These Stunning Countries Are the World's Least Visited
If you are literally sick and tired of seeing billions of tourists on vacation, have no fear, because the United Nations World Tourism Organisation has just revealed the least visited countries in the world.
The nifty little report details which countries around the globe receive the least visitors annually – great news for us travellers who just want to explore somewhere new without the stress of bumping into your fellow human. To avoid such situations, here are 10 fabulous (tourist–free) countries you can discover before the rest of the world cottons on to them.
Liechtenstein, Europe…
Number of visitors per year: 69,000
Why go? Sprawling hills, medieval villages, alpine landscapes, and very, very hidden trails make this small, but fascinating country a real-life fairy tale.
Moldova, Europe…
Number of visitors per year: 121,000
Why go? Moldova is the charm of rural pastures. Moldova is pure monastic life. Moldova is literally the best European retreat for a secluded escape. Go. NOW.
San Marino, Europe…
Number of visitors per year: 60,000
Why go? There are 196 sovereign states in the world and San Marino is the fifth smallest – tiny it may be, but for what it lacks in size, it makes up for in curiosity. Expect vertiginous views and hundreds of castle-ridden hilltops in a land shrouded in enigmatic mystery.
Bhutan, Asia…
Number of visitors per year: 155,000
Why go? A pilgrimage for many travellers. Bhutan is by no means ordinary – in fact, its tundras, bewitching mountainscapes and plethora of beguiling temples make it totally extraordinary. Our advice? Don’t even deliberate booking your tickets.
Bangladesh, Asia…
Number of visitors per year: 125,000
Why go? A country of enchanting cultures, Bangladesh is braided with winding rivers and colourful cities. Dubbed Asia’s ‘greenest jewel’, follow in the footsteps of famous authors, explorers and pioneering travellers in a place that will literally steal your heart.
Timor-Leste, Asia…
Number of visitors per year: 66,000
Why go? Rugged beautiful landscapes, undisturbed (yes, really) beaches, the friendliest people, very few tourists and Instagram porn for days. What more reason do you need to go?
Brunei, Asia…
Number of visitors per year: 219,000
Why go? The picture above. Aside from being picture-perfect, Brunei has oodles to offer, including elaborate, lively mosques, misty, untouched rainforests and some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the world.
Kiribati, Oceania…
Number of visitors per year: 4,000
Why go? Kiribati is a nature lover’s paradise. Whether you’re a keen fisher, surfer or diver, this astonishing country’s patchwork of Pacific stellar reefs, islets and and remote atolls will make you go wild with excitement.
Tuvalu, Oceania…
Number of visitors per year: 2,000
Why go? The approach is a feat for the eyes: Tuvalu is a dazzling smear of turquoise and green that’s ringed with coral that’s so glittering you’ll never want to leave. Forget your own definition of paradise. This place redefines the meaning of the word.
Montserrat, Caribbean…
Number of visitors per year: 9,000
Why go? Remember that song ‘Hot, Hot, Hot’? Well, it was born out of this little carefree island. Oh, and it’s also the home of Air Montserrat, AKA, the famous recording studio founded by Beatles producer Sir George Martin. What’s on offer? A very active volcano. One for the adrenaline junkies, wethinks.
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