Recently updated on December 1st, 2022 at 01:17 am
Want to travel somewhere extraordinary? Why not try one of these incredible ‘comeback countries’? They may have dangerous reputations, but these countries are safer to visit than you think – and we’re here to smash the stereotypes and dispel the myths. From Serbia and Turkey to Egypt and Nepal, here are 6 underrated or emerging countries that should be on your bucket list.
1. Bosnia & Herzegovina
The Balkan Wars of the 1990s brought a lot of destruction to Bosnia and the capital Sarajevo. The war lasted almost four years and more than 10,000 people were killed. But that was in the ‘90s. Today, Bosnia & Herzegovina is a peaceful and remarkable country and one of the best hidden gems in Europe. You’ll discover charming cobbled Old Towns, beautiful waterfalls, incredible historic monuments, and tasty foods like ćevapi and Bosnian coffee. Go and explore Bosnia now before the word really gets out!
GET INSPIRED BY: Balkan Delight
2. Morocco
While Morocco is famed for its gorgeous architecture, striking mountain, beach and desert landscapes, and delicious cuisine, it also has an unfair reputation as a dangerous country to visit. There have been claims that theft, pickpocketing, and street harassment are extremely common in Morocco. It’s also said to be a particularly unsafe country for female travellers. However, the UK Government says that around 700,000 UK travellers come to Morocco every year and most visits are trouble-free.
So don’t let the stereotypes put you off. Morocco is a spectacular country filled with aromatic bazaars, colourful cities, lush riads, and the stunning Sahara Desert. If you feel like you don’t have the confidence to travel on your own, join one of Trafalgar’s amazing Morocco tours and we’ll support you all the way!
GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Morocco
3. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has been plagued by conflict, corruption, economic woes, and political turmoil. As the country recovers, visitors are coming back – and for good reason. Zimbabwe is one of the greatest safari destinations on the planet, with massive elephant herds in Hwange National Park. It’s also home to the stunning Mana Pools and the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls on the planet.
While visitors should exercise increased caution, Zimbabwe is one of the countries that are safer to visit, particularly if you stick to the main tourist destinations. If you’re concerned about your safety, you can visit Zimbabwe with Trafalgar. You’ll have the support of a Travel Director and Local Specialists who have access to all the latest information and travel advisories and can show you around all the spectacular sights of Zimbabwe.
GET INSPIRED BY: Victoria Falls Experience
4. Nepal
If your knowledge of Nepal only comes from the news, you might think it’s a dangerous country marred by corruption, conflict, and natural disasters. That couldn’t be further from the truth. While Nepal suffered greatly during the 2015 earthquake with over 8,000 people killed, the country is rebuilding.
Set high in the Himalayas, Nepal is a natural oasis, home to peace-loving Buddhist people. Visitors come to go trekking in the spectacular Himalayas and set eyes on the formidable Mount Everest. You can also see the dazzling temples and historic architecture and get to know the beautiful Nepalese culture. If you’ve always wanted to visit Nepal, don’t let the rumours dissuade you… This is one of our favourite countries that are safer to visit you think!
GET INSPIRED BY: Nepal Adventure
5. Serbia
During the Balkan Wars of the ‘90s, NATO bombed Serbia for 11 weeks. The destruction was massive. While Serbia has mostly recovered and is a safe travel destination, it is struggling to attract visitors. It’s also a landlocked country without the beachy appeal of its neighbouring countries like Croatia. But that’s not to say Serbia doesn’t have its own unique attractions that are well worth visiting.
The capital Belgrade is on the confluence of two rivers, with the striking Kalemegdan Fortress overlooking the city. Wander the streets and you’ll find remnants of Roman, Ottoman, Celtic, and Austro-Hungarian architecture and history – and it’s absolutely fascinating. If you’re more of a nature lover, you won’t want to miss the stunning Đerdap Gorge and Uvac Canyon, as well as Kopanonik and Zlatibor national parks. As you roam the mountains and pastures, you’ll find plenty of peaceful monasteries like the UNESCO-listed Studenica monastery.
GET INSPIRED BY: Balkan Adventure
6. Egypt
Egypt’s tourism industry suffered a decline after a violent revolution in 2011 and the attack on a Russian airliner filled with tourists in 2015. A stereotype also circulates that Egypt is dangerous for female travellers.
The truth is that Egypt is one of the countries that are safer to visit than you think. As security at airports and tourist sites has increased, so have tourist numbers. You can also explore Egypt with a guided tour, like Trafalgar’s Egypt tours. That way, you can explore this incredible country with the support and confidence of an expert Travel Director and Local Specialists.
From the iconic pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings to the mighty Nile, Egypt is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary sites… So don’t let a rumour hold you back from visiting Egypt!
GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Egypt
Note: Trafalgar always advises all our guests to check their national travel advisory before planning their trip. You can always reach out to our friendly team to help you decide which destination is right for you.
Have you visited any of these countries? What are your favourite safe countries for travel? Let us know in the comments below!