These 20 Countries Won't be Under-the-Radar Destinations For Long

The world is a big place full of wonders and experiences. Instead of following the crowd to the most popular countries, take the off-beaten path to destinations on the rise. Be sure to book your ticket now because you won't be the only one bound for the new wonders and experiences that these countries offer.

Dominica is the best-kept secret of the Caribbean. This tiny nation island is home to hot springs, mountains, rainforests, and beaches, making it the perfect place for adventurers who want to hike among beautiful scenery and those who like to relax in the sun. If the 18th-century Creole architecture of Roseau doesn't charm you, then the waterfalls in the countryside will.

Kazakhstan has become increasingly safe in the past 10 years so that today it has the lowest warning rate by the U.S. Department of State. Start off in Nur-Sultan, the capital city (previously named Astana), which is home to museums, the Ascension Cathedral, great restaurants, a cable car to Kok Tobe mountain, and nearby ski resorts like Shymbulak. Outside of the city, you'll discover great finds like Lake Kaindy, Altyn-Emel National Park, and 14th-century mausoleums like Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

While Uruguay's capital of Montevideo may be familiar to some, Uruguay hasn't received the same kind of travel love as its South American neighbors. Montevideo has a lovely waterfront promenade, art deco buildings, and vibrant cultural experiences. Beaches are plentiful along the coast and even include some surprising sculptures like a gigantic hand rising from the sand. Adventurists will find plenty to do in the mountains and natural reserves of the country.

Laos is often overshadowed by its neighbor, Thailand, even though the country has so much to offer at an even cheaper rate. Vientiane is the capital of Laos and is beloved for great markets, temples, and supposedly a place that holds the Buddha's breastbone. Luang Prabang is another hot spot in Laos. It's a UNESCO-heritage city with gorgeous architecture, river cruises, temples galore, caves full of Buddhas, and the nearby Kuang Si waterfalls. With so much of the country still undeveloped, it's a great destination to hike in untouched mountains and rainforests.

Most know Romania for its region of Transylvania which birthed the most well-known vampire mythology, however, travelers will find so many other wonderful places to visit in the country. Castles, historic churches, and medieval towns dot the countryside of Romania, and in between them all you'll find lovely scenery at places like Balea Lake and hiking and skiing at mountain resorts like Poiana Brasov. Of course, don't miss a chance to explore Bucharest with its communist palace, happening nightlife, and outdoor spaces.

Paraguay is a dream destination for those who love the outdoors. The country is full of impressive waterfalls like Monday Falls and Guaira Falls, as well as lakes like Ypacaraí Lake and the Itaipu Dam, a dam with a nighttime light shows. Others may be fascinated by the historic sites of Paraguay like the impressive La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná, an 18th-century mission, and the National Pantheon of Heroes in Asuncion, the capital.

The countries of Eastern Europe offer a wealth of travel joy, and none more so than Slovenia. Travel to Slovenia and you'll spend your time enjoying hot springs, skiing down mountains, visiting castles and historic churches, or exploring underground caves. Lake Bled is perhaps the most charming town of Slovenia and a must-visit, while the capital, Ljubljana, offers a cosmopolitan vibe with an astonishing architecture scene.

Set on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, Bhutan is a kingdom characterized by Buddhist temples, mountains, and valleys. In addition to exploring Jigme Dorji National Park, you'll want to hop among Bhutan's most notable cities like Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Trongsa where you'll find Dzong architecture, monasteries, fortresses, and markets. With a favorable exchange rate, traveling through Bhutan is quite affordable.

If you've heard of the famous Genghis Khan, then you're somewhat familiar with the home base of his reign, Mongolia. Today, Mongolia still has a large nomadic culture and people which many opt to experience through booked tours which typically involve horseback riding, cultural exchanges, and overnights in yurts. Others may be attracted to the country's monasteries or otherworldly landscapes such as found in the Fossil Cliffs and Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. If nature is not for you, visit Ulaanbaatar, the country's capital full of museums, Soviet-era buildings, and a vibrant city life.

Even though Montenegro is a small country, it can satisfy all of a traveler's needs with lovely beaches, charming mountains, and medieval villages. Towns like Kotor, Budva, Perast, and Sveti Stefan offer historical architecture and water activities thanks to waterfront locations. Many travelers to Montenegro make their way to Lake Skadar and Durmitor for outdoor adventures. Experience history and hiking at Lovcen, a mountain that's home to a hilltop mausoleum.

In the last year or so, the Faroe Islands have quickly launched to the top of travelers' radar. Comprised of 18 rocky islands, the Faroe Islands has a small population and a landscape full of mountains, valleys, cliffs, and a wide range of wildlife. Spend some time in the capital of Torshavn to get a sense of Faroe Islands life, and then make your way to Mykines to see puffins, Gasadalur for waterfalls, and Eysturoy for hiking.

Many mistake Suriname as an African country, but this rainforest-heavy destination is located in the northeast corner of South America. The country is increasingly safe and hasn't received a lot of tourism interest from the U.S., despite the fact that it has a vibrant blend of cultures, a capital full of Dutch colonial architecture, and tons of waterfalls, rivers, and lakes worthy of exploration. Don't wait too long to visit this under-the-radar destination.

Did you know there is a tiny country located in the middle of Italy? It's called San Marino and it is home to some stunning historical architecture in the capital, also called San Marino, which is located on the slopes of a mountain. Be amazed by some of the world's oldest churches, castles, and towers, and fill up on great food that is similar to Italian food but with a San Marino twist. With museums and UNESCO-heritage sights, a stay in San Marino is sure to be culturally filling.

Serbia is an Eastern European gem. The country is home to stunning castles and sweeping landscapes some of which are full of vineyards and historic monasteries. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, attracts a cosmopolitan crowd interested in unique fashion, a large coffee and foodie scene, and a memorable nightlife that centers on hipster bars and trendy nightclubs located on splavs or large boats in a river.

Clear blue seas, mountainous desert terrain, and some of the best scuba diving in the world aptly describe the island nation of Bonaire. Book a stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Bonaire Dive Resort, a hotel that will set you up with scuba diving and is within walking distance to a charming beach and the main city center. You may want to rent a vehicle during your visit, as you'll want to drive the island to see pink salt lakes, visit a donkey sanctuary, hike in the national park, and discover stunning beaches and amazing shore diving.

Be among the first of your friends to visit picturesque Estonia. Travelers drool over photos of the Old Town in the capital of Tallinn, the 1,500 islands full of rocky beaches, and the charming atmosphere of cities like Parnu. Get some alone time in the country's forest regions by visiting Lahemaa National Park and explore castles in places like Haapsalu. You'll be surprised by some quirky activities that Estonia offers like scuba diving among a submerged Soviet prison in Rummu.

Your jaw will drop when you see the mosques and mausoleums of Uzbekistan. Decorated in colorful tiles, they're a sight to behold and even more fun to learn about when you visit the country. Uzbekistan is attracting tons of travelers who want a cultural experience associated with the history of the Silk Road and they'll find it in the country through historic sights, tombs, and museums.

Surrounded by South Africa, the kingdom of Lesotho is safe and prime for travelers who will delight in the ancient ruins of Thaba Bosiu plateau and waterfalls in Semonkong. As in many places in Africa, Lesotho offers safaris and a capital where travelers can find traditional crafts and access to cultural experiences like the Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village. You might want to book a stay in a mountain lodge in Lesotho and experience the mountain views by pony trekking.

Set on the Baltic Sea, Latvia is an underrated destination with so many wonderful attractions. You'll be amazed by the art nouveau architecture in the capital of Riga, as well as its museums and historic churches. Adventure awaits throughout the country in the seaside villages, castles, and national parks full of waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails. With Euro currency, the cost to travel through Latvia may be slightly pricey but the sights you'll see make it worth it.

Beach lovers make your way to the underrated island nation of Mauritius, just off the coast of Africa. Prepare yourself for lots of snorkeling, water activities, and laying out on the beach. When you're not relaxing at a resort, you may want to hike in Black River Gorges National Park or take pictures of colorful sand dunes at Seven Colored Earth.