Depending on your level of travel obsession, some destinations might be completely off your radar. If you need inspiration for your next getaway but want to visit a place you might not have considered before, here are seven awesome options to choose from…
1. Riga, Latvia
Why you should visit: With its endless forests and eco-conscious reputation, Latvia is one of the world’s greenest countries — and one of Europe’s most underrated. Its capital Riga is the biggest city in the Baltics and home to more than 800 Art Nouveau buildings that dominate the architectural landscape. For travelers on a shoestring budget, it’s an easy choice.
2. Quito, Ecuador
Why you should visit: Sitting high up in the Andes at 2,850 meters above sea level, Quito makes an excellent jumping off point to many of Ecuador’s most popular attractions, including the Galápagos Islands and the Amazon. Quito’s historical district is considered to be the best preserved in Latin America — it was also the first city in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Why you should visit: Namibia provides visitors with one of the best road-trip destinations on the planet, with vast natural landscapes to be explored. This southern African country has a huge diversity of wildlife on showcase, and Etosha National Park is one of the best places to witness nature at its finest.
4. Yucatán, Mexico
Why you should visit: Mexico has long been a playground for North Americans, boasting beautiful stretches of coastline, an incredible food culture and rich historical treasures. One of the country’s most famous is the Chichen Itza pyramid in the Yucatán state — this symbol of the powerful Mayan empire has beenn named one of the New 7 Wonders of The World.
5. Vientiane, Laos
Why you should visit: Most people bypass Laos for its more popular neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, but being one of the least visited countries in Southeast Asia is also its biggest strength. The French-influenced capital of Vientiane still gives off small-town vibes, while backpackers looking for adventure can head out to the jungles of Van Vieng.
6. Albanian Riviera
Why you should visit: Most people couldn’t locate Albania on a map (it sits between Montenegro and Greece), but this misunderstood country has a reputation for being one of the friendliest places you can visit. The Riviera boasts some of Europe’s best beaches with gorgeous blue waters — it’s also one of the most affordable destinations on the continent.
7. Split, Croatia
Why you should visit: In recent years Croatia has become a must-visit destination (it was featured extensively on Game of Thrones.) Its second largest city Split is home to the stunning 1,700 year-old Diocletian’s Palace and other archaeological gems. If you’ve overlooked Croatia in the past, it’s time to add it to your travel bucket list.