14 Unique Countries That Americans Should Visit At Least Once In A Lifetime

Most Americans stick to popular destinations like Italy or France, but there’s so much more to see in the world. Here are some popular tourist destinations that deserve every bit of attention from Americans and the world:

Panama, Central America

Typically overshadowed by its Central American neighbors like Costa Rica, Panama offers lush rainforests, gorgeous canals, stunning beaches, and cloud forests. The country has an electric nightlife and rich cuisine, minus the crowd you’d find elsewhere.

Montenegro, Balkans

Montenegro’s small size and proximity to popular destinations like Croatia and Greece explain why we rarely hear about it. The country offers the best of the Adriatic Sea, including the UNESCO site of the Bay of Kotor, Durmitor National Park, and glacial lakes.

Nepal, South Asia

Ditch the flight to India and travel to Nepal, where breathtaking mountain views, a rich culture, and beautiful hospitality overtake the scene. Nepal’s land-locked status reduces tourist traffic, making it even more enjoyable and safer for foreigners.

Laos, Southeast Asia

A landlocked gem, Laos doesn’t get the tourist traffic it deserves. The country has stunning temples, gushing waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes. Tourists will also love the Plain of Jars’ archeological site and the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang.

Estonia, Europe

Estonia lost considerable attention to its Baltic neighbors, but this European gem boasts cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and picturesque islands. It also hosts the Song Festival, a popular choral event that happens every five years in July.

Uruguay, South America

Although this little country is often overshadowed by nations like Brazil, it makes up for it by offering tourists crowd-free access to pristine beaches along the Atlantic coast. It also boasts a rich nightlife and Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Georgia, Europe-Asia

Sandwiched between rocky nations, Georgia typically flies under the radar, but the country boasts an unimaginable landscape, including the Black Sea coast and the Caucasus mountains. The capital, Tbilisi, even offers mind-blowing architectural gems.

Colombia, South America

Massively underrepresented in the media, Colombia doesn’t fall on your typical fly list, but the destination will make you rethink. Colombia hosts part of the Amazon, Andes Mountains, and stunning coastal Caribbean destinations, making it a gem for naturalists.

Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan keeps to itself, so most tourists don’t consider visiting there. But you’ll find Soviet-era architecture, bustling markets, and breathtaking scenery here. You can even see the Tien-Shan Mountains or spend the night in yurts over Lake Issyk-Kul.

Jordan, Middle East

One visit to Jordan will make American tourists forget Morocco. The country offers ancient wonders like the Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum. Tourists will also love Jordan’s laidback environment and vibrant markets.

Tasmania, Australia

Most tourists think Australia is just about Sydney and Melbourne, but they often overlook the beautiful state of Tasmania. It is not a country, but it remains far away from the rest of Australia and is worth a visit for its numerous attractions, such as the Port Arthur Historic Site, Freycinet National Park, Salamanca Market, and many others.

Finland, Europe

Finland is frequently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. But that’s not the only reason to visit. People who frequently visit Iceland often miss out on Finland, which offers magical views of the Northern Lights. You should also visit Suomenlinna, a World Heritage fortress featuring stunning landscapes.

Pakistan, South Asia

From the snow-capped peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan to rich historical sites like Mohenjo-Daro, Pakistan is home to stunning locations. Visitors are surprised by its diverse landscapes and the unparalleled hospitality of its people, making it a wonderful destination for those seeking adventure and mingling with locals.

Argentina, South America

Argentina is a lesser-known destination that is home to the majestic Patagonia and the surreal Iguazú Falls. Its vibrant culture and picture-perfect landscapes make it an ideal destination to visit at least once a lifetime.