The world is a big place, and there are many unique countries things to see and experience. If you’re big on travel, you want to see everything, but you might not know where to start. That’s where we come in. We wanted to come up with a list of top places to check out in 2017, but we wanted to put a twist on it. Here’s a list of interesting and unique (sometimes less traveled) countries to visit on each continent!
1. NORTH AMERICA: CANADA
Our neighbors to the
north don’t get enough credit. Most folks in the US want to hang out in our own country or head to Central America to enjoy tropical
beaches. Don’t sell Canada short though! It’s a sprawling country with some incredible sights to see. Squamish is like little Yosemite to the north, and Banff
National Park might be one of the most beautiful landscapes in the whole world. Score bonus points if you drive from the Pacific Ocean to Banff through the Rockies. That’s a road trip you won’t soon forget. Runner Up: Costa Rica
2. SOUTH AMERICA: CHILE
This long, narrow country runs half of the length of the South American Continent. To the north, it boasts the driest desert in the world, while the Andes run along its spine to the south. Chile has vineyards, Easter Island, volcanoes, snow capped mountains, and much more. If you’re thinking about visiting South America, don’t forget about Chile! You'll make some great
memories here for sure. Runner Up: Peru
3. ASIA: THAILAND
Think about what your tropical paradise looks like. Does it include palm trees, delicious food, emerald green waters, and a unique and vibrant culture? If so,
Thailand is your ticket to happiness. Explore ancient Buddhist temples and cruise on placid, crystal-clear saltwater bays. Don’t miss out on Karon’s sprawling beaches, luxury hotels, and dynamic nightlife. Runner Up: Japan
4. AUSTRALIA: NEW ZEALAND
Even though Australia is technically the continent, and it’s definitely worth visiting, we thought we’d cheat and include other places in the larger Oceania region. Our choice is New Zealand. This charming island-nation has some of the most dramatic landscapes around, which is why it was chosen for filming the Lord of the Rings movies. You can even visit the Shire if you want! If you don’t want to nerd-out in middle-earth, there are plenty of other amazing activities like hiking, kayaking, surfing, and more. Don’t call the New Zealanders Australian though! Runner Up: Australia
5. AFRICA: SOUTH AFRICA
The southernmost country in the giant continent of Africa is the incredible country of South Africa. Hosts to the World Cup only a few years ago, this nation is truly for the adventurous. Go on a safari up north, then go surfing in the south. Check out some bouldering at Rock Lands, then go shark diving. The possibilities are truly endless. Cape Town might just be one of the most gorgeous cities in the whole world. Don’t forget your Vuvuzela! Runner Up: Tanzania
6. EUROPE: CZECH REPUBLIC
When most people
vacation in Europe, they want to go to France, England, Spain, or Italy. Those places are great, but the Czech Republic might just have them beat. Prague is one of the most tourist-friendly cities in all of Europe, and it’s also one of the most beautiful. The citizens are extremely helpful, and pretty much everyone speaks English. Venture off the beaten path and check out the Adrspach Rock City. Runner Up: Norway
7. ANTARCTICA: AN ICEBERG...OR SOMETHING
All kidding aside, Antarctica is a tough nut to crack. Unless you’re a scientist, there probably won’t be too much for you to do there. There you have it! 6 (kind of 7) awesome countries to visit in 2017.
