When most of us think of traveling, we envision remarkable destinations steeped in wonderful culture, scenic sights and all the envy-inducing experiences we’re about to embark on. While popular tourist destinations include Italy, Jamaica, Brazil and Thailand, have you ever wondered about those countries that record the least tourist visits each year? We have. Check out a few of our finds, some of which make tempting trips while others scream “stay away”. Have you been to any of these obscure places?
1. Solomon Islands: 24,400 tourists
Despite beautiful landscapes and amazing beaches, there are only about 24,400 tourists visiting the Solomon Islands each year. The archipelago boasts six main islands and over nine hundred smaller ones, which all come together to create a sovereign country gorgeous enough to make the gods weep. Still, it’s not winning any popularity contests, however. Despite having attractions such as Mataniko Falls, Vella Lavella, and the National Museum of the Solomon Islands, tourists seem to prefer its neighbors New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
2. São Tomé and Príncipe: 10,000 tourists
With only 10,000 tourists visiting annually, São Tomé and Príncipe reveal a world of whale watching, exquisite beaches, intriguing Portuguese colonial architecture and more for the lucky few who venture there. There’s much to offer and the bare minimum of tourists to enjoy it with, so the country’s slogan “A well-kept secret” holds all kinds of merit. Located in the equatorial Atlantic and Gulf of Guinea, the local inhabitants bring added charm to the islands, a thing that can be harder to find in more popular destinations.
3. Turkmenistan: 8,697 visitors
Want to knock all the “Stan” countries off your bucket list? Well you can’t do that without checking out Turkmenistan, which has annual tourist visits of just 8,697. While some Turkmen—a Turkmenistan citizen—have settled in the historic cities, many continue in the traditional nomadic ways of their forefathers, living across vast deserts that take up eighty percent of the land mass. While it’s unwise to talk politics with Turkmen, especially as for decades their country was cut off from the rest of the world, you should be okay on topics like food, culture, and main attractions. Across the country, golden statues of Saparmyrat Niyazov, the country’s eccentric ruler until 2006, are scattered monuments (he’s the guy who renamed the months on the calendar after himself!). Tourists eager to explore the Central Asian location are also privy to camel and horse trekking (with Akhal Teke horses), the impressive nature reserve, Darvaza gas craters, and much more.
