There’s always a good reason to travel. Whether you enjoy meeting new people, trying new food or discovering new adventures, there are hundreds of wonderful countries to visit. If you’re an avid traveler, you may be looking for some new locations. If you’re tired of routine trips to Paris, London, New York or Sydney, consider these less-traveled destinations. Be sure to bring along a phone with an international data SIM for all these off-the-beaten-path adventures.

1. Astana, Kazakhstan

This highly unusual capital city doesn’t offer any rich historical sites or charactered old town. Astana wasn’t even a city over 20 years ago. From the exotic, futuristic architecture to modern conveniences and high-end shopping, Astana is a remarkably modern city in the midst of a nomadic culture. Use it as a jumping point to see the rest of Eurasia, including more stops on this list.

2. Gauja National Park, Latvia

Forget the stuffy, overpopulated and tourist-filled streets of Europe’s ancient cities. On your next trip to the continent, check out Gauja National Park in Latvia. This beautiful forested park features incredible caves, picturesque trails and six Medieval castles. You can enjoy everything from bungee jumping to historic walks through a reconstructed 9th-century settlement.

3. Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, Ecuador

History and nature collide in this beautiful city in the Andes mountains. The Historic Centre is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy all Ecuador has to offer from this ancient city. Whether admiring the local food or visiting the Straw Hat Museum, there’s plenty of unique travel opportunities in this historic city.

4. Samoa

Get off the beaten path and experience island life like a local. Samoa, not to be confused with American Samoa, offers some unique opportunities, as well as everything you could expect from a tropical destination. Enjoy the usual snorkeling, rainforests, pristine beaches and lagoons, or explore the unique Alofaaga Blowholes. These jets of water are incredible to witness and look like a pod of whales right off the coast. Be sure to respect local property rights while on the island, as many hidden beaches and beautiful coves are private property.

5. Iceberg Kayaking, Newfoundland, Canada

Ever wonder what a 10,000-year-old glacier looks like? You may have seen pictures of glaciers, but in Newfoundland, you can kayak with them. Organize a trip to view these magnificent glaciers by kayak, boat or on land. It’s a breathtaking opportunity that should be on any experienced traveler’s bucket list.

6. Transylvania, Romania

Whether a fan of literature, movies or just vampires in general, Transylvania is a great place to combine urban legend and rich history. It’s a popular place to take a quick picture and tour of a castle, but this entire region of Romania has lots of hidden gems. Whether strolling the town of Sighisoara or taking a train to Snagov Monastery, there are plenty of reasons to visit or revisit, Transylvania.

7. The Meteora Monasteries, Greece

For a laid-back visit to a sleepy town hidden in the mountains, check out the Meteora Monasteries of Greece. It’s the perfect rest stop after a hectic tour of Europe. Hike up the hills for excellent photo opportunities and a chance to visit historic monasteries.

8. Baku, Azerbaijan

From silk road stop to thriving metropolis, Baku offers a fascinating blend of cultures and history. This Islamic city has strong Persian, Turkish and Russian influences, and is the perfect city to explore away from other tourists. Learn about the fascinating history of Azerbaijan, or take in the incredible photo opportunities.

Choose the Right SIM Card for Your Trip

You can choose a unique, off-the-beaten-path destination without being out of reach. Bring a smartphone with the best international SIM card from BNESIM.
With over 170 countries with excellent coverage, you’ll be able to explore almost every part of the globe while still being connected. You have free international calling, so you’ll be able to stay in contact with your local host or hostel.
Don’t get stranded in a city you’ve never heard of. Use international data to find a local map or translation service. Traveling to unheard of destinations is a great way to expand your horizons and learn more about the world.
With the latest advancements in technology and affordable SIM cards, you won’t have to spend a fortune to travel to these beautiful and under-visited destinations.