The romantic and majestic beauty of these 10 countries will allure any travel enthusiast to explore.
Explore the top 10 enchanting countries that resemble fairy tales and are certainly worth a visit
1. Mauritius
The Republic of Mauritius is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, about 900 km east of Madagascar. With its pristine emerald beaches, gentle waves, and endless stretches, Mauritius is truly a paradise for kite surfers. Once a colonial trade hub, Mauritius boasts a wealth of beautiful architecture such as churches, temples, and lighthouses.




2. Kazakhstan
Explore the majestic landscapes of the 9th largest country in the world, Kazakhstan, where every traveler's desires are fulfilled. Whether you're passionate about architecture, urban living, or wilderness adventures, Kazakhstan has it all. Begin your journey in Almaty, the country's largest city, known for its vibrant clothing markets and upscale dining. Then, venture into the Tian Shan mountain range to discover mystical forests.

Once a barren land, Astana in Kazakhstan has transformed into one of the most peculiar cities in the world. Just 20 years ago, Astana was virtually nonexistent. However, in 1997, it was declared the capital of Kazakhstan, and since then, the city has experienced rapid development.


3. Republic of Cyprus
Cyprus, an enchanting island in the Mediterranean Sea, has been ruled by numerous ancient empires. A visit to Cyprus offers a unique blend of civilizations: explore a monastery from the Byzantine Empire, mosques from the Islamic period, or tombs of Greek or Roman deities. Moreover, Cyprus boasts stunning beaches reminiscent of postcards.




4. Latvia
Once part of the Soviet Union, Latvia now epitomizes the gentle beauty of the Scandinavian region, with countless captivating surprises. More than half of Latvia's territory, including its capital Riga (awarded the European Capital of Culture in 2014), maintains pristine and serene natural ecosystems. Meanwhile, you'll encounter picturesque towns, churches, and ancient castles steeped in history.




5. Ecuador
Situated between Colombia and Peru on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Ecuador has it all: majestic mountain ranges, enticing beaches, tropical rainforests, volcanoes, hot springs, and the famous Galapagos Islands. Particularly, the capital city of Quito boasts a vibrant central district often referred to as the jewel of colonial South America. For budget travelers, hiking enthusiasts, or history buffs, Ecuador is the perfect destination.




6. Samoa
Samoa is a small island nation comprising 10 diverse islands featuring volcanoes, waterfalls, tropical forests, swimming holes, and stunning beaches. Many may confuse this island nation with neighboring American Samoa. You'll fall in love with Samoa as you witness natural ocean blowholes or immerse yourself in the refreshing waters of cave pools.




7. Namibia
If you've never been to Africa, start with Namibia. Here, you'll find the world's oldest desert, offering a true adventure experience. Somehow, Namibia boasts a wild natural landscape amidst numerous national parks and vast sand dunes. Many cities and towns in Namibia may give you a sense of being in Germany due to restaurants and colonial-style architectural structures reminiscent of Europe.




8. Papua New Guinea
Anyone gazing upon the pristine waters of Papua New Guinea would exclaim, 'This is paradise!' With incredibly diverse indigenous cultures and untouched natural landscapes, this Pacific nation is worthy of a lifetime journey. Try conquering the adventurous Kokoda Track or participating in the vibrant cultural festivals of various unique tribes.


An important note when traveling to Papua New Guinea is that apart from developed urban areas, most regions are underdeveloped in terms of infrastructure. Therefore, if you wish to visit here, it's best for travelers to book tours rather than go independently.


9. Romania
Romania, homeland of Count Dracula, entices travelers with medieval cities, magnificent castles, including the eerie castle where the vampire count once lived. You can wander the cobblestone streets of the city or embark on an adventurous journey to the rugged Carpathian Mountains. And if you tire of such experiences, relax on the smooth sands of the Black Sea coast.




10. Slovenia
Slovenia is incredibly charming with snow-capped mountains dominating the landscape of the Julian Alps. The capital, Ljubljana, is friendly and boasts a row of outdoor restaurants lining the shores of Lake Bled, creating a picturesque setting for a romantic dinner.




As per Young Intellectuals
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourJanuary 26, 2017