While most Americans dream of a trip to Italy or Mexico to soak up sights and sun, most also underestimate the surprising treats and treasures that can come with visiting places less popular with their fellow travelers. Whether it's discovering a lesser-known European culture or a remote island escape, here we take a look at some of the most underrated countries around the world that deserve a spot on your wish list.

Click through this gallery to see the countries Americans rarely visit, but should...

Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, with incredible scenery, beautiful beaches, and historic architectural gems, Montenegro is becoming the place to be in Europe. The country's highlights include idyllic mountain backdrops, charming port towns such as Kotor, and the spectacular Durmitor National Park. Montenegro also boasts excellent hiking trails, offering up mountain and forest views that make the effort worthwhile.

A beautiful blend of stunning Himalayan mountains, unusual wildlife, and ancient temples, Nepal is postcard-perfect. While it's best known for housing the magnificent Mount Everest, there’s more to this country than just epic mountaineering. Nepal has a diverse population, making it rich in a variety of cuisines and heritage sites.

It's budget-friendly too, with plenty of accommodation, transport, and food options that won't break the bank. Animal lovers will enjoy trying to spot Nepal's abundance of species, such as Bengal tigers, rhinos, Asian elephants, and crocodiles.

Hailed for its pretty countryside, lakes, and charming towns and villages, visiting Slovenia is like stepping into a fairytale. This enchanting wonderland in the heart of Europe boasts a varied landscape steeped in natural beauty.

Visitors can enjoy sights like the famous Lake Bled – with its much-photographed island church – or delve underground to explore the country’s extensive cave system. For the environmentally conscious traveler, Slovenia has won numerous accolades for sustainable tourism too.

Poland might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip to Europe, but this tiny country is full of surprises. Rich in history, Poland is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the picturesque old towns of Warsaw and Kraków to its oldest national park, Białowieża Forest.

Beyond history there are natural wonders aplenty including lakes, forests, and mountains to discover. Foodies will love the array of traditional dishes – a must-try Polish staple is pierogi, which are dumplings filled with sweet or savory ingredients.

East Asian country Taiwan is an eclectic mix of Western, Chinese, Japanese, and Indigenous influences, reflected in its striking architecture and colorful food markets. The country’s biggest draws are its lush landscapes, its towering skyscrapers, and the buzz of Taipei, alongside its ornate temples. Highlights include the magnificent Baoan Temple and the mighty Chung Tai Chan Monastery.

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Located off the west coast of Africa, this stunning string of islands in the Atlantic Ocean provides the ultimate tropical escape. Cape Verde is an enchanting mix of beaches, mountains, and peaceful seaside villages. With mixed European and African heritage, each island has a distinct character, while the tropical climate makes it a great winter sun destination, with warm waters that are perfect for swimming and sailing.

While Americans might be more familiar with England, Wales, with its spectacular landscapes, charming small villages, and pretty coastline, is impressive in its own right. Just west of England, this small country packs in plenty of sights including a staggering 600 castles, three national parks, and four World Heritage Sites. Visitors can also discover colorful market towns or relax on one of the many award-winning beaches.

Nestled between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein's landscapes are straight out of a picture book. Set entirely in the Alps, this micronation is surrounded by truly spectacular scenery, from crystal-clear lakes and lush forests to steep valleys.

Skiing, hiking, and walking are just a few of the outdoor activities here that allow you to take in the views. Hailed also for its incredible architecture, Liechtenstein is dotted with medieval fortresses including the enchanting Vaduz Castle, home to the country’s royal family.

With its incredible forests, shimmering lakes, spectacular castles, and gorgeous coastline, Latvia is a great destination for all seasons. Sandwiched between Lithuania and Estonia, the Baltic country was formerly occupied by the Soviet Union, who left their mark on the capital, Riga. With over 800 years of history, the city’s Old Town is an architectural gem that is sure to draw history lovers and romantics alike.

Beyond Riga, Latvia is home to 310 miles of coastline. From peaceful pine-fringed beaches dotted with fishing villages to beautiful seaside resorts, there is much to enjoy.

With its beautiful forests, lakes, and national parks, it’s easy to see why nature-loving Finland is often named the happiest country on Earth. Characterized by wild beauty, Finland is famed for being a prime spot for seeing the mystical Northern Lights, which form a kaleidoscope of colors dancing across the inky-black skies. Finland offers some of the best hiking, kayaking, and canoeing in the world, while city breakers will love Helsinki for its great food and design.

Hidden in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, North Macedonia is not to be missed when traveling through Europe. The country has been shaped by various empires, from Greek to Ottoman, and the mix of cultures and influences is reflected in its fascinating capital city Skopje, where weathered monasteries rub shoulders with Roman ruins. The country's most famous sight is the mesmerizing Lake Ohrid – framed by mountains, this natural wonder is one of the largest and oldest lakes in Europe.

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Set in the heart of Central Asia, few destinations in the world offer epic, untouched scenery like Kyrgyzstan. Dominated by lofty peaks, more than 90% of the country is higher than 5,000 feet, making it a paradise for walkers, trekkers, and hikers. Other highlights from the landlocked nation include alpine lakes, rivers, and glittering glaciers offering ample spots for kayaking, swimming, and white-water rafting.

With its pristine white sand, blue waters, and remote location, Mauritius is the perfect Indian Ocean escape. Lying 1,200 miles off the coast of southeast Africa, the tiny country is filled with art, food, music, and nature and is beautifully bordered by 205 miles of dreamy coastline. This idyllic setting makes Mauritius the perfect destination for couples or families wanting a relaxing but culture-rich island retreat.

A landscape of rolling hills and mountains dotted with stone churches, monasteries, and ancient villages is what you’ll find in Romania, which feels like it's been frozen in time. Ranging from snowy peaks and lush forests to sandy Black Sea beaches and picturesque countryside, it is one of the most geographically diverse countries in Europe. From rural medieval towns to the mysterious Bran Castle that inspired the setting for Bram Stoker's famous horror story Dracula, history fans will also find much to admire.

Known as Europe’s sunniest island, Cyprus has buckets of charm everywhere you look. The third-largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is rich in history, dotted with breathtaking archaeological sites and cities dating back thousands of years.

Its prime position at the crossroads of three continents means there is a wide range of delicious food on offer, with Middle Eastern, Southern European, and Central Asian influences to enjoy. The island enjoys year-round sunshine and blue skies, and its beaches are beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. 

Romantic architecture, blissful scenery, and soothing thermal spas are what you’ll discover on a trip to Hungary in central Europe. Whether it’s Roman ruins or medieval townhouses, the country is a treasure trove of architectural delights.

Relaxation is at Hungary’s core, home to historic spa cities, towns, and resorts which offer warm waters with legendary healing properties. The most famous is the majestic Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest, one of the biggest in Europe.

Famed for its fantastic fjords, glaciers, and Viking legends, Norway is a dream destination for adventure travelers. An outdoor playground, hiking, camping, and walking are some of the best ways to see the Scandinavian country in all its glory, and with roughly 385,000 square miles of landscape, there’s plenty to discover. Norway’s wildlife is extremely varied: highlights include polar bears, moose, whales, and reindeer.

Hailed for its cheap flights and medieval cities, Estonia is fast becoming a favorite alternative to its better-known European neighbors. Tucked away in the Baltics, the compact country offers laid-back European charm and unspoilt countryside without the crowds of Spain and Italy. Visitors will struggle not to fall in love with historic capital Tallinn – with its winding cobblestone streets and dreamy architecture, it's one of Northern Europe's most enchanting locales.

Characterized by gorgeous beaches lapped by warm sapphire waters, Croatia is as dreamy as it gets. This Mediterranean gem has a small population (roughly 4.4 million) yet makes up for its small size with rich culture, fascinating history, and incredible landscapes.

The photogenic coastline is Croatia’s biggest draw, perfect for lazing about or, if you’re feeling adventurous, kayaking, diving, or windsurfing. There are lots of interesting cities and towns to explore too, such as Split, famous for its incredible architecture, capital Zagreb, and dreamy ancient walled city Dubrovnik, a prominent filming location for Game of Thrones.

Sandy beaches, dramatic mountains, and glorious weather are sure to entice you to Bulgaria, another lesser-known country in the Balkans. The country’s coastline, famed for its Black Sea beaches framed by blue waters, is dotted with resorts that draw thousands from Europe each year. From historic towns and villages frozen in time to the impressive religious art and many churches of capital Sofia, you’ll be surprised to discover the wealth of attractions this small country packs in.

Located in Southeast Asia, with its vibrant cities, breathtaking beaches, incredible food, and tranquil islands, Malaysia is bound to impress. The country is best known for being multi-ethnic and multi-religious and is one of the most diverse countries in Asia.

Home to a variety of international cuisines, from Korean dishes to traditional street stalls, food is a real highlight here. Kuala Lumpur, the thriving capital city, is a glorious sight, with its plentiful shopping malls and bars, plus the famous Petronas Twin Towers, which soar high above the skyline.

More than 10 times smaller than neighboring Belgium, Luxembourg is another overlooked European gem. Home to classic castles, pretty small towns, and gorgeous but accessible mountain landscape, this charming country has loads to offer.

Lying majestically over two river gorges is Luxembourg City, one of Europe’s most scenic capitals, where the UNESCO-listed Old Town is filled with museums, restaurants, and cafés. In the heart of the city is Chemin de la Corniche, a pretty promenade overlooking the valley, often called the continent's most beautiful balcony.

It's hard not to be enchanted by Czechia. This landlocked country is home to the largest density of castles in all of Europe, from crumbling ruins to remarkably intact hidden gems, which add to its fairytale feel. Prague, the country's alluring capital, is the epitome of Czech culture: with its gorgeous Gothic architecture, historic streets, and the world's largest castle complex, Prague Castle, the city offers a window into the past.

Lying halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, this pretty cluster of islands can be found scattered across the South Pacific. An untouched paradise, the Cook Islands offer glittering beaches, swaying palm trees, bold blue waters, and an all-year-round tropical climate.

Activities here include swimming and snorkeling in the clear warm waters or diving among the country’s colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life. With plenty of unspoilt beauty, there's a plethora of natural trails to explore and limitless wildlife to discover.

Those that love fairytale castles, pretty medieval streets, and delicious food should look no further than San Marino, a charming micronation in the heart of Italy. Measuring just 24 square miles on the slopes of Monte Titano, the country is thought to be the oldest republic in the world. Highlights include the medieval Three Towers, which loom above the namesake capital, tax-free shopping in boutique shops, and riding the San Marino cable car, which offers panoramic views across the landscape.

A gem of the Caucasus, Georgia is one of the most ancient and fascinating countries in the world. Framed by the Caucasus Mountains, which serve as the backbone of the country, Georgia boasts hiking and walking unlike anywhere else.

There's also history at every turn, as Georgia was one of the world's first Christian countries and is still dotted with beautiful churches and monasteries dating back centuries. Georgia also claims to be the birthplace of wine, with boutique wineries offering some of the best (and most affordable) tastings and tours in the world.

Thanks to its favorable location between Sicily and North Africa, historic Malta is blessed with 300 days of sunshine on average per year, so there’s never a bad time to visit. From prehistoric temples to ancient cities, you will feel like you’re stepping back in time as you uncover Malta’s rich and diverse history. Fringed by beautiful blue waters, the country is dotted with hidden coves, picturesque lagoons, and stunning stretches of sand.

Situated between Germany and France, Belgium is a pint-sized European country that certainly packs a punch. With its stunning architecture, picture-perfect canals, and mouthwatering cuisine, Belgium is sometimes called 'the essence of Europe'.

One of the world’s greatest cosmopolitan capitals, Brussels, can be found here, and is the administrative center of the European Union. Characterized by cobbled streets, fascinating museums, and mouthwatering chocolatiers, you won't want to leave. 

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