From bad reputation to dream destination

When you start researching for a trip overseas it’s easy to be swayed by what can be a lingering bad reputation of a region or country. The landscape of travel is constantly shifting and what may once have been a no-go zone can now be a dream destination - and vice versa.

Some of today’s most compelling places to visit were once dismissed as too dangerous, politically unstable, or simply unattractive. Thanks to urban renewal, political shifts, and the sheer resilience of local communities, these destinations have reinvented themselves and now welcome travellers with open arms.

Here are a few places that were once avoided but now deserve a spot on your bucket list.

Albania: Europe’s little secret

Let’s start with Albania. The once-hermit kingdom of Europe, it spent most of the 20th century shut off from the world under a dictatorship. Today? It’s a Mediterranean dream in disguise.

While tourists crowd into Italy and Greece, Albania’s beaches remain blissfully peaceful. The mountains are rugged, the food is incredible (think olive oil, cheese and stunning wines), and the prices? Almost suspiciously low. It’s a reminder that the best destinations are often the ones that haven’t been given the glossy treatment - yet.

And by going now, you're not just ahead of the trend, you’re helping shape the nation’s tourism story from the ground up.

Rwanda: The quiet recovery

Few countries have flipped their narrative like Rwanda has. Once known for the horrors of the 1994 genocide, it is now one of Africa’s safest, cleanest, and most forward-thinking destinations. Kigali, the capital, is plastic-free, progressive, and is pulsing with creativity.

But the real magic lies beyond the city. Rwanda’s forests are home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas and tracking them in Volcanoes National Park is one of the most profound wildlife experiences on the planet. It’s not cheap, but every permit supports conservation and local communities so you can feel good about travelling with purpose.

There’s a quiet pride here and a sense of renewal. And for travellers, it offers that rare thing: a trip that’s humbling, hopeful, and unforgettable all at once.

Sri Lanka: The comeback island

Hop over to Sri Lanka, and you'll find another country rising from the ashes of conflict and challenges. After decades of civil war, the 2004 tsunami, and an economic tailspin that led to widespread protests in 2022, the island nation has really started to shine as a holiday destination.

From leopard-spotting in Yala National Park to sipping world-class tea in the hill country, the island is a compact slice of paradise. The trains rattle their way through lush green hills, elephants roam wild, and its beaches are postcard perfect. Sri Lanka isn’t hiding its past; it’s simply writing a better future. It’s travel that feels good - and does good.

Vietnam: From conflict to cool

Vietnam is a nation that’s spun a difficult history into a compelling narrative. Once the setting for a war that defined an era, it’s now the backdrop for stunning cuisine and jaw-dropping natural beauty.

But what links Vietnam to places like Sri Lanka is its authenticity. The chaos of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the sleepy magic of Hoi An, the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay all strike a chord when you remember just how far the country has come.

And yet, prices remain low and you can still find yourself the only tourist at a countryside café sipping egg coffee like a local.

The final boarding call

So, what do these places all have in common? They’re not perfect. And that’s exactly why they’re perfect. Destinations that have overcome hardship - be it conflict, natural disasters, or political upheaval - often offer something more rewarding than your average sun-and-souvenir spot.

These are places where your visit helps fuel recovery, where locals genuinely want to welcome you back, and where the scars of the past give way to a kind of hospitality you won’t find in more polished places.

So, skip the predictable and go where the stories are. Because sometimes, the best places to visit are the ones that were once off the map entirely.

Note: It's crucial to stay informed about the current safety situation in any destination, even those that have undergone positive transformations.