In general, when a tourist destination is highly visited, it is because it offers the best opportunities for the traveler : good services, first class service, optimal transport routes, delicious food and historical relevance, among many other things.
While it is true that traveling is an investment of time / money and that it does not seem like a good idea to lose the opportunity is an unpleasant trip, many times we lose the opportunity to discover unique tourist paradises by always betting it safe.
Around the globe there are fabulous places to which it has never occurred to you to travel. So free yourself from prejudice and give these 10 little-visited tourist destinations a try.
The 10 least visited places
1. Dominica
Why is it not popular?
Despite its beautiful Caribbean beauty, accessing the Dominican Republic has its complications. It only has two airports, and none of them is capable of receiving but commercial aircraft. Unless you have a private jet, reaching this destination will not be entirely easy.
Because it’s worth it?
Its attributes and natural beauty are by themselves a compelling reason to visit this incredible paradise of sun and sand. Dominica has an immense number of parks and nature reserves, as well as volcanoes and beautiful hot springs, the largest in the world after New Zealand.
2. East Timor
Why is it not popular?
That place is close to, ahm… You have no idea? Do not worry. East Timor is one of those infrequent traveler destinations that hardly anyone knows about. That’s because there aren’t many airlines around the world that fly there.
Because it’s worth it?
It is a hidden gem. Despite being little known, it has incredible attractions and activities that would make any tourist dance on one foot, such as diving.
It has been classified by those who practice it as a “first class” experience, and the contact with nature in this place is first-hand.
Put aside the pretensions of large luxury hotel chains and venture to sleep a night in the open air or in a rented cabin.
3. Central African Republic
Why is it not popular?
Due to the political and social tensions of this portion of African land, this is one of the least visited tourist destinations in the entire world. With a civil war underway, many may not be tempted by this wonderful natural paradise.
Because it’s worth it?
The opportunity for cultural exchange is unique. After all, you won’t find pygmy villages anywhere, right? In addition, visits to nature reserves and interaction with exotic animal species make a trip to this place really worth it.
4. Guinea
Why is it not popular?
As in the case of many tourist destinations that are little visited, access to this beautiful and exuberant country is not easy. Some airlines around the world travel to Conakry, the capital of Guinea, but it is not a common offer. Also, tourists are unlikely to enjoy reading about the constant outbreaks of Ebola in this area.
Because it’s worth it?
As there is nothing that a vaccine cannot prevent, Guinea remains an interesting destination that no one should underestimate. Sunsets like the ones you can see on its beaches are an unforgettable experience. In addition, you can enjoy fresh meat or fish and a cold, brown bottle of Guiluxe, the local beer.
5. Sierra Leone
Why is it not popular?
Accessing Sierra Leone can be a – terrible, dark and even dangerous – adventure. The only way to get there is through rough seas or by the occasional plane from the capital, Freetown. And yes, again Ebola is something you need to worry about.
Because it’s worth it?
The diversity of landscapes and cultures that converge in this land of mountains makes the bumpy journey and the jab of the vaccine worth it. In addition, it has a pleasant temperature that ranges between 24 and 30 degrees and, luckily for most, English is the official language.
6. Solomon Islands
Why is it not popular?
Being so close and competing in tourist attention with its neighbors, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia and Australia, it is not an easy contest. Malaria is also a serious problem in this rare tourist destination.
Because it’s worth it?
You can choose what kind of adventure to have: on the beach, in the tropical jungle with waterfalls, in volcanoes, in lagoons … there is an environment for all tastes. In addition, it has an incredible offer of fish in local markets in the capital, Honiara.
The fishmongers, in turn, supply the best and freshest cuts instantly, so as not to miss a bit of the flavor of the sea.
If you are a flower lover, this is a place that you cannot miss, as it has more than 230 different types of flowers, spread over its approximately 900 islands.
7. Afghanistan
Why is it not popular?
It is more than certain that no tourist wants to be involved in the middle of a bombing or end up in a concentration camp. That is one of the strong disadvantages facing Afghanistan. That is why it is not a destination suitable for the faint of heart.
Because it’s worth it?
It has beautiful mountains, distant landscapes, wonderful people and a deep and interesting national history. This combination of gold makes all the dangers that you can run in this piece of the Orient worth it. Who knows? You may even want to take a genuine pair of burqas with you on your return to the West.
8. Libya
Why is it not popular?
Certainly living in the past is nonsense. Gadaffi has disappeared and Libya seeks to be reborn from its ashes, but it still lives on much of the legacy of this famous character in world history through the bombings and attacks on the embassy. Furthermore, after the 2014 terrorist attacks, Tripoli International Airport closed its doors. This also weighed for tourism in this now very unpopular destination with tourists .
Because it’s worth it?
All you have to do is land in Libya to obtain a visa. It’s that easy, instantly, just by arriving. In addition, this destination has a lot of beauty and culture to offer. However, it is wise to wait until political tensions subside a bit.
9. Somalia
Why is it not popular?
Political tensions abound across much of the African continent, and Somalia is no exception. The war, the lack of a stable government for years, violent extremists and Sharia law have scared off a good part of the international tourists who used to visit this destination.
Because it’s worth it?
Its capital, Mogadishu, is currently considered relatively safe, so many entrepreneurs have taken the opportunity to open – or reopen – their businesses in that city. In addition, betting on tourism growth, various tourism companies are offering tourists personal invitations to easily obtain their visas and guided tours with armed security groups.
10. Nauru
Why is it not popular?
You would have to think twice to talk about this little-visited tourist destination as a place you would like to travel to. Or at least do some research. Many people do not even know of the existence of this country, much less that it offers tourist possibilities.
With only 10,000 inhabitants and 21 square kilometers, Naurú is one of the smallest, least populated and least visited countries in the world, having only 160 tourists a year .
Can you even have a party there? That would be complicated, as the nightlife is almost non-existent. In addition, Naurú does not have a fully defined capital. Yet Yaren – the largest town – half serves as one.
Because it’s worth it?
Think about it! It is the least visited country in the world. Everyone will want to hear your anecdotes when they return.
References
- Garfors, G. The 25 least-visited countries in the world, for Business Insider [Revised June 2017].
