1. The Comoro Islands
Photo by Derek Keats on Flickr.
These islands are located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of southeast Africa. Lonely Planet describes them as “the kind of place you go to just drop off the planet for a while”. Famous for their white & sandy beaches and steep volcanic mountains, the islands are affectionately known by locals as the “Perfumed Islands”. The predominant religion is Islam and the usual restrictions go with this – no alcohol and women must cover up in public. Ideally, this is a destination suited to more savvy travellers, but those with a penchant for beautiful coastlines.
2. Togo
Photo by Panoramas on Flickr.
French-speaking Togo is located in West Africa and borders Ghana to the west and Benin to the east. The capital city, Lomé, once boasted a proud tourism industry, but following decades of political unrest, the city is today characterised by derelict grand old hotels and colonial-style buildings. Motorbikes flood the roads, while markets and museums serve as the main tourist attractions.
Travel in Togo does not have a Smartraveller warning, but caution is commonly advised. Beaches at night can pose danger. As one of the world’s smallest and poorest countries, Togo is a worthwhile spot for the ready, adventurous traveller, but not the type of place to take your family.
3. Liechtenstein
Photo by tm-tm on Flickr.
Liechtenstein is found in central Europe and is bordered by Austria and Switzerland. The tiny country (160 square kilometres in area) is famous for being a tax haven and for having the richest per capita of anywhere on earth. The population is a mere 35,000 and German-speaking. Liechtenstein’s most iconic attraction is Gutenberg (pictured above) – quite simply, a castle on top of a hill. But an impressive one at that!
4. Suriname
Photo by Madmack66 on Flickr.
This Dutch-speaking country is north of Brazil and is the smallest country in South America. Tourism focuses on Amazonian rainforests in the south, but spectacular waterfalls are located throughout the country. Capital Paramaribo is located in the north and is home to the country’s 560,000 inhabitants.
Lonely planet gives Suriname the a-okay and describes a culture of restaurants, shopping venues and night spots, alongside “an untamed jungle utterly away from the things of man”.
5. Grenada
Photo by jimg944 on Flickr.
This island country is located in the southeastern Caribbean Sea and boasts a modest 100,000 inhabitants. In 2004, the island was devastated by Hurricane Ivan, which destroyed or damaged 90% of homes. Since then, the island has rebuilt and today is famed for its watersports and eco-tourism industries.
