Skip the tourist trap: The coolest countries to visit aren’t the ones you’d expect

Travelling can be one of life’s greatest joys, but sometimes it can seem like the same countries get all the glory. 

For those eager for beach and sun, tropical locations like Thailand, Indonesia, or the Caribbean are usually the top choices; if we’re talking about distinct cultures, Korea, Italy, and France are common hotspots. 

And, of course, there are the scenic locations of Switzerland’s Alps, Iceland’s Northern Lights, Japan’s cherry blossoms, and so much more.

But it’s all starting to get a little overdone at this point.

These countries are now full of fellow tourists, visiting all around the year no matter what season. With tourists comes mass commercialisation – trust that you will be paying much higher than average for a hotel and a meal in Phuket compared to Pai, for example. 

It also doesn’t help that travel influencers — even the wannabe ones — make videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok trying to hype up already-popular places. Videos like “the coolest countries to visit” or “best places for summer” are a dime a dozen and mostly similar content-wise. 

The result? Overcrowded sightseeing spots, long queues at supposedly famous restaurants, and negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

Just look at this neverending line of tourists gathering in front of the iconic torii of Itsukushima Shrine. Source: AFP

Overrated, overdone, and overhyped 

Admittedly, some destinations do live up to the hype.

Places like New York City, Dubai, London, Seoul, Tokyo, and Barcelona have tens of thousands of tourists a year, and deservedly so. But if spending in overpriced shopping malls is not your thing, it’s hard to understand the hype. 

But even cheaper destinations suffer from over-tourism due to eager tourists from developed countries visiting just to spend their money.

Just look at the overflowing Singapore-Malaysia causeway on weekends or during the holiday season — with the Singaporean dollar at an all-time high (1.35 SGD to US$1), it’s easy for locals to enter Malaysia, where their single dollar is worth 3.4102 a Malaysian Ringgit (4.71 MYR to US$1).

Another example is Indonesia’s Bali, which is the perfect beach getaway.

While it is indeed cheaper than most destinations, there is an abnormal amount of tourists, so much so that the local government implemented a tourist fee of 150,000 IDR (US$10) in 2024 in an effort to reduce excessive travel. Bali also intends to outlaw motorcycle rentals for visitors.

This Reddit thread discusses overrated travel destinations, with one user humorously pointing out Disney World as a pay-to-win destination – as long as you had money to spend on express passes, it would be fun. But if you don’t, you will spend hours in lines for a quarter of the rides in the park.

“But like all things Disney, if you have the coin, the mouse has the wares,” said one user. 

It’s the same for other overrated and overhyped destinations. Try searching for “places to go in Osaka” on TikTok. See for yourself how most videos will repeat places such as Kuromon Market, Shinsekai, and Dotonbori, which are all full of tourist-centric shops and long lines for overhyped restaurants and food stalls. 

Why waste your vacation lining up? Time is money, and the older you get, the more you realise that. 

Instead, you’ll find that if you’re willing to put in a little extra work – and maybe fewer kilometres – you’ll discover that there are many hidden gems almost unknown to mainstream travellers.

One thing you’ll have to note though is the power of your passport, and how it may benefit you – or not – during your travels. 

Sometimes, having a weaker passport will allow you to travel to quieter places that will appreciate you a little more. Source: AFP

A weak passport has surprising benefits

We’ve talked about the weakest passports in the world before and how travel is limited as they lack visa-free access to several countries. Indeed, travelling the world is a dream, but for some, it can be a nightmare due to the complicated processes involved.

However, there is a silver lining. 

Instead of spending hundreds on a complicated visa process and visiting a country with a stronger currency than your own, why not go to a country that’s happy to see you instead? 

Unless you’re planning on studying internationally, travelling for work or thinking of making a grand proposal to your partner, there’s hardly any need to travel to mainstream holiday countries. Instead, you have access to locations that may still lead to enriching, unforgettable holidays.

As Leo Mirani, The Economist’s news editor, says in his article about having a lousy passport, “It is nice to feel wanted.”

Indeed, some countries have locals who feel uncomfortable about foreigners, and you may get less-than-enthusiastic treatment during your visit. 

TikTok user @jazmynjenningss, who was visiting Korea, posted a video about how her Malaysian friend was ignored and treated harshly by Koreans despite being fluent in the language. The Malaysian woman, in Jazmyn’s words, “had tea towels thrown at her” and “sworn at” for doing nothing. 

So perhaps having a weak passport isn’t all that bad. It certainly will save you some grief from xenophobia or racism, at least.

Instead, consider some of these great destinations that aren’t overhyped as much and are fairly overlooked.

We’ve got some of the coolest countries to visit, with underrated cities and sights to see. 

Kyrgyz youth ride a traditional swing. Source: AFP

The coolest countries to visit 

Kyrgyzstan – Central Asia

Often called the Switzerland of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is an undiscovered gem, and truly is one of the coolest countries to visit – literally. In the summer, temperatures can reach 32°C, but plummet to -5°C during winter. 

To give you an idea of its location, Kyrgyzstan borders Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the south, and China to the east. The country is filled with jaw-dropping natural beauty, such as the towering peaks of the Tien Shan mountains and the crystal-clear waters of Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-largest alpine lake. 

Aside from natural beauty, the country boasts a rich cultural heritage, with warm locals who are eager to share their histories. Kyrgyz, a Turkic language, is spoken by most locals, but Russian is also common as the country used to be under Russian and Soviet control.

Explore the local nomadic traditions, ride horses and visit yurt dwellings, or go mountain trekking and eagle hunting. 

Antigua Guatemala hosts some of the country’s most gorgeous historical sites. Source: AFP

Guatemala – Central America

If you love adventure, Guatemala is one of the coolest countries to visit.

The country is home to Pacaya Volcano, which is frequently active and allows hikes up to the rim. Its equally popular sister is the Acatenango Volcano, which allows for multi-day hikes with stunning views and opportunities to camp near the summit. What could be cooler than sleeping on the side of a volcano?

If volcano-exploring isn’t your thing, sit on top of a Mayan temple and watch the sunrise over the rainforest while listening to the calls of the Howler monkey tribes. Guatemala boasts some of the best-preserved Mayan archaeological sites in the world and is home to towering temples, palaces, and plazas that were once the heart of a powerful civilisation. 

Want something less thrilling? Visit Antigua Guatemala, a city renowned for its Spanish colonial buildings and cobbled streets, along with the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Albanian coastal towns are a great spot for those looking for a relaxing, serene landscape. Source: AFP

Albania – Europe

Located along the Balkan peninsula, this small country usually flies under most people’s radar, but it actually has much to offer. 

Many bloggers refer to Albania as the next Croatia, only much more affordable — it’s actually one of the cheapest countries to travel to in Europe. Most hostels are family-owned and have genuine local charm. Albania is less developed than its European and Balkan counterparts but offers a peaceful getaway filled with pristine coastlines and crisp air. 

Nature lovers will find solace in the country’s stunning mountaintops, which make for pretty spectacular trekking opportunities and jaw-dropping vistas that could rival those of Switzerland, Norway, or Austria. But if you’re not a fan of the mountains, head down to the Albanian Riviera towns of Sarandë or Ksamil, where you can swim in gorgeous turquoise waters.

The best time to visit Skardu would be between June to August. Source: AFP

Pakistan – South Asia

If you’re planning on heading to South Asia for a holiday, check out Skardu.

Skardu is nestled in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and is a major trekking and expedition hub surrounded by glorious mountaintops. Perched over 2,500m over sea level, it’s also one of the coolest countries to visit as the temperature maxes out at a nice 27°C.

Many visit Deosai National Park, which is surrounded by tall peaks and lush green valleys. Some call it the “roof of the world” for its rolling hills and plains, which starkly contrast with the rocky peaks that make up much of the adjacent landscape. In the north, the Katpana Desert is one of the world’s coldest deserts, with mighty sand dunes that sometimes are dusted with snow during winters despite the bright sunlight. 

The food scene may surprise you with its variety — local restaurants serve a wide variety of delicious Pakistani, Western, and Chinese food. The country boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by Tibetan, Mongolian, and Central Asian traditions, which is reflected in its sumptuous cuisine. 

The Qarawiyyin mosque is also a Theological university that was built between 857 and 859 AD in Fez. Source: AFP

Morocco – North Africa 

Officially called the Kingdom of Morocco, the country is nestled in the Maghreb region of North Africa and overlooks the sparkling Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. The country has gorgeous historical and cultural gems in its imperial cities, such as Marrakech, the “Red City.” 

Morocco also boasts not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Fez and Meknes, respectively. For history buffs, the country is full of unique cultural experiences — explore bustling souks, listen to Gnawa music, or savour mouthwatering Moroccan cuisine. Tagines, couscous, and pastillas are just a few of the must-try dishes in the country, and the coffee here is one of the cheapest in the world too. 

For those who crave a little adventure, the country offers striking mountains, long beaches and, of course, the iconic Sahara Desert. The opportunities that Morocco holds make it one of the coolest countries to visit.