When you decide to vacation in a country that is unpopular with tourists, think about why this country is so famous. If you are not afraid of the possibility of a military conflict, the likelihood of contracting tropical infections, or simply the underdevelopment of the tourism infrastructure, then get ready for new discoveries! Here’s a list of five off-the-beaten-track countries worth visiting.
1. Kiribati
Reasons for unpopularity among tourists:
— Hotel service is not developed;
— Inaccessibility;
— Poor air connections.
The Republic of Kiribati is made up of 33 islands in the Pacific Ocean (on the map). A real paradise for lovers of diving, surfing and beach holidays. The islands are surrounded by large coral reefs of incredible beauty, home to hundreds of different species of fish. Unfortunately, due to rising water levels in the world’s oceans, these islands are at risk of being flooded soon. If you dream of visiting Kiribati, don’t hesitate.
How to get there: there are two ways, in both cases you will have transit through Australia and another connecting airport. The first route runs through the island of Fiji. Fiji Airways operates one flight per week from Fiji to the capital of Kiribati, South Tarawa. The same airline can fly you to Fiji from Australia.
The second way is through the island of Nauru. Air Pacific has four scheduled flights between Nauru and Australia. And the local company Air Kiribati will help you move between the islands.
2. Sao Tome and Principe
Reasons for unpopularity among tourists:
— There is a risk of malaria, tetanus and other tropical diseases.
Sao Tome and Principe is a state in Central Africa, consisting of two small islands of volcanic origin (on the map). This country is considered one of the most prosperous in Africa.
Sao Tome and Principe is an excellent place for those who dreamed of traveling through a real jungle, while having the opportunity to spend the night in a hotel with a European level of service.
How to get there: Every Thursday, a flight departs from Lisbon to Sao Tome and Principe, operated by TAP Protugal. Regular flights depart from Gabon and Angola.
3. Sierra Leone
Reasons for unpopularity among tourists:
— One of the three poorest countries in the world;
— The tourism business is poorly developed;
— The city’s infrastructure has not been fully restored after a series of military conflicts.
Beach holidays, the unique Takugama Nature Reserve (on the map) and national parks – this is what awaits tourists who visit Sierra Leone (on the map).
The beaches in the country are truly extraordinary: white sand, wide shores and pristine purity. You don’t see this very often today. If you get bored with a beach holiday, you have the opportunity to visit several local tribes with experienced guides, look at the life and traditions of the aborigines and buy rare souvenirs.
How to get there: the capital of Sierra Leone, Freetown, can be reached from Moscow, transiting through London. Flights are operated by British Airways and Sierre National Airlines.
4. East Timor
Reasons for unpopularity among tourists:
— The economy never recovered after the 1976–1999 civil war;
— In 2006–2007, there were armed riots in the country.
In the 15th–17th centuries people came here for sandalwood and vanilla; today East Timor (on the map) attracts travelers with its untouched nature and the color of small villages in the middle of the jungle. There are ideal natural conditions for diving, mountain hiking and motorcycle riding.
How to get there: East Timor’s capital Dili can be reached by regular flights from Singapore, Indonesia and Australia.
5. Antarctica
Reasons for unpopularity among tourists:
— Inaccessibility;
— High cost of travel;
— Tourist infrastructure is not developed;
— Harsh climate.
Antarctica is perhaps the best place to get away from tourists. It’s not for nothing that it is called the territory of temperature limits and human capabilities. Being here is like climbing Everest; The fact itself is important here. Eternal ice, ice caves, icebergs and penguins are a pleasant bonus to a not so easy journey.
How to get there: the first way is to get on the ship “Akademik Fedorov” and go on a long journey of 1.5 months with polar explorers. This journey is sure to be its own adventure, and the ship also makes stops in Germany and South Africa.
You can also get to Antarctica by plane. From St. Petersburg to Cape Town in South Africa. Planes fly from Cape Town to Novolazarevskaya station, which is located in Antarctica; there can be about 12.
such flights per year
We advise all lovers of solitude and untouched nature to read this article.