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If you’ve ever braved the crowds of an all-inclusive resort on the Mayan Riviera, or struggled to get a decent photo of a gondola in Venice, then you know that the worst part of a vacation is other people. We’re all going to the same destinations and annoying the crap out of each other and it feels like the whole trip was a waste, doesn’t it? Makes you wish that you decided to do a more thorough Google to find a place off the beaten track. Thankfully, those places do exist.
Whether it’s due to it being a pain in the ass to get to, not having enough flights, or recovering from a ecological disaster, there are a lot of gorgeous and relaxing places all over the planet, that see less tourists in a year than LAX sees in a day. Just as a frame of reference, that’s 269,819 passengers a day.
Here, you’ll feel like the only person in the world, with no stress, commercialism or real-world problems. Just peace and adventure.
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Madagascar
257,000 Annual Visitors
This is the fourth-largest island in the world, but also one of the hardest to visit due to the lack of affordable and frequent flights.
257,000 Annual Visitors
This is the fourth-largest island in the world, but also one of the hardest to visit due to the lack of affordable and frequent flights.
Those that do make it, will find a haven for nature lovers, with unique wildlife that only exists on the island and no where else. Given that it’s off the beaten tracks, you can explore your desire for adventure with some kite-surfing, or just camp in the rarely visited national parks.
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French Polynesia
216, 000 Annual Visitors
If there’s any place on Earth that should be considered the perfect paradise, it’s this place. It’s all about island-hopping here, with beaches and resorts on Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea.
216, 000 Annual Visitors
If there’s any place on Earth that should be considered the perfect paradise, it’s this place. It’s all about island-hopping here, with beaches and resorts on Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea.
Least visited, but no less gorgeous, is the island of Huahine, which is still authentically Polynesian. There are amazing dive sites, archeological ruins and friendly locals.
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British Virgin Islands
192,000 Annual Visitors
It’s hard to consider that this gorgeous place would be on a list of least-visited countries, but it’s been in rebuild mode since 2017, after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The entire infrastructure was decimated, leaving everything a ruin.
192,000 Annual Visitors
It’s hard to consider that this gorgeous place would be on a list of least-visited countries, but it’s been in rebuild mode since 2017, after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The entire infrastructure was decimated, leaving everything a ruin.
Today, it’s back to 100%. If you can make it there, you’ll find 50 islands to cruise around, grab some sun, take some instaworthy photos, and hit up some insane parties. You might even meet a billionaire and get invited onto his massive yacht, who knows?
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St. Maarten
178,000 Annual Visitors
This was another victim of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, and it severely hurt tourism. That said, even with everting coming back together, it’s still a breathtaking place.
178,000 Annual Visitors
This was another victim of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, and it severely hurt tourism. That said, even with everting coming back together, it’s still a breathtaking place.
Today, it’s got sprawling resorts, a casino and beach bars that’ll make you forget life back at home. Plus, it’s a frequent stop on a lot of Caribbean cruises, so you get an influx of new faces daily.
I’d definitely suggest heading over there sooner, rather than later, before everyone starts going.
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Cook Islands
169,000 Annual Visitors
These islands are pretty far off the beaten path, and offer 15 islands across 700,000 square miles of Pacific bliss.
169,000 Annual Visitors
These islands are pretty far off the beaten path, and offer 15 islands across 700,000 square miles of Pacific bliss.
The beauty of these islands is that they offer a modern vacation via bars, cafes and resorts, but also has remote beaches and places to snorkel where you’re the only one for miles. Sounds like my kind of place.
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Samoa
164,000 Annual Visitors
These are probably the most picturesque on the list, with jade-green waters, waterfalls, and complete isolation from the world. Probably, why it’s not high on the tourist’s lists.
164,000 Annual Visitors
These are probably the most picturesque on the list, with jade-green waters, waterfalls, and complete isolation from the world. Probably, why it’s not high on the tourist’s lists.
But if you can make it, you’ve got all this biodiversity in which to dive, hike and mountain bike through. Plus, what makes this destination so amazing, is that it’s still authentic. 100% of the locals here are ethnic Samoans, who fiercely protect their culture and traditions.
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Grenada
161,000 Annual Visitors
There are 3 islands that make up this country, and all of them offer boutique-style hotels and resorts, tons of diving and beaches, and most importantly, this is the best place to get some authentic spices.
161,000 Annual Visitors
There are 3 islands that make up this country, and all of them offer boutique-style hotels and resorts, tons of diving and beaches, and most importantly, this is the best place to get some authentic spices.
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Moldova
160,000 Annual Visitors
Getting away from the Caribbean for a bit, is this tiny European country. Hidden between Romania and Ukraine, this old country is known for its wine culture, and old-world vibes.
160,000 Annual Visitors
Getting away from the Caribbean for a bit, is this tiny European country. Hidden between Romania and Ukraine, this old country is known for its wine culture, and old-world vibes.
Plus, it barely sees any obnoxious tourists, because it’s too far off the map.
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New Caledonia
120,000 Annual Visitors
This is a French territory that’s made up of a string of islands in the South Pacific, and it’s not easy to get to. Which makes it perfect, as it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.
120,000 Annual Visitors
This is a French territory that’s made up of a string of islands in the South Pacific, and it’s not easy to get to. Which makes it perfect, as it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The culture here is a mix of French and Melanesian, and is so incredibly authentic and hospitable. You might probably want to move here.
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St. Kitts & Nevis
116,000 Annual Visitors
This country has two separate islands, with and endless supply of beaches and mountains. If you want excitement, you can stay on St. Kitts (I recommend Brasseterre as a place to visit), because that’s where all the night life is.
116,000 Annual Visitors
This country has two separate islands, with and endless supply of beaches and mountains. If you want excitement, you can stay on St. Kitts (I recommend Brasseterre as a place to visit), because that’s where all the night life is.
Or, you can stay on Nevis, with the quiet beaches, and tiny luxury hotels. Honestly, I’m shocked at how little tourism this place gets, as it’s just a gorgeous paradise.
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Palau
116,000 Annual Visitors
This is one of the world’s newest countries, declaring it’s nationhood in 1994. It’s a wild and natural place to visit, and it’s key selling point is the diving. The islands are surrounded by reefs, shipwrecks and marine life.
116,000 Annual Visitors
This is one of the world’s newest countries, declaring it’s nationhood in 1994. It’s a wild and natural place to visit, and it’s key selling point is the diving. The islands are surrounded by reefs, shipwrecks and marine life.
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Vanuatu
116,000 Annual Visitors
This small cluster of islands in the South Pacific is pretty remote, and gets overshadowed by the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Fiji.
116,000 Annual Visitors
This small cluster of islands in the South Pacific is pretty remote, and gets overshadowed by the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Fiji.
But there are over 80 islands worth of deserted beaches, diving, epic waterfalls and hiking, as well as a volcano you can ‘ashboard’ down.
Honestly, here you’ll feel like you’re at the end of the world, and you’ll never want to go back to your boring life.
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Liechtenstein
85,000 Annual Visitors
This isn’t actually a remote country at all; it’s sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland. But still, it doesn’t see a lot of visitors, for some reason.
85,000 Annual Visitors
This isn’t actually a remote country at all; it’s sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland. But still, it doesn’t see a lot of visitors, for some reason.
Well, probably because it’s tiny. At only 15 miles long, and filled with only 37,000 people, it’s easily overlooked. But, if you want an authentic alpine experience with fantastic food, wine, castles and skiing, this is the place to be.
It’s literally like living in an old European fairy tale when you come here to hang out.
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San Marino
84,000 Annual Visitors
It’s understandable if you’ve never heard of it, as this country is situated within another country; Italy. This is one of the oldest republics in the world, and has tons of cliffside castles and UNESCO sites.
84,000 Annual Visitors
It’s understandable if you’ve never heard of it, as this country is situated within another country; Italy. This is one of the oldest republics in the world, and has tons of cliffside castles and UNESCO sites.
And interestingly enough, it actually has more visitors than residents. At it’s peak, San Marino only has about 33,500 people that actually live there. But man, is it gorgeous.
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St. Vincent and the Grenadines
80,000 Annual Visitors
What makes these gorgeous islands so amazing is that they’re barely touched by mass tourism. While other nearly islands have their share of visitors and chain hotels, this place is cheap and chill.
80,000 Annual Visitors
What makes these gorgeous islands so amazing is that they’re barely touched by mass tourism. While other nearly islands have their share of visitors and chain hotels, this place is cheap and chill.
Plus the beaches are the whitest sand you’ll ever see. It’ll be easy to just pull up a chair, rent an umbrella and never want to move again.
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Timor-Leste
75,000 Annual Visitors
This is another new nation, which gained its independence from Indonesia in 2002. It’s also relatively untouched for the most part. The island is a mix of Indonesian and Portuguese influences with jungles, beaches and mountain villages to find your centre.
75,000 Annual Visitors
This is another new nation, which gained its independence from Indonesia in 2002. It’s also relatively untouched for the most part. The island is a mix of Indonesian and Portuguese influences with jungles, beaches and mountain villages to find your centre.
Plus the reefs are relatively unexplored, so you can go experience that biodiversity without all the touristy bullshit.
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Sierra-Leone
57,000 Annual Visitors
I bet you’re surprised to see this one here, considering it’s history of conflict, but this country is an unspoilt destination with over 19,000 miles of coastline. At the moment, Sierra-Leone is listed as a Level 2 country by the U.S. State Department, which means it’s safe to visit, you just need to be cautious.
57,000 Annual Visitors
I bet you’re surprised to see this one here, considering it’s history of conflict, but this country is an unspoilt destination with over 19,000 miles of coastline. At the moment, Sierra-Leone is listed as a Level 2 country by the U.S. State Department, which means it’s safe to visit, you just need to be cautious.
The country’s more of a place for visitors that are looking for adventure, eco-tourism or even volunteer-tourism. It doesn’t hurt to give back, while you’re enjoying your vacation.
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Anguilla
55,000 Annual Visitors
This island is a British territory, and and it’s everything you could ever want from an island; bright buildings, white beaches, open-air bars, bbq and booze. But, sadly, it’s been struggling in recent years due to the Hurricanes that decimated other islands in this post.
55,000 Annual Visitors
This island is a British territory, and and it’s everything you could ever want from an island; bright buildings, white beaches, open-air bars, bbq and booze. But, sadly, it’s been struggling in recent years due to the Hurricanes that decimated other islands in this post.
Thankfully, they’ve found themselves back to normal and the island is ready for visitors. Not only does it offer the beach experience, but there’s the Fountain Cavern National Park that has some breathtaking limestone caverns for you to explore.
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Solomon Islands
28,000 Annual Visitors
This collection of islands sits between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, and is so far out into the Pacific that it’s still practically rural. There are no paved roads or modern luxury items, but what it lacks in stars, it makes up in character.
28,000 Annual Visitors
This collection of islands sits between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, and is so far out into the Pacific that it’s still practically rural. There are no paved roads or modern luxury items, but what it lacks in stars, it makes up in character.
This is so off the beaten track that you can have an authentic experience just chilling with locals, exploring shipwrecks and also getting a crash course in WW2 history. These islands were a key part of the Pacific theatre, so there are abandoned planes, tanks, and boats just littering the islands for you to check out.
So while it’s not the easiest to get to, it’s worth the trip, just for the peace and quiet of no tourist traffic.
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Montserrat
9,000 Annual Visitors
At one time, this island was the place to be. Situated in the Caribbean, it once boasted close to a hundred cities and villages and a thriving economy. Then, in 1994, a volcano on the island erupted and turned the lower half of the island into a modern-day Pompeii. Hence, why it’s spent the past year as the least visited county in the world, despite the natural disaster occurring over 20 years ago.
9,000 Annual Visitors
At one time, this island was the place to be. Situated in the Caribbean, it once boasted close to a hundred cities and villages and a thriving economy. Then, in 1994, a volcano on the island erupted and turned the lower half of the island into a modern-day Pompeii. Hence, why it’s spent the past year as the least visited county in the world, despite the natural disaster occurring over 20 years ago.
Today, they’re still rebuilding and the northern half boasts a Caribbean experience you won’t find anywhere else, as well as ghost towns, a fruit bat cave and pockets where nature outnumbers the residents.
It’s the kind of place where you don’t care that there’s no wifi or cell service. You just want to disappear into a rum-drenched drink and pretend you’re all alone in the world.
Sounds perfect to me.
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