5 Countries to Visit alternatively of Azerbaijan and Turkey

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While Azerbaijan flaunts its “Land of Fire” nickname and Turkey boasts about straddling two continents like a geographical gymnast, savvy travellers have discovered that the tourism marketing departments of these countries might be slightly overselling their appeal.

These 5 alternatives offer cultural richness, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights similar to Azerbaijan and Turkey, but their unique flavours might make you wonder why they weren’t your first choice.

1. Georgia

Nestled in the Caucasus region, Georgia offers visitors an intoxicating blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes. What makes Georgia particularly appealing is its remarkable affordability—travellers can enjoy quality accommodations, transportation, and dining for significantly less than in Western Europe or even Turkey.

Culinary Delights

The country’s food tradition represents one of the world’s oldest culinary practices, with distinctive dishes like khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (soup dumplings) that have been perfected over centuries. Wine enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that Georgia is the birthplace of wine, with an 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition.

Must-Visit Places

The capital city, Tbilisi, charms visitors with its cobblestone streets, colourful wooden houses with ornate balconies, and sulfur baths that have been in use since the 5th century. Visitors can take the funicular railway to Mtatsminda Park for sweeping views of the entire city.

Beyond Tbilisi, travellers should not miss Kazbegi, home to the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church set against the backdrop of Mount Kazbek, one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus. The ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe and the wine region of Kakheti, where visitors can participate in traditional Georgian harvests and tastings.

Fascinating Facts

An interesting fact few travellers know: Georgia has one of the highest rates of biodiversity in the world relative to its size, with landscapes ranging from subtropical beaches to alpine zones, all packed into a country smaller than Ireland.

2. Armenia

Armenia, one of the world’s oldest civilisations, offers a profound historical journey through millennia of human history at a fraction of the cost of more popular destinations. This small nation packs an impressive cultural punch, with more than 4,000 historical monuments scattered across its mountainous terrain.

Must-Visit Places

The capital, Yerevan, is known as the “Pink City” due to the distinctive rose-colored volcanic tuff used in many of its buildings. Despite being one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities (founded in 782 BCE), Yerevan surprises visitors with its lively café culture, innovative arts scene, and the spectacular Cascade complex!

Beyond Yerevan, Armenia’s landscape is dominated by dramatic mountains and dotted with ancient monasteries. Lake Sevan, known as the “Armenian Sea,” is one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in Eurasia and offers a refreshing escape from summer heat.

Fascinating Facts

One fascinating aspect of Armenian culture is its unique alphabet, created in 405 CE by Mesrop Mashtots. So significant is this cultural achievement that Armenians built a monument consisting of 39 giant stone letters in tribute to their language’s uniqueness.

A little-known fact: Armenia was the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 CE, preceding even the Roman Empire.

3. Vietnam

Vietnam offers extraordinary bang for your travel buck, with accommodation, transportation, and dining costs that can be a third of what you might spend in Turkey, all while delivering unforgettable experiences. The country’s S-shaped geography, stretching over 1,000 miles from north to south, encompasses stunning landscapes.

Must-Visit Places

Hanoi, the capital, charms visitors with its blend of French colonial architecture, ancient temples, and bustling street life.

In central Vietnam, the ancient trading port of Hoi An glows with lanterns each evening, its well-preserved architecture earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. Further south, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) pulses with energy as Vietnam’s commercial centre, where modern skyscrapers stand alongside French colonial buildings and bustling markets.

Nature lovers should not miss Ha Long Bay, where thousands of limestone karsts create a seascape straight from a fantasy novel. In the north, Sapa’s terraced rice fields climb up mountainsides in an agricultural spectacle that changes colours with the seasons.

Culinary Delights

Vietnamese cuisine, now celebrated globally, can be experienced in its authentic form at remarkably affordable prices. From steaming bowls of pho (noodle soup) to banh mi sandwiches and fresh spring rolls, the country’s food culture emphasises fresh ingredients, vibrant herbs, and regional specialities.

Fascinating Facts

An interesting quirk: Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, and its coffee culture is distinct and delicious.

4. Greece

While Greece might not immediately come to mind as a budget alternative, savvy travellers have discovered that by avoiding the high-season crowds and exploring beyond the most famous islands, Greece offers remarkable value comparable to Turkey. The country’s extensive ferry network makes island-hopping affordable!

Must-Visit Places

Athens, with its iconic Acropolis and recently renovated National Archaeological Museum, remains a must-visit destination.

The Peloponnese peninsula, easily accessible from Athens, offers ancient sites like Mycenae and Epidaurus, beautiful beaches, and charming towns such as Nafplio—Greece’s first capital, with its impressive Venetian fortress.

For island experiences without Santorini’s crowds or Mykonos’ prices, travellers can explore the Cycladic islands of Naxos, with its combination of beautiful beaches and mountain villages.

Culinary Delights

Greek cuisine goes far beyond the gyros and moussaka familiar to most tourists. Each region has its specialities, from the seafood of the islands to the hearty meat dishes of the mountains.

Fascinating Facts

A little-known fact: Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world—over 100, housing some of humanity’s most significant artefacts.

5. Thailand

Thailand has long been the crown jewel of Southeast Asian tourism for good reason. It delivers experiences at prices that make Western travellers check their currency conversion twice. Beyond the well-trodden paths of Bangkok and Phuket lie regions that offer authentic cultural experiences, pristine natural settings, and remarkable value.

Must-Visit Places

Bangkok’s chaos conceals incredible cultural treasures like the Grand Palace complex and Wat Pho, home to the enormous Reclining Buddha. The city’s contrasts—gleaming skyscrapers alongside ancient temples, luxury malls next to bustling street markets—create an energetic urban experience like no other.

Island lovers will find that beyond the famous beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui lie less-developed gems like Koh Lanta. It has a laid-back atmosphere and long beaches, or Koh Chang, with its jungle-covered mountains and clear waters. The Andaman coast offers spectacular limestone formations and world-class diving opportunities.

Culinary Delights

Thai cuisine is justifiably famous worldwide, but nothing compares to experiencing it at source—from royal Thai cuisine in upscale restaurants to the humble but delicious offerings of street food vendors.

Fascinating Facts

A fun fact: Thailand is home to the world’s smallest mammal, the bumblebee bat. It weighs less than a penny and is the size of a large bumblebee.

Bottom Line

As our intrepid traveller reaches the end of this alternative journey, they might wonder why they ever considered following the masses to the tourist-trampled streets of Istanbul or the increasingly pricey experiences of Baku.

These 5 alternatives prove that sometimes the best travel experiences are found by zigging when others zag. It is done by seeking out destinations that haven’t yet made it to the cover of every travel magazine or the backdrop of every influencer’s carefully posed “candid” shot.

Georgia, Armenia, Vietnam, Greece, and Thailand each offer their special blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and memorable experiences without requiring visitors to donate vital organs to fund their trips.

Sometimes the best souvenirs are the stories no one else can tell!

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10 Famous Destinations in the World Might Not See Tourists

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