As the new year begins, travel enthusiasts are already planning their next adventure. To ensure smooth and easy travel, creating a travel calendar for the year in advance is highly beneficial, as it reduces the stress of last-minute bookings and high prices.
If you are looking to explore unique and offbeat destinations in 2024, consider these countries that offer a blend of culture, nature, and special experiences.
Take a look at five of the least-visited countries below-
- Kiribati, Oceania: Kiribati is a beautiful island country in the central Pacific Ocean. It consists of the Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line Islands, each offering unique attractions. The capital city Tarawa is known for its diverse marine life and stunning beaches while Abaiang Atoll and Teirio Island are hidden gems with golden sands. Enjoy fishing at Kiritimati Island, explore World War II sites on the Gilbert Islands, and discover the rich seabird life on the Phoenix Islands. Fanning Island is perfect for surfing, and the Gilbert Islands offer spectacular atolls for scuba diving.
- Liechtenstein, Western Europe: Liechtenstein is a small German-speaking state located in the heart of the Alps between Austria and Switzerland. It is the sixth smallest nation in the world, celebrated for its stunning landscapes, castles, and art. In winter, people here love to ski, while summer visitors enjoy mountain climbing and exploring monuments. Must-visit spots include Gutenberg Castle in Balzers, Vaduz Castle in the capital, Vaduz, and the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein for contemporary art. Take a Citytrain tour in Vaduz, try skiing in Malbun, and hike the historical Eschnerberg Trail for scenic beauty.
- Tajikistan, Central Asia: Tajikistan is not as well-known as its neighbours, like China, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan. However, it offers beautiful landscapes without the crowds. Tajikistan holds historical significance as it connects the West to the East along the iconic Silk Road. Key attractions include Rudaki Park, the National Museum of Tajikistan, Ayni Opera House, Iskanderkul, Hisor Fortress, The Ismaili Centre, and the vibrant city of Dushanbe.
- Timor-Leste, Southeast Asia: Timor-Leste is also known as East Timor and is located in Southeast Asia. Formerly a Portuguese colony, it gained independence in 2002 and is situated at the end of the Coral Triangle. If you are planning to visit, the country offers some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Diving enthusiasts can explore captivating local reefs while markets, churches, and the Cristo Rei Statue offer one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets. Top things to do here include visiting the Archives & Museum of East Timorese Resistance, Cristo Rei, Tatamailau, Jaco Island, Arte Moris, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and the Church of Saint Anthony of Motael.
- Mongolia: Mongolia is bordered by Russia and China. It is a landlocked country located in East Asia. The capital city of Ulaanbaatar offers a unique opportunity to explore Mongolian culture by visiting monasteries and museums. To experience the local way of life, you can opt to stay in a traditional Mongolian ger or yurt. Nomadic families living in the countryside welcome travellers into their homes or you can also live in tourist ger camps for a yurt-living experience. Some of the top places to visit in the country include Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Ulaanbaatar, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, Erdene Zuu Monastery, and the Gobi Desert.
