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I have been exploring the many views from my #SoulWindow solo since 2008 across India. After having visited 150 destinations in India, I am curious to explore what lies across the border. In recent past, I have travelled to Nepal (Everest Base Camp trek), Jordan and Bhutan (twice) outside India. Despite their small size I was impressed by the variety they offered and the personal satisfaction as a traveler. As much as I am attracted to bigger cities and bigger nations, I am equally attracted to smaller cities and nations as well.
Earlier I spent all my salary on Indian destinations. I could have done many foreign destinations but I chose to explore India first. These days, my eyes are set on international travels. I am saving money and planning well in advance to make my travel dreams come true. There are many options to manage your funds these days such as Sabse Important Plan by Birla Sun Life. Companies like Birla Sun Life have identified that today’s consumer want to save money not only for the basics but for vacations and other pursuits of life as well. Their sip investment plan is a great idea to save money and make your travel dream come true.
Below are some of the small nations I wish to explore. As they say, good things come in small packages, so do these countries:
Peru: Who wouldn’t want to follow the Incan trail, hike up to the citadel of Machu Pichu or take selfies with Peruvian llama? But there is more to Peru than the above mentioned clichés. It is amazing that this small country hides so many secrets under its sleeve. Be it the exotic wildlife, a rich heritage and culture or the peaks of Andes mountains and tropical Amazon Basin rainforest, there is a lot that Peru offers.
Israel: When I was in Jordan, I could see parts of Israel during my road trip. I was tempted to cross the border and explore the Israel side. I learnt a lot about the rich history of the region as I walked through Petra and Wadi Rum etc in Jordan. The history of Israel is somewhat connected with that of Jordan. I would love to study it, connect the dots and grow my understanding.
Indonesia: There is so much this small country has to offer. I would love to visit its important places and study the Hindu roots of the region. I would love to see Wayang Kulit, the shadow puppet shows, where the artists play scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Despite the touristy frills I am curious to explore Bali and ancient stupas of Borubudur and Yogyakarta.
Japan: Japan has fascinated me since long. The mere culture and quirks attract me more than anything else. I can’t wait to try the vegan ramen, sushi or explore the Wonderland Tokyo, bump into a geisha, walk over a carpet of cherry blossom, sleep in a capsule hotel or sit on a complicated Japanese commode. Despite being a small country, Japan is full of things to do/see/eat. What’s not to love?
Mexico: I was first interested in Mexico after reading a piece on Mexico by the feted travel writer Paul Theroux. Later when my aunt and a family friend, both of them settled in USA, showed me pictures of their Mexico trip, I had started dreaming of going there someday. The Mayan archaeological sites and the unexplored deserts and tropical beaches attract me the most.
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I would add Ecuador to the list. It’s tiny but it has the Amazon, Sierra, access to the ocean in the west and the Galapagos Island!
I absolutely loved Peru!! One of the most enriching experiences I have ever had.
Beautiful places!
Peru is a must! It has been one of my favorite destinations.
Very nice article on worldwide travel destinations. I am most excited about Peru.
Already seen Commodo Dragons in Indonesia. 🙂 Ferocious animals And Japan looks interesting and exciting
This is a beautiful list! Great places.
These are all places on my wishlist! Am off to Mexico from June-August, which I am very excited about. Will share my journey on my post so people who also wish to visit can get some inspiration. Too many places, too little time!
Peru, Israel and Mexico are very much in my wishlist as well! Machu Pichu of Peru, the Mayan architecture of Mexico and the assortment of myriad architecture & nature in Israel are to be experienced atleast once in lifetime. Hope I’ll make it there in future!
All the best to us. Let’s dream on. Impossible is nothing.
I prefer exploring small countries too because you won’t get too distracted. You’ve compiled a great list here and some of these are actually on my bucket list. Israel is, for example. And Japan, even though I’ve been, we have always wanted to go back and explore some more!
Yes. That’s one of the main reasons why I love visiting small countries. No confusion. 😊
Awesome list! I’ve been to 2 places on this list and I agree, they’re fabulous. Peru, Israel and Mexico are my must dos sometime in the next year or so. I gotta check out that piece on Mexico by Paul Theroux – it must be that good!
I love reading Paul Theroux and Pico Iyer. They brings life to destinations.
Yes, you are right. I like all these places that you have mentioned. I have traveled to Cozumel, Mexico. It was unforgettable because of the beautiful beaches. If I want to reminisce a summer place, Mexico would be on top my list. I want to visit the other 4 countries on your list too.
Iza c/o Kathy James (Walk About Wanderer)
You are lucky to visit Mexico. Hope we make it to other nations as well.
I have visited all these places but one and it’s hard to say which is my favourite. The Komodo Dragon Island is the place I haven’t visited, I’d love to see these, especially after they featured in the James Bond movie. There are some beautiful images on here!
I can’t wait to visit Indonesia. Komodo Dragon Island is my number one priority in Indonesia.
Indonesia and Japan are two of my favourite countries- we keep going back to them! I’ve yet to visit Peru and Mexico but they’re high on my list, Hope to make it there in the next few years!
All the best to us. 😊 👍
Mexico is one of my favorite countries. I’ve been all over, and the people are some of the nicest you will meet on your travels. Indonesia and Japan are high on my list of places to visit. I hope to make it there one day soon!
Mexico yes. 😊 I am intrigued by its culture, food and mysterious ruins.
Good things come in small packages indeed! I went to Peru on my first trip alone and it was incredible! I would highly recommend it. I haven’t been to the other places but I’ll definitely check them out!
Truth be told, I want to visit all the countries of South America on a shoestring budget and solo. Let’s see when that happens.
This is a great list and I wish you all the best with your plans to visit these. As a person who went to school in Japan, that is a country and culture I can definitely recommend. There is always so much to see and often there is so little time…
Thanks. Japan attracts me a lot for the reasons mentioned in the blog. You are lucky because you lived like a local in Japan.
Peru and Japan are on my mind too. Savings are always a priority because I love traveling.
I have started saving as well. I want to travel with my parents here.
Wow.. Pretty much covers everything from my wishlist .. Good one.
Thanks. Hope you visit these nations soon.
Wow. Thanks for this blog. I am also eyeing international this year. No surprise investment plans do help! Oh n Peru for me too 😉
Seems Peru is on everyone’s mind right now. The country has so much to offer.