12 Incredible Countries To Visit This Year

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Like many travelers, I definitely have a goal to visit as many countries as I can. Not because I just want to check them off a list. But because I want to see as much of the world as possible. I can guarantee there are some amazing countries out there you haven’t even thought about traveling to. So here are 12 countries to visit this year as recommended by top travel bloggers that you might not have considered.

Some you really need to add to your global travel bucket list. Some that you’ve overlooked because you didn’t think they were your kind of place. Most likely because you’ve only heard of the more touristy parts without really seeing the hidden gems a country has to offer. Keep reading, you might be surprised.

As always please check current travel restrictions not only to any country you want to visit, but including restrictions from your own country. Please only travel when safe to do so and respect all international travel guidelines and recommendations.

Mexico

By Shelley from Travel Mexico Solo

Looking for one of the best countries to visit this year? Look no further than Mexico — a huge country, with everything from historical, colonial cities to some of the most famous tropical beaches in the world. Mexico is also an easy trip because you don’t need a visa and it’s relatively inexpensive.

There are so many options for a Mexico trip, including the Yucatan Peninsula on the eastern side of the country. The peninsula is home to popular places like Cancun (with direct flights from many international cities) and Tulum. But also hidden gems like Merida and Bacalar.

The entire Yucatan Peninsula is considered quite safe, both for driving on a road trip and exploring solo or with a group. In fact, if you’re looking for unspoiled nature, you’re going to want to leave Cancun right away and head south to Bacalar.

Located in the southern part of Quintana Roo state, Bacalar is only about 30 minutes from the Belize border. This pueblo magico (magic town) is famous for its large, freshwater lake, Laguna Bacalar.

The native Mayans call it the Lake of Seven Colors, because they say you can see seven shades of blue in the water. One of the seven shades is crystal clear blue, which has earned Bacalar Lake the nickname, the “Maldives of Mexico.”

After some time in nature, head to the colorful, colonial city of Merida in Yucatan state. Mexico’s 13th largest city is full of beautiful architecture, amazing places to eat and Mayan ruins and cenotes nearby.

Known as the safest city in Mexico, Merida offers a way to explore historic Mexico while also having all the modern conveniences. With its proximity to Cancun and Tulum, yet offering visitors a much more cultural experience, Merida will only remain a hidden gem for a few more years.

Ecuador

By Carley from Home to Havana

While many travelers are drawn to Ecuador to visit the Galapagos Islands, overlooking mainland Ecuador is a major mistake. It is easily one of the most beautiful and diverse corners of Latin America. Ecuador truly has it all, packed into just a small area. Beautiful coastline with pristine beaches, the Amazon rainforest, and the soaring Andes mountains make for an incredibly diverse travel experience.

Quito is easily the gem of Ecuador’s cities, with one of the largest and best-preserved colonial centers in Latin America. Wedged in a valley and surrounded by volcanoes, it also has some of the most picturesque landscapes.

Take a trip up the side of the Pichincha volcano on the TeleferiQo cable car for the best view of the valley and surrounding mountains. Or climb to the top of the Basilica del Voto Nacional for an unmissable city view. If you’re looking for a quaint and homey place to stay, Café Cultura will not disappoint, located in one of the city’s most lively neighborhoods.

A trip to Ecuador is not complete without experiencing the country’s natural beauty. Just a few hours outside of Quito, visit Mindo, Ecuador to experience the country’s unique cloud forest ecosystem filled with diversity – you’ll see countless butterflies and hummingbirds.

Mindo is great for relaxing and enjoying the peace of the jungle, while also experiencing one of Ecuador’s adventure sport capitals. Favorite excursions include rappelling down waterfalls, tubing on the river, and ziplining over the forest canopy. Plus, there are some incredible waterfall hikes and routes through the forest for hikers with all levels of experience.

Malta

By Supal from Supal Desai Travel & Lifestyle

If you’re a history buff, then one of the best countries to visit this year is Malta! Malta’s rich history dates back to 5900BC. From Ancient History through the Middle Ages and up until Independence, Malta has played a pivotal role because of its location and access to different trade routes. The various civilizations left marks on the three islands that make up Malta’s rich culture and identity. And they’re definitely worth a visit!  

Visiting the city of Valletta is a must see. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been conquered and ruled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and the Order of the Knights of St. John. There are plenty of remains in the city from those various periods! Mdina is the former capital of Malta during the Middle Ages, but the Order moved the capital to Valletta to stay close to their ships.

You can find lots of charming streets, quiet gardens, and lots of ancient remains. Don’t miss out on dinner at The Medina Restaurant known for its local ingredients and traditional recipes! The third city to visit would be Rabat, known for its historical remains like the Roman Villa archaeological site from the 1st-century BC. The Roman Villa houses the most beautiful mosaics in the world.

If you’re not much of a history enthusiast, Malta has plenty of relaxing beaches and water activities! It’s a place for everyone to enjoy. My travel tip would be to rent a car and explore the different towns and cities on your own. Malta is charming, beautiful, and amazing weather all year round!

Hungary

By Cris from LooknWalk

Land-locked in Central Europe, Hungary is full of awesome things to do. Unfortunately, as happens to most countries, people flock to the capital, forgetting all about the smaller gems. That’s certainly true for Hungary. Especially because its capital, Budapest, is somewhere that should be on everyone’s bucket list. It not only offers plenty of things to do, but it’s the best base to explore the rest of Hungary.

Allow at least 2-3 days in the capital. Dedicate one day to the Pest side, with the superb Parliament, Grand Central Market, St. Istvan Cathedral, vast Heroes Square, and charming Vajdahunyad Castle. Another day, explore the Buda side. The Buda Castle district will keep you busy for a while. Visit the museums or just walk the scenic neighborhoods. Nearby, the Citadella atop Gellért Hill offers stunning views of the Pest side.

There are many places to visit as day trips from Budapest. Szentendre is the closest. Just an hour away by HEV, or you can bike along the lane that skirts the Danube. The small village is superb and offers unique places to explore like the Marzipan Museum. Also close by, but this time by train, is Eger. Well-known for its wines and castle, it can easily be visited in a day or a long weekend.

Esztergom is equally charming and home to a stunning cathedral and castle. Closer to the Romanian border are Gyula, Szeged, and Békéscsaba. All small enough to check out in a day, but also offering plenty if you stick around for longer. And if you’re craving some sand and water, head to Lake Balaton. Resorts, and villages like Balatonfüred and Siófok, the most well-known, dot it so you have plenty of choices.

South Korea

By Hazel from Hazy Wanders

South Korea might not be on your top list of countries to visit this year, but there are many reasons to consider this Asian country as your next vacation spot. Dubbed as the “Land of Morning Calm,” enjoy the tranquility brought upon by the stunning landscapes, clear waters, and fresh air, especially in the morning.

You may also know South Korea because of their mainstream K-Pop culture, trendy Korean fashion, and most likely, and delicious food like kimchi (fermented vegetables) and bulgogi (marinated beef barbecue). But there’s more to South Korea than that. 

I highly recommend visiting the different Korean Palaces in Seoul to get a glimpse of South Korea’s rich history. If you’re pressed for time, you can opt to go to the top 3 palaces, namely, Gyeongbokgung Palace (largest of all and is said to be the most beautiful), Changdeokgung Palace, and Deoksugung Palace. There you will appreciate how South Korea has been able to maintain its historic landmarks and preserve their history for future generations to experience.

After soaking in the rich history of Seoul, your next stop should be Namsan Seoul Tower aka “N Seoul Tower.” This iconic building is the second-highest point in Seoul, making it the perfect spot to view the breathtaking Korean cityscape! Many tourists, especially couples, flock the viewing deck on the rooftop to hang padlocks on the tower’s fence. It gained the name “Love Locks” or “Lock of Love” and many believe that hanging padlocks would grant them eternal love.  

Excited to learn more about South Korea? You can read more about the 10 fun things you can do in South Korea and start planning your trip today!

Honduras

By Taryn from Chasing Trail

Roatan Island, the largest of Honduras’ three Bay Islands off the northern coast, should be at the top of your list of countries to visit this year. It’s an idyllic Caribbean island, but often gets overshadowed by its wildly popular neighbors. 

Thanks to its lesser-known status and more tucked-away location, Roatan is far less crowded and more affordable than other Caribbean destinations. Don’t be fooled though, Roatan is absolutely spectacular. The small island, just five miles wide and 30 miles long, checks all the proverbial “dreamy tropical vacation” boxes. Pristine beaches, impossibly blue and crystal-clear seas, delicious food and drinks, and incredibly laid-back, welcoming locals.

Roatan is also considered one of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. It’s home to the 700-mile-long Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef on earth. Roatan itself is one of the highest peaks of an enormous underwater mountain range known as the Bonacca Ridge. The ridge combined with the Mesoamerican Reef creates geographical diversity not found anywhere else. 

Aside from the dizzying number of fish and marine life species that live in Roatan’s warm, calm waters, the natural rock and coral formations in the ocean are breathtaking. Then there are several shipwrecks, including the 300-foot-long Odyssey, one of the biggest and most storied Caribbean wreck sites.

Visitors who prefer land will find plenty to do in Roatan as well. The island’s lush rainforests provide endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, zipline tours, and horseback riding. There are also several nature preserves and parks, including Manawakie Eco Nature Park. Here you can interact with sloths, macaws, capuchin monkeys, and other exotic animals.

Now you know about the Caribbean’s best-kept secret, the only decision necessary is when to visit!

Georgia

By Emily from Wander-Lush

If you’re looking for a travel destination that offers wide open spaces and immersive cultural experiences, then the Republic of Georgia should absolutely be at the top of your list of countries to visit this year.

This small country in the South Caucasus boasts the world’s oldest wine culture, incredible alpine hiking, and a fascinating history that spans medieval kingdoms to the Soviet Union. I visited Georgia several times before I eventually decided to move to Tbilisi, the capital city. This country has a way of pulling you back. Georgia is budget-friendly and despite becoming more popular in recent years, it still has a wonderful off-the-beaten-track feel to it. Especially outside of summer high season.

Every good Georgia itinerary starts in Tbilisi. Wander the streets of the charming Old Town and be transported back to Silk Road days when Tbilisi was a merchant hub for traders moving between Asia and Europe. Soak in the hammam-style sulfur baths, eat copious amounts of khachapuri (‘cheese bread’) and khinkali (‘soup dumplings’), and indulge in Georgian qvevri wine.

After Tbilisi, head to the Greater Caucasus for mountain trekking, visit Batumi on the Black Sea, drive the Wine Route through Kakheti – or explore any of the other diverse regions.

The thing that makes a trip to Georgia so memorable is the hospitality. Guests are seen as gifts from God. Everywhere you go, be prepared to be greeted with a warm welcome, a hot home-cooked meal and a bottomless glass of home-made wine. If you need to lift your spirits after the year that was, a trip to Georgia will have you soaring.

St Lucia

By Andrea from BeaUTAHful World

Getting the itch to travel again? St Lucia is one of the best countries to visit this year. With appropriate restrictions in place, St Lucia has been slowly opening for travel throughout 2020. To keep visitors safe, hotels and excursions have to be COVID-19 certified by the government to ensure cleanliness and effective social distancing.

St Lucia is an incredibly special island. The locals are proud, friendly, and welcoming to tourists. There are also a variety of activities on the island. Some of these include horseback riding, hiking, sailing, visiting a volcano or a national park, as well as relaxing by the pool or beach. Check out this post for the ultimate St Lucia travel itinerary.

There are many very nice resorts in St Lucia. The Sandals Grande St Lucian is located on the north side of the island. This resort is all-inclusive with many on-site amenities. There are several restaurants, daily shows, multiple pools, and an expansive beach.

The Caille Blanc is located on the southwest side of the island and has a great view of the pitons. It also has 5 private villas, and feels much more secluded. It has its own small rocky beach and you can opt for a meal plan, although it is not all-inclusive. Where you stay should depend on the activities you plan to do while visiting. Overall, St Lucia is a country you should visit as you get back to traveling in 2021.

Scotland

By Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Scotland was voted the world’s most beautiful country in 2017 and not without reason. The rich culture and history that this incredible place has to offer combined with the stunning scenery and nature make it one of the must-see countries to visit this year.

Scotland is very different from the rest of the UK with its unique traditions and distinct dialect. The weather is usually quite cold, especially in the winter months so make sure to pack warm and weatherproof clothing.

Scotland is home to historic architecture, incredible beaches and fascinating wildlife. Head to Edinburgh for some of the most beautiful spots around including castles and little alleyways. Of course, no trip to Scotland is complete without seeing Loch Ness, home of the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

Not many people know that Scotland actually has many white-sand beaches with crystal clear waters. Although they might be a bit too cold for swimming, these incredible spots should be high on your to-do list when visiting the country. Calgary Bay, which looks like it should be somewhere in the Caribbean, is one of the most famous ones.

Scotland is the perfect place for a road trip. You’ll love the many hiking trails in the Cairngorm mountains or the busy streets of cities like Glasgow or Aberdeen. There is so much to see in Scotland you’ll want to come back for more. Not sure what to pack on your trip to Scotland? Here are 19 things that every traveller needs.

Japan

By Matilda from The Travel Sisters

Japan is one of the most interesting and unique countries I have traveled to. There are many reasons to visit Japan including the delicious food and its fascinating culture (which is a mix of modern and traditional). So don’t wait to start planning a trip to Japan.

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is full of quirky and unique attractions. One place not to miss is Shibuya Crossing, which is famous for being the world’s busiest intersection. If you enjoy unique experiences, check out one of Tokyo’s many themed cafes and restaurants, like the famous Robot Restaurant, or drive a go-kart through the streets dressed in a superhero costume.

Watch a kabuki performance or sumo wrestling to experience traditional Japanese culture. I recommend visiting the fish market for super fresh sushi.

Kyoto is another city that should be on any Japan itinerary. The historical city, full of temples, shrines, gardens and traditional wooden houses, is the best place in Japan to spot geishas. If possible try to stay at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for an authentic cultural experience.

While Japan is most well known for its amazing cities, the country is also full of natural beauty. Especially if you can see the beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring or colorful leaves in autumn.

Albania

By Katy from The Balkans and Beyond

Albania is a country situated in the southeast of geographical Europe. Just a hop over the water from Italy and Greece, we know relatively little about this mysterious country. But there are many reasons why Albania is one of the countries to visit this year: fascinating cities, spectacular countryside and friendly locals, to name a few.

Tirana is a great first stop for those eager to explore Albania. A stroll through the streets provides an unusual blend of architecture and culture from past and present, East and West. As far as European cities go, Tirana has remained relatively undiscovered by tourists and still has a rather mysterious reputation. Now, many airlines fly to Tirana International Airport from Europe and the city is an easy taxi ride from there.

There’s so much to do in Tirana and it’s also an excellent base to discover more of Albania. Travel north to beautiful Shkoder and the Albanian Alps to hike some incredible trails and explore the dramatic countryside.

Saranda is another popular destination in Albania. This port city in the south is only a 30 minute ferry from the Greek Island of Corfu. The coastline is crammed with beautiful white, sandy beaches and picturesque islands.

Not far from the city is Butrint National Park. This ruined civilization holds thousands of years of Albania’s secrets. Trace the steps of ancients through roman baths, amphitheatres, an acropolis dating back to the 8th Century BC and a relatively complete basilica from the 6th century.

When in Albania, make sure you try the byrek – a delicious pastry dish – and some of the strong local coffee. Albania is an incredible country that is finally coming out of its shell. It’s Europe, but not as you know it!

Canada

I can’t end the list of countries to visit this year without talking about my own, Canada. There are so many great reasons to visit, but the number one reason has to be just how beautiful Canada is. Canada is home to some of the most outrageously gorgeous scenery you’ll ever see. The Canadian Rockies is a big part of that. Located in Alberta, Banff National Park is one of the most incredible places. Full of mountain peaks and the bluest lakes you’ve ever seen.

But Canada isn’t just about the mountains. With a country that spans from the Atlantic to the Pacific there are spectacular rugged coastlines and sandy beaches. Spend time lighthouse spotting in the Maritime provinces, or relax on a beach in Vancouver.

If you make it to Western Canada make sure to visit Vancouver Island. Rent a car and drive the island, checking out the small towns and hidden gems of the west coast. Ucluelet is one of my favorites, but Telegraph Cove and Port Hardy are worth the trip if you have the time.

Canada has some first rate cities too. Like my home, Vancouver, with its mountain backdrop, ocean views and so many green spaces. Or big city Toronto, home to the only Canadian MLB and NBA teams (the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors). Want something a little more historic and European? Keep heading east to Montreal and Quebec City. Whether you crave city, mountains, oceans or anything in between, Canada is the place for you.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Where’s on your list of countries to visit this year?