LIST: 5 underrated countries that are worth visiting
They say traveling is one of the ways you can enrich your life as you get to be exposed to different cultures and people.
Dreaming of your next vacation but don't know where to go next? After exploring the beauty of popular attractions, why not discover what else the world has to offer by visiting underrated countries for a change?
Kach Umandap, the first Filipino to visit all 195 countries in the world with a Philippine passport, shared with PhilSTAR L!fe some overlooked destinations that are worth visiting.
"These least visited countries are also my favorite kasi para kang nasa ibang dimension, para kang nasa movies in real life. Hindi mo alam na, 'Wow, may ganito palang nage-exist na places kasi walang masyadong information sa mga bansang ‘to," she said.
Check out her top picks below.
Tuvalu
If you want to explore a country that is not too “touristy,” Umandap suggested heading to the west-central part of the Pacific Ocean and going to Tuvalu. This humble island offers authentic experiences such as touring their atolls, participating in cultural and traditional dances, trying their national game te ano (which is quite similar to volleyball but is played with two balls in one game), as well as diving and snorkeling to admire their rich marine life.
"This is the country that they said will go underwater because of climate change so you should visit now," she told L!fe. "When I visited, I met the Prime Minister himself. It was so much fun."
North Korea
Laws in North Korea are strict. According to the Human Rights Watch, the government maintains "fearful obedience" and "systematically denies basic liberties, including freedom of expression, association, and religion." Even travel to the country is restricted, allowing you to go there only in groups accompanied by an official tour guide.
"Everyone knows it’s difficult to enter and very strict when you’re there. But everyone is nice and I was even able to buy a lot of beauty products," Umandap recalled. "The rule: You can't take half-body photos of the supreme leader or you'll get in trouble."
You might have gotten a glimpse of North Korea if you’ve watched the hit K-drama Crash Landing on You, but other places you can check out are the Arch of Triumph, Mansudae Grand Monument, and Koryo Museum.
Turkmenistan
If you enjoy hiking and trekking, Turkmenistan is the place to be. The country in southwest Central Asia, which is mostly covered in land, boasts several museums, historical sites, and natural attractions such as the Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
"Ever heard of the gas crater? It's really interesting because 'yun 'yung 'Door to Hell,'" Umandap told L!fe, referring to the Darvaza Gas Crater, which is a continually burning crater in Turkmenistan.
She added that what makes it interesting is its capital and largest city Ashgabat as it's all-white and it's known as the "City of White Marble." Here, you'll see buildings covered in marble and only white cars that complement its overall appearance. "Even dirty cars are not allowed," noted Umandap.
Eritrea
Eritrea, dubbed the "North Korea of Africa," also offers walking tours and fun nature trips. Umandap shared that traveling to this underrated country is like walking back in time, describing it as "Italy in the 60s."
Here, you can check the ancient city of Kohaito, which has the ruins of palaces from the first century C.E., or the archaeological site of Belew Kelew, which has ruins from the Aksumite period in the third century. You can also snorkel or dive in the pristine waters of the Red Sea or Dahlak Islands for a nature adventure.
Umandap also suggests visiting the Tank Graveyard in Asmara. "Sobrang cool nito pero dark history. Mga tanks nila sa war, ginawa nilang tourist attractions," she shared.
The traveler noted that the country is "very strict to enter," so it's best to familiarize yourself with their rules, culture, and restrictions before your visit.
South Sudan
Umandap said that another underrated country is South Sudan. You can check out parks like Badingilo National Park and Nimule National Park to admire its rich wildlife. You can also have a chill boat trip and relax at the Nile River.
"I enjoyed my trip to South Sudan very much. I even got to meet the Mundari tribe and teach them some dance steps and Tagalog!" she recalled.
Increasing your chances of getting your visa approved
Since some underrated countries need visa approvals, Umandap stressed the importance of building a good travel history.
She suggested going to visa-free countries first. “Simulan niyo muna sa Southeast Asia, tapos puntahan niyo na ‘yung mga bansa maybe sa Central Asia or South Asia na mga visa-free. Tapos kapag marami na 'yung stamps niyo sa passport niyo, start na kayo mag-apply ng visa. Punta na kayo ng South Korea, Japan, then mag-apply na kayo next sa Australia,” she said.
“Padamihin niyo muna ‘yung stamp at tsaka pagandahin niyo muna ‘yung confidence niyo na napuntahan niyo na ‘yung mga visa-free na mga bansa,” Umandap told L!fe.
She also advised building your travel fund for your “show money” in visa applications.
“Maganda para hindi kayo nahihirapan, lagi kayo mag-set aside ng fund niyo for travel, and 'yung travel fund niyo, 'yan na lang din 'yung gawin mong bank account para may show money kayo. Hindi na kayo mamomroblema kung paano ‘yung show money kasi may mga five months, six months na mga visa applications,” Umandap continued, adding that you must also have separate accounts for your allowance during travels and your fund for visa applications.
“Build your travel history and have 'show money' so they would see that you are capable of traveling to those countries,” she stressed.
