Asia
Malaysia
If you are looking forward to typical Asian chaos, confusion, and dirt, you will be disappointed. Malaysia is relatively civilized compared to other Southeast Asian countries. However, you will definitely not be disappointed by classic street food, beautiful beaches, rainforests, and tea plantations. It will be enough to travel around the whole peninsula in 2-3 weeks.
Sri Lanka
According to locals, Sri Lanka is a pearl of the Indian Ocean. However, it’s up to each person’s individual judgment as, despite its beauty, the island also has its dark sides that somewhat tarnish the overall impression. On one hand, there are beautiful tropical beaches, rainforests, amazing mountains with unique hikes, refreshing tea plantations, mysterious temples, and more. On the other hand, there are heaps of garbage, bad smells, crazy and reckless drivers, annoying mosquitoes, cockroaches, and rats, high entrance fees almost everywhere, and sometimes overly friendly locals. It all depends on how you approach Sri Lanka. If you stay in a hotel, you’ll probably avoid most of the negatives, but you won’t truly experience the country. Traveling includes the beautiful, but also the not-so-ideal aspects. However, if you’re prepared for Asian dirt and chaos, Sri Lanka won’t be much of a surprise. The island is not that huge, so it can easily be traveled using local transport, and there are plenty of interesting places to visit.
Bali
The Indonesian island full of surprises. Bali is a beautiful island representing almost a tropical paradise. On this relatively small but diverse island, you can find almost everything. Iconic views with majestic volcanoes in the background, waterfalls almost around every corner, kitschy green rice fields with coconut palms, beautiful Hindu temples, clean beaches, and blue sea. Surfers, scuba diving enthusiasts, or mountain hikers will find their own paradise here.
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida a Lebongan is an unassuming yet relatively large archipelago between Bali and Lombok that shouldn’t be missed. The island belongs to Bali and offers beautiful coastal spots with photogenic cliffs. Beautiful views, swimming with mantas, beaches, dolphins, snorkeling on coral reefs, scuba diving, and plenty of warmth—all within the small area of the three islands: Nusa Penida, Ceningan, and Lebongan.
Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno a Gili Air
These three stunning Gili islands, located in Indonesia between Bali and Lombok, are the perfect place for relaxation, fun, diving, snorkeling, and more. Surrounded by coral reefs, the islands welcome daily visits from turtles, allowing for close encounters. No motor vehicles are allowed on the islands except for electric scooters, so transportation mainly involves horse-drawn carts or bicycles. The islands are relatively small (around 2 km in diameter), easily walkable in their entirety.
Lombok
Lombok is a neighboring island to Bali. Despite being close to each other, they are definitely not the same. On the contrary, it’s said that Lombok resembles Bali from 30 years ago. There are places on the island where tourists are seen only occasionally, and several areas where tourism is just beginning. The island is quieter, less crowded, and represents Indonesia more authentically. Instead of colorful temples, you’ll find mosques; instead of restaurants, street food vendors; and in place of civilization, wilderness.
Vietnam
High mountains and dense jungle, rice fields, and poor people living their simple lives. Ancient cities, Buddhist temples, as well as ubiquitous motorbikes, modern cities, luxurious cars, and massive modern buildings. That’s Vietnam, a land of contrasts.
Southern Thailand
Thailand is a beautiful country with diverse nature, elaborately adorned Buddhist temples, great food, and smiling people. You’ll find crazy Asian cities, white beaches, clear water, rich coral reefs, coconut palms on the coast, and dense forests. If you’re looking for a safe and civilized country in Southeast Asia and don’t mind higher prices compared to other countries in the region, Thailand is the ideal choice. If you’re traveling to this area for the first time, Southern Thailand is great for novice travelers, hotel types, and families with children. Of course, you’ll also find more remote destinations (especially islands) where you’ll be almost alone, and Thailand will seem a bit more authentic to you.
Singapore
Singapore is a small state in Southeast Asia located on the Malay Peninsula. Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, it is clean, civilized, and modern. It’s known primarily for its laws and strict rules. Thanks to this, Singapore is very safe and one of the cleanest Asian cities/states. Apart from the luxurious and modern city center with skyscrapers, you’ll find traditional neighborhoods, amusement parks, countless tourist attractions, beaches, and even jungles.
Africa
Mauritius
A beautiful tropical island in the warm Indian Ocean. Mark Twain’s statement that Mauritius was the prototype for paradise is not far from the truth. White beaches with perfectly fine sand, coconut palms overhead, a clean turquoise ocean full of colorful coral and fish of all shapes and sizes, and also scorching sun overhead. That is Mauritius. However, this island may not only be a symbol of luxury hotel holidays; it can also be approached from a slightly more adventurous and cheaper perspective while thoroughly exploring it. For nature lovers, it offers a lot of hills, waterfalls, several lakes, and plenty of interesting jungle trips, most of which are adventurous without a guide. But an interesting experience can also be a trip by local bus or dinner on the street. Mauritius offers amazing travel adventures if one knows where to look for them.