6 Extraordinary Countries to Visit this Fall

While it may be very tempting to stay within the beaten track when on holiday, sometimes leaving the track can be extremely rewarding. Staying somewhere that has an established tourist tradition is fine, and it is something I do myself because I can always be sure that I will find food I like, find hotels which are up to standard of living which I am used to, and most likely always find someone to talk to as well. All of these things can combine to make a holiday much less stressful than it could otherwise be, and if you need to relax, that is probably what you should stick to.

But, if you want a new experience from your traveling, try countries which are slightly further afield, in terms of the tourism industry. Not being able to rely on tourism means that you will see a more authentic side of the country, and will have a more immersive experience than you otherwise would. This could be a great experience to share with your peers, to write about in your blog or just to use as a basis for your essay.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant and exciting nations, with a culture that has been shaped by both Spanish and African influences. It is home to some stunning beaches, with plenty of opportunities for water sports such as scuba diving or snorkeling. Alongside this, there are also many historic sites to explore, including Fort Ozama in Santo Domingo and La Isabela, the first European settlement in the Americas. With its heat climate and friendly people, it’s a great place for those looking to get some winter sun! The Dominican Republic also has a wide range of accommodation options, with something suitable for every budget – from luxury resorts to basic hostels. And, if you’re looking for a beach holiday with a difference, traveling in Punta Cana is definitely worth considering. With its stunning coastline, crystal clear waters, and unique culture, it’s an ideal destination for those looking for a sun-filled chilled-out vacation.

Tuvalu

Tuvalu is a collection of nine small islands which lie in a group almost halfway between Hawaii and Australia. According to BBC travel, the islands won their independence from the UK in 1982, renaming themselves Tuvalu in that honor (before they had been called the Ellice Islands). While the islands maintain a traditional way of life, which is something that many travelers might find appealing due to its remoteness from other areas of the world. Visiting the island would be interesting for those who want to go off the beaten track because the way of life in Tuvalu is being threatened on a number of fronts, and so it is best to go and experience it before the islands are forever changed.

Curacao

Curacao is an island in the Dutch Antilles, in the South Caribbean Sea. It is not an island which is on any list for frequent visitors, which makes it quite pleasant and quiet to visit at almost any time of year. The island is made up a huge number of secretive beaches along a coast broken up by all sorts of coves which make for very interesting exploring. The island itself, while originally populated by people from South America, features houses from the Dutch colonial period, which makes the towns and cities of Curacao a very nice excursion for anybody who wants a break from the miles of beaches.

Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a group of eighty separate islands in the South Pacific which lie to the north of East Australia. Originally part of the French Empire, the Republic of Vanuatu was founded on them gaining their independence in 1980. The indigenous people living there are Melanesian in origin, but owing to the islands passing between various powers over their history, there are quite a number of different nationalities present.

Vanuatu is famous for its scuba diving possibilities, and also boasts a diving museum which is an interesting afternoon’s viewing. The position of Vanuatu – even more remote than Australia – makes it ideal for anybody who wants a holiday which is removed from the more touristy holiday locations, as it means that people can enjoy the local culture rather than being one step removed from it.

Nauru

Nauru is an interesting place to visit, as it has ties to various cultures around that area of the Pacific, and shows them all in different ways. Nauru is one particular island in Polynesia, which was once called Pleasant Island, and was administered jointly by the governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. The island of Nauru was jointly colonized by people from Micronesia and Polynesia more than three thousand years ago, which means that any traveler who is interested in the culture and history of that area will find endless amounts of interest there.
Nauru is possibly also of interest due to the lack of tourism. The island only has around two hundred people visiting it per year. The natural habits and culture of the island have therefore not been diluted at all by tourism, making it a wonderful place to visit.

Ascension

Ascension is part of the British Overseas Territory, and it is situated midway between the African and South American landmasses. Unusually for this type of island (it is thirty-four square miles, and enjoys a good climate and lush ground), there is no permanent population on the island.
Ascension offers a variety of land- and sea-based activities such as scuba-diving, football, and walking, as well as tennis and squash. Since the island has no permanent inhabitants, there is more space for such activities than would otherwise be the case. The island itself is relatively isolated, so anybody who wants a more peaceful holiday might want to try it for a time.

Final thoughts

The process of finding out about unusual places to visit could be a spontaneous decision or indeed a long-preparing process. Nevertheless, there are a great number of reasons to go to any of the countries listed above and more. So, go looking and see what you can find and what you can get.