I’m a solo traveler from Australia who dreams of visiting every country in the world, and so far, I’ve checked over 50 off my bucket list.
After traveling to so many different destinations, I often get asked which ones I’d recommend most. Even though I’ve visited so many memorable places in Asia, Central America, and Europe, it’s challenging to pick my favorites.
But if I had to narrow it down, these are the seven countries I haven’t been able to stop thinking about.
Mongolia is unlike any other place I’ve visited.
When I arrived in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, I was completely in awe of the architecture, specifically the mix of modern buildings and Buddhist temples.
Besides the unique architectural designs in the capital, however, the part of my trip that stood out to me most was visiting the Gobi Desert, where I spent weeks living off the grid with nomadic families.
Here, I experienced a dramatic range of weather conditions: extreme winds, dry heat, snow, and temperatures dropping below negative 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Despite the unpredictable climate, spending time with these families and disconnecting from the rest of the world made my trip to Mongolia one of my favorites.
Plus, the lack of crowds and very intermittent cell reception in the desert truly allowed me to live in the moment.
In Bolivia, every moment was full of variety.
Bolivia kept me on my toes constantly: One minute, I was backpacking on foot, the next, I was riding cable cars high above the city — an experience I’ll never forget, despite my fear of heights.
I was also blown away by the traditional Bolivian fashion, specifically the big, layered skirts, shawls, and bowler hats.
Overall, Bolivia — specifically the administrative capital of La Paz — felt so raw, colorful, and unlike anywhere else I’d been to in South America.
The landscapes in Ethiopia took my breath away.
Ethiopia quickly became one of my favorite places to visit, as it’s home to some of the kindest and most generous locals I’ve ever met, and offers the most incredible hikes I’ve ever undertaken.
During my time there, I climbed a 1,000-foot-high cliff — without a harness or shoes — to reach Abuna Yemata Guh, a centuries-old rock-hewn church.
When I reached the top of the cliff, I could see for miles across the Ethiopian landscape.
Another standout spot was the Danakil Depression, often called “Mars on Earth.” With a slew of active volcanoes and average temperatures consistently reaching nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s considered one of the most hostile places on Earth.
Regardless of the warm weather, these yellow-green and neon-orange landscapes are so beautiful and vibrant that photos don’t do them justice.
Hiking in Guatemala is an experience I’ll never forget.
Guatemala is filled with some of the most incredible landscapes I’ve ever seen.
After a long hike, I was able to see Volcán de Fuego — one of Central America’s most active volcanoes — erupt right in front of me. It was a moment I’ll never forget.
During my trip, I also traveled to Lake Atitlán, a stunning body of water surrounded by three volcanoes.
The peaceful scenery, which is surrounded by small towns full of yoga retreats and delicious food, was the perfect place to recover after one of the most intense hikes I’ve ever done.
I think visiting Nepal should be on everyone’s bucket list.
As soon as I arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, I was greeted by pouring rain.
In spite of the weather, the city was so beautiful, with vibrant clothing and colorful stores brightening every street.
During my time in the country, I hiked to the Annapurna Base Camp, a multiday trek offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.
I was worried I wouldn’t be able to see the peaks due to cloud coverage and poor weather, but I remained positive throughout the hike, and after six days, I was met with blue skies, a gorgeous sunrise, and breathtaking views.
I think South Korea is the perfect place for solo travelers.
As a female solo traveler, I felt very safe during my visit to South Korea, and I was amazed by how clean the streets were.
Plus, the shopping and food in this country are on another level.
I’m still dreaming about my iced latte from Malic Coffee in Seoul and am obsessed with the skincare and makeup at Olive Young, South Korea’s leading beauty retailer.
Another highlight of my trip was visiting the Starfield Library, an open-concept reading area that houses roughly 50,000 books and is one of the most spectacular sites I’ve seen.
Uzbekistan offers a cultural diversity unlike any other country I’ve visited.
As soon as I stepped into Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, I felt pieces of Asia, the Middle East, and Russia blending into this one place.
What stood out to me the most was Uzbekistan’s wide range of cuisines. I could find everything from Russian Borscht and Middle Eastern pilaf to lagman, a hand-pulled noodle dish influenced by Uyghurs.
Besides the cuisine, another highlight of my trip was traveling down the Silk Road, which was full of breathtaking squares and towns that felt like stepping onto a film set.
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