We are all travel loversdiscovery, adventure and encounters.
Once you've tasted the flavors of travel, it's hard to stop!
We're starting to travel more and moreWe want to discover more and more, to experience new things.
When you start to travel a lot, you often ask yourself the question: " what's my next destination ? ".
Above all, we're looking for original destinations that are out of the ordinary, that aren't too touristy, that will surprise us.
That's why I've decided to ask travel bloggers directlyto these travelers travel experts. They have already visited dozens and dozens of countries all over the world. Many have already circumnavigated the globe. They're in the best position to answer this "problem".
I asked them this question:
"Of all the countries you've already visited around the world, what are the 3 "original" destinations you'd recommend to someone who's used to traveling?"
50 people responded!
Here are the voting results, as well as each person's answer in their own words..
TOP 3 original destinations (according to 50 travel bloggers):
#1 China (9 votes)
#2 Japan (7 votes)
#3 Morocco (5 votes)
Here are their correct answers by copying and pasting their answers:
Fabrice of the Instinct Voyageur blog
Transnistria
For a start, this is an original destination, as it is a state that is not recognized in Europe. Wedged between Moldavia and Ukraine, Transnistria is a step back in time to the Soviet era. An astonishing destination, I talk about it in an article on my blog.
Zambia
This country is a paradise if you love nature parks and safaris. An unforgettable trip to a destination that's rarely visited by tourists.
Ghana
Here too, another African country a little on the bangs. But traveling there was a real surprise for me. The coast is superb, with its beaches and colonial forts.
Alex from the Vizeo blog
- Georgia: a change of scenery guaranteed in an atmosphere of old Europe and its proximity
- Iran: far from the clichés, becoming increasingly trendy but still an incredible place far from the tourist hordes
- French Guiana: Nature in the raw, with golden locals and well-preserved wildlife.
Camille from the blog L'oiseau rose
- India for its excitement and change of scenery.
- The Yunnan region for an in-depth look at China
- The island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, for its splendid natural beauty!
Maxence from the blog Virée malin
First of all, Japan, a country that I found really crazy because its culture, customs and way of life are so different from ours. It's definitely a country to visit in Asia! Many people say (and I said it myself), "No, Japan's not for me", but once you've been there, you'll want to go back! 3 weeks is ideal, the less you risk getting frustrated and not enjoying your trip.
Second country, Sri Lanka! Although this country is 30km off the coast of India, the culture is totally different, and it's really striking (although you'll need to have set foot in India). Sri Lanka is a wild, magnificent country, not to mention the kindness of the people you meet along the way. Just getting from point A to point B by train is an adventure, as the journey times and landscapes are incredible. The biggest headache in this country is finding an itinerary and choosing one destination over another.
The third country would be Canada, or more precisely Quebec. I find the history that unites us (albeit not very corporate) has a neighbourly flavour, we're different but still linked by our language which gives us a certain complicity and makes us want to meet new people and get to know the history that unites us better. I'm not even talking about the incredible scenery (especially during the Indian summer), which makes Quebec a destination that's accessible from France (6-hour flight from Paris) but above all a change of scenery.
Sébastien from the blog Les globe blogueurs
Colombia: for its incredibly diverse landscapes and welcoming people
Sri Lanka: for its wildlife, culture and multiple influences
Nicaragua: for its eruptive character and unique history
Bruno from the blog Votre tour du monde
Bolivia for visual slaps in the face
the Philippines for the beautiful encounters with the locals, who are adorable and
Norway, where you can weep at the scenery (special mention to the Lofoten Islands).
Céline of the blog Je papote
- Kyrgyzstan: a truly magnificent country where tourism is still underdeveloped. Nature and mountain lovers are bound to love it.
- Zanzibar: a surprising island that makes you want to discover the African continent next.
- Swedish Lapland in winter for a complete change of scenery. Unlike its Norwegian and Finnish neighbors, the Swedish part of Lapland is more sheltered from tourism.
François and Amandine from the blog Un sac sur le dos
- Guatemala: apart from the incredible warmth of its inhabitants, it is above all a country that is home to a large Mayan community that is still very much alive.
- Japan: because it's a country that never ceases to surprise.
- Antarctica: it's not really a country, but its breathtaking landscapes, both imposing and fragile, will make it an important thermometer of the state of our beautiful planet in years to come. And because penguins are definitely too cute!
Loic from the Loic Lagarde blog
1/ Kazakhstan: 6-hour direct flight, no visa required. National parks worthy of those in the western USA and a capital that looks like the Dubai of Central Asia.
2/ Easter Island: certainly the most isolated island in the world. You have to stay at least 3 days. And those mystical statues...
3/ Myanmar: authenticity guaranteed in this country just recovering from the military junta. Wonders (such as Bagan and Shwedagon) that deserve to be included among the new wonders of the world.
AnneSo and Arno from the blog Love live travel
Japan for its diversity and culture, so different from ours.
South Africa, for its incredible landscapes and wildlife (we pass ostriches on the road)
Jordan for its incredible off-the-beaten-track beauty
Sandrine and Pascal from the Dreams World blog
- First, one of the 7 ancient wonders: the pyramids of Egypt. It was a shock to see them in real life. They're so well preserved, and hold so many secrets, that you can't help but be captivated by the place! And to make the pleasure last, enjoy a cruise on the Nile (with https://www.croisierenet.com/ for example, which leads to temples each more enigmatic than the last
- second, the temples of Angkor in Cambodia. This place is truly unique and deserves to be one of the 7 wonders of the world. The site is truly gigantic, and when you visit it, you feel as if you've stepped back in time to the days of the Khmers. The trees that have grown and taken root in the remains give it a mysterious atmosphere.
- third would be the Lion Rock at Sigirya in Sri Lanka. Climbing up its many steps to the palace ruins offers a breathtaking view over a lush landscape.
Aurélie of the blog Le prochain voyage
- The Philippines, for the friendliness of the locals, the extreme beauty of the green rice paddies, the unforgettable beaches and seabed.
- Morocco, for its authenticity, breathtaking desert landscapes and imperial cities; and only a two-hour flight away.
- Cyprus, for its climate, the variety of its landscapes, its ruins and its gastronomy; a "discreet" destination full of surprises.
Caroline from the blog Biche around the world
Burma: a change of scenery and an enriching experience
The Philippines: diverse islands and breathtaking scenery
Iceland: for the beauty of nature (volcanoes, waterfalls, geysers...)
Ludovic from Hors frontières blog
Tuvalu. It's a small country in the Pacific with the particularity of having no cities, but one island: Funafuti, its capital. What's more, its main street, where children play, is transformed once a week into a landing strip for the rare aircraft that stop over on the island.
Bangladesh. A country in Asia, Bangladesh, in addition to its magnificent landscapes, offers visitors a veritable plunge into an overflowing, teeming humanity. At every step forward, Westerners are stopped by locals who, proud to see tourists discovering their country, ask for a photo or a selfie. The cities are incredibly densely populated, and to find yourself at the heart of this humanity is a journey in itself.
Haiti. Although the country has been in the news in recent years due to climatic disasters, it remains a very interesting country with a predominantly rural population. Haitians are welcoming, and the country abounds in little-visited natural treasures.
Adeline from the blog Voyages etc
India for a journey to the land of endless emotions
Kyrgyzstan for breathtaking scenery and nomadic life
Easter Island in Chile for its mysteries that will never be solved!
Fanny from Les exploratrices blog
Karimunjawa (Java, Indonesia) for the beauty of the island and its underwater world, and the friendliness of the locals!
Mongolia, because it's a country that leaves no one indifferent, and it's ideal for a natural imprecision!
Sicily, because it's not as well known as you'd think, and as you explore the island, you realize just how historic and beautiful it is!
Julien from the Sentiers du phoenix blog
1. Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are lost between Scotland and Iceland, where the Atlantic lows die off. Not surprisingly, it was the Vikings who first landed there to escape repression. The Faroe Islands offer a breathtaking landscape, straight out of Scandinavian legends. A visit to the Faroe Islands is like returning to Viking times...
2. Finland
Finland is often overlooked in favor of its two Scandinavian neighbors, Sweden and Norway. Yet behind its endless forests and lakes, Finland is a hidden treasure to be discovered with patience and passion. Indeed, nowhere else in Europe will you find such vast expanses of wild taiga and primary forests. To lose oneself in Finland is to reconnect with the traditions of the Saami people and with nature of exceptional purity.
3. Ardenne
The Ardenne is a cross-border region stretching from the French Ardennes to Germany and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This territory is characterized by a forest massif called the Ardenne (without "s"!!). This forest is one of the few expanding forests in Europe. A land of myths and legends, the Ardennes has a special connection with Brittany, sharing the same Celtic heritage. Suffice it to say that getting lost in these woods just a few hours from Paris is an extraordinary experience. It's hard to imagine that such wild pockets of nature can exist in one of Europe's most urbanized areas...
Thibaut from Le tour du monde de mes pieds blog
I'd say Uruguay, to get lost in Punta del Diablo and Cabo Polonio.
China for the old town of Fenghuang.
And Switzerland, a country we tend to overlook because of the high cost of accommodation, but as I live on the border I highly recommend it for a road trip along Lake Leman or inland.
Céline from the Globetrekkeuse blog
- Ladakh (India), to experience the immensity of the world in breathtaking landscapes,
- Tibet (China), to immerse yourself in Tibetan culture, at the foot of the world's highest mountains,
- Alaska (USA), for a road trip close to nature, allowing you to awaken your animal side.
Chris from Chris sand voyage blog
China, for its culture and fabulous landscapes
Argentina for its wide open spaces and gastronomy
Mexico for its pre-Columbian civilizations and its flora and fauna.
Pam from the blog Voyager sa vie
Guizhou province, China
When I decided to return to China, I wanted to get away from the more crowded places and experience rural China at its best. I chose Guizhou for its rice terraces, ethnic minorities and timelessness. Guizhou can be visited if you have a minimum of travel experience and, above all, if you're not afraid of finding your way around without knowing the language or meeting any familiar faces.
Taipei
When we think of visiting an Asian capital, we often think of Bangkok, Tokyo, Hong Kong and so on. Few people think of visiting Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. For me, it's one of my favorite cities in Asia. The food is extremely good, the people are smiling and very welcoming, and a short train ride takes you to the nearby mountains. Taipei's charm is to be found at the turn of an alley, in its night markets and in its atmosphere. It's a must-see!
Sulawesi in Indonesia
I haven't visited Sulawesi yet, but this Indonesian island is right at the top of my list. I may well set foot there in 2019. Far from the mass tourism of Bali, Sulawesi offers breathtaking beaches, a very special culture and a guaranteed change of scenery.
Rachel from the blog Découverte monde
China's Silk Road: China is a fascinating country, so far removed from our Western cultural reference points. For travelers who aren't afraid of going to remote corners, I suggest following the Silk Road from Xian. This legendary itinerary follows in the footsteps of Marco Polo through desert areas and mountain passes. A direct plunge into 2000 years of history through an incredible cultural mix.
Myanmar: a country that was closed to tourists for a long time, but which has been gradually opening up over the last few years. The cultural richness of this country is incredible, and it's here that I've seen the greatest Buddhist religious fervor. It's still a long way from the hordes of tourists in Thailand, and you'll meet some of the kindest, most attentive people I've encountered on my many travels.
Guatemala: A country that has long had a bad reputation for crime. This small Central American country is the one I found most fascinating in this region. In addition to the beautiful landscapes found throughout Central America, including majestic volcanoes, some of which are still very active, the indigenous culture is still very present. Much of the population still wears traditional clothing and adheres to a way of life and beliefs handed down from their pre-Hispanic ancestors.
Amélie of the Voyagista blog
I'm Asian-oriented, so I tend to think of lesser-known places in certain countries in addition to Taiwan, because these are magnificent places with very few Western tourists due to the language barrier, the lack of infrastructure or the fact that no one speaks the language... it's always there that I've had the most wonderful encounters, because the people are still very welcoming.
1. The Silk Road in China
2. Taiwan
3. The island of Shikoku in Japan
Tiphanya from the blog Avenue reine mathilde
1. Hokkaido - Japan
Japan's northernmost island is home to monkeys and bears, and boasts a Camembert cheese production.
2. Kirghizstan
Central Asia as described by Ella Maillart, with mare's milk alcohol and magnificent mountains.
3. Zagreb - Croatia
The capital of the too-often neglected country boasts cafés that know how to make thick hot chocolates and gourmet pastries.
Isabella from the blog Chaux me le monde
1. Bolivia for the exceptional landscapes of South Lipez
2. Burma for the kindness of its people
3. Peru for the incredible ingenuity of the Inca people
Caroline from the Voyage family blog
Bacalar in Mexico: a small village in southern Yucatan on the border with Belize. Its greatest attraction is clearly its lagoon, one of the most magical I've ever seen. It's nicknamed the 7-colored lagoon, but there are so many shades of blue to green in this water, that 7 doesn't seem quite right! A day on a boat, kayak or simply swim from the pontoons of the rental houses. A little paradise!
Baracoa, Cuba: this small village in the east of the island was my favorite part of Cuba. It has a quiet little village square where you can listen to salsa bands in the evenings, and a grandiose natural environment all around to explore: lakes, mountains, canyons. I could have stayed there for a while.
The Moroccan Atlas by motorhome: my favorite part of Morocco. The Atlas abounds in sublime landscapes, each very different from the next. The rocks are alternately red, yellow and orange; the wadis are perfect for bathing; palm trees are never far away. And the Berbers are reintroducing us to the forgotten concept of hospitality - and that's good!
Sandrine from the blog Rêver d'ailleurs
My travels have included Tasmania, for the Australian flora and fauna at your fingertips, the Alps of Lake Geneva for the unusual winter activities on offer, and Bratislava, an often overlooked European capital.
Camille from the blog Sense away
France - Spend several weeks in a little-known region and explore every nook and cranny. You'll be surprised to discover little wonders not far from home.
China - Far from the clichés of the Middle Kingdom, you have to go off the beaten track to meet ethnic minorities or to the farthest reaches of Tibet to discover an unknown and poignant China.
Morocco - Just a few hours by plane, a gateway to the African continent. A journey of the 5 senses, conducive to a cultural change of scenery and a sense of wonder.
Moran du blod Rencontre le monde
- Panama to enjoy nature with fewer tourists than in Costa Rica.
- Mayotte to discover an often little-known but magnificent part of France (the world's largest enclosed lagoon).
- Benin to discover the Voodoo culture and learn more about the history of slavery.
If Mayotte doesn't pass because it's not a country :
- Madagascar is a gigantic country with a magnificent variety of forests, mountains and seas.
Audrey from the blog Refuse to hibernate
New Brunswick is one of Canada's Maritime provinces that is often overlooked by French tourists. It has all the benefits of Quebec: friendly people, French-speaking communities, wide-open spaces and animals.
Wales and Jersey are two countries in the UK that you don't necessarily think of when you travel, yet they are perfect for lovers of outdoor activities such as hiking, sea kayaking...
Christel from the blog Jet lag trips
- Guiana! Because this department offers so many unusual destinations in the Amazon rainforest, it's a shame not to take advantage of them. French Guiana is not necessarily a popular tourist destination. And wrongly so! Because I've lived there for some time and had some unusual experiences! I found myself deep in the Amazon for a voodoo ceremony, and I wasn't trying to be clever... It was scary but so great...
- Japan: because it's full of unusual experiences! You'll almost certainly find yourself on the world's fastest TGV train, or in strange parts of Tokyo, where a temple can be right next to a geisha bar... It's crazy stuff! In any case, the Japanese are absolutely incredible. Their politeness and kindness make it a pleasure to travel... I loved it!
-And finally Antarctica, where I was lucky enough to go on a cruise. It was breathtaking! The landscape is overwhelming and breathtaking. It's cold, but it doesn't matter, because you come across some pretty crazy animals: whales, penguins, birds... It's a sight to behold, and more than once it takes your breath away!
Elodie and Mathieu from the blog A ticket to ride
Lake Baikal, Russia. Mostly in winter, of course, when it's frozen over. It's really one of our biggest slaps in the face in terms of scenery. And it's a great stopover on the Trans-Siberian Railway, an experience in itself.
Île des Pins, New Caledonia. So yes, it's far away, on the other side of the world. But it's worth it. Caledonians call it "the island closest to paradise", and they're probably not wrong. We never imagined that somewhere on the planet, the sand could be so white, so fine, and the water so transparent. It's magical.
Sri Lanka. For the incredible kindness of the Sri Lankan people. We spent a month there last year, in contact with the locals. We came back much more charged up than when we left: in our backpacks, we brought back hundreds of smiles.
Magali from Ma globetrotteuse blog
1- : Iran for the exceptional hospitality of its people. A real slap in the face...
2- I'd say Colombia, for its atmosphere and ambience. The people are friendly, the villages are colorful. There's something cheerful about it.
3- I hesitate between Romania, one of my favorite European countries. Unknown yet so warm and authentic. And Namibia, a splendid African country of wide open spaces and wild animals.
Farah and Nacer from the blog My Travelling Family
Iran
Norway
Uzbekistan
Pascal from Pascal Boegli blog
Bhutan: The unique country of Gross National Happiness that has to be earned
Ethiopia: For its rich history and unique natural sites
Zambia: For superb national parks with abundant wildlife
Jérôme from the blog Traversée d'un monde
- Romania -> Welcoming country with low cost of living
- Transnistria -> Europe's most unusual destination, where you can step back in time to the glory days of the USSR.
- Ukraine to Prypiat (Chernobyl) -> To find a town of 50,000 inhabitants emptied overnight
Myriam from the blog My my road trip
- Hungary:
Gödöllő near Budapest, where Princess Sissi's castle is located.
- Canada: Winnipeg, the forgotten central city.
- Spain: Cadaquès, Port Lligat, Dali's temple.
Ariane from the blog Itinera magica
1) The Faroe Islands. Halfway between Norway and Iceland, these
steep confetti of black basalt in the heart of the North Atlantic
will delight lovers of unspoilt boreal lands. The landscapes are
and tourism is just getting off the ground.
2) Franconia, in northern Bavaria. Nobody in France knows
the region of Nuremberg, Würzburg, Bamberg and Bayreuth, but the
is well worth a visit: beautiful medieval villages, the
Germany's most beautiful Baroque town (Bamberg), dozens of sites
and unbeatable value for money in the region.
tourism infrastructure.
3) Dakhla, in the far south of Morocco. For sports enthusiasts
(kite surfing, surfing, windsurfing...), this small piece of the world
a wild and unspoilt paradise between the Sahara and the Atlantic.
Vanessa from Le blog cash pistache
North-West China for its desolate, dehumanized landscapes, far from clichés.
Khao Sok National Park in Thailand, with its jungle and lake, karst rocks and caves.
Southern Morocco to Tafraout for its pink tones and palm oases.
Maryne from the blog Explore le monde
- The Comoros, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, an authentic, unspoilt island that deserves to develop its tourism responsibly!
- In the Amazon (on the banks of the Amazon, in Brazil), in the lungs of our planet. Back to basics and total disconnection!
- In India, a country that generally scares travelers, but which deserves to be explored. We've discovered South India twice, and every encounter has left a deep impression on us! It's a country of a thousand emotions...
Astrid from the blog Histoires de tongs
So for me it's Mauritania, Kyrgyzstan and Iran.
Eric and Florian from the Generation Voyage blog
- Poland: We lived in Krakow for a year, and life there is really cool. It's a very cosmopolitan country in the big cities, and very friendly.
- Macedonia: Skopje, the capital, is a mix of Greece, the Balkans and Turkey. This creates a very special atmosphere, far removed from mass tourism.
- The Philippines: Known for its dreamy landscapes, the country is not as touristy as you might think. There are so many islands to visit that you can come back several times and have the impression of seeing a different country with each trip.
Chloé and Romain from the blog Playing the world
- the island of Jersey => half French, half English, an island full of charm.
- Tasmania => Australia's forgotten state, teeming with superb national parks and animals of all kinds.
- the tiny island of Elafonissos in Greece, south of the Peloponnese => calm, 0 tourists, dream beaches.
Franck and Richard from the blog One day one travel
- The island of Sulawesi in Indonesia for its authenticity, the friendliness of its people and the beauty of its landscapes and seabed.
- A cruise in Patagonia between Chile and Argentina for an unusual adventure and the chance to set foot on Cape Horn.
- Cross the salt desert of southern Bolivia to feel like you're on another planet, and sleep in salt hotels.
Ryan from Le sac à dos blog
These are two countries I've really been enjoying lately:
Taiwan was our favorite of 2017!
Most people know this country for its "Made in Taiwan", but few suspect its beauty. If I had to describe Taiwan, I'd say it's a blend of Chinese tradition and Japanese atmosphere. All the locals I've met are super warm and welcoming. Couchsurfing and hitchhiking work like a charm, the food is delicious and the scenery is truly breathtaking.
Trek Omine Okugakemichi Japan (this is not a country but an experience in Japan)
Shugendo is a spiritual tradition dating back to 7th-century Japan. Its practitioners, the yamabushi, stay and train in the mountains to strengthen their bond with nature. For them, God is Nature. The training (or pilgrimage) consists of several days on trails. Some of these trails take you over several mountains, with peaks reaching up to 2,000 meters. One of the most magnificent and little-known trails is called Omine Okugakemichi. It is about 120km long and takes about 5 days to complete.
Virginie from the blog A taste of my life
Armenia (a tiny country opening up to tourism)
Rotterdam (because there's more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam!)
Manchester (not far from Liverpool, but well worth the detour)
Mélissa from the blog Mel loves travels
The Faroe Islands: for their austere, grandiose landscapes at the end of the world.
Uganda: For safaris like in Tanzania or Kenya, but without the tourists and with the great apes.
The Austral Islands: discover traditional French Polynesia.
WOW!
Many thanks to the travel experts who contributed to this article!
Share if you find it useful!
Here's a reminder of the votes:
TOP 3 original destinations (according to 50 travel bloggers):
#1 China (9 votes)
#2 Japan (7 votes)
#3 Morocco (5 votes)
And you, which 3 destinations would you recommend to someone who is used to traveling?
Article quoted on Stileex.
Hello, for me: Burma, Panama, North West Australia
Can I study Spanish in Spain during my next stay?
I found this site: linguaschools.fr
Hello Thibaut,
We'd be delighted to join this great list of bloggers who travel the world. One thing we can tell you is that we really love Asia, and we're currently planning a long 6-month trip there.
It's been 40 years since I started traveling, and it's very difficult to make a choice, as I've seen so many beautiful things in my life as a traveler. So, I'm going to focus on the last few years:
- The far north in general (Greenland, Lapland, Norway...) for its fantastic ice landscapes and northern lights.
- Vanuatu: a corner of the South Pacific with its forgotten islands, its people, and above all its fabulous volcanoes, with one of the world's largest lava lakes.
- French Polynesia: A paradise on earth: the Austral Islands (incredible lagoons, caves, population), and the Marquesas Islands, so dear to J. Brel, far from mass tourism.