But this country has a little more secrets.
Most probably you are coming in through Ljubljana. Take a few days to explore this gorgeous city and take a few day trips to explore the nearby towns. While in the capital, hike up to the hill Castle for a view over the city.
Take a day trip to Skocjan Cave, the world largest underground canyon. The cave is even more special because of the superb sink holes with clear water. Combine it with Piran, the tiny port city and Lipica, known for the Stud Farm and Lipizzan Horses. Before coming back to the capital, pay a visit to the Socerb Castle for a nice Instagram picture.
The most popular cave in Slovenia, is for sure a must see. Postojna, is one of the world largest caves which you can visit by the underground train. You will see the 5m tall white stalagmite which is called the Brilliant. Before departure, make sure you also visit the Predjama Castle. The 800 years old castel is built in the mountain rock - making it the largest cave castle.
Lake Bled is an iconic spot in Slovenia which deserves a few days of your itinerary. Take a boat to visit the little island in the middle of the lake. Make sure you ring the Church bell! The locals say it makes your wish come true :) Also, visit the charming Castle and plan a wine tasting in its cellar.
(Lake Bled by Mircea Adrian: https://pixabay.com/photos/lake-bled-slovenia-mountains-4306536/)
Just a bus ride away is the Vintgar Gorge, it offers a nice hike and beautiful landscape. In some pools is also possible to swim.
Georgia
This country at the border of Europe and Asia, is for sure a hidden gem. It has a very special touch, untouched nature, old architecture and nevertheless, very warm-hearted people. It is a very clean country, and the rules are respected accordingly. There very big fees for instance in Tbilisi if you throw trash on the street or if you do not cross the street on the pedestrian crossing on the green light.
(Tbilisi Sulfur bath: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2014_Tbilisi,_%C5%81a%C5%BAnie_siarkowe_w_Abanotubani_(10).jpg)
Speaking of Tbilisi, the capital can be best viewed from the Narikala Fortress overlooking the city. While in Tbilisi make sure you take a Georgian Sulfur Bath. This traditional bath is a very relaxing treatment, taking place in a historical bathhouse. It also has great effects on skin problems. Some people say that the smell is not bad :)
Go for a short day trip to Mtskheta, one of the oldest Georgian town with a stunning Cathedral in the center. One of the most unique places on Earth is in reach as well, Uplistsikhe. It is a rock-cut town dating to Iron Age.
For a bit more nature visit Borjomi, a town hidden in a valley surrounded by forest. It is popular for its mineral water and springs. From here, go ahead and hike through the forest.
The end
And the list can go on and on for many more pages! I wanted to give 5 examples, but I could not stop and I came up with 10. However I can easily add 10 more. But I keep those for the next Blog.
Let me know in the comments below if any of these are new to you, and if you are interested in seeing them. Also do you know a hidden gem to recommend?
Take care and see the world!
Cited sites:
https://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/comoros/travel-guide/best-time-to-visit
https://theculturetrip.com/africa/rwanda/articles/10-top-outdoor-activities-in-rwanda/
https://www.nyungweforestnationalpark.org/tea-plantation/
https://againstthecompass.com/en/travel-eritrea/#2
https://wander-lush.org/tbilisi-georgia-gulos-thermal-spa-abanotubani-sulfur-bath-review/
https://kazakhstan.travel/publications/en/15/10-must-see-landscapes-in-kazakhstan
https://www.altitude-activities.com/visit-the-church-on-bled-and-ring-the-bell
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bangladesh
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/myanmar/articles/Bagan-Trip-of-a-Lifetime/
https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/guatemala/places
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