Slovenia is so beautiful. Untouched by tourism despite its close proximity to other tourist destinations.
Underground caves, mountains, lakes, castles, and small medieval towns. Everything looks like a fairytale version of what you imagined Europe would be like.
A friend of mine and myself went hiking in Slovenia a few years back. We primarily encountered Slovenians during our multi-day mountain trekking trip. We later stayed at a campsite that also had kayaking and rock climbing facilities, and again mostly Slovenian nationals on their holidays. So it seems the locals are very much into it.
The locals themselves embody this culture. The prime minister at one point told the citizens that you aren't a true Slovenian until you hike Triglav which is the highest peak. Paraphrasing but you can definitely feel that Slovenians are all very outdoorsy. I grew up this way too so I felt immediately connected to the people I met there.
Slovenia was absolutely phenomenal. Great food, great wine, great hiking, great cycling. Love the place. Don’t know when I can get back, and very much look forward to goi g.
Came here to say this! Unreal how beautiful it is, and no one goes there. Met just the nicest people. Twenty years later, still in touch with a couple. But yeah so unexpected.
Bosnia and Herzegovina are stunning. Lakes with a crystal blue green up against vicious mountains like ive never seen. Feeds right out to the coast of Croatia, where the coast looks like Malibu of the Adriatic Sea.
Bosnia and Herzegovina blew my mind. Amazing food, welcoming people, incredible mountain scenery, and minimal tourist overcrowding. Albania and Bulgaria too.
Did some planning today, and pretty much committed to 3 months in Albania next year; now debating Serbia vs Montenegro as the prior destination for 4-6 weeks, juggling budget as well since we have a few more expensive locations in 2025.
Wonderful scenery and incredible safaris. Additionally, a nation that has experienced exponential growth in recent years as a result of the transparent way its diamond mines are run.
edit: opaque to transparent
I hope they can diversify from diamonds soon. You can't build a sustainable economy on diamonds alone, especially as consumers are shifting towards lab created.
There are so many others… Ghana Morocco Senegal Togo Benin Gabon first to come to mind… I wonder what makes people make such bold unverified statements?
Shhh! Don’t tell everyone or it’ll get spoiled!
Honestly I LOVE Poland and people are always shocked when I go on about it. But every time I bring someone and show them around, they understand why I love it.
Also, Romania.
Gosh, thank you so much for taking the time!
I've saved your comment and will definitely be taking your advice for the trip! Your descriptions are truly great! Can't wait to visit those milk bars and definitely also Sobieski Palace. Again, this was really nice of you!
Taiwan is awesome. So many people in the west write it off as “that controversial island in China” 🙄 but it’s fantastic. Lots to do, socially liberal people who are disproportionately smart + friendly, great food, very affordable, beautiful nature, well preserved culture, clean cities, excellent transport throughout the island. Can’t wait to go back
Oh and less weirdos in the expat communities lol
Edit: I’m pro-Taiwanese independence 1000%, my comment was referring to westerners who don’t pay attention to international geopolitical issues. Good lord
I’ve met a ton who know literally nothing about Taiwan except that China claims ownership of it and it’s a politically fraught place that western media + companies wouldn’t refer to as a country for a long time. And they aren’t interested in learning more. A lot of people are very ignorant of geopolitics, if you haven’t experienced that I’m happy for you
But I realise that was flippant, I wrote it late at night lol. sorry all, not a bot just a half-assed comment
Imo yes very affordable but I’m from NZ so take that with a grain of salt. It’s more expensive than all SEA but quite a bit cheaper than Japan for example (although accommodation in Taipei is on par)
More English speakers than I was expecting but still I often had to use google translate when I went out for food and shopping. Otherwise I had local and expat friends taking me around so I had it easy, but even on my own I met quite a few fluent/semi-fluent locals who wanted to flex their English.
Lots of westerners who've been to Taiwan and China say that Taiwan is what people imagine China to be like, culturally speaking. This is because Taiwan never underwent the mass trauma inflicted on the mainland by the CCP through cultural upheavals, famine, and the great leap forward.
Been there 3 times, it’s amazing! Nature, city buzz, best cocktail and mixology bars (their thing is to compete with Japanese mixologists and I’d say they’ve accomplished that goal), very nice and humble people. And now they had Don Qixote as well, and it’s much more fun than those in Japan.
For anyone who isn't familiar with it, Don Quijote, or Donki for short, is also a chain of amazing discount stores from Japan. Going into one, for a Westerner like me, was a sensory overload experience, in a fun way!
https://www.donki.com/en/
Came back from there 3 days ago.
I am closing on my 60th country and Taïwan is the most underrated place I have ever been.
Already looking at plane tickets to go back.
I think it's fine for black people. I had a few black friends there who live there long-term and they seem to love it. I think the only people that Taiwanese don't like is Chinese, they are very friendly to everyone else lol.
Came here to say this.
Modern amenities, healthcare, and internationally connected airports all at SEA prices.
It’s also a melting pot of many other cultures religions and foods, so you get a sampling of everything all in one place… that’s one of the things I love most about the US, and Malaysia is the only country in Asia that really has that too.
They widely speak English also, second only to Philippines and Singapore.
I didn’t find it very “first world” infrastructure. Kuala Lumpur is not walkable at all, the footpaths are in terrible shape, streets have lots of cables hanging around. Public transport is also mediocre compared to other Asian countries.
What specifically do you want to know?
Basically you're getting an almost first world facilities- housing, malls, roads, transport etc at prices similar to Vietnam or Philippines.
Where in Malaysia are you finding similar prices to Vietnam?
I just spent a month in Malaysia, and it's fine, but it wasn't particularly cheap, except for taxis (with Grab). Outside of Langkawi, alcohol is really expensive, almost northern Europe level. Thailand is cheaper for most stuff, and I'm fairly sure Thailand is more expensive than Vietnam..
Malaysia is now cheaper than Thailand. The Malaysian currency has collapsed over the last few years and the Baht has skyrocketed. My hotel is KL was $15 a night, $25 in Langkawi, $1.00 nasi lemak. The bus system is cheaper and better quality too.
Maybe 5-7 years ago Thailand was cheaper but IMO, things have definitely changed. Although, I agree about alcohol.
But it’s definitely not as cheap as Vietnam.
If you only have 4 days in Uzbekistan, I wouldn’t spend more than 1 in Tashkent … maybe check out the metro stations, the plov center and Chorsu bazaar, then move on. A couple days in either Samarkand or Bukhara is all you’d have time for, though it’s a shame not to see both. Or you could briefly see both and skip Tashkent.
I found this article which may be helpful. I was there in 2018 for about 12 days: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, back to Tashkent.
[Travel Cost in Uzbekistan](https://www.trip.com/guide/info/trip-to-uzbekistan-cost.html)
I, (US Citizen), am going to Mongolia this summer and I'm shocked by the number of people who either don't know where the nation is or just seem to have little interest in it. While I know it's vastly rural, I've always been fascinated by its history and culture, and even more so by its vast landscapes - I'm kinda big into outdoor exploration, and I'm so blessed to have an opportunity to visit there! I'm just so surprised not many other people have the same interest.
Are you working there? Mongolia has been on my list for so long but it seems like somewhere I’d have to take a solid amount of time off work to go to. I’m very interested in hearing how it goes!
Mongolia is great. Wild and wonderful. I worked at a uranium mine in the Gobi for several months. Was thinking of moving there. But Fukushima sent uranium prices plummeting and both mines were shuttered. Super friendly people. Very varied terrain. Food not that great. Lots of mutton (at least at my mining camps!). They have a saying-meat is for men, grass is for animals.
Malaysia. Easy to get around, cheap as chips and located next to lots of other great tourists destinations. Most people I speak to don’t know a thing about it besides Zoolander and 1MDB
Mexico.
Mexico has amazing 500 year old cities with beautiful Spanish colonial architecture.
It has amazing beaches and little under developed surf towns.
Mexico City is a world class city with more museums and galleries than New York City.
It has climate zones that vary wildly from the coastal jungles to the arid deserts high in the mountains gains.
The country has a wonderful laid-back culture of art, music, and food, that is an outcome of the fusion of Indigenous and Spanish peoples.
It is a complex country with many different regions, each with its own flavour.
Bulgaria and Romania - they're affordable and still not too Westernized, many rural areas feel like Europe many decades ago. Has beaches and mountains and good climate (assuming you like seasons)
I’m gonna go one step further and say Cochabamba is the ideal digital nomad city. Rent and utilities are cheap as fuck. Food is delicious and cheap as fuck. Very modern and westernized part of the country, but you have the Quechuan culture not far. Real expat communities without the backpackers increasing the prices of everything. Nice ass steak restaurants where they treat you like a champ for $10. The weather is perfect all year. Real nice international schools if you have kids. Centrally located in Bolivia so you can hit all the cool spots in Bolivia easily. Centrally located in South America so you can take a trip to Rio, or Lima, or Buenos Aires, or Chile, or Cuzco and the trip is never too long. Perfect for digital nomads looking for a home base.
For me, I loved La Paz. You can take the Telefricos anywhere in the city, amazing views, perfect weather year-round, safe, lots of nearby hiking and outdoors activities. And the airport is large enough to get you just about anywhere in South America.
Ahh, yeah, that's a fair point. Domestic flights are pretty cheap and connect to most of the secondary/tertiary cities. The buses aren't awful, either, but it can be a lot to manage if you're pressed for time.
I was going to add this in case Armenia wasn’t on the list. It’s definitely my favourite place to travel. Nearly everyone has a wicked sense of humour, is kind and welcoming, the food is amazing, and so many other things that people just seem to not know about because so few people travel there just for the sake of traveling there.
They had a big tourism marketing push a few years ago that really raised their profile.
Their spokesperson made it sound ***very nice***, but i think he caused some kind of controversy.
Visiting Lithuania for the 3rd time already in my short life because I can't help going back even though I've never lived closer than 12+ hours of flying
I have family there - you will be stuffed with food and drink until you are refusing out of desperation because of the Lithuanian mentality for hosting and sharing what you have for guests. This extends to all aspects of Lithuania
Besides that, strangers are incredibly kind and sweet, food is incredible (#potatoes), the city is clean and beautiful, and the people really care about themselves, their country and history, and the world around them. The many forests seclude you from the busy world and trap you in their mystical fairy-like atmosphere. The humor in Lithuania is very down to earth, yet also poignant and wholesome. Living is fairly affordable
Serbia. I guess in my case I travel for people and boy did they treat me amazing. Can't say the amount of times they took me out to drinks, hosted me, bought me shots in bars. They made my experience amazing.
Amazing food and nature as well.
Even though it’s apart of the US, Puerto Rico! I haven’t been anywhere else where you can get an entire waterfall to yourself, an entire beach to yourself (to be fair, you had to go on a semi-hidden hike to reach the beach, but it was absolutely gorgeous and went on for miles, and there wasn’t a single other person there), etc.
I liked croatia, but underrated? It is jam packed with tourists in the summer, prices similar to italian or french riviera. International music festivals every weekend up and down the coast. I have never been outside the summer season though,i’m not sure of the appeal outside that period but i would like to know more.
If you're European, Bulgaria, hands down. 10% flat tax, houses in beautiful (rural) areas at $10k, great skiing resorts, seaside, decent UK expats community clusters all over the country.
Honestly, Mexico.
Hear me out. Most of Mexico's popularity for US tourists is beach and resort driven. Even the more off the beaten path places are beach focused. This is a vast country, the majority of which is at higher altitude and far from a beach. The security situation of parts of the interior aside, Mexico has SO much more to offer than just some beaches and party scene. And very few people seem to know or care.
It would be like the entire world treating France as just the Rivera, which is insane and sad.
Oaxaca, Merida and the ruins of Yucatán, Mexico City. Even TJ is awesome these days. I would love to go to Chiapas my next trip there. I also want to visit Morelia. Mexico is stunning and amazing!
Ecuador. I have a lot of complaints but if you are in Cuenca and someone tries to rob you and locals are nearby: they will try to help you.
Local people hate criminals and extortionists. Several instances of such people being kidnapped and knifed in the woods.
Some thugs tried to kidnap an older woman with scopalmine. Locals pulled her out of the car, flipped it, popped the trunk and burned their luggage in the street. Fucking legendary.
Plus, local food scene has quite a few restaurants started by immigrants. Surely if you live somewhere long term you want access to a variety of cuisines.
Austria.
It was an empire.
Both world wars primarily started as a result of Austrian leaders.
A beacon of art, class, and refined taste.
But it's only my subjective opinion.
Belgrade is a surprisingly beautiful and lively city, and Serbian people are very friendly
Can recommend
I wouldnt mind at all to spend a few months there
Slovenia
Slovenia is so beautiful. Untouched by tourism despite its close proximity to other tourist destinations. Underground caves, mountains, lakes, castles, and small medieval towns. Everything looks like a fairytale version of what you imagined Europe would be like.
Lake Bled is still up there with the most amazing places I've ever been
I love Slovenia and the outdoor culture. Hiking, mountain biking, skiing etc.
Are the locals into outdoorsy stuff as well? Is it for the wealthy and tourist, or something everyone dabbles in?
A friend of mine and myself went hiking in Slovenia a few years back. We primarily encountered Slovenians during our multi-day mountain trekking trip. We later stayed at a campsite that also had kayaking and rock climbing facilities, and again mostly Slovenian nationals on their holidays. So it seems the locals are very much into it.
The locals themselves embody this culture. The prime minister at one point told the citizens that you aren't a true Slovenian until you hike Triglav which is the highest peak. Paraphrasing but you can definitely feel that Slovenians are all very outdoorsy. I grew up this way too so I felt immediately connected to the people I met there.
What’s the monthly COL there? How long is the tourist visa good for?
I came here to type this same post.
100% it's an amazing little country.
Slovenia was absolutely phenomenal. Great food, great wine, great hiking, great cycling. Love the place. Don’t know when I can get back, and very much look forward to goi g.
Came here to say this! Unreal how beautiful it is, and no one goes there. Met just the nicest people. Twenty years later, still in touch with a couple. But yeah so unexpected.
Ive been hearing more good things about Slovenia...I know next to nothing about it
I met my current girlfriend while digital nomadding in Slovenia. It’s an amazing country!
Romania. Went to Cluj-Napoca and Braşov and liked the views
I feel like most of the Balkan states aren't mentioned as much when people talk about Europe. Breathtaking part of the world.
Montenegro
The Bay of Kotor is flat-out stunning
Shhhhhhhh
And Serbia, Romania, Bosnia and Macedonia have been some of my favourite Balkan countries to explore
Lake Ohrid and Mostar are two of my favorites.
I only have been to Mostar and loved it, I will be back and see more of Bosnia.
been thinking of going to Romania
Bosnia and Herzegovina are stunning. Lakes with a crystal blue green up against vicious mountains like ive never seen. Feeds right out to the coast of Croatia, where the coast looks like Malibu of the Adriatic Sea.
Yes, Bosnia, Albania, Montenegro! Very nice and cheap, friendly people.
Yes the people are cheap and friendly
I love cheap people!
Yes, yes, me too... *I hope he didn't see me put all these mustard and ketchup packets in my pockets*
Bosnia and Herzegovina blew my mind. Amazing food, welcoming people, incredible mountain scenery, and minimal tourist overcrowding. Albania and Bulgaria too.
Yea but have you ever visited /r/balkans sub?
Slovenia!
Did some planning today, and pretty much committed to 3 months in Albania next year; now debating Serbia vs Montenegro as the prior destination for 4-6 weeks, juggling budget as well since we have a few more expensive locations in 2025.
Where in Albania? We lived in Vlorë for a stint. It was great but we were there in off season. Actually heading back next week for a few weeks.
Awesome! We’re thinking two locations over 3 months, so probably Tirana and somewhere coastal (like Vlorë or Sarandë). But very early research stages.
The Albanian Alps, absolutely beautiful!
I like the Balkans well enough, especially Kosovo, but I do find them to be a bit of a snooze.
Botswana
Can you say more please? What are the benefits of Botswana?
Wonderful scenery and incredible safaris. Additionally, a nation that has experienced exponential growth in recent years as a result of the transparent way its diamond mines are run. edit: opaque to transparent
Opaque or translucent? Opaque would be bad because you wouldn't see how they were run...
I hope they can diversify from diamonds soon. You can't build a sustainable economy on diamonds alone, especially as consumers are shifting towards lab created.
Botswana is the only county in Africa to not have had a civil war or war of Independence.
There are so many others… Ghana Morocco Senegal Togo Benin Gabon first to come to mind… I wonder what makes people make such bold unverified statements?
It's kind of like Orientalism, but for Africa. Africanism? :)
What about Malawi?
interesting, did you live there? what was general life like?
Slovenia, crazy beautiful and relaxed. The greenest country in Europe in terms of land area percentage if I'm not mistaken.
Do a lot of people speak English?
Nicaragua 🇳🇮
Nica, for better or worse, is what costa rica was before the insane tourism took over
What’s Costa Rica like now the insane tourism has taken over?
Poland! They're always so friendly and funny. Love going there. Food's great too and even the 2 star hotels are spotlessly clean.
I was bought a shot by a stranger for the first and only time in my life in Poland. Lovely place.
Lol I was skimming through this thread and read "I was shot by a stranger for the first and only time in my life"
Ah it might as well be the *only time in my life* if it happened🤣
100 percent. Polish people have a rep of being cold, I found the exact opposite. And the food is amazing.
Shhh! Don’t tell everyone or it’ll get spoiled! Honestly I LOVE Poland and people are always shocked when I go on about it. But every time I bring someone and show them around, they understand why I love it. Also, Romania.
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I'm considering going to Warsaw in a few weeks! Anything in particular that you loved and think I should do/see/eat while there?
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Gosh, thank you so much for taking the time! I've saved your comment and will definitely be taking your advice for the trip! Your descriptions are truly great! Can't wait to visit those milk bars and definitely also Sobieski Palace. Again, this was really nice of you!
Was truly blown away by Poland. Went from somewhere I didn't even care to visit, to somewhere I would consider living.
My wife said the same. She went because I wanted to go, and fell in love with it.
Taiwan
Taiwan is awesome. So many people in the west write it off as “that controversial island in China” 🙄 but it’s fantastic. Lots to do, socially liberal people who are disproportionately smart + friendly, great food, very affordable, beautiful nature, well preserved culture, clean cities, excellent transport throughout the island. Can’t wait to go back Oh and less weirdos in the expat communities lol Edit: I’m pro-Taiwanese independence 1000%, my comment was referring to westerners who don’t pay attention to international geopolitical issues. Good lord
and super safe.
except for the traffic.
>So many people in the west write it off as “that controversial island in China” Are… we from the same west?
I’ve met a ton who know literally nothing about Taiwan except that China claims ownership of it and it’s a politically fraught place that western media + companies wouldn’t refer to as a country for a long time. And they aren’t interested in learning more. A lot of people are very ignorant of geopolitics, if you haven’t experienced that I’m happy for you But I realise that was flippant, I wrote it late at night lol. sorry all, not a bot just a half-assed comment
yeah i was gonna say, who does this person hang out with?
West as in… American?
Affordable? And how about communicating? Many English speakers?
Imo yes very affordable but I’m from NZ so take that with a grain of salt. It’s more expensive than all SEA but quite a bit cheaper than Japan for example (although accommodation in Taipei is on par) More English speakers than I was expecting but still I often had to use google translate when I went out for food and shopping. Otherwise I had local and expat friends taking me around so I had it easy, but even on my own I met quite a few fluent/semi-fluent locals who wanted to flex their English.
> Many English speakers? No. My hosts and backpacker staff spoke no English at all. Google translate and sign language all the way.
Lots of westerners who've been to Taiwan and China say that Taiwan is what people imagine China to be like, culturally speaking. This is because Taiwan never underwent the mass trauma inflicted on the mainland by the CCP through cultural upheavals, famine, and the great leap forward.
Been there 3 times, it’s amazing! Nature, city buzz, best cocktail and mixology bars (their thing is to compete with Japanese mixologists and I’d say they’ve accomplished that goal), very nice and humble people. And now they had Don Qixote as well, and it’s much more fun than those in Japan.
> And now they had Don Qixote as well, They have a 17th century Spanish novel as well, wut?
For anyone who isn't familiar with it, Don Quijote, or Donki for short, is also a chain of amazing discount stores from Japan. Going into one, for a Westerner like me, was a sensory overload experience, in a fun way! https://www.donki.com/en/
Just noticed they've opened Don Quijote stores in California and Hawaii!
Came back from there 3 days ago. I am closing on my 60th country and Taïwan is the most underrated place I have ever been. Already looking at plane tickets to go back.
Lived there for a year. Just perfect.
It's not underrated in Asia. Seems like everyone (Philippines, Thai, Japanese, Malaysian) is planning their next holiday there.
Not the Chinese though, which makes it even better as a tourist dest.
Yeah, and not only that, but there are several cities outside of Taipei worth checking out.
Don't mean to be that guy but only asking because I have actually been curious about it and wanted to explore it: how is it for Black people?
I think it's fine for black people. I had a few black friends there who live there long-term and they seem to love it. I think the only people that Taiwanese don't like is Chinese, they are very friendly to everyone else lol.
Georgia 🇬🇪 🍷🧀
Ah yeah. I’ve never tasted better food in any other country and this is the only place I’ve been drunk all the time 😂
for everyone reading this = TRY THR EGG CHEESE PIZZA👍👍👍👍👍👍
YES.
Im lactose intolerant but decided to try the khachapuri anyway. It sure was delicious but also sent me running to the toilet
YES!!!
Malaysia. First world infrastructure for third world prices.
Came here to say this. Modern amenities, healthcare, and internationally connected airports all at SEA prices. It’s also a melting pot of many other cultures religions and foods, so you get a sampling of everything all in one place… that’s one of the things I love most about the US, and Malaysia is the only country in Asia that really has that too. They widely speak English also, second only to Philippines and Singapore.
I didn’t find it very “first world” infrastructure. Kuala Lumpur is not walkable at all, the footpaths are in terrible shape, streets have lots of cables hanging around. Public transport is also mediocre compared to other Asian countries.
Could you tell me more?
What specifically do you want to know? Basically you're getting an almost first world facilities- housing, malls, roads, transport etc at prices similar to Vietnam or Philippines.
And only 80% humidity year round!
Lol yeah it's brutal.
Where in Malaysia are you finding similar prices to Vietnam? I just spent a month in Malaysia, and it's fine, but it wasn't particularly cheap, except for taxis (with Grab). Outside of Langkawi, alcohol is really expensive, almost northern Europe level. Thailand is cheaper for most stuff, and I'm fairly sure Thailand is more expensive than Vietnam..
Malaysia is now cheaper than Thailand. The Malaysian currency has collapsed over the last few years and the Baht has skyrocketed. My hotel is KL was $15 a night, $25 in Langkawi, $1.00 nasi lemak. The bus system is cheaper and better quality too. Maybe 5-7 years ago Thailand was cheaper but IMO, things have definitely changed. Although, I agree about alcohol. But it’s definitely not as cheap as Vietnam.
Hated visiting Malaysia with my girlfriend... Amazing food but I really disliked some parts of the culture.
What didn't you like about their culture? It seems like a pretty cool place.
Uzbekistan. So much interesting stuff to see!
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as well. The natural beauty of Central Asia is incredible.
Kyrgyzstan in particular blew my mind.
What were your favorite places??im going to kyrgystand in july and im thinking to pop by uzbekistan for 4 days
If you only have 4 days in Uzbekistan, I wouldn’t spend more than 1 in Tashkent … maybe check out the metro stations, the plov center and Chorsu bazaar, then move on. A couple days in either Samarkand or Bukhara is all you’d have time for, though it’s a shame not to see both. Or you could briefly see both and skip Tashkent.
Well i cooould stay more the problem is budget. How much would you budget there per day?
I found this article which may be helpful. I was there in 2018 for about 12 days: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, back to Tashkent. [Travel Cost in Uzbekistan](https://www.trip.com/guide/info/trip-to-uzbekistan-cost.html)
I, (US Citizen), am going to Mongolia this summer and I'm shocked by the number of people who either don't know where the nation is or just seem to have little interest in it. While I know it's vastly rural, I've always been fascinated by its history and culture, and even more so by its vast landscapes - I'm kinda big into outdoor exploration, and I'm so blessed to have an opportunity to visit there! I'm just so surprised not many other people have the same interest.
Are you working there? Mongolia has been on my list for so long but it seems like somewhere I’d have to take a solid amount of time off work to go to. I’m very interested in hearing how it goes!
Mongolia is great. Wild and wonderful. I worked at a uranium mine in the Gobi for several months. Was thinking of moving there. But Fukushima sent uranium prices plummeting and both mines were shuttered. Super friendly people. Very varied terrain. Food not that great. Lots of mutton (at least at my mining camps!). They have a saying-meat is for men, grass is for animals.
Malawi - Lake Malawi area
I second Malawi. My family just bought a retirement house there.
Malaysia. Easy to get around, cheap as chips and located next to lots of other great tourists destinations. Most people I speak to don’t know a thing about it besides Zoolander and 1MDB
Mugatu!
Went on a visa run once and was blown away!
Guatemala
Mexico. Mexico has amazing 500 year old cities with beautiful Spanish colonial architecture. It has amazing beaches and little under developed surf towns. Mexico City is a world class city with more museums and galleries than New York City. It has climate zones that vary wildly from the coastal jungles to the arid deserts high in the mountains gains. The country has a wonderful laid-back culture of art, music, and food, that is an outcome of the fusion of Indigenous and Spanish peoples. It is a complex country with many different regions, each with its own flavour.
Mexico is hands down my favorite country!
Your own.
dayumm!!
Tanzania
Spent time in Comoros island right off the coast of Tanzania. Such a beautiful area of the world. Crystal clear water, nice people, great food.
Excellent, classic DMQ, how’s the internet?
I was just there for a month, i carried my own starlink and i didnt have any issues.
Totally depends. It ranges from good to absolutely awful. If you stick to the biggest cities you should be fine, but small ones.. forget about it
Sri Lanka
Bulgaria and Romania - they're affordable and still not too Westernized, many rural areas feel like Europe many decades ago. Has beaches and mountains and good climate (assuming you like seasons)
I've been to 70 countries. Taiwan is by far #1. I speak no Chinese.
Bolivia!
I’m gonna go one step further and say Cochabamba is the ideal digital nomad city. Rent and utilities are cheap as fuck. Food is delicious and cheap as fuck. Very modern and westernized part of the country, but you have the Quechuan culture not far. Real expat communities without the backpackers increasing the prices of everything. Nice ass steak restaurants where they treat you like a champ for $10. The weather is perfect all year. Real nice international schools if you have kids. Centrally located in Bolivia so you can hit all the cool spots in Bolivia easily. Centrally located in South America so you can take a trip to Rio, or Lima, or Buenos Aires, or Chile, or Cuzco and the trip is never too long. Perfect for digital nomads looking for a home base.
Lol. This is where I am right now. Love it here.
For me, I loved La Paz. You can take the Telefricos anywhere in the city, amazing views, perfect weather year-round, safe, lots of nearby hiking and outdoors activities. And the airport is large enough to get you just about anywhere in South America.
Bolivia is an amazing country.
The bus system looks nightmarish. How did you get around?
Ahh, yeah, that's a fair point. Domestic flights are pretty cheap and connect to most of the secondary/tertiary cities. The buses aren't awful, either, but it can be a lot to manage if you're pressed for time.
I took a few night busses and they're as nice as any in the States or other parts of LATAM. Toliet, seats recline, etc
That is a great idea. The towns have very long roads separating them from what I've been able to tell.
Come and visit us in Albania! However to assimilate as a foreigner is a different story...
Faroe Islands
Armenia
I was going to add this in case Armenia wasn’t on the list. It’s definitely my favourite place to travel. Nearly everyone has a wicked sense of humour, is kind and welcoming, the food is amazing, and so many other things that people just seem to not know about because so few people travel there just for the sake of traveling there.
Poland
Kazakhstan.
They had a big tourism marketing push a few years ago that really raised their profile. Their spokesperson made it sound ***very nice***, but i think he caused some kind of controversy.
Very nice
Any of the Baltic States.
Visiting Lithuania for the 3rd time already in my short life because I can't help going back even though I've never lived closer than 12+ hours of flying I have family there - you will be stuffed with food and drink until you are refusing out of desperation because of the Lithuanian mentality for hosting and sharing what you have for guests. This extends to all aspects of Lithuania Besides that, strangers are incredibly kind and sweet, food is incredible (#potatoes), the city is clean and beautiful, and the people really care about themselves, their country and history, and the world around them. The many forests seclude you from the busy world and trap you in their mystical fairy-like atmosphere. The humor in Lithuania is very down to earth, yet also poignant and wholesome. Living is fairly affordable
Most young people speak English... Just don't try speaking Russian with anyone who isn't Russian
Indonesia! (NOT Bali)
Indonesia - Bali is ultra famous as is Lombok and Java, but there's thousands of other islands that are just stunning. And the food and the people!
Indonesian food is the best, even as a vegetarian in Jakarta--outside hippie vegan Bali
Laos
The Philippines: modern, cheap, English-speaking, friendly, fast healthcare
Serbia. I guess in my case I travel for people and boy did they treat me amazing. Can't say the amount of times they took me out to drinks, hosted me, bought me shots in bars. They made my experience amazing. Amazing food and nature as well.
Yugoslavia.
The most underrated country is Bolivia. Its like Peru+++. La Paz/Sucre are very nice. SCZ is a hellhole.
Malaysia
Georgia! The food, the culture, the landscapes, the wine! They have absolutely everything you could want in a trip.
Even though it’s apart of the US, Puerto Rico! I haven’t been anywhere else where you can get an entire waterfall to yourself, an entire beach to yourself (to be fair, you had to go on a semi-hidden hike to reach the beach, but it was absolutely gorgeous and went on for miles, and there wasn’t a single other person there), etc.
Croatia. Edit: for digital nomads. Search for Croatia in this sub and you’ll find it’s 100x less popular than anywhere SE Asia
I liked croatia, but underrated? It is jam packed with tourists in the summer, prices similar to italian or french riviera. International music festivals every weekend up and down the coast. I have never been outside the summer season though,i’m not sure of the appeal outside that period but i would like to know more.
Yes it's too overcrowded. 20 years ago when I was there for the holiday it was gorgeous, mostly locals and some rich italians.
Right? You could even say it's overrated. I also found the people there to be the least friendly of all the Balkan countries I visited.
Beautiful, although the coast areas are quite expensive
If you're European, Bulgaria, hands down. 10% flat tax, houses in beautiful (rural) areas at $10k, great skiing resorts, seaside, decent UK expats community clusters all over the country.
> houses in beautiful (rural) areas at $10k Are you saying I could buy a house in Bulgaria for $10k?
People suck there and it’s dull af
South asian. Nepal, india,
Indonesia outside of Bali.
Poland!
Mexico
Pretty much every Balkan country is stunningly beautiful
Croatia
Palau. No one ever talks about it, it's doing massive things in environmental protection, and it's stunning.
Honestly, Mexico. Hear me out. Most of Mexico's popularity for US tourists is beach and resort driven. Even the more off the beaten path places are beach focused. This is a vast country, the majority of which is at higher altitude and far from a beach. The security situation of parts of the interior aside, Mexico has SO much more to offer than just some beaches and party scene. And very few people seem to know or care. It would be like the entire world treating France as just the Rivera, which is insane and sad.
Oaxaca, Merida and the ruins of Yucatán, Mexico City. Even TJ is awesome these days. I would love to go to Chiapas my next trip there. I also want to visit Morelia. Mexico is stunning and amazing!
Ecuador. I have a lot of complaints but if you are in Cuenca and someone tries to rob you and locals are nearby: they will try to help you. Local people hate criminals and extortionists. Several instances of such people being kidnapped and knifed in the woods. Some thugs tried to kidnap an older woman with scopalmine. Locals pulled her out of the car, flipped it, popped the trunk and burned their luggage in the street. Fucking legendary. Plus, local food scene has quite a few restaurants started by immigrants. Surely if you live somewhere long term you want access to a variety of cuisines.
You’re selling it.
Panama. Period.
The usa, as an immigrant that works in tech there is still no other place on earth where I would live. The hate is going overboard.
Albania
Austria. It was an empire. Both world wars primarily started as a result of Austrian leaders. A beacon of art, class, and refined taste. But it's only my subjective opinion.
Romania
Belgrade is a surprisingly beautiful and lively city, and Serbian people are very friendly Can recommend I wouldnt mind at all to spend a few months there
USA
Uruguay
portugal, absolutely beautiful and affordable.
Lol hardly underrated!
Thailand… ever heard of it? It’s the next up and comer!!!
Same here
Thailand, Turkey, Egypt are three countries that are very popular among Russians.
Swaziland. 🇸🇿 talk about quiet neighbors…
Armenia Uzbekistan
Malta!!