Willing to take a bit of risk and go the extra mile? Then turn your attention here.
LESOTHOPlenty of travelers visit South Africa for its wine or beaches. But fewer travelers venture inland to the landlocked country of Lesotho–surrounded on all sides by South Africa. It’s a pity, as Lesotho, with its high altitude and some three hundred days of sun a year, is one of Africa’s finest destinations for adventure travelers. Head to the Tsehlanyane National Park–thick with che-che (old wood)–or go skiing at Oxbow, one of Africa’s few ski resorts.PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID SOUTH, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
EGYPTEgypt is on a “no-go” list for many travelers worried about terrorism or violence but violence against tourists is relatively rare. Many recent attacks have targeted Egypt’s Coptic Christian minority, so travelers can support them by hiring a local for a personalized tour of Coptic Cairo, including the “Hanging Church”–the oldest Christian Church in Egypt–and the pilgrimage site of Abu Serga. Or head to some of the hipster spots in downtown Cairo, such as café-galleries Kunstand Kafein–right down the street from one another in the heart of downtown, before dancing the night away at underground performance space Vent.PHOTOGRAPH BY EMAD ALJUMAH, GETTY IMAGES
MONGOLIAWith its stunning steppes and tradition of raucous hospitality, Mongolia is one of the best destinations on earth for the bold outdoor traveler. Take the legendary Trans-Siberian Express across the country, or make the most of its stunning views by doing what locals do and riding: Horse tours are plentiful (and relatively affordable). Or come during the season of Naadam festivities in June to witness dizzying displays of the three “manly” sports: Archery, horseback riding, and wrestling.PHOTOGRAPH BY YANN ARTHUS-BERTRAND, GETTY IMAGES
TURKEYFrom the string of bombings in Istanbul to the instability along the Syrian border, Turkey has in recent years made more news as a hot spot for danger than as a tourist destination. But despite the spate of negative attention in the international press, Turkey remains a diverse and fascinating destination for travelers. The intrepid should leave behind the bachelor parties and resort towns of the Mediterranean, and head to the far-less-touristed southeast–one of the safest places to experience Kurdish and Syriac culture. In the ancient city of Urfa, one of Turkeys most religiously-conservative cities, you can visit one of Turkey’s most labyrinthine–and elaborate–bazaars, while the nearby city of Mardin–with its sand-colored houses hewn into rock–is the homeland of Syriac-speaking Christians (including many Syriac Christian refugees from across the border). Or participate in a homestay outside Urfa in one of the many Kurdish villages where you can learn to bake flatbread the Kurdish way and prepare traditional dishes.PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES
PHILIPPINESLike many of the countries on our list, the Philippines has withstood terrorist attacks in recent months, and come under justifiable fire from human rights advocates of President Roderigo Duterte’s often-brutal approach to the country’s drug war. But outside the Sulu archipelago–which is under a U.S. government travel warning–the Philippines remains no less safe for travelers than many other destinations worldwide, and the country–so economically reliant on tourist trade–needs visitors. Visit the country’s ice-white beaches, or head inland to stunning places like Banaue and Batan, both on North Luzon–the archipelago’s biggest island–to visit two-thousand-year-old rice terraces–UNESCO World Heritage sites each violently blindingly, green. The local tribes who live around the terraces sustain themselves though tourism–so contribute to the local economy by hiring a hiking guide (around 15 dollars) and participating in homestays, like Ramon’s: where you can spend the night in a traditional Ifugao hut.PHOTOGRAPH BY DIDIER MARTI, GETTY IMAGES
GUYANANestled to the east of Venezuela, north of Brazil, Guyana–one of the smallest countries in South America–is also one of the continent’s most worth visiting. The country receives a mere 3,000 tourists a year, but its stunningly untouched natural landscapes (the country is about 80 percent virgin rain forest). Blending influences from both South America and the Caribbean, Guyana is culturally as well as naturally rich: Head to the capital, Georgetown, to drink rum and listen to Calypso music, or go further afield to the 250-meter high Kaieteur Falls, five times the height of Niagara.PHOTOGRAPH BY PETE OXFORD, MINDEN PICTURES
HAITIHaiti has had a troubled decade. The 2010 earthquake was catastrophic, and the presence of the Zika virus has done little to allay travelers’ concerns. But for travelers willing to engage with the culture–and invest money into the local economy– Haiti is one of the most ecologically and historically fascinating islands in the Carribbean. Head away from the beaches to visit the ruined nineteenth-century palace of Sans-Souci and citadel of Citadelle Laferrière, outside of Milot–home to the first king and queen of Haiti: Built as a symbol of black pride and independence in the aftermath of the revolution against French occupation. Or visit (respectfully!) Saut-D'eau, a waterfall sacred to a number of voudon believers in Haiti because of its associations with the Virign Mary of Mount Carmel and the Voudon Lwa (roughly translated to “spirit”) Erzulie Dantor.PHOTOGRAPH BY NINA DIETZEL, GETTY IMAGES
ARCTIC ALASKAIn the wake of President Trump’s travel bans, the United States has become a less attractive destination to worldwide travelers. There are fewer better places to celebrate the country’s independent spirit than the wilds of Alaska. While many travelers head to the state for the epic national parks, the state also offers opportunities for those interested in cultural exchange, and learning more about native Alaskan history. Take a flight (and dress up warm) to Barrow, Alaska (indigenous name Utqiaġvik), one of the largest Iñupiat Eskimo communities in the area, for insight into Iñupiat culture (go between May and October and the midnight sun never sets). Polar bear sightings occur, but arctic foxes, lemmings, and snowy owls are a sure thing.PHOTOGRAPH BY DESIGN PICS INC/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
KYRGYZSTANWhile East and South Asia are popular destinations for backpackers, the steppes of Central Asia–site of the historic Silk Road, at the crossroads of Asian and Russian culture (much of Central Asia was part of the Soviet Union)–are among the world’s most fascinating cultural destinations: Where you can visit stunning mosques and Silk Road caravanserais in the morning and drink vodka with strangers in the afternoon. While many countries in the region have Byzantine visa requirements, Kyrgyzstan is fairly straightforward to access (it’s visa-free for most countries, including the U.S.). The east of the country–with the glittering alpine lake Issy Kul and the snowcapped Tian Shan mountains–is the best bet for outdoor-loving travelers looking to combine history with dizzying views.PHOTOGRAPH BY MISOKNITL, GETTY IMAGES
MOLDOVAPlenty of Central and Eastern European countries have attracted attention in recent years for their wine trade, from Slovenia to Georgia. But not until recently has Moldova–a tiny landlocked country nestled between Ukraine and Romania–gained international attention for its burgeoning wine trade. The country has about 367,000 acres of vineyard, and produces some 124,200 tons of wine a year. Visit the elaborately-decorated Chateau Cojusna, just outside capital Chisinau, which specializes in dessert wine, or rent a car and drive through the country’s southeast, where you can smaller, family-run vineyards (you may get wine served in repurposed coke bottles), including Et Cetera in Crocmaz.PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MIHAILESCU, AFP/GETTY IMAGES
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