'I've visited nearly every country – 11 underrated destinations blew me away'

Daily Mirror

26-04-2025

On track to create a World Record for the fastest person to visit every country on Earth, Michael Zervos has travelled to over 165 of the 195 countries that exist on Earth — and he's curated a list of the best ones.
Greek American traveler Michael Zervos is on a mission.
The mission is to create a World Record for the fastest person to visit every country on Earth. And he's doing incredibly well.
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On track to beat the existing record through his ambitious Project Kosmos, Zervos has travelled to over 165 of the 195 countries that exist on Earth — and he's rapidly closing in on his ultimate goal.
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Expecting to complete his mission by May 2025, Zervos has curated a list of the 11 most underrated destinations around the world, which he believes deserve a spot on every traveller's bucket list.
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Samoa
With a mere 160,000 visitors each year, Samoa is an untouched Pacific paradise that's maintaining its unspoiled charm. Zervos says: "Many travellers simply don't realize how accessible and budget-friendly Samoa actually is. The word 'paradise' gets thrown around a lot when describing the Pacific, but Samoa truly matches my idea of paradise on Earth."
Beyond the breathtaking coastline and immaculate white-sand beaches, the island's inland waterfalls, freshwater pools, and verdant jungle trails make Samoa a dream for explorers.
"The To Sua Ocean Trench is jaw-dropping. This natural sinkhole is filled with crystal-clear water and one of the most unique swimming spots I've ever encountered," adds Zervos.
One reason Samoa remains so beautifully conserved is its deeply ingrained Fa'a Samoa culture (The Samoan Way), which has largely remained unchanged for thousands of years. This traditional lifestyle influences everything from social structures to daily interactions, emphasising community, respect, and hospitality.
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Every village takes part in an annual beautification competition, ensuring the entire country is impeccably maintained by its inhabitants. The environment always takes precedence in Samoa.
Kazakhstan
"Overshadowed by its Soviet past, few travellers realize the incredible natural beauty that lies literally just beyond its cities," Zervos says of Kazakhstan.
With around eight million visitors annually, Kazakhstan boasts easily accessible natural landscapes just a stone's throw from Almaty, its lively former capital. Within hours of landing, you could be hiking around Big Almaty Lake, skiing at Shymbulak, or admiring the dramatic Charyn Canyon - Kazakhstan's awe-inspiring equivalent to the Grand Canyon. Wild camping is allowed almost everywhere, letting tourists wake up surrounded by pristine nature.
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"Visit Shymbulak Mountain and take the funicular up to the ski resort at the top. It's unreal," suggests Zervos. If you're a fan of the Alps but want fewer crowds and lower costs, Kazakhstan will truly astonish you.
For a completely different experience, space buffs have the unique chance to see a live rocket launch at Baikonur, the world's first and largest spaceport. Feel the earth tremble, hear the thunderous roar, and witness humanity's next leap into space as you partake in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Madagascar
With 300,000 visitors each year, Madagascar is a haven of biodiversity, and 90% of its wildlife can't be found anywhere else on Earth. Describing it as "prehistoric", Zervos says it's like "stepping into a lost world"
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Lemurs, hyper-energetic, wide-eyed forest gymnasts with tails surpassing their body length, are often the stars of the show in Madagascar.
However, it's the island's otherworldly landscapes that really etch themselves into your mind. "The Avenue of the Baobabs looks like something out of a sci-fi film. You're standing among trees that have been there for centuries - it's otherworldly," Zervos shares.
Madagascar is an untamed composition of thick jungles, beaches encircled by coral, striking rock features, and azure diving havens. "If you want nature, wildlife, adventure, and coastline all in one place, this island will leave you speechless," Zervos adds.
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Navigating Madagascar might be challenging due to its unpaved roads, but the Fianarantsoa-Côte Est railway offers a journey unmatched. Worn carriages clatter through dense forests, expansive rice fields, and secluded villages, where eager children greet you at each halt. A quintessential experience of 'mora, mora' (slowly, slowly), encapsulating Madagascar's leisurely rhythm of life.
Malta
A Mediterranean treasure with a history spanning thousands of years, Malta can hold its own against the historical heavyweights, Greece and Italy. "My Greek heritage can't resist an island. Malta feels like one of the greatest hits of Europe, but with fewer tourists and more surprises. Riding a motorcycle across the island was an unforgettable experience," shares the pro-traveller.
This sun-kissed jewel in the Mediterranean is a cultural cocktail - you'll hear a language reminiscent of Arabic, see architecture with an Italian flair, and discover cultural layers moulded by Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and the British. The fortified city of Mdina appears plucked from a medieval fairytale, while the Blue Grotto's azure waters give Capri a run for its money. Malta welcomes 2.7 million visitors annually.
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Zervos says: "History lovers will lose their minds here. Malta's temples are older than the pyramids. And where else can you visit prehistoric sites, medieval fortresses, and WWII bunkers all in one afternoon?"
Unlike its more ostentatious neighbours, Malta offers affordability, picturesque landscapes, historical richness, and year-round sunshine - even in winter.
Tunisia
According to Zervos, "Morocco gets all the hype, but Tunisia surprised me in the best way. The people were so down-to-earth, warm, and genuinely curious about visitors – without the constant tourist hustle."
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Tunisia marries Mediterranean allure with North African spirit and sees 9 million visitors each year. You'll stumble upon ancient ruins like Carthage, whitewashed coastal towns like Sidi Bou Said, and expansive desert landscapes straight out of a Star Wars film (literally). But what truly captivated Zervos? The cuisine.
"Tunis has one of the best street food scenes I've ever encountered. I did a food tour with my buddy Mehdi, who runs the YouTube channel Tunisian Street Food, and I still dream about the stuff we tried. Fricassés, brik, grilled merguez – it was unforgettable."
Venture beyond the capital to discover Roman amphitheatres that give Italy's a run for their money, sip mint tea in labyrinthine medinas, or embark on a camel trek into the Sahara.
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"There are so many layers to Tunisia. It's not just beautiful – it's complex, creative, and full of contrasts."
Lesotho
Perched at the highest average altitude globally, Lesotho presents otherworldly landscapes and welcomes around 1.3 million visitors annually. The Sani Pass, a rough and tumble 4x4 trail, offers an adrenaline-pumping ride - often referred to as an 'African massage' - before treating adventurers to breathtaking vistas and friendly faces at Africa's loftiest pub, located at the summit.
"Lesotho is raw, friendly, and ridiculously scenic. Riding on horseback through the mountains here felt like a movie scene. Absolutely breathtaking," shares Zervos.
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Lesotho also prides itself on Afriski, the only ski resort in Africa. Here, you can glide through fresh powder at over 3,000 meters amidst age-old shepherd paths, a unique experience on the continent.
Bhutan
"Bhutan is unlike anywhere else on Earth," claims Zervos, captivated by the mystical aura of Thimphu's mist and the gravity-defying Tiger's Nest Monastery in this secluded Himalayan kingdom. With a mere 60,000 visitors each year, Bhutan beckons as an essential destination for 2025.
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"It's the kind of place that stays with you, haunting your thoughts long after you leave. I think about my time in this beautiful country every week. Walking through Thimphu felt like walking on clouds."
Bhutan stands out not just for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its unique approach to national well-being, being the only nation that values Gross National Happiness (GNH) above economic metrics.
Its dedication to sustainability ensures tourism is thoughtfully regulated, cultural heritage is fiercely safeguarded, and the natural environment is held sacred. However, times are changing: Bhutan has eased its entry rules and lowered its fees, presenting an opportune moment to explore its wonders before it becomes a tourist magnet.
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Pakistan
In contrast to India's frenetic vibe, Pakistan promises a more tranquil yet equally enriching experience, welcoming around 1 million visitors annually. Zervos adds: "Peshawar, with its bustling bazaars, intricately carved wooden doors, and centuries-old architecture is a dream for photographers and filmmakers - without the overwhelming crowds of Delhi or Mumbai."
But Pakistan isn't just a feast for the eyes. It's a treasure trove of value for travellers, from bespoke clothing crafted in mere hours to delectable dishes that cost almost nothing. And for those eyeing Nepal for mountain escapades, Pakistan boasts even more awe-inspiring summits and pristine paths, with thrilling road trips passing five of the world's 14 highest mountains.
"The people, the food, the landscapes, and the sheer affordability make Pakistan a must-visit for adventurers and filmmakers like me. I can't wait to return."
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Eritrea
Dubbed a "sleeper favourite" by Zervos, Eritrea stands as one of Africa's most distinctive and off-the-beaten-path gems, attracting a modest 150,000 visitors annually. Its capital, Asmara, is a living museum of 1930s Art Deco splendour, meriting its UNESCO World Heritage acclaim.
"Asmara's architecture is mind-blowing. And the people are so friendly - it's one of those places that welcomes you without fuss or fanfare," says the Greek American.
Venturing beyond the urban charm, Eritrea's Red Sea coastline boasts virgin beaches and the unmarred Dahlak Archipelago, a diver's haven yet to be overrun by tourism. Culinary delights abound too, with fluffy injera, hearty stews, and arguably the finest macchiatos outside Italy – a nod to its colonial history, now mastered in Asmara's cafés. Indeed, Eritrea is an intriguing yet highly controlled destination. Travelling responsibly in this country involves patronising small, independent businesses and maintaining flexibility.
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Zervos notes: "The safety and the lack of tourists make it feel like a rare and authentic discovery in a world where most places have already been explored."
Estonia
Estonia is like a fairytale come to life, attracting four million visitors a year, with its capital, Tallinn, being especially enchanting – particularly in winter. Zervos shares, "In December, the old town transforms into a glowing Christmas wonderland. It's like something out of A Christmas Carol."
Visiting Estonia during the winter months offers a unique opportunity to witness the Northern Lights without the hordes of tourists or the high costs associated with Norway or Iceland. In serene areas such as Lahemaa or Saaremaa, you can revel in the awe-inspiring Aurora amid pristine landscapes, all without expensive tours and just a short trip from the urban buzz.
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And the ideal way to soak in these experiences? Zervos suggests: "If you want that cosy winter feeling but without the crazy crowds of Paris or Vienna, Tallinn is the place to go. A stroll through its cobblestone streets with a cup of mulled wine in hand is pure magic."
Suriname
A vibrant South American confluence of cultures, unspoiled rainforest excursions, and vivid colonial history welcomes just 300,000 visitors yearly.
Suriname serves as South America's cultural crucible, with its capital, Paramaribo, showing off well-preserved architecture, bustling markets, and a sizzling food scene blending Javanese, Creole, Dutch, and Indian flavours.
Not to be outdone by its cultural offerings, Suriname boasts part of the Guiana Shield, one of Earth's last ecological strongholds. With its rainforest canopy covering more than 90% of the country, eco-adventurers can go on multi-day river voyages, spotting creatures like giant otters and howler monkeys.
"Suriname is one of those places where nature reigns. Unlike Brazil or Peru, you won't be surrounded by crowds, making this Amazon experience feel truly wild and untouched."