The world has around 200 countries (depending how to count), so unless you are one of the very few people who have visited them all, there are always the ones remaining on your bucket list. There are some major countries I haven’t visited yet, and would really like to. This is the top ten, in no particular order:
Australia
As surprising as it is (even to me), I haven’t made it out to the Green Continent yet. The main reason is simple: time. Australia is a huge country, and I believe it warrants at least a month for proper visit, and preferably more. That, combined with the distance from almost anywhere in the world, is what’s keeping it on the bucket list for a while longer.
Norway
Probably the most beautiful European country, and the one that I, alas, have not visited yet. The favourable visiting season in Norway is quite short, the country is one of the most expensive in the world, and once again, the sufficient time for the visit has not quite come up yet. Hopefully, it will soon.
Ethiopia
I think Ethiopia is one of the most fascinating African countries, from rock-carved churches at Lalibela to the out-of-this-world Danakil desert and lava lakes would make any traveler’s mouth water. Plus, I heard the country is no slouch when it comes to coffee. Firmly on the list!
Madagascar
Lemurs, baobabs, razor-sharp rock forests, fascinating ethnography – that’s all Madagascar. Must visit soon.
Yemen
Alas, this country will probably remain closed-off for tourism for a while longer due to the ravaging war. Until then, the ancient mud skyscrapers of Shibam, Red Sea islands, picturesque ports and the mysterious island of Socotra will have to wait.
China
Obviously, there is loads to see in China. However, my understanding is that independent travel there is still not easy due to the language barriers outside the big cities. Still, nature sights alone appear to be breathtaking from the photos I’ve seen. And with the rapid changes, just like with the river, you probably cannot step into the same China twice. Better visit soon!
Uzbekistan
The ancient cities of Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva are all fascinating to visit, and the Uzbek hospitality is legendary. Make a side trip to the neighbouring mountainous Kyrgyzstan, and you’ve got a solid trip to Central Asia.
Fiji
Is Fiji really the tropical paradise it is believed to be? I am dying to find out. With Air Fiji expanding its routes around the world and particularly North America, this interesting and culturally diverse group of islands should be a trip of a lifetime.
Namibia
Namibia is a different Africa. Mostly covered in desert yet not desperately poor like some of the Saharan nations. Hot yet bordering a cold oceanic current. English speaking yet with a strong German and Afrikaner influence. In fact, it is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Earth, which to me, is a reason enough to visit. The sand dunes at Sosussvlei, aphotographer’s paradise, is another.
Venezuela
Just like the kid in the Pixar cartoon Up!, I have dreamed of visiting the Venezuelan tepuis and specifically, Angel Falls, since I was very young. Alas, Venezuela is not the world’s safest country to visit at the moment, and while I am aware that the tourism does go on there, it might be wiser to wait a little while, so that you can visit more than just the highlands. After all, its sights aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
There you have it, my by no means complete bucket list. And with 2019 just starting, I hope I will be able to cross some of these out. What is your top ten list of countries you would like to visit?