Downward Angle Icon An icon in the shape of a downward angle. Malta is one of the many underrated places I have visited. Yuri Biryukov/Shutterstock I have always loved traveling and have visited over 40 countries around the world. Many of my favorite places I've been to are not typical tourist destinations. Of all the countries I've visited, I've loved places like Colombia, Zimbabwe, and Morocco.
I have always loved traveling. In my opinion, there is nothing better than waking up in a new country and feeling excited about what the day will bring.
Growing up in Australia, my bucket list consisted of places I saw in movies and on postcards, like the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland. And it appears many tourists have similar travel intentions, with spots like Paris and Los Angeles predicted to be two of the most visited summer vacation destinations in 2024. Masu.
But the more I traveled, the more I realized that the countries I've enjoyed the most aren't necessarily the typical tourist spots. Having been to over 40 countries, the following five are underrated gems that I recommend visiting:
Colombia has lush landscapes and vibrant architecture.
Visiting Colombia's colorful city of Cartagena was one of the highlights of our trip.Jess Craft/Shutterstock
My husband and I took a three-month backpacking trip through South America in 2012. Beforehand, we were so excited to see the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, visit Machu Picchu, and visit Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.
While we loved all of those places, we were also pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed Colombia, with its warm people, lush scenery, and vibrant architecture.
In Salento, we explored coffee plantations and went on a great hike in the Cocora Valley, home to the Quindio palm trees. We couldn't get over how green everything was.
But the colorful city of Cartagena was one of the highlights of our South American adventure. We spent countless hours walking the streets, admiring the colorful colonial facades and taking in the Caribbean atmosphere.
Please note that the State Department has issued a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory for Colombia, updated as of January. No matter where you travel, it's important to stay up to date with the latest developments. The latest situation often differs even within countries.
We were impressed by the natural scenery of Laos.
Our favorite place in Laos was Kuang Si Waterfall.James Kelly/Shutterstock
When we traveled to Laos, we were shocked by the pure and kind-hearted people and the magnificent natural scenery.
Our favorite place we visited in this Southeast Asian country was Kuang Si Waterfall. Swimming is allowed here in part of his three-tiered turquoise waterfall.
Another thing we loved about Laos was the fresh and delicious food. After a day of exploring, we headed to the local market for some larb. Larb is a meat-based salad flavored with mint leaves, fish sauce, lime juice, and chili.
Malta has a lot to see and do.
The walled capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Yuri Biryukov/Shutterstock
My husband and I traveled to Malta during a trip to London. This country was always on my list of places to visit as my grandfather was stationed there during World War II.
Although Malta is a small island nation, it has a lot to see and do. For example, the walled capital Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We loved wandering the streets and admiring the fortresses, churches, and baroque architecture.
Visiting the Blue Caves, a series of sea caves, was also breathtaking and a highlight of our trip.
There is so much to see in Morocco.
We enjoyed watching the snake charmers at Djemaa el Fna square.Matej Kastelic
My husband and I traveled to Morocco in 2013 with my parents. Arriving in Marrakech was a huge culture shock for my husband's family, who are from Victoria, Australia.
There was so much to see, from the snake charmers in Djemaa el Fna Square to the donkeys roaming the streets.
The highlight of our trip was a tour of a Berber camp in the Sahara Desert with camel trekking. We ate chicken tagine under the stars and chatted with our hosts about life in the desert. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget.
