8 Up-and-Coming Countries to Visit Before They Get Popular

You dream about the perfect destination and spend months saving and planning, only to find it packed with tourists. The beauty may still be there, but the charm fades a bit amid the selfie sticks and tour buses.

Look at places like Venice or Thailand’s Maya Bay. Once untouched gems, they now have to implement laws and taxes to manage over-tourism. Then there are the countries that rely on tourism – it can be a double-edged sword. We all know how well tourism can erode a place’s magic and impact local life.

But what if you could experience a place before it becomes a tourist hotspot? The good news is that you can in these eight countries:

8. Armenia

Armenia is a land of mountain views, warm locals, and ancient monasteries perched on the edge of cliffs. It was one of the first countries to adopt Christianity, so you can expect to find some of the world’s oldest monasteries and churches dotted throughout the wild landscape. For instance, the Tatev Monastery, dating back to the 9th century, is a must-see.

But it’s not all history and religious sanctity here. Armenia is also a hotspot for hikers, with trails like those in the Dilijan National Park winding through nearly untouched landscapes.

The best part? It’s still pretty affordable. This means you can stay in beautiful places and dine out without scraping the bottom of your bank account.

7. Albania

You hardly ever hear of people saying they’re heading to Albania for the summer. But truly, I don’t understand why! This Mediterranean jewel is just as beautiful as its Croatian and Greek neighbors, just without the steep price tags.

The rugged Albanian Riviera has some of the clearest water and most secluded coves in the Mediterranean. Compared with the crowded shores of the rest of this sea, it’s refreshingly quiet and peaceful here.

Some highlights include the stone city of Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of cobblestone streets and Ottoman-era homes. Adventurous travelers would also fare well in the Albanian Alps. It’s also one of the few Mediterranean places where you can live a life of luxury without depleting your savings.

6. Guatemala

Guatemala isn’t exactly off the radar, but it gets a lot fewer Travelers than other Central American countries like Mexico and Costa Rica. And it’s unclear why. Guatemala is a vibrant, colorful, bustling, and slightly wild country—in the best possible way.

It’s one of those places where you could spend one day on the beach, the next exploring ancient Mayan ruins at Tikal, and the next hiking Pacaya volcano. Not to mention, every good day begins with a mug of locally sourced coffee.

Lake Atitlan is one of the more touristy parts of the country, but it is hardly overrun by foreigners. Instead, the sleepy villages surrounding the lake each have their own vibe. San Pedro is great for a party crowd, while San Marcos is more spiritual.

5. The Philippines

The Philippines is like a little world in itself. The archipelago comprises over 7500 islands, about two thousand of which are inhabited.

The rest are deserted islets, sand banks, and paradisical coves you thought only existed in the movies. It’s one of the few places where you could still enjoy a beach all to yourself – without owning it.

Among the inhabited islands are bustling cities and peaceful villages. Two of the most popular are El Nido and Coron, located along a string of islands known as Palawan. This is the place to be for diving and snorkeling, with stunning reefs not yet affected by fishing and overtourism. Let’s just hope it stays that way!

4. Colombia

Colombia is one of the most intriguing countries in South America. It’s located at the very tip of the continent, close to Central America, with a tropical Caribbean coastline.

Colombia is full of contrasting landscapes. It houses a section of the Amazon Jungle, which is conveniently one of the least touristy parts. Colombia also has a busy Caribbean coastline where reggae (and occasionally rum) is a part of everyday life. And it’s home to the Tatacao desert and coffee plantations, which grow some of the world’s best coffee beans.

We can’t ignore Cartagena, Bogota, and Medellin, three cities that showcase the country’s history and urban energy.

3. Romania

Romania feels like Europe’s best-kept secret. It has medieval castles, mystical forests, and enchanting towns that look like they fell straight out of a storybook. In fact, the landscape and historical buildings have played a huge role in modern literature. Just stroll through the narrow stairways at Bran Castle, the so-called inspiration for Dracula’s Castle, for a better idea.

Bucharest is a must. With its Belle Epoque architecture mixed with a communist flair, it has an old-world edge you won’t find in many other cities. The Carpathian Mountains are great for hikers, with trails so quiet you could walk for miles without passing another tourist.


It’s also easy on the wallet – a refreshing change from its pricier neighbors to the west.

2. Oman

Dubai has been trending for some time now, but not too many tourists venture south into Oman. It’s a Middle Eastern wonder, with ancient forts, expansive deserts, lush green wadis, and a coastline that rivals the French Riviera.

But aside from its incredible contrasting landscapes, Oman might as well be a history book waiting to be read by the rest of the world.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque shimmers in the reflection of the Wadi River, with marble and mosaics you have to see to believe. The city’s Mutra Souq is another highlight, with vendors selling everything from spices to jewelry to handicrafts.

And for a bit of nature, you only have to head into the Wahiba Sands desert for a taste of Arabian dunes and camel trekking.

1. Georgia

Georgia is a dream destination for Travelers looking for a mix of History, dramatic landscapes, and a food and wine scene that is hard to beat. It’s located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and the blend of cultures only makes things more interesting.

Tbilisi is a quirky yet relatively quiet capital, showing off a fascinating History of the region. There are plenty of ancient churches, fortresses, art galleries, and historic bathhouses to visit around here.

And it’s hard to mention Georgia without giving a shout out to wine, which it has been producing for longer than any other country!

Best of all, it still seems to be under the radar compared with other European hotspots. This means you’re guaranteed a more authentic experience without the crowds.