5 Underrated Countries You Need To Visit Before They Become Popular (Part 2)

Let’s be honest, a lot of Central America shares similar landscapes and charming towns. That’s why it baffles me when people pay triple the price to visit Costa Rica when they could experience just as much—if not more—elsewhere in the region.

Nicaragua is an amazing, yet often overlooked, destination. It offers everything you might be looking in a Central America trip for at a fraction of the cost. Want to visit one of the most active volcanoes in the world? Head to Masaya. Looking for a beach party town? San Juan del Sur has you covered. Dreaming of pristine beaches and waterfalls on an island? Ometepe awaits. If you’re into colonial architecture, Granada and León will steal your heart. Nicaragua truly has it all, and it’s a wonder more people haven’t caught on yet.

Kyrgyzstan is very high on my favorite places list. I visited in 2022 and ended up staying longer than planned while waiting for my Uzbek visa. It turned out to be one of the best “delays” I’ve ever experienced.

From unlimited data plans for less than $6 to hour-long taxi rides for $8.50, and massive bags of organic nuts for under $2, Kyrgyzstan consistently left me in awe of its affordability. While Bishkek, the capital, might not be the most exciting place, the rest of the country is absolutely stunning. The mountains of Central Asia are unparalleled, making Kyrgyzstan a top destination for breathtaking hikes and budget-friendly skiing. The country also boasts Issyk-Kul, the second-largest mountain lake in the world, amazing canyons, and cities like Osh, rich in history and culture. I can’t stress enough how cool this country is, and I can’t wait to return, especially to hit the slopes in Karakol.

Ah, Mozambique. If I spoke Portuguese, I would seriously consider moving here for a few years. It’s a mystery to me why the country isn’t as popular as destinations like Zanzibar.

Mozambique’s coastline is nothing short of spectacular. Vilanculos offers beautiful dunes and lovely islands like Bazaruto, while Tofo is a lively beach town perfect for partying. The diversity of marine life here is incredible—hundreds of starfish, seahorses, sand dollars, and turtles make it a snorkeling and diving paradise. Beyond the beaches, the capital city of Maputo is a gem with its stunning train station, waterfront views, vibrant nightlife, and walkable streets. And if you’re craving a classic African safari, Mozambique borders Kruger National Park in South Africa, which is easily accessible by car.

The only downside? The ocean is to the east, meaning you won’t see the sun set over the water—but that just gives you a reason to wake up early and catch some of the most magnificent sunrises you’ll ever see.

Algeria is one of the most underrated countries I’ve visited, though it’s true that getting there isn’t as straightforward as with other North African destinations. The visa process is more cumbersome and expensive, but trust me, it’s worth it.

In my opinion, Algiers, the capital, is the most beautiful and organized capital city I’ve seen in North Africa, and it’s home to some of the most moving museums I’ve ever visited. I highly recommend learning about Algeria’s fight for independence—it’s both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Outside of Algiers, my favorite city was Constantine, known as the “City of Bridges.” It’s a breathtaking city built around hills and valleys, connected by some of the most impressive bridges I’ve ever seen. Algeria is also a fantastic destination for exploring Roman ruins without the hefty price tag of Italy. Cities like Tipaza, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer stunning archaeological parks along the Mediterranean coastline. And don’t forget the Sahara—Algeria has the largest expanse of the iconic desert. If you’ve been skipping Algeria on your North African adventures, it’s time to add it to your list.

The Balkans have been gaining popularity in recent years, and this was evident from the construction boom I noticed along the Southern Albanian coastline when I visited in 2023. I guess Albania isn’t exactly “underrated” anymore, especially in the summer when tourists flood the beaches. But visit in the spring, and it’s a completely different story.

I visited Albania and Kosovo in late early April to escape the cold English spring, and it was the best decision I could have made. The spring weather in the Balkans is perfect—pleasantly warm without the oppressive summer heat. The lack of tourists meant that prices were slashed, and I had places like the Albanian Riviera practically to myself. Resorts that charge hundreds in the summer were empty, and I could explore their private beaches for free. You get to enjoy the same stunning Mediterranean waters as Greece, but at a fraction of the cost. Besides the beaches, there are lovely mountain towns like Gjirokastër and Berat, perfect for diversifying your holiday experience. In all the hostels I stayed at, I was usually the only person in my room. I also remember when I was leaving, all the Albanians that worked in tourism told me that the prices for everything were going to be marked up starting mid-April.

I added Kosovo to the list because Prizren is one of my favorite cities in Europe. It’s a picturesque town nestled in the mountains and an easy bus ride from Albania. I’d recommend Prizren over Pristina any day. The people in Kosovo were also some of the kindest I met in the Balkans, making my time there even more memorable. Kosovo might not get a lot of hype, but it’s so worth discovering.